The Project Gutenberg EBook of The 1996 CIA Factbook, by United States. Central Intelligence Agency. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Title: The 1996 CIA Factbook Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency. Release Date: December 31, 2008 [EBook #27675] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 1996 CIA FACTBOOK *** Produced by Al Haines THE 1996 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK [Transcriber's note: At the time of the preparation of this file (December 2008), the various supplementary sections of the 1996 Factbook (Appendixes, Notes and Definitions, History, etc.) were no longer available. Users of this edition should refer to the Project Gutenberg's versions of the 1995 and 1997 Factbooks for those sections. Note that there may be changes in this material from year to year.] A Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Arctic Ocean Argentina Armenia Aruba Ashmore and Cartier Islands Atlantic Ocean Australia Austria Azerbaijan B The Bahamas Bahrain Baker Island Bangladesh Barbados Bassas da India Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Clipperton Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Coral Sea Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic D Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Europa Island F Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern and Antarctic Lands G Gabon The Gambia Gaza Strip Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Glorioso Islands Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City) Honduras Hong Kong Howland Island Hungary I Iceland India Indian Ocean Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Jan Mayen Japan Jarvis Island Jersey Johnston Atoll Jordan Juan de Nova Island K Kazakstan Kenya Kingman Reef Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Man, Isle of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Midway Islands Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Navassa Island Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway O Oman P Pacific Ocean Pakistan Palau Palmyra Atoll Panama Papua New Guinea Paracel Islands Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Q Qatar R Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Spratly Islands Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tromelin Island Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands W Wake Island Wallis and Futuna West Bank Western Sahara Western Samoa World Y Yemen Z Zaire Zambia Zimbabwe ===================================================================== @Afghanistan ----------- Map --- Location: 33 00 N, 65 00 E -- Southern Asia, north of Pakistan Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a gold emblem centered on the three bands; the emblem features a temple-like structure with Islamic inscriptions above and below, encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bolder Islamic inscription above, all of which are encircled by two crossed scimitars Geography --------- Location: Southern Asia, north of Pakistan Geographic coordinates: 33 00 N, 65 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total area: 647,500 sq km land area: 647,500 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,529 km border countries: China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan 1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: periodic disputes with Iran over Helmand water rights; Iran supports clients in country, private Pakistani and Saudi sources also are active; power struggles among various groups for control of Kabul, regional rivalries among emerging warlords, traditional tribal disputes continue; support to Islamic fighters in Tajikistan's civil war; border dispute with Pakistan (Durand Line); support to Islamic militants worldwide by some factions Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m highest point: Nowshak 7,485 m Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 46% forest and woodland: 3% other: 39% Irrigated land: 26,600 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertification natural hazards: damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 22,664,136 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 4,972,469; female 4,784,900) 15-64 years: 54% (male 6,377,231; female 5,916,954) 65 years and over: 3% (male 325,808; female 286,774) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 4.78% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 43.03 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 18.16 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 22.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.14 male(s)/female all ages: 1.06 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 149.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.85 years male: 46.43 years female: 45.24 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.14 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Afghan(s) adjective: Afghan Ethnic divisions: Pashtun 38%, Tajik 25%, Uzbek 6%, Hazara 19%, minor ethnic groups (Chahar Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others) Religions: Sunni Muslim 84%, Shi'a Muslim 15%, other 1% Languages: Pashtu 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 31.5% male: 47.2% female: 15% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Islamic State of Afghanistan conventional short form: Afghanistan local long form: Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan local short form: Afghanestan former: Republic of Afghanistan Data code: AF Type of government: transitional government Capital: Kabul Administrative divisions: 30 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol note: there may be two new provinces of Nurestan (Nuristan) and Khowst Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK) National holiday: Victory of the Muslim Nation, 28 April; Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Disabled, 4 May; Independence Day, 19 August Constitution: none Legal system: a new legal system has not been adopted but the transitional government has declared it will follow Islamic law (Shari'a) Suffrage: undetermined; previously males 15-50 years of age Executive branch: chief of state: President Burhanuddin RABBANI (interim president July-December 1992, president since 2 January 1993) was elected to a two-year term (later amended by multi-party agreement to 18 months) by a national shura (council); election last held 31 December 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote NA; Vice President Mohammad NABI MOHAMMADI (since NA) was appointed by the president; note - in June 1994 failure to agree on a transfer mechanism resulted in RABBANI's extending his term to 28 December 1994; following the expiration of the term and while negotiations on the formation of a new government go on, RABBANI continues in office head of government: Prime Minister Ahmad Shah AHMADZAI (since NA) was appointed by President RABBANI as de facto prime minister, but does not have any real authority; First Deputy Prime Minister Qutbuddin HELAL (since 17 March 1993) and Deputy Prime Minister Arsala RAHMANI (since 17 March 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; note - term of present government expired 28 December 1994; factional fighting since 1 January 1994 has kept government officers from actually occupying ministries and discharging government responsibilities; the government's authority to remove cabinet members, including the prime minister, following the expiration of their term is questionable Legislative branch: a unicameral parliament consisting of 205 members was chosen by a national shura (council) in January 1993; non-functioning as of June 1993 Judicial branch: an interim Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister, but a new court system has not yet been organized Political parties and leaders: current political organizations include Jamiat-i-Islami (Islamic Society), Burhanuddin RABBANI, Ahmad Shah MASOOD; Hizbi Islami-Gulbuddin (Islamic Party), Gulbuddin HIKMATYAR faction; Hizbi Islami-Khalis (Islamic Party), Yunis KHALIS faction; Ittihad-i-Islami Barai Azadi Afghanistan (Islamic Union for the Liberation of Afghanistan), Abdul Rasul SAYYAF; Harakat-Inqilab-i-Islami (Islamic Revolutionary Movement), Mohammad Nabi MOHAMMADI; Jabha-i-Najat-i-Milli Afghanistan (Afghanistan National Liberation Front), Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI; Mahaz-i-Milli-Islami (National Islamic Front), Sayed Ahamad GAILANI; Hizbi Wahdat-Khalili faction (Islamic Unity Party), Abdul Karim KHALILI; Hizbi Wahdat-Akbari faction (Islamic Unity Party), Mohammad Akbar AKBARI; Harakat-i-Islami (Islamic Movement), Mohammed Asif MOHSENI; Jumbesh-i-Milli Islami (National Islamic Movement), Abdul Rashid DOSTAM; Taliban (Religious Students Movement), Mohammad OMAR note: the former ruling Watan Party has been disbanded Other political or pressure groups: the former resistance commanders are the major power brokers in the countryside and their shuras (councils) are now administering most cities outside Kabul; tribal elders and religious students are trying to wrest control from them; ulema (religious scholars); tribal elders; religious students (talib) International organization participation: AsDB, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WToO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Abdul RAHIM chancery: 2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 234-3770, 3771 FAX: [1] (202) 328-3516 consulate(s) general: New York consulate(s): Washington, DC US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy in Afghanistan (embassy closed January 1989) Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a gold emblem centered on the three bands; the emblem features a temple-like structure with Islamic inscriptions above and below, encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bolder Islamic inscription above, all of which are encircled by two crossed scimitars Economy ------- Economic overview: Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly dependent on farming (wheat especially) and livestock raising (sheep and goats). Economic considerations have played second fiddle to political and military upheavals during more than 16 years of war, including the nearly 10-year Soviet military occupation (which ended 15 February 1989). Over the past decade, one-third of the population fled the country, with Pakistan and Iran sheltering more than 6 million refugees. Now, only 1.0 million Afghan refugees remain in Pakistan and about 1.3 million in Iran. Another 1 million probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan. Gross domestic product has fallen substantially over the past 15 years because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of trade and transport. Millions of people continue to suffer from insufficient food, clothing, housing, and lack of medical care. Numerical data are extremely shaky. GDP: purchasing power parity - $12.8 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: NA% GDP per capita: $600 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 65% industry: 15% services: 20% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Labor force: 4.98 million by occupation: agriculture and animal husbandry 67.8%, industry 10.2%, construction 6.3%, commerce 5.0%, services and other 10.7% (1980 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper Electricity: capacity: 480,000 kW production: 550 million kWh consumption per capita: 39 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts; wool, mutton Illicit drugs: an illicit cultivator of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug trade; world's second-largest opium producer after Burma (1,250 metric tons in 1995) and a major source of hashish Exports: $188.2 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems partners: FSU countries, Pakistan, Iran, Germany, India, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czechoslovakia Imports: $616.4 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food and petroleum products; most consumer goods partners: FSU countries, Pakistan, Iran, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Germany External debt: $2.3 billion (March 1991 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: US provided $450 million assistance (1985-93); the UN provides assistance in the form of food aid, immunization, land mine removal, and a wide range of aid to refugees and displaced persons Currency: 1 afghani (AF) = 100 puls Exchange rates: afghanis (Af) per US$1 - 7,000 (January 1995), 1,900 (January 1994), 1,019 (March 1993), 850 (1991); note - these rates reflect the free market exchange rates rather than the official exchange rate, which is a fixed rate of 50.600 afghanis to the dollar Fiscal year: 21 March - 20 March Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 24.6 km broad gauge: 9.6 km 1.524-m gauge from Gushgy (Turkmenistan) to Towraghondi; 15 km 1,524-m gauge from Termiz (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment point on south bank of Amu Darya Highways: total: 21,000 km paved: 2,800 km unpaved: 18,200 km (1984 est.) Waterways: 1,200 km; chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to about 500 DWT Pipelines: petroleum products - Uzbekistan to Bagram and Turkmenistan to Shindand; natural gas 180 km Ports: Kheyrabad, Shir Khan Airports: total: 35 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 7 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 13 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 (1995 est.) Heliports: 3 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 31,200 (1983 est.) Telephone system: domestic: very limited telephone and telegraph service; 1 public telephone in Kabul international: satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) linked only to Iran and 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 0, shortwave 2 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: NA note: several television stations run by factions and local councils which provide intermittent service Televisions: 100,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: NA; note - the military still does not exist on a national scale; some elements of the former Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), and tribal militias still exist but are factionalized among the various mujahedin and former regime leaders Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 5,549,602 males fit for military service: 2,976,741 males reach military age (22) annually: 220,532 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP ====================================================================== @Albania ------- Map --- Location: 41 00 N, 20 00 E -- Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro Flag ---- Description: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea, between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro Geographic coordinates: 41 00 N, 20 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total area: 28,750 sq km land area: 27,400 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 720 km border countries: Greece 282 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km (114 km with Serbia, 173 km with Montenegro) Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: the Albanian Government supports protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians outside of its borders; Albanian majority in Kosovo seeks independence from Serbian Republic; Albanians in Macedonia claim discrimination in education, access to public-sector jobs and representation in government; Albania is involved in negotiations with Greece over border demarcation, the treatment of Albania's ethnic Greek minority, and migrant Albanian workers in Greece Climate: mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior is cooler and wetter Terrain: mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maja e Korabit 2,753 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel Land use: arable land: 21% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 38% other: 22% Irrigated land: 4,230 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents natural hazards: destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change Geographic note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) People ------ Population: 3,249,136 (July 1996 est.) note: the IMF, working with Albanian government figures, estimates that the population was 3,120,000 in 1993 and that it has fallen since 1990 Age structure: 0-14 years: 34% (male 570,978; female 529,147) 15-64 years: 60% (male 910,873; female 1,049,662) 65 years and over: 6% (male 77,799; female 110,677) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.34% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 22.21 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 7.64 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -1.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female all ages: 0.92 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 49.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.92 years male: 64.91 years female: 71.17 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.65 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Albanian(s) adjective: Albanian Ethnic divisions: Albanian 95%, Greeks 3%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians) (1989 est.) note: in 1989, other estimates of the Greek population ranged from 1% (official Albanian statistics) to 12% (from a Greek organization) Religions: Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% note: all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice Languages: Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek Literacy: age 9 and over can read and write (1955 est.) total population: 72% male: 80% female: 63% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Albania conventional short form: Albania local long form: Republika e Shqiperise local short form: Shqiperia former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania Data code: AL Type of government: emerging democracy Capital: Tirane Administrative divisions: 26 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan, Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Korce, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar, Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore; note - some new administrative units may have been created Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1912) Constitution: an interim basic law was approved by the People's Assembly on 29 April 1991; a draft constitution was rejected by popular referendum in the fall of 1994 and a new draft is pending Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President of the Republic Sali BERISHA (since 9 April 1992) was elected for a five-year term by the People's Assembly head of government: Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers Aleksander Gabriel MEKSI (since 10 April 1992) was appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor): elections last held 22 March 1992; results - DP 62.29%, ASP 25.57%, SDP 4.33%, RP 3.15%, UHP 2.92%, other 1.74%; seats - (140 total) DP 92, ASP 38, SDP 7, RP 1, UHP 2 note: six members of the Democratic Party defected, making the present seating in the Assembly DP 86, ASP 38, SDP 7, DAP 6, RP 1, UHP 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chairman of the Supreme Court is elected by the People's Assembly Political parties and leaders: there are at least 28 political parties; most prominent are the Albanian Socialist Party (ASP; formerly the Albania Workers Party), Fatos NANO, first secretary; Democratic Party (DP); Albanian Republican Party (RP), Sabri GODO; Omonia (Greek minority party), Sotir QIRJAZATI, first secretary; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Skender GJINUSHI; Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), Neritan CEKA, chairman; Unity for Human Rights Party (UHP), Vasil MELO, chairman; Ecology Party (EP), Namik HOTI, chairman International organization participation: BSEC, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NACC, OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lublin DILJA chancery: Suite 1000, 1511 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942, 8187 FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LAKE embassy: Rruga E. Labinoti 103, Tirane mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100 (A), APO AE 09624 telephone: [355] (42) 328-75, 335-20 FAX: [355] (42) 322-22 Flag: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center Economy ------- Economic overview: An extremely poor country by European standards, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more open-market economy. The economy rebounded in 1993-95 after a severe depression accompanying the collapse of the previous centrally planned system in 1990 and 1991. Stabilization policies - including a strict monetary policy, public sector layoffs, and reduced social services - have improved the government's fiscal situation and reduced inflation. The recovery has been spurred by the remittances of some 20% of the labor force which works abroad, mostly in Greece and Italy. These remittances supplement GDP and help offset the large foreign trade deficit. Foreign assistance and humanitarian aid also supported the recovery. Most agricultural land was privatized in 1992, substantially improving peasant incomes. Albania's industrial sector ended its five-year, 78% decline in 1995, recording roughly 6% growth. A sharp fall in chromium prices has reduced hard currency receipts from the mining sector. Large segments of the population, especially those living in urban areas, continue to depend on humanitarian aid to meet basic food requirements. Unemployment remains a severe problem accounting for approximately one-fifth of the work force. Now that sanctions on Serbia have been suspended, the falloff in hard currency earnings from smuggling will aggravate unemployment problems. Growth is expected to continue in 1996, but could falter if workers' remittances from Greece are reduced or foreign assistance declines. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.1 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,210 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 55% industry: NA% services: NA% (1995 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 16% (1994 est.) Labor force: 1.692 million (1994 est.) (including 352,000 emigrant workers and 261,000 domestically unemployed) by occupation (of those domestically employed): agriculture (nearly all private) 49.5%, private sector 22.2%, state (nonfarm) sector 28.3% (including state-owned industry 7.8%) Unemployment rate: 19% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $486.3 million expenditures: $550.4 million, including capital expenditures of $124 million (1994) Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower Industrial production growth rate: 6% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 1,662,000 kW production: 3.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,219 kWh (1994 est.) Agriculture: wide range of temperate-zone crops and livestock Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route and cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium production Exports: $141 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: asphalt, metals and metallic ores, electricity, crude oil, vegetables, fruits, tobacco partners: Italy, US, Greece, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Imports: $601 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery, consumer goods, grains partners: Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia External debt: $977 million (1994 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 lek (L) = 100 qintars Exchange rates: leke (L) per US$1 - 95.65 (January 1996), 100.00 (January 1995), 99.00 (January 1994), 97.00 (January 1993), 50.00 (January 1992), 25.00 (September 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 670 km standard gauge: 670 km 1.435-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 18,450 km paved: 17,450 km unpaved: 1,000 km (1991 est.) Waterways: 43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa (1990) Pipelines: crude oil 145 km; petroleum products 55 km; natural gas 64 km (1991) Ports: Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore Merchant marine: total: 11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,967 GRT/76,887 DWT (1995 est.) Airports: total: 11 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1994 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 55,000 Telephone system: domestic: obsolete wire system; no longer provides a telephone for every village; in 1992, following the fall of the communist government, peasants cut the wire to about 1,000 villages and used it to build fences international: inadequate; international traffic carried by microwave radio relay from the Tirane exchange to Italy and Greece Radio broadcast stations: AM 17, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: 577,000 (1991 est.) Television broadcast stations: 9 Televisions: 300,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops, Border Guards Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 723,231 males fit for military service: 588,304 males reach military age (19) annually: 29,340 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $45 million, 2.5% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Algeria ------- Map --- Location: 28 00 N, 3 00 E -- Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia Flag ---- Description: two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion) Geography --------- Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia Geographic coordinates: 28 00 N, 3 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 2,381,740 sq km land area: 2,381,740 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 6,343 km border countries: Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco 1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km Coastline: 998 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: part of southeastern region claimed by Libya; land boundary dispute with Tunisia settled in 1993 Climate: arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer Terrain: mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous coastal plain lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m highest point: Tahat 3,003 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 2% other: 82% Irrigated land: 3,360 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices; desertification; dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters; Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff; inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mud slides international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Geographic note: second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan) People ------ Population: 29,183,032 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (male 5,910,543; female 5,701,647) 15-64 years: 56% (male 8,319,650; female 8,162,816) 65 years and over: 4% (male 510,308; female 578,068) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.21% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 28.51 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.9 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female all ages: 1.02 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 48.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.31 years male: 67.22 years female: 69.46 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.59 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Algerian(s) adjective: Algerian Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% Religions: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1% Languages: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 61.6% male: 73.9% female: 49% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria conventional short form: Algeria local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Shabiyah local short form: Al Jaza'ir Data code: AG Type of government: republic Capital: Algiers Administrative divisions: 48 provinces (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued, El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara, Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi, Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset, Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen Independence: 5 July 1962 (from France) National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954) Constitution: 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988 and 23 February 1989 Legal system: socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials, including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Liamine ZEROUAL (appointed president 31 January 1994, elected president 16 November 1995) was elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last held 16 November 1995 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote NA head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 31 December 1995) was appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral; note - suspended since 1992 National People's Assembly (Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani): first-round elections held 26 December 1991; second round canceled by the military after President BENDJEDID resigned 11 January 1992, effectively suspending the assembly (next election promised by late 1996 or early 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (281 total) the fundamentalist FIS won 188 of the 231 seats contested in the first round Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Islamic Salvation Front (FIS, outlawed April 1992), Ali BELHADJ, Dr. Abassi MADANI, Rabeh KEBIR (self-exile in Germany); National Liberation Front (FLN), Boualem BENHAMOUDA, secretary general; Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general (self-exile in Switzerland); Hamas, Mahfoud NAHNAH, chairman; Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD), Said SAADI, secretary general; Algerian Renewal Party (PRA), Noureddine BOUKROUH, chairman note: the government established a multiparty system in September 1989 and, as of 31 December 1990, over 50 legal parties existed International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPEC, OSCE (partner), UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Osmane BENCHERIF chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Ronald E. NEUMANN embassy: 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers mailing address: B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers telephone: [213] (2) 69-11-86, 69-18-54, 69-38-75, 69-12-55 FAX: [213] (2) 69-39-79 Flag: two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion) Economy ------- Economic overview: The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 57% of government revenues, 25% of GDP, and almost all export earnings; Algeria has the fifth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and ranks fourteenth for oil. Algiers' efforts to reform one of the most centrally planned economies in the Arab world began after the 1986 collapse of world oil prices plunged the country into a severe recession. In 1989, the government launched a comprehensive, IMF-supported program to achieve economic stabilization and to introduce market mechanisms into the economy. Despite substantial progress toward economic adjustment, in 1992 the reform drive stalled as Algiers became embroiled in political turmoil. In September 1993, a new government was formed, and one priority was the resumption and acceleration of the structural adjustment process. Buffeted by the slump in world oil prices and burdened with a heavy foreign debt, Algiers concluded a one-year standby arrangement with the IMF in April 1994. Following a Paris Club debt rescheduling in 1995 and a robust harvest, the economy experienced a strong recovery and key economic improvements. GDP: purchasing power parity - $108.7 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 3.5% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $3,800 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 50% services: 38% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 28% (1995 est.) Labor force: 6.2 million (1992 est.) by occupation: government 29.5%, agriculture 22%, construction and public works 16.2%, industry 13.6%, commerce and services 13.5%, transportation and communication 5.2% (1989) Unemployment rate: 25% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $14.3 billion expenditures: $17.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.) Industries: petroleum, light industries, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 5,370,000 kW production: 18.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 587 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle Exports: $9.5 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: petroleum and natural gas 97% partners: Italy 21%, France 16%, US 14%, Germany 13%, Spain 9% Imports: $10.6 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: capital goods 39.7%, food and beverages 21.7%, consumer goods 11.8% (1990) partners: France 29%, Italy 14%, Spain 9%, US 9%, Germany 7% External debt: $26 billion (1994) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $316 million (1993) Currency: 1 Algerian dinar (DA) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Algerian dinars (DA) per US$1 - 53.003 (January 1996), 47.663 (1995), 35.059 (1994), 23.345 (1993), 21.836 (1992), 18.473 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 4,772 km standard gauge: 3,616 km 1.435-m gauge (301 km electrified; 215 km double track) narrow gauge: 1,156 km 1.055-m gauge Highways: total: 95,576 km paved: 63,080 km (including 400 km of expressways) unpaved: 32,496 km (1992 est.) Pipelines: crude oil 6,612 km; petroleum products 298 km; natural gas 2,948 km Ports: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes Merchant marine: total: 77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 916,701 GRT/1,086,324 DWT ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 27, chemical tanker 7, liquefied gas tanker 10, oil tanker 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 13, short-sea passenger 5, specialized tanker 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 119 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 8 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 24 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 13 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 17 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 19 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 31 (1995 est.) Heliports: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 862,000 (1991 est.) Telephone system: domestic: excellent service in north but sparse in south; domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic earth stations are planned) international: 5 submarine cables; microwave radio relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to Morocco and Tunisia; participant in Medarabtel; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik, and 1 Arabsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 26, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 6 million (1991 est.) Television broadcast stations: 18 Televisions: 2 million (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: National Popular Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 7,391,946 males fit for military service: 4,534,267 males reach military age (19) annually: 326,229 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion, 2.7% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @American Samoa -------------- (territory of the US) Map --- Location: 14 20 S, 170 00 W -- Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Flag ---- Description: blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the outer side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club Geography --------- Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Geographic coordinates: 14 20 S, 170 00 W Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 199 sq km land area: 199 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 116 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages 124 inches; rainy season from November to April, dry season from May to October; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island) lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Lata 966 m Natural resources: pumice, pumicite Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 5% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 75% other: 10% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; in many areas of the island, water supplies come from roof catchments natural hazards: typhoons common from December to March international agreements: NA Geographic note: Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean People ------ Population: 59,566 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Population growth rate: 3.77% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 35.75 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 4.01 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 18.78 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.91 years male: 71.03 years female: 74.85 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.24 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: American Samoan(s) adjective: American Samoan Ethnic divisions: Samoan (Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5% Religions: Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant denominations and other 30% Languages: Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English note: most people are bilingual Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 97% male: 98% female: 97% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa conventional short form: American Samoa abbreviation: AS Data code: AQ Type of government: unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the US Department of Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs Capital: Pago Pago Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US) Independence: none (territory of the US) National holiday: Territorial Flag Day, 17 April (1900) Constitution: ratified 1966, in effect 1967 Legal system: NA Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President (of the US) William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993) and Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) are popularly elected by the citizens of the US head of government: Governor A. P. LUTALI (since 3 January 1993) and Lieutenant Governor Tauese P. SUNIA (since 3 January 1993) were elected for a four-year term by popular vote; election last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - A. P. LUTALI (Democrat) 53%, Peter Tali COLEMAN (Republican) 36% Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - representatives popularly elected from 17 house districts; percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total, 20 elected, and 1 nonvoting delegate from Swains Island); number of seats by party NA Senate: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - senators elected by village chiefs from 12 senate districts; percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) number of seats by party NA US House of Representatives: elections last held 8 November 1994 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - Eni R. F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegate Judicial branch: High Court, chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior Political parties and leaders: NA International organization participation: ESCAP (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, SPC Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of the US) US diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the outer side and extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of authority, a staff and a war club Economy ------- Economic overview: Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts 80%-90% of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. The tuna canneries and the government are by far the two largest employers. Other economic activities include a slowly developing tourist industry. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. GDP: purchasing power parity - $128 million (1991 est.) GDP real growth rate: NA% GDP per capita: $2,600 (1991 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Labor force: 14,400 (1990) by occupation: government 33%, tuna canneries 34%, other 33% (1990) Unemployment rate: 12% (1991) Budget: revenues: $97 million ($43 million in local revenue and $54 million in grant revenue) expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY90/91) Industries: tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign fishing vessels), meat canning, handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 90 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,505 kWh (1993) Agriculture: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy farming Exports: $306 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: canned tuna 93% partners: US 99.6% Imports: $360.3 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery and parts 6% partners: US 62%, Japan 9%, NZ 7%, Australia 11%, Fiji 4%, other 7% External debt: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: $21 million in operational funds and $1.2 million in construction funds for capital improvement projects from the US Department of Interior (1991) Currency: 1 US dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 350 km paved: 150 km unpaved: 200 km Ports: Aanu'u (new construction), Auasi, Faleosao, Ofu, Pago Pago, Ta'u Merchant marine: none Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 note: small airstrips on Fituita and Ofu (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 8,399 Telephone system: domestic: good telex, telegraph, and facsimile services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: 8,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US ====================================================================== @Andorra ------- Map --- Location: 42 30 N, 1 30 E -- Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain Flag ---- Description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania that do not have a national coat of arms in the center Geography --------- Location: Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain Geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total area: 450 sq km land area: 450 sq km comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 125 km border countries: France 60 km, Spain 65 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys lowest point: Riu Valira 840 m highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 56% forest and woodland: 22% other: 20% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion natural hazards: snowslides, avalanches international agreements: NA Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 72,766 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16% (male 5,829; female 5,851) 15-64 years: 73% (male 28,724; female 24,757) 65 years and over: 11% (male 3,718; female 3,887) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.96% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 10.2 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 2.9 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 22.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 0.96 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.16 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female all ages: 1.11 male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 2.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 90.94 years male: 86.47 years female: 95.2 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.14 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Andorran(s) adjective: Andorran Ethnic divisions: Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic (predominant) Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian Literacy: NA Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Principality of Andorra conventional short form: Andorra local long form: Principat d'Andorra local short form: Andorra Data code: AN Type of government: parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its heads of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and Spanish bishop of Seo de Urgel, who are represented locally by officials called veguers Capital: Andorra la Vella Administrative divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Les Escaldes, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria Independence: 1,278 National holiday: Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September Constitution: Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; adopted 14 March 1993 Legal system: based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chiefs of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995) and Spanish Episcopal Coprince Monseigneur Juan MARTI Alanis (since 31 January 1971); each coprince is represented by a veguer (current names NA) head of government: Executive Council President Marc FORNE Molne (since 21 December 1994) was elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces cabinet: Executive Council was designated by the executive council president Legislative branch: unicameral General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de las Valls: elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) AND 8, UL 5, ND 5, CNA 2, IDN 2, other 6 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Andorra at Perpignan (France) for civil cases, two civil judges appointed by the veguers, one appeals judge appointed by the co-princes alternately; Ecclesiastical Court of the Bishop of Seo de Urgel (Spain) for civil cases; Tribunal of the Courts (Tribunal des Cortes) for criminal cases, presided over by the two civil judges, one appeals judge, the veguers, and two members of the General Council Political parties and leaders: National Democratic Group (AND), Oscar RIBAS Reig and Jordi FARRAS; Liberal Union (UL), Francesc CERQUEDA; New Democracy (ND), Jaume BARTOMEU; Andorran National Coalition (CNA), Antoni CERQUEDA; National Democratic Initiative (IDN), Vincenc MATEU; Liberal Union (UL), Marc FORNE note: there are two other small parties International organization participation: CE, ECE, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, UN, UNESCO, WIPO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Juli MINOVES-TRIQUELL (also Permanent Representative to the UN) embassy: 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017 telephone: (212) 750-8064 FAX: (212) 750-6630 US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: (343) 280-2227; FAX: (343) 205-7705; note - Consul General Maurice S. PARKER makes periodic visits to Andorra Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania that do not have a national coat of arms in the center Economy ------- Economic overview: Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 13 million tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its summer and winter resorts. Andorra's comparative advantage has recently eroded as the economies of neighboring France and Spain have been opened up, providing broader availability of goods and lower tariffs. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status, also contributes substantially to the economy. Agricultural production is limited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing consists mainly of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Andorra is a member of the EU Customs Union and is treated as an EU member for trade in manufactured goods (no tariffs) and as a non-EU member for agricultural products. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1 billion (1993 est.) GDP real growth rate: NA% GDP per capita: $16,200 (1993 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Labor force: NA Unemployment rate: 0% Budget: revenues: $138 million expenditures: $177 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993) Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, banking Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 35,000 kW production: 140 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,570 kWh (1992) Agriculture: small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep raising Exports: $46.2 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: electricity, tobacco products, furniture partners: France 35%, Spain 59% Imports: $920.2 million (1993) commodities: consumer goods, food partners: France, Spain, US 2.6% (1992) External debt: $NA Economic aid: none Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes; 1 peseta (Pta) = 100 centimos; the French and Spanish currencies are used Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.0056 (January 1996), 4.9915 (1995), 5.5520 (1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991); Spanish pesetas (Ptas) per US$1 - 123.19 (January 1996), 124.69 (1995), 133.96 (1994), 127.26 (1993), 102.38 (1992), 103.91 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 269 km paved: 198 km unpaved: 71 km (1991 est.) Ports: none Airports: none Communications -------------- Telephones: 21,258 (1983 est.) Telephone system: domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges international: landline circuits to France and Spain Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 10,000 (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 0 Televisions: 7,000 (1991 est.) Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain ====================================================================== @Angola ------ Civil war has been the norm since independence from Portugal on 11 November 1975; a cease-fire lasted from 31 May 1991 until October 1992 when the insurgent National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) refused to accept its defeat in internationally monitored elections and fighting resumed throughout much of the countryside. The two sides signed another peace accord on 20 November 1994; the cease-fire is generally holding, but most provisions of the accord remain to be implemented. Map --- Location: 12 30 S, 18 30 E -- Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Zaire Flag ---- Description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) Geography --------- Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Zaire Geographic coordinates: 12 30 S, 18 30 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 1,246,700 sq km land area: 1,246,700 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,198 km border countries: Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zaire 2,511 km, Zambia 1,110 km Coastline: 1,600 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 20 nm International disputes: none Climate: semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April) Terrain: narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Moro de Moco 2,620 m Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 23% forest and woodland: 43% other: 32% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: population pressures contributing to overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest attributable to the international demand for tropical timber and domestic use as a fuel; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water natural hazards: locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification Geographic note: Cabinda is separated from rest of country by Zaire People ------ Population: 10,342,899 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (male 2,340,804; female 2,275,689) 15-64 years: 53% (male 2,748,417; female 2,706,295) 65 years and over: 2% (male 128,067; female 143,627) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.68% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 44.58 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 17.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -0.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female all ages: 1.02 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 138.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.8 years male: 44.65 years female: 49.06 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.35 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Angolan(s) adjective: Angolan Ethnic divisions: Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, mestico (mixed European and Native African) 2%, European 1%, other 22% Religions: indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.) Languages: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 42% male: 56% female: 28% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Angola conventional short form: Angola local long form: Republica de Angola local short form: Angola former: People's Republic of Angola Data code: AO Type of government: transitional government nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong presidential system Capital: Luanda Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie, Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila, Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire Independence: 11 November 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 11 November (1975) Constitution: 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992 Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979) was originally elected without opposition under a one party system and stood for election in Angola's first multiparty elections on 29-30 September 1992; DOS SANTOS received 49.6% of the total vote, making a run-off election necessary between him and second-place Jonas SAVIMBI; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI's National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) disputed the results of the first election; the civil war was resumed head of government: Prime Minister Marcolino Jose Carlos MOCO (since 2 December 1992) was appointed by the president and is answerable to the Assembly cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional): elections last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results (disputed) - percentage of vote by party NA; seats (223 total) - seats by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal da Relacao), judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president Political parties and leaders: Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, is the ruling party and has been in power since 1975; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, is a legal party despite its history of armed resistance to the government; five minor parties have small numbers of seats in the National Assembly Other political or pressure groups: Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC), N'ZITA Tiago, leader of largest faction (FLEC-FAC) note: FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio dos Santos FRANCA "N'dalu" embassy: 1819 L Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156 FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald K. STEINBERG embassy: No. 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne, Miramar, Luanda mailing address: C.P. 6484, Luanda; American Embassy, Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2550 (pouch) telephone: [244] (2) 345-481, 346-418 FAX: [244] (2) 346-924 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle) Economy ------- Economic overview: Angola is an economy in disarray. Despite its abundant natural resources, output per capita is among the world's lowest. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80%-90% of the population but accounts for less than 15% of GDP. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 50% to GDP. Despite the signing of a peace accord in November 1994 between the Angola Government and the UNITA insurgents, sporadic fighting continues and many farmers remain reluctant to return to their fields. As a result, much of the country's food must still be imported. To take advantage of its rich resources - notably gold, diamonds, extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and arable land, in addition to its large oil deposits - Angola will need to observe the cease-fire, implement the peace agreement, and reform government policies. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.4 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $700 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 56% services: 32% (1994 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% monthly average (1994 est.) Labor force: 2.783 million economically active by occupation: agriculture 85%, industry 15% (1985 est.) Unemployment rate: 24% with extensive underemployment (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $928 million expenditures: $2.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $963 million (1992 est.) Industries: petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco; sugar; textiles; cement; basic metal products Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 620,000 kW production: 1.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 189 kWh (1993) Agriculture: bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish Illicit drugs: increasingly used as a transshipment point for cocaine and heroin destined for Western Europe and other African states Exports: $3 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton partners: US, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil Imports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment), food, vehicles and spare parts, textiles and clothing, medicines, substantial military deliveries partners: Portugal, Brazil, US, France, Spain External debt: $12 billion (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $189 million (1993) Currency: 1 new kwanza (NKz) = 100 lwei Exchange rates: new kwanza (NKz) per US$1 - 900,000 (official rate 25 April 1995), 1,900,000 (black market rate 6 April 1995), 600,000 (official rate 10 January 1995), 90,000 (official rate 1 June 1994), 180,000 (black market rate 1 June 1994); 7,000 (official rate 16 December 1993), 50,000 (black market rate 16 December 1993); 3,884 (July 1993); 550 (April 1992); 90 (November 1991); 60 (October 1990) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 2,952 km (1995 est.); note - limited trackage in use because of landmines still in place from the civil war narrow gauge: 2,798 km 1.067-m gauge; 154 km 0.600-m gauge Highways: total: 72,626 km paved: 18,157 km unpaved: 54,469 km (1992 est.) Waterways: 1,295 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 179 km Ports: Ambriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malogo, Namibe, Porto Amboim, Soyo Merchant marine: total: 12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 63,776 GRT/99,863 DWT ships by type: cargo 11, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 143 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 8 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 11 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4 with paved runways under 914 m: 40 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 24 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 48 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 78,000 (1991 est.) Telephone system: telephone service limited mostly to government and business use; HF radiotelephone used extensively for military links domestic: limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 17, FM 13, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 6 Televisions: 50,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,373,087 males fit for military service: 1,195,176 males reach military age (18) annually: 106,456 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 31% of GDP (1993) ====================================================================== @Anguilla -------- (dependent territory of the UK) Map --- Location: 18 15 N, 63 10 W -- Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico Flag ---- Description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy water below Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 63 10 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 91 sq km land area: 91 sq km comparative area: about half the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 61 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m Natural resources: salt, fish, lobster Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds) Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system natural hazards: frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October) international agreements: NA People ------ Population: 10,424 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28% (male 1,491; female 1,450) 15-64 years: 64% (male 3,418; female 3,275) 65 years and over: 8% (male 342; female 448) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 3.45% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 17.84 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 22.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female all ages: 1.02 male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.7 years male: 73.75 years female: 79.74 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan Ethnic divisions: black African Religions: Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12% Languages: English (official) Literacy: age 12 and over can read and write (1984 est.) total population: 95% male: 95% female: 95% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Anguilla Data code: AV Type of government: dependent territory of the UK Capital: The Valley Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Anguilla Day, 30 May Constitution: Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; represented by Governor Alan HOOLE (since 1 November 1995) head of government: Chief Minister Hubert HUGHES (since 16 March 1994) was appointed by the governor from members of the House of Assembly cabinet: Executive Council was appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly: elections last held 16 March 1994 (next to be held March 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) ANA 2, AUP 2, ADP 2, independent 1 Judicial branch: High Court, judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Anguilla National Alliance (ANA), David CARFY; Anguilla United Party (AUP), Hubert HUGHES; Anguilla Democratic Party (ADP), Victor BANKS International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Anguillan coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design on a white background with blue wavy water below Economy ------- Economic overview: Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Output growth has averaged about 7% in recent years, mainly as a result of boom in tourism thanks to economic expansion in North America and the UK. The economy, and especially the tourism sector, suffered a setback in late 1995 due to the effects of Hurricane Luis in September. Agricultural output had only just begun to recover from a drought in 1994 when Luis hit. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financing sector. A comprehensive package of financial services legislation was enacted in late 1994. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend on the tourism sector and, therefore, on continuing income growth in the industrialized nations. GDP: purchasing power parity - $53 million (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6.5% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $7,600 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1994) Labor force: 4,400 (1992) by occupation: commerce 36%, services 29%, construction 18%, transportation and utilities 10%, manufacturing 3%, agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4% Unemployment rate: 7% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $13.5 million (1993) expenditures: $17.6 million, including capital expenditures of $740,000 (1995 est.) Industries: tourism, boat building, offshore financial services Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 2,000 kW production: 6 million kWh consumption per capita: 862 kWh (1992) Agriculture: pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes; sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry; fishing (including lobster) Exports: $556,000 (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: lobster and salt partners: NA Imports: $33.5 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 105 km paved: 65 km unpaved: 40 km (1992 est.) Ports: Blowing Point, Road Bay Merchant marine: none Airports: total: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 890 Telephone system: domestic: modern internal telephone system international: microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: 2,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 0 Televisions: NA Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ====================================================================== @Antarctica ---------- Map --- Location: 90 00 S, 0 00 E -- continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle Geography --------- Location: continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle Geographic coordinates: 90 00 S, 0 00 E Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total area: 14 million sq km (est.) land area: 14 million sq km (est.) comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US note: second-smallest continent (after Australia) Land boundaries: 0 km note: see entry on International disputes Coastline: 17,968 km Maritime claims: none, but see entry on International disputes International disputes: Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary below); sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France (Adelie Land), New Zealand (Ross Dependency), Norway (Queen Maud Land), and UK; the US and most other nations do not recognize the territorial claims of other nations and have made no claims themselves (the US reserves the right to do so); no formal claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west Climate: severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below freezing Terrain: about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to about 5,000 meters; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land, Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline, and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Vinson Massif 5,140 m Natural resources: none presently exploited; iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small, uncommercial quantities Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to the lowest level recorded over Antarctica since 1975 when measurements were first taken natural hazards: katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak international agreements: NA Geographic note: the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent; during summer, more solar radiation reaches the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an equivalent period; mostly uninhabitable People ------ Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are seasonally staffed research stations Summer (January) population: over 4,115 total; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile 256, China NA, Ecuador NA, Finland 11, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12, India 60, Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 264, Norway 23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116, Uruguay NA, US 1,666, former USSR 565 (1989-90) Winter (July) population: over 1,046 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, China NA, France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 1, Japan 38, South Korea 14, NZ 11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, former USSR 313 (1989-90) Year-round stations: 42 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, Finland 1, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, South Africa 3, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, former USSR 6 (1990-91) Summer-only stations: over 38 total; Argentina 7, Australia 3, Chile 5, Germany 3, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 4, NZ 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2, UK 1, US numerous, former USSR 5 (1989-90); note - the disintegration of the former USSR has placed the status and future of its Antarctic facilities in doubt; stations may be subject to closings at any time because of ongoing economic difficulties Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antarctica Data code: AY Type of government: Antarctic Treaty Summary: The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23 June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica. Administration is carried out through consultative member meetings - the 18th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was in Japan in April 1993. Currently, there are 42 treaty member nations: 26 consultative and 16 acceding. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 19 nonclaimant nations. The US and some other nations that have made no claims have reserved the right to do so. The US does not recognize the claims of others. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are - Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant consultative nations are - Belgium, Brazil (1983), China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), the US, and Russia. Acceding (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Bulgaria (1978), Canada (1988), Colombia (1988), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), and Ukraine (1992). Article 1: area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose Article 2: freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue Article 3: free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN and other international agencies Article 4: does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force Article 5: prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes Article 6: includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00 minutes south Article 7: treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance notice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel must be given Article 8: allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states Article 9: frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations Article 10: treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that are contrary to the treaty Article 11: disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately, by the ICJ Articles 12 13 14: deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved nations Other agreements: more than 170 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for the Conservation of Antarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988 but was subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits ratification; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, and flora, environmental impact assessments, waste management, and protected areas; it also prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research; 21 parties have ratified Protocol as of April 1996 Legal system: US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply to areas not under jurisdiction of other countries. Some US laws directly apply to Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and criminal penalties for the following activities, unless authorized by regulation of statute: The taking of native mammals or birds; the introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially protected or scientific areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica. Violation of the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and 1 year in prison. The Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Transportation, and Interior share enforcement responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs, Room 5801, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty. For more information contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, Arlington, Virginia 22230 (703) 306-1031. Economy ------- Economic overview: No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast and small-scale tourism, both based abroad. Transportation -------------- Ports: none; offshore anchorage Airports: 50 landing facilities at different locations operated by 16 national governments party to the Treaty; one additional air facility operated by commercial (nongovernmental) tourist organization; helicopter pads at 25 of these locations; runways at 13 locations are gravel, sea ice, glacier ice, or compacted snow surface suitable for wheeled fixed-wing aircraft; no paved runways; 12 locations have snow-surface skiways limited to use by ski-equipped planes - 8 runways/skiways greater than 3,000 m,10 runways/skiways 1,000 to 3,000 m, 3 runways/skiways less than 1,000 m, and 4 of unspecified or variable length; airports generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions; airports do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from the respective governmental or non-governmental operating organization required for landing (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: NA Telephone system: domestic: NA international: NA Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: NA Televisions: NA Defense ------- Defense note: the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purposes ====================================================================== @Antigua and Barbuda ------------------- Map --- Location: 17 03 N, 61 48 W -- Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Flag ---- Description: red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east-southeast of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 17 03 N, 61 48 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 440 sq km land area: 440 sq km comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Redonda Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 153 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m Natural resources: negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourism Land use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 16% other: 59% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: water management - a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources - is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification People ------ Population: 65,647 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 25% (male 8,386; female 8,043) 15-64 years: 69% (male 22,589; female 22,548) 65 years and over: 6% (male 1,820; female 2,261) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.76% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 16.83 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.32 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -3.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female all ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 17.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.64 years male: 71.55 years female: 75.84 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan Ethnic divisions: black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian Religions: Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman Catholic Languages: English (official), local dialects Literacy: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling (1960 est.) total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda Data code: AC Type of government: parliamentary democracy Capital: Saint John's Administrative divisions: 6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mary, Saint Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip Independence: 1 November 1981 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 November (1981) Constitution: 1 November 1981 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE (since NA 1993) who was chosen by the queen on advice from the prime minister head of government: Prime Minister Lester Bryant BIRD (since 8 March 1994) was appointed by the governor general cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: 17- member body appointed by the governor general House of Representatives: elections last held 8 March 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) ALP 11, UPP 5, independent 1 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based in Saint Lucia), one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the Court of Summary Jurisdiction Political parties and leaders: Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Lester Bryant BIRD; United Progressive Party (UPP), headed by Baldwin SPENCER, a coalition of three opposition political parties-the United National Democratic Party (UNDP); the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM); and the Progressive Labor Movement (PLM) Other political or pressure groups: Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU), William ROBINSON; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Hugh MARSHALL International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lionel Alexander HURST chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5211, 5166, 5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami US diplomatic representation: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994); the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda Flag: red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag; the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and white with a yellow rising sun in the black band Economy ------- Economic overview: Tourism continues to be by far the dominant activity in the economy but the combined share in GDP of transport and communications, trade, and public utilities has increased markedly in recent years. Tourism's direct contribution to output in 1994 was about 20%. In addition, increased tourist arrivals helped spur growth in the construction and transport sectors. The dual island nation's agricultural production is mainly directed to the domestic market; the sector is constrained by the limited water supply and labor shortages that reflect the pull of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing - which accounts for 3.5% of GDP - comprises enclave-type assembly for export with major products being bedding, handicrafts, and electronic components. Prospects for economic growth in the medium term will continue to depend on income growth in the industrialized world, especially in the US, which accounts for about half of all tourist arrivals. GDP: purchasing power parity - $425 million (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.2% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $6,600 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 3.5% industry: 19.3% services: 77.2% (1994 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1994) Labor force: 30,000 by occupation: commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983) Unemployment rate: 5%-10%(1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $134 million expenditures: $135.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995) Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) Industrial production growth rate: -4.9% (1993 est.) Electricity: capacity: 52,100 kW production: 95 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,242 kWh (1993) Agriculture: cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock Illicit drugs: a long-time but relatively minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe and recent transshipment point for heroin from Europe to the US; more significant as a drug money laundering center Exports: $40.9 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%, machinery and transport equipment 17% partners: OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3% Imports: $443.8 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil partners: US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50% External debt: $377 million (1995 est.) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 77 km narrow gauge: 64 km 0.760-m gauge; 13 km 0.610-m gauge (used almost exclusively for handling sugarcane) Highways: total: 240 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km Ports: Saint John's Merchant marine: total: 367 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,573,063 GRT/2,147,243 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 247, chemical tanker 6, combination bulk 1, container 72, liquefied gas tanker 2, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 14, roll-on/roll-off cargo 16 note: a flag of convenience registry: Germany owns 12 ships, Slovenia 3, Croatia 2, Cyprus 1, and US 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 2 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 6,700 Telephone system: domestic: good automatic telephone system international: 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Saba (Netherlands Antilles) and Guadeloupe Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 2, shortwave 2 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 2 Televisions: 28,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police Force (includes the Coast Guard) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: NA males fit for military service: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, 1% of GDP (FY90/91) ====================================================================== @Arctic Ocean ------------ Map --- Location: 90 00 N, 0 00 E -- body of water mostly north of the Arctic Circle Geography --------- Location: body of water mostly north of the Arctic Circle Geographic coordinates: 90 00 N, 0 00 E Map references: Arctic Region Area: total area: 14.056 million sq km comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the US; smallest of the world's four oceans (after Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean) note: includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Northwest Passage, and other tributary water bodies Coastline: 45,389 km International disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states); Svalbard is the focus of a maritime boundary dispute between Norway and Russia Climate: polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or snow Terrain: central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averages about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly straight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the icepack is surrounded by open seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and extends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50% continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera, Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge) lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m highest point: sea level 0 m Natural resources: sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales) Environment: current issues: endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage natural hazards: ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May international agreements: NA Geographic note: major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific Ocean via the Bering Strait); strategic location between North America and Russia; shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia, floating research stations operated by the US and Russia; maximum snow cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean; snow cover lasts about 10 months Government ---------- Data code: none; the US Government has not approved a standard for hydrographic codes - see the Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes appendix Economy ------- Economic overview: Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals. Transportation -------------- Ports: Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US) Transportation note: sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways Communications -------------- Telephone system: international: no submarine cables ====================================================================== @Argentina --------- Map --- Location: 34 00 S, 64 00 W -- Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May Geography --------- Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Chile and Uruguay Geographic coordinates: 34 00 S, 64 00 W Map references: South America Area: total area: 2,766,890 sq km land area: 2,736,690 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 9,665 km border countries: Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km Coastline: 4,989 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section of the boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims British-administered South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest Terrain: rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border lowest point: Salinas Chicas -40 m highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,962 m Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 52% forest and woodland: 22% other: 13% Irrigated land: 17,600 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: erosion results from inadequate flood controls and improper land use practices; irrigated soil degradation; desertification; air pollution in Buenos Aires and other major cities; water pollution in urban areas; rivers becoming polluted due to increased pesticide and fertilizer use natural hazards: Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the Pampas and northeast; heavy flooding international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Marine Life Conservation Geographic note: second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage) People ------ Population: 34,672,997 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28% (male 4,904,380; female 4,707,293) 15-64 years: 63% (male 10,851,004; female 10,834,593) 65 years and over: 9% (male 1,414,412; female 1,961,315) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.1% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 19.41 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 8.62 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 28.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.66 years male: 68.37 years female: 75.12 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.62 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Argentine(s) adjective: Argentine Ethnic divisions: white 85%, mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 6% Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 96.2% male: 96.2% female: 96.2% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Argentine Republic conventional short form: Argentina local long form: Republica Argentina local short form: Argentina Data code: AR Type of government: republic Capital: Buenos Aires Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires; Catamarca; Chaco; Chubut; Cordoba; Corrientes; Distrito Federal*; Entre Rios; Formosa; Jujuy; La Pampa; La Rioja; Mendoza; Misiones; Neuquen; Rio Negro; Salta; San Juan; San Luis; Santa Cruz; Santa Fe; Santiago del Estero; Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur; Tucuman note: the US does not recognize any claims to Antarctica or Argentina's claims to the Falkland Islands Independence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain) National holiday: Revolution Day, 25 May (1810) Constitution: 1 May 1853; revised August 1994 Legal system: mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989) was elected for a four-year term by universal suffrage; election last held 14 May 1995 (next to be held May 1999); results - Carlos Saul MENEM was reelected; Vice President Carlos RUCKAUF cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Senate: elections last held NA May 1995 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) PJ 38, others 34 Chamber of Deputies: one-half of the members elected every two years to four-year terms; elections last held 14 May 1995; (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (257 total) PJ 132, UCR 68, Frepaso 26, other 31 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), the nine Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval of the Senate Political parties and leaders: Justicialist Party (PJ), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella political organization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Rodolfo TERRAGNO, moderately left-of-center party; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), conservative party; Dignity and Independence Political Party (MODIN), Aldo RICO, right-wing party; Grand Front (Frente Grande), Carlos ALVAREZ, center-left coalition; Front for a Country in Solidarity (Frepaso, a four party coalition), leader Jose Octavio BORDON; several provincial parties Other political or pressure groups: Peronist-dominated labor movement; General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization; Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association); business organizations; students; the Roman Catholic Church; the Armed Forces International organization participation: AfDB, AG (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G- 6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MTCR, NSG (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNMIH, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raul Enrique GRANILLO OCAMPO chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 939-6400 through 6403 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James R. CHEEK embassy: 4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires mailing address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034 telephone: [54] (1) 777-4533, 4534 FAX: [54] (1) 777-0197 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue; centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known as the Sun of May Economy ------- Economic overview: Argentina, rich in natural resources, benefits also from a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the economy in the late 1980s was plagued with huge external debts and recurring bouts of hyperinflation. Elected in 1989, in the depths of recession, President MENEM has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuring program that shows signs of putting Argentina on a path of stable, sustainable growth. Argentina's currency has traded at par with the US dollar since April 1991, and inflation has fallen to its lowest level in 20 years. Argentines have responded to the relative price stability by repatriating flight capital and investing in domestic industry. After registering impressive 7.4% growth in 1994, based largely on inflows of foreign capital and strong domestic consumption, the Argentine economy stumbled in 1995 as financial pressures fueled by the Mexican peso crisis and political squabbling within the MENEM administration undermined investor confidence and triggered capital outflows. By yearend, GDP had contracted 4.4%, unemployment reached 16%, and Buenos Aires struggled to meet fiscal targets. On the trade front, exports soared during the first half of 1995 - largely because of strong demand in Brazil and high commodity prices - while anemic domestic consumption lowered imports; the resulting yearend trade surplus was about $1.2 billion. However, because exports contribute only 7.5% to GDP, increased foreign sales had little impact on aggregate growth. High unemployment will continue to plague the MENEM administration for the next several years as provincial entities are readied for privatization and more public sector employees are laid off. GDP: purchasing power parity - $278.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: -4.4% GDP per capita: $8,100 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 31% services: 63% (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (1995 est.) Labor force: 10.9 million by occupation: agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.) Unemployment rate: 16% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $48.46 billion expenditures: $46.5 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.5 billion (1994 est.) Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel Industrial production growth rate: -4.6% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 17,330,000 kW production: 54.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,610 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets; livestock Illicit drugs: increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe and the US Exports: $20.7 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, manufactures partners: US 9%, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Netherlands Imports: $19.5 billion (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants, agricultural products partners: US 21%, Brazil, Germany, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands External debt: $90 billion (December 1995) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 nuevo peso argentino = 100 centavos Exchange rates: pesos per US$1 - 1.00000 (January 1996), 0.99975 (1995), 0.99901 (1994), 0.99895 (1993), 0.99064 (1992), 0.95355 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 37,910 km broad gauge: 24,124 km 1.676-m gauge (142 km electrified) standard gauge: 2,765 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 11,021 km 1.000-m gauge (26 km electrified) Highways: total: 215,578 km paved: 61,440 km unpaved: 154,138 km Waterways: 11,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 km Ports: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion del Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe, Ushuaia Merchant marine: total: 37 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 303,448 GRT/458,864 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 11, chemical tanker 1, container 3, oil tanker 14, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 5, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 1,253 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 5 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 25 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 54 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 46 with paved runways under 914 m: 511 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 60 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 549 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 2.7 million (1983 est.) Telephone system: 12,000 public telephones; extensive modern system but many families do not have telephones; despite extensive use of microwave radio relay, the telephone system frequently grounds out during rainstorms, even in Buenos Aires domestic: microwave radio relay and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 171, FM 0, shortwave 13 Radios: 22.3 million (1991 est.) Television broadcast stations: 231 Televisions: 7.165 million (1991 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only), National Aeronautical Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 8,707,014 males fit for military service: 7,063,304 males reach military age (20) annually: 310,107 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.7 billion, 1.5% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Armenia ------- Map --- Location: 40 00 N, 45 00 E -- Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and gold Geography --------- Location: Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey Geographic coordinates: 40 00 N, 45 00 E Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States Area: total area: 29,800 sq km land area: 28,400 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,254 km border countries: Azerbaijan-proper 566 km, Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave 221 km, Georgia 164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: supports ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh in their separatist conflict against the Azerbaijani Government; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkey have subsided Climate: highland continental, hot summers, cold winters Terrain: high Armenian Plateau with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley lowest point: Debed River 400 m highest point: Aragats Lerr 4,095 m Natural resources: small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina Land use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 0% other: 60% Irrigated land: 3,050 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; energy blockade, the result of conflict with Azerbaijan, has led to deforestation as citizens scavenge for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich, a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant without adequate (IAEA-recommended) safety and backup systems natural hazards: occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 3,463,574 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28% (male 497,461; female 476,649) 15-64 years: 64% (male 1,085,935; female 1,132,282) 65 years and over: 8% (male 111,661; female 159,586) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.02% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 16.27 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 7.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -8.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female all ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 38.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.06 years male: 64.44 years female: 73.92 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.06 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Armenian(s) adjective: Armenian Ethnic divisions: Armenian 93%, Azeri 3%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 2% (1989) note: as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from ====================================================================== @Aruba ----- (part of the Dutch realm) Map --- Location: 12 30 N, 69 58 W -- Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela Flag ---- Description: blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela Geographic coordinates: 12 30 N, 69 58 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 193 sq km land area: 193 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 68.5 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m Natural resources: negligible; white sandy beaches Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt international agreements: NA People ------ Population: 67,794 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 22% (male 7,850; female 7,155) 15-64 years: 69% (male 22,499; female 24,596) 65 years and over: 9% (male 2,353; female 3,341) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.31% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 14.62 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 6.24 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -5.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female all ages: 0.93 male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.68 years male: 73 years female: 80.55 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban Ethnic divisions: mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80% Religions: Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish Literacy: NA Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Aruba Data code: AA Type of government: part of the Dutch realm; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles Capital: Oranjestad Administrative divisions: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm; in 1990, Aruba requested and received from the Netherlands cancellation of the agreement to automatically give independence to the island in 1996) National holiday: Flag Day, 18 March Constitution: 1 January 1986 Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (of the Netherlands since 30 April 1980), a constitutional monarch, is represented by Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since 1 January 1992) who was appointed for a six-year term by the queen head of government: Prime Minister Jan (Henny) H. EMAN (since 29 July 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Glenbert F. CROES were appointed by the legislature cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the legislature Legislative branch: unicameral Legislature (Staten): elections last held 29 July 1994 (next to be held by NA July 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) AVP 10, MEP 9, OLA 2 Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice Political parties and leaders: Electoral Movement Party (MEP), Nelson ODUBER; Aruban People's Party (AVP), Jan (Henny) H. EMAN; National Democratic Action (ADN), Pedro Charro KELLY; New Patriotic Party (PPN), Eddy WERLEMEN; Aruban Patriotic Party (PPA), Benny NISBET; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86 (AD '86), Arturo ODUBER; Aruban Liberal Party (OLA), Glenbert CROES note: governing coalition includes the AVP and OLA International organization participation: ECLAC (associate), Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WToO (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) Flag: blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner Economy ------- Economic overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the Aruban economy, although offshore banking and oil refining and storage are also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level. In addition, the reopening of the country's oil refinery in 1993, a major source of employment and foreign exchange earnings, has further spurred growth. Aruba's small labor force and less than 1% unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job vacancies despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.2 billion (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6.1% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $18,000 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.1% (1994) Labor force: NA by occupation: most employment is in the tourist industry (1995) Unemployment rate: 0.5% (1994) Budget: revenues: $145 million expenditures: $185 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1988) Industries: tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 90,000 kW production: 330 million kWh consumption per capita: 4,761 kWh (1993) Agriculture: aloes; livestock; fishing Illicit drugs: major drug money laundering center and minor transit point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe Exports: $1.3 billion (including oil re-exports) (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: mostly refined petroleum products partners: US 64%, EU Imports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: food, consumer goods, manufactures, petroleum products, crude oil for refining and reexport partners: US 8%, EU External debt: $669 million (December 1995) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Aruban florins (Af.) per US$1 - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: NA km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km Ports: Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas Merchant marine: none Airports: total: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 note: government-owned airport east of Oranjestad accepts transatlantic flights (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 22,922 (1993 est.) Telephone system: domestic: more than adequate international: 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 4, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: 19,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands ====================================================================== @Ashmore and Cartier Islands --------------------------- (territory of Australia) Map --- Location: 12 14 S, 123 05 E -- Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia Flag ---- Description: the flag of Australia is used Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, northwest of Australia Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S, 123 05 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 5 sq km land area: 5 sq km comparative area: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 74.1 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical Terrain: low with sand and coral lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards international agreements: NA Geographic note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 People ------ Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are only seasonal caretakers Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands Data code: AT Type of government: territory of Australia administered by the Australian Ministry for the Environment, Sport, and Territories Capital: none; administered from Canberra, Australia Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) Legal system: relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia Diplomatic representation in US: none (territory of Australia) US diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: the flag of Australia is used Economy ------- Economic overview: no economic activity Transportation -------------- Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ====================================================================== @Atlantic Ocean -------------- Map --- Location: 0 00 N, 25 00 W -- body of water between Africa, Europe, Antarctica, and the Western Hemisphere Geography --------- Location: body of water between Africa, Europe, Antarctica, and the Western Hemisphere Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 25 00 W Map references: World Area: total area: 82.217 million sq km comparative area: slightly less than nine times the size of the US; second-largest of the world's four oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than Indian Ocean or Arctic Ocean) note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies Coastline: 111,866 km International disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from May to December, but are most frequent from August to November Terrain: surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) in the northern Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre in the southern Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin lowest point: Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m highest point: sea level 0 m Natural resources: oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones Environment: current issues: endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles, and whales; drift net fishing is hastening the decline of fish stocks and contributing to international disputes; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea natural hazards: icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern Atlantic Ocean; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May and extreme southern Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September international agreements: NA Geographic note: major choke points include the Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals; strategic straits include the Strait of Dover, Straits of Florida, Mona Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; the Equator divides the Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South ====================================================================== @Australia --------- Map --- Location: 27 00 S, 133 00 E -- Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Flag ---- Description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars Geography --------- Location: Oceania, continent between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean Geographic coordinates: 27 00 S, 133 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 7,686,850 sq km land area: 7,617,930 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than the US note: includes Macquarie Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 25,760 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory) Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m highest point: Mount Kosciusko 2,229 m Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 58% forest and woodland: 14% other: 22% Irrigated land: 18,800 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion from overgrazing, industrial development, urbanization, and poor farming practices; soil salinity rising due to the use of poor quality water; desertification; clearing for agricultural purposes threatens the natural habitat of many unique animal and plant species; the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast, the largest coral reef in the world, is threatened by increased shipping and its popularity as a tourist site; limited natural fresh water resources natural hazards: cyclones along the coast; severe droughts international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification Geographic note: world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country; population concentrated along the eastern and southeastern coasts; regular, tropical, invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor" occurs along the west coast in the summer People ------ Population: 18,260,863 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (male 2,009,915; female 1,912,605) 15-64 years: 66% (male 6,129,285; female 5,980,315) 65 years and over: 13% (male 967,291; female 1,261,452) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.99% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 13.99 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 6.88 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 2.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female all ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.39 years male: 76.44 years female: 82.5 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian Ethnic divisions: Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, aboriginal and other 1% Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3% Languages: English, native languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia conventional short form: Australia Data code: AS Type of government: federal parliamentary state Capital: Canberra Administrative divisions: 6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales, Northern Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia Dependent areas: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island Independence: 1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies) National holiday: Australia Day, 26 January (1788) Constitution: 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 Legal system: based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Sir William DEANE (since 16 February 1996) who was appointed by the queen head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11 March 1996) was appointed by the governor general; Deputy Prime Minister Timothy Andrew FISCHER (since 11 March 1996) cabinet: Cabinet was selected from among the members of Federal Parliament by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Parliament Senate: elections last held 2 March 1996 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (76 total) Liberal-National 37, Labor 29, Australian Democrats 8, Greens 1, independent 1 House of Representatives: elections last held 2 March 1996 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (148 total) Liberal-National 94, Labor 49, independent 5 Judicial branch: High Court, the Chief Justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general Political parties and leaders: government: coalition of Liberal Party, John Winston HOWARD and National Party, Timothy Andrew FISCHER opposition: Australian Labor Party, Kim BEAZLEY; Australian Democratic Party, Cheryl KERNOT; Green Party, Bob BROWN Other political or pressure groups: Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splinter group); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Party splinter group) International organization participation: AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G- 8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador John Phillip MCCARTHY chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000 FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pago Pago (American Samoa), and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Edward J. PERKINS embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 mailing address: APO AP 96549 telephone: [61] (6) 270-5000 FAX: [61] (6) 270-5970 consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney consulate(s): Brisbane Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars Economy ------- Economic overview: Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP comparable to levels in highly industrialized West European countries. Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Commodities account for more than 80% of the value of total exports, so that, as in 1983-84, a downturn in world commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in international markets continues to be severe. Australia has suffered from the low growth and high unemployment characterizing the OECD countries in the early 1990s. In 1992-93 the economy recovered slowly from the prolonged recession of 1990-91, a major restraining factor being weak world demand for Australia's exports. Growth picked up so strongly in 1994 that the government felt the need for fiscal and monetary tightening by yearend. Australia's GDP grew 6.4% in 1994, largely due to increases in industrial output and business investment. A severe drought in 1994 reduced the value of Australia's net farm production, but rising world commodity prices are likely to boost commodity exports by 15% to $42.4 billion in 1995/96, according to government statistics. Short-term economic problems include a balancing of output growth and inflationary pressures and the stimulation of exports to offset rising imports. GDP: purchasing power parity - $405.4 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 3.3% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $22,100 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 3.1% industry: 27.7% services: 69.2% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.75% (1995) Labor force: 8.63 million (September 1991) by occupation: finance and services 33.8%, public and community services 22.3%, wholesale and retail trade 20.1%, manufacturing and industry 16.2%, agriculture 6.1% (1987) Unemployment rate: 8.1% (December 1995) Budget: revenues: $95.69 billion expenditures: $95.15 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY95/96 est.) Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel Industrial production growth rate: 3.9% (FY93/94) Electricity: capacity: 34,540,000 kW production: 155 billion kWh consumption per capita: 8,021 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry Illicit drugs: Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products; government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation and output of poppy straw concentrate Exports: $51.57 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment partners: Japan 25%, US 11%, South Korea 6%, NZ 5.7%, UK, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong (1992) Imports: $57.41 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, crude oil and petroleum products partners: US 23%, Japan 18%, UK 6%, Germany 5.7%, NZ 4% (1992) External debt: $147.2 billion (1994) Economic aid: donor: ODA, $953 million (1993) Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3477 (January 1996), 1.3486 (1995), 1.3668 (1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 38,563 km (2,914 km electrified; 172 km dual gauge) broad gauge: 6,083 km 1.600-m gauge standard gauge: 16,752 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 15,728 km 1.067-m gauge Highways: total: 810,264 km paved: 283,592 km (including 1,200 km of expressways) unpaved: 526,672 km (1989 est.) Waterways: 8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craft Pipelines: crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 km Ports: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceton (Tasmania), Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville Merchant marine: total: 76 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,547,869 GRT/3,679,534 DWT ships by type: bulk 30, cargo 4, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 1, container 6, liquefied gas tanker 6, oil tanker 18, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7, short-sea passenger 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 442 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 9 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 13 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 106 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 116 with paved runways under 914 m: 30 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 22 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 146 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 8.7 million (1987 est.) Telephone system: good domestic and international service domestic: domestic satellite system international: submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia; satellite earth stations - 10 Intelsat (4 Indian Ocean and 6 Pacific Ocean), 2 Inmarsat (Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions) Radio broadcast stations: AM 258, FM 67, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 134 (1987 est.) Televisions: 9.2 million (1992 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 4,848,777 males fit for military service: 4,192,250 males reach military age (17) annually: 127,569 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.3 billion, 2.0% of GDP (FY95/96) ====================================================================== @Austria ------- Map --- Location: 47 20 N, 13 20 E -- Central Europe, north of Italy Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red Geography --------- Location: Central Europe, north of Italy Geographic coordinates: 47 20 N, 13 20 E Map references: Europe Area: total area: 83,850 sq km land area: 82,730 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: total: 2,558 km border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 324 km, Switzerland 164 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers Terrain: in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m highest point: Grossglockner 3,797 m Natural resources: iron ore, oil, timber, magnesite, lead, coal, lignite, copper, hydropower Land use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 24% forest and woodland: 39% other: 19% Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals; air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol Geographic note: landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube; population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor soils, and low temperatures elsewhere People ------ Population: 8,023,244 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 720,696; female 685,179) 15-64 years: 67% (male 2,726,122; female 2,659,162) 65 years and over: 15% (male 451,231; female 780,854) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.41% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 11.19 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 10.43 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 3.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.53 years male: 73.38 years female: 79.84 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.49 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Austrian(s) adjective: Austrian Ethnic divisions: German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9% Languages: German Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1974 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Austria conventional short form: Austria local long form: Republik Oesterreich local short form: Oesterreich Data code: AU Type of government: federal republic Capital: Vienna Administrative divisions: 9 states (bundeslaender, singular - bundesland); Burgenland, Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien Independence: 12 November 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire) National holiday: National Day, 26 October (1955) Constitution: 1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945) Legal system: civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts by the Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992) was elected for a six-year term by popular vote; election last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held 1998); results of second ballot - Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43% head of government: Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986) was chosen by the president from the majority party in the National Council; Vice Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (since 22 April 1995) was chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor cabinet: Council of Ministers was chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) Federal Council (Bundesrat): consists of 63 members representing each of the provinces on the basis of population, but with each province having at least three representatives National Council (Nationalrat): elections last held 17 December 1995 (next to be held Fall 1999); results - SPOE 38.3%, OEVP 28.3%, FPOE 22.1%, Greens 4.6%, LF 5.3%, other 1.4%; seats - (183 total) SPOE 71, OEVP 53, FPOE 40, Greens 9, LF 10 Judicial branch: Supreme Judicial Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for civil and criminal cases; Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for bureaucratic cases; Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) for constitutional cases Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPOE), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman; Austrian People's Party (OEVP), Wolfgang SCHUESSEL, chairman; Freedom Movement (F, formerly the Freedom Party of Austria or FPOE), Joerg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPOE), Walter SILBERMAYER, chairman; The Greens, Madeleine PETROVIC; Liberal Forum (LF), Heide SCHMIDT Other political or pressure groups: Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Austrian Trade Union Federation (primarily Socialist); three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party (OEVP) representing business, labor, and farmers; OEVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic Action International organization participation: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIH, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Helmut TUERK chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035 telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700 FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Swanee G. HUNT chancery: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1091, Vienna mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [43] (1) 313-39 FAX: [43] (1) 310-0682 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red Economy ------- Economic overview: Austria has a well-developed market economy with a sizable - but falling - proportion of nationalized industry, an extensive social system, and a high standard of living. Austria's economy is closely integrated with Germany and other EU members - Austria joined the EU on 1 January 1995. Since the early 1980s, the Austrian economy has experienced stable growth. Following a mild recession in 1993, Austria's economy - driven by strong exports, investment, and private consumption - expanded 2.7% in 1994 and about 2.4% in 1995. The slowdown in 1995 was largely due to an appreciation of the Austrian schilling and its negative effect on exports and tourism. EU membership has had a positive impact on foreign investment and has helped to lower inflation. Despite Austria's generally favorable economic prospects, the government faces a number of economic challenges, especially budget consolidation. Smaller than expected revenues and rising welfare payments caused the budget deficit to climb to 7.1% of GDP in 1995. Austria also faces a growing unemployment problem. Although low by European standards, Austria's unemployment rate has risen gradually during the 1990s as companies restructured to meet competition from the EU single market and Eastern Europe. GDP: purchasing power parity - $152 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.4% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $19,000 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 2% industry: 34% services: 64% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (1995 est.) Labor force: 3.47 million (1989) by occupation: services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture and forestry 8.1% note: an estimated 200,000 Austrians are employed in other European countries; foreign laborers in Austria number 177,840, about 5% of labor force (1988) Unemployment rate: 4.6% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $65 billion expenditures: $75.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.) Industries: food, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and pulp, tourism, mining, motor vehicles Industrial production growth rate: 7.7% (first half 1995) Electricity: capacity: 17,230,000 kW production: 50.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,824 kWh (1993) Agriculture: grains, fruit, potatoes, sugar beets; cattle, pigs, poultry; sawn wood Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route and Eastern Europe Exports: $45.2 billion (1994) commodities: machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products, chemicals partners: EU 64.8% (Germany 38.1%, Italy 8.1%), Eastern Europe 11.8%, Japan 1.6%, US 3.5% (1994) Imports: $55.3 billion (1994) commodities: petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals partners: EU 68.4% (Germany 40%, Italy 8.8%), Eastern Europe 6.55%, Japan 4.3%, US 4.4% (1994) External debt: $28.7 billion (1995 est.) Economic aid: donor: ODA, $544 million (1993) Currency: 1 Austrian schilling (S) = 100 groschen Exchange rates: Austrian schillings (S) per US$1 - 10.314 (January 1996), 10.081 (1995), 11.422 (1994), 11.632 (1993), 10.989 (1992), 11.676 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 5,624 km standard gauge: 5,269 km 1.435-m gauge (3,263 km electrified) narrow gauge: 355 km 1.000-m and 0.760-m gauge (86 km electrified) (1995) Highways: total: 108,000 km paved: 22,000 km (including 1,800 km of expressways) unpaved: 86,000 km (1992 est.) Waterways: 446 km Pipelines: crude oil 554 km; petroleum products 171 km; natural gas 2,611 km Ports: Linz, Vienna Merchant marine: total: 29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 88,617 GRT/122,475 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 23, combination bulk 2, container 1, refrigerated cargo 2 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 55 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 5 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 41 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 4 (1995 est.) Heliports: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 3.47 million (1986 est.) Telephone system: domestic: highly developed and efficient international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 2 Eutelsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 21 (repeaters 545), shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 47 (repeaters 870) Televisions: 2,418,584 (1984 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army (includes Flying Division) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,084,827 males fit for military service: 1,741,068 males reach military age (19) annually: 45,628 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, 1.0% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Azerbaijan ---------- Azerbaijan continues to be plagued by an unresolved eight-year-old conflict with Armenian separatists over its Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Karabakh Armenians have declared independence and seized almost 20% of the country's territory, creating almost 1 million Azeri refugees in the process. Both sides have generally observed a Russian-mediated cease-fire in place since May 1994, and support the OSCE-mediated peace process, now entering its fifth year. Nevertheless, Baku and Xankandi (Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh region) remain far apart on most substantive issues from the placement and composition of a peacekeeping force to the enclave's ultimate political status, and prospects for a negotiated settlement remain dim. Map --- Location: 40 30 N, 47 30 E -- Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band Geography --------- Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia Geographic coordinates: 40 30 N, 47 30 E Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States Area: total area: 86,600 sq km land area: 86,100 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maine note: includes the exclave of Naxcivan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh region; the region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991 Land boundaries: total: 2,013 km border countries: Armenia (with Azerbaijan-proper) 566 km, Armenia (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 221 km, Georgia 322 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-proper) 432 km, Iran (with Azerbaijan-Naxcivan exclave) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey 9 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) note: Azerbaijan borders the Caspian Sea (800 km, est.) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: violent and longstanding dispute with ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh over its status; Caspian Sea boundaries are not yet determined Climate: dry, semiarid steppe Terrain: large, flat Kur-Araz Lowland (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag (Karabakh) Upland in west; Baku lies on Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula that juts into Caspian Sea lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina Land use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 53% Irrigated land: 14,010 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: local scientists consider the Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution; soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton natural hazards: droughts; some lowland areas threatened by rising levels of the Caspian Sea international agreements: party to - Climate Change; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 7,676,953 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (male 1,270,812; female 1,215,781) 15-64 years: 61% (male 2,293,688; female 2,423,222) 65 years and over: 7% (male 179,048; female 294,402) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.78% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 22.28 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 8.69 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -5.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female all ages: 0.95 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 74.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.84 years male: 60.13 years female: 69.78 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.64 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani Ethnic divisions: Azeri 90%, Dagestani Peoples 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2.3%, other 2% (1995 est.) note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region Religions: Muslim 93.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.5%, Armenian Orthodox 2.3%, other 1.8% (1995 est.) note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; actual practicing adherents are much lower Languages: Azeri 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.) total population: 97% male: 99% female: 96% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Azerbaijani Republic conventional short form: Azerbaijan local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi local short form: none former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic Data code: AJ Type of government: republic Capital: Baku (Baki) Administrative divisions: 59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika); Abscron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, AliBayramli Sahari*, Astara Rayonu, Baki Sahari*, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Ganca Sahari*, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lankaran Sahari*, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Mingacevir Sahari*, Naftalan Sahari*, Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi**, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Saki Sahari*, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Sumqayit Sahari*, Susa Rayonu, Susa Sahari*, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xankandi Sahari*, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimb Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Yevlax Sahari*, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu Independence: 30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 May Constitution: adopted 12 November 1995 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Heydar ALIYEV (since 18 June 1993) was elected by popular vote; election last held 3 October 1993 (next to be held 1997 or 1998); results - Heydar ALIYEV won 97% of vote head of government: Prime Minister Fuad QULIYEV (since 9 October 1994), First Deputy Prime Ministers Abbas ABBASOV (since NA), Samed SADYKOV (since NA), Vahid AKHMEDOV (since NA), Elchin EFENDIYEV (since NA) were appointed by the president and confirmed by the Milli Mejlis cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president and confirmed by the Mejlis Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Milli Mejlis): elections last held 12 and 26 November 1995 (next to be held NA); percent of vote by party NA; seats - (125 total) number of seats by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Azerbaijan Popular Front (APF), Ebulfez ELCIBEY, chairman; Musavat Party, Isa GAMBAR, chairman; National Independence Party, Etibar MAMEDOV, chairman; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Araz ALIZADE, chairman; Communist Party, Ramiz AKHMEDOV, chairman; People's Freedom Party, Yunus OGUZ, chairman; Independent Social Democratic Party, Arif YUNUSOV and Leila YUNOSOVA, cochairmen; New Azerbaijan Party, Heydar ALIYEV, chairman; Boz Gurd Party, Iskander HAMIDOV, chairman; Azerbaijan Democratic Independence Party, Qabil HUSEYNLI, chairman; Islamic Party of Azerbaijan, Ali Akram, chairman; Ana Veten Party, Fazail AGAMALIYEV; Azerbaijan Democratic Party, Sardar Jalaloglu MAMEDOV; Azerbaijan Democratic Party of Proprietors (DPOP), Makhmud MAMEDOV; Azerbaijan Patriotic Solidarity Party, Sabir RUSTAMHANLI; Azerbaijan Republic Reform Party, Fuad ASADOV; Communist Party of Azerbaijan (unregistered), Sayad SAYADOV; Equality of the Peoples Party, Faukhraddin AYDAYEV; Independent Azerbaijan Party, Nizami SULEYMANOV; Labor Party of Azerbaijan, Sabutai HAJIYEV; Liberal-Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, Lyudmila NIKOLAYEVNA; National Enlightenment Party, Hajy Osman EFENDIYEV; National Liberation Party, Panak SHAKHSEVEV; Peasant Party, Firuz MUSTAFAYEV; Radical Party of Azerbaijan, Malik SHARIFOV; United Azerbaijan Party, Kerrar ABILOV; Vetan Adzhagy Party, Zakir TAGIYEV Other political or pressure groups: self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movement International organization participation: BSEC, CCC, CIS, EBRD, ECE, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NACC, NAM (observer), OIC, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hafiz Mir Jalal PASHAYEV chancery: (temporary) Suite 700, 927 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: [1] (202) 842-0001 FAX: [1] (202) 842-0004 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard D. KAUZLARICH embassy: Azadliq Prospekti 83, Baku mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [9] (9412) 96-00-19, 98-03-37, 98-03-36, 93-64-80, 96-36-21 FAX: [9] (9412) 98-37-55 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band Economy ------- Economic overview: Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia, the other Transcaucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in its majority nominally Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are oil, cotton, and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline for several years, but the November 1994 ratification of the $7.5 billion oil deal with a consortium of Western companies should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the ex-Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently begun making progress on economic reform, and old economic ties and structures have yet to be replaced. Whereas the economies of most of the former Soviet republics had begun to bottom out in 1995, Azerbaijan's economy continued to plummet because of its late start on economic reform. GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.5 billion (1995 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994) GDP real growth rate: -17% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,480 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 85% (1995 est.) Labor force: 2.789 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 26%, other 42% (1990) Unemployment rate: 2.3% includes officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of unregistered unemployed and underemployed workers (December 1995) Budget: revenues: $465 million expenditures: $488 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.) Industries: petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Industrial production growth rate: -21% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 4,900,000 kW production: 17 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,200 kWh (1995 est.) Agriculture: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; limited government eradication program; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Exports: $549.9 million (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton partners: mostly CIS and European countries Imports: $681.5 million (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles partners: European countries External debt: $100 million (of which $75 million to Russia) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $14 million (1993) note: commitments, 1992-95, $1,000 million ($185 million in disbursements); wheat from Turkey Currency: 1 manat = 100 gopik Exchange rates: manats per US$1 - 4,375 (April 1996), 4,500 (April 1995), 4,168 (end of December 1994) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 2,125 km in common carrier service; does not include industrial lines broad gauge: 2,125 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (1993) Highways: total: 36,700 km paved: 31,800 km (includes graveled) unpaved: 4,900 km (1990 est.) Pipelines: crude oil 1,130 km; petroleum products 630 km; natural gas 1,240 km Ports: Baku (Baki) Airports: total: 69 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 6 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 17 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 7 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 33 (1994 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 710,000 (1991 est.) Telephone system: 202,000 persons waiting for telephone installations (January 1991 est.) domestic: telephone service is of poor quality and inadequate; a joint venture to establish a cellular telephone system in the Baku area was supposed to become operational in 1994 international: cable and microwave radio relay connections to former Soviet republics; connection through Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat and 1 Intersputnik (Intelsat provides service to Turkey and through Turkey to 200 more countries; Intersputnik provides direct service to New York) Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA (1 state-owned radio broadcast station) Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 2 note: domestic and Russian TV programs are received locally and Turkish and Iranian TV is received from an Intelsat satellite through a receive-only earth station Televisions: NA Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Maritime Border Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,952,390 males fit for military service: 1,574,813 males reach military age (18) annually: 68,006 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: 33.5 billion manats, NA% of GDP (1994); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results ====================================================================== @Bahrain ------- Map --- Location: 26 00 N, 50 33 E -- Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia Flag ---- Description: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side Geography --------- Location: Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia Geographic coordinates: 26 00 N, 50 33 E Map references: Middle East Area: total area: 620 sq km land area: 620 sq km comparative area: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Qatar Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 0% other: 90% Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; no natural fresh water resources so that groundwater and sea water are the only sources for all water needs natural hazards: periodic droughts; dust storms international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity Geographic note: close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf which much of Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean People ------ Population: 590,042 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 31% (male 92,455; female 89,554) 15-64 years: 67% (male 236,048; female 156,556) 65 years and over: 2% (male 7,956; female 7,473) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.27% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 23.58 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 3.29 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 2.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.51 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female all ages: 1.33 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 17.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.27 years male: 71.78 years female: 76.83 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.08 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bahraini(s) adjective: Bahraini Ethnic divisions: Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6% Religions: Shi'a Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim 25% Languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 85.2% male: 89.1% female: 79.4% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: State of Bahrain conventional short form: Bahrain local long form: Dawlat al Bahrayn local short form: Al Bahrayn Data code: BA Type of government: traditional monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 12 municipalites (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa'wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah; note - all municipalities administered from Manama Independence: 15 August 1971 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 December (1971) Constitution: 26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973 Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state: Amir ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961) is a traditional Arab monarch; Heir Apparent HAMAD bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (son of the Amir, born 28 January 1949) head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970) was appointed by the amir cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the amir Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established 16 December 1992 Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited Other political or pressure groups: several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active; following the arrest of a popular Shi'a cleric, Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically from late 1994 to September 1995, demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to unemployment International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Muhammad ABD AL-GHAFFAR al-Abdallah chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 342-0741, 342-0742 FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David M. RANSOM embassy: Building No. 979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Zinj District, Manama mailing address: FPO AE 09834-5100; P.O. Box 26431, Manama (International Mail) telephone: [973] 273-300 FAX: [973] 272-594 Flag: red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side Economy ------- Economic overview: In Bahrain, petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, during and following the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.3 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: -2% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $12,000 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1995 est.) Labor force: 140,000 by occupation: industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982) note: 42% of labor force is Bahraini Unemployment rate: 25% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.38 billion expenditures: $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.) Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing Industrial production growth rate: 13% (1992) Electricity: capacity: 1,050,000 kW production: 3.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,453 kWh (1993) Agriculture: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish Exports: $3.2 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7% partners: India 20%, Japan 14%, Saudi Arabia 7%, US 6%, UAE 5% (1994) Imports: $3.29 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: nonoil 59%, crude oil 41% partners: Saudi Arabia 37%, US 12%, UK 6%, Japan 5%, Germany 4% (1994) External debt: $2.6 billion (1993) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1 - 0.3760 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 2,671 km paved: 2,011 km unpaved: 660 km (1991 est.) Pipelines: crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 km Ports: Manama, Mina' Salman, Sitrah Merchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 117,060 GRT/194,061 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, oil tanker 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 3 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 (1995 est.) Heliports: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 73,552 (1987 est.) Telephone system: modern system; good domestic services and excellent international connections domestic: NA international: tropospheric scatter to Qatar and UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 Radios: 320,000 (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 2 (1988 est.) Televisions: 270,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Coast Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 213,792 males fit for military service: 118,702 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $247 million, 5.5% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Baker Island ------------ (territory of the US) Map --- Location: 0 13 N, 176 31 W -- Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia Flag ---- Description: the flag of the US is used Geography --------- Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to Australia Geographic coordinates: 0 13 N, 176 31 W Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 1.4 sq km land area: 1.4 sq km comparative area: about 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 4.8 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 8 m Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891) Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: no natural fresh water resources natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard international agreements: NA Geographic note: treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate vines, and low growing shrubs; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife People ------ Population: uninhabited; note - American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and cemetery ruins are located near the middle of the west coast Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Baker Island Data code: FQ Type of government: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Flag: the flag of the US is used Economy ------- Economic overview: no economic activity Transportation -------------- Ports: none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m Transportation note: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard ====================================================================== @Bangladesh ---------- Map --- Location: 24 00 N, 90 00 E -- Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India Flag ---- Description: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam Geography --------- Location: Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India Geographic coordinates: 24 00 N, 90 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total area: 144,000 sq km land area: 133,910 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Wisconsin Land boundaries: total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: a portion of the boundary with India in dispute; water-sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Ganges Climate: tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Reng Tlang 957 m Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber Land use: arable land: 67% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 16% other: 11% Irrigated land: 27,380 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; limited access to potable water; water-borne diseases prevalent; water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation; deforestation; severe overpopulation natural hazards: droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely flooded during the summer monsoon season international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea People ------ Population: 123,062,800 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 39% (male 24,434,219; female 23,436,359) 15-64 years: 58% (male 36,607,942; female 34,603,628) 65 years and over: 3% (male 2,175,017; female 1,805,635) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.85% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 30.5 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 11.21 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -0.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female all ages: 1.06 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 102.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.86 years male: 56.02 years female: 55.69 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.57 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bangladeshi(s) adjective: Bangladesh Ethnic divisions: Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, tribals less than 1 million Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, other Languages: Bangla (official), English Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 38.1% male: 49.4% female: 26.1% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh conventional short form: Bangladesh former: East Pakistan Data code: BG Type of government: republic Capital: Dhaka Administrative divisions: 4 divisions; Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi note: there may be two new divisions named Barisal and Sylhet Independence: 16 December 1971 (from Pakistan) National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971) Constitution: 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many times Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991) was elected for a five-year term by National Parliament; election last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results - Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote head of government: Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammad Habibur RAHMAN (since 31 March 1996) was appointed by the president (see note under Legislative branch entry) cabinet: Advisory Council was appointed by the president on 3 April 1996 Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad): elections last held 15 February 1996 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats reserved for women) seats by party NA; note - the election was held despite the fact that it was boycotted by the major opposition parties; Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAur RAHMAN's party won a landslide victory, but, under continuing pressure from the opposition, who called for an annulment of the results, National Parliament passed a bill that established a caretaker government to oversee new elections on a date yet to be determined; President BISWAS then dissolved Parliament and named a caretaker prime minister to replace Prime Minister ZIAur RAHMAN Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the Chief Justices and other judges are appointed by the president Political parties and leaders: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAur RAHMAN; Awami League (AL), Sheikh Hasina WAJED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD (in jail); Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Motiur Rahman NIZAMI; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, Rashid Khan MENON; Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (JSD), Serajul ALAM KHAN; Ganotantri Party, leader NA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party (NDP), leader NA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party, Kazi ZAFAR Ahmed International organization participation: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNAMIR, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMIH, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Humayun KABIR chancery: 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 342-8372 through 8376 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David N. MERRILL embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka mailing address: G.P.O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000; Dhaka 1212 telephone: [880] (2) 884700 through 884722 FAX: [880] (2) 883-744 Flag: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is the traditional color of Islam Economy ------- Economic overview: Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains one of the world's poorest, most densely populated, and least developed nations. Annual GDP growth has averaged over 4% in recent years from a low base. Its economy is overwhelmingly agricultural, with the cultivation of rice the single most important activity in the economy. Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, the inefficiency of state-owned enterprises, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting energy resources (natural gas), inadequate power supplies, and, most recently, political disturbances. In 1995, progress on Bangladesh's development agenda has been slowed by frequent political unrest before and after national elections in early 1996. Opposition parties have challenged the government's authority by resigning from Parliament and sponsoring numerous countrywide strikes that have crippled transport, hindered business activity, and threatened to slow economic growth in 1996. GDP: purchasing power parity - $144.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.6% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,130 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1995 est.) Labor force: 50.1 million by occupation: agriculture 65%, services 21%, industry and mining 14% (1989) note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $2.8 billion expenditures: $4.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8 billion (FY92/93) Industries: jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer Industrial production growth rate: 8.5% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 2,740,000 kW production: 9.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 70 kWh (1993) Agriculture: jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes; beef, milk, poultry Illicit drugs: transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries Exports: $2.7 billion (1995 est.) commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimp partners: US 33%, Western Europe 39% (Germany 8.4%, Italy 6%) (FY91/92 est.) Imports: $4.7 billion (1995 est.) commodities: capital goods, petroleum, food, textiles partners: Hong Kong 7.5%, Singapore 7.4%, China 7.4%, Japan 7.1% (FY91/92 est.) External debt: $15.7 billion (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $1.099 billion (1993) Currency: 1 taka (Tk) = 100 poiska Exchange rates: taka (Tk) per US$1 - 40.933 (January 19965), 40.278 (1995), 40.212 (1994), 39.567 (1993), 38.951 (1992), 36.596 (1991) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 2,892 km broad gauge: 978 km 1.676-m gauge narrow gauge: 1,914 km 1.000-m gauge (1992) Highways: total: 13,627 km paved: 8,546 km unpaved: 5,081 km (1992) Waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes) Pipelines: natural gas 1,220 km Ports: Chittagong, Dhaka, Chalna Port (Mongla) Merchant marine: total: 37 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 296,503 GRT/423,274 DWT ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 29, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 3 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 15 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 6 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 249,800 (1994 est.) Telephone system: domestic: poor domestic telephone service international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries Radio broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 6, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 11 Televisions: 350,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces (includes Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Village Defense Parties, National Cadet Corps) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 31,795,848 males fit for military service: 18,814,818 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $481 million, 1.7% of GDP (FY95/96) ====================================================================== @Barbados -------- Map --- Location: 13 10 N, 59 32 W -- Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Flag ---- Description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Geographic coordinates: 13 10 N, 59 32 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 430 sq km land area: 430 sq km comparative area: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 97 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m Natural resources: petroleum, fish, natural gas Land use: arable land: 77% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 9% forest and woodland: 0% other: 14% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers natural hazards: hurricanes (especially June to October); periodic landslides international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Hazardous Wastes Geographic note: easternmost Caribbean island People ------ Population: 257,030 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 24% (male 31,263; female 29,822) 15-64 years: 66% (male 83,565; female 86,697) 65 years and over: 10% (male 9,929; female 15,754) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.26% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 15.29 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 8.21 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -4.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.35 years male: 71.65 years female: 77.25 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.78 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Barbadian(s) adjective: Barbadian Ethnic divisions: African 80%, European 4%, other 16% Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980) Languages: English Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1995 est.) total population: 97.4% male: 98% female: 96.8% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Barbados Data code: BB Type of government: parliamentary democracy Capital: Bridgetown Administrative divisions: 11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip, Saint Thomas note: the city of Bridgetown may be given parish status Independence: 30 November 1966 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 30 November (1966) Constitution: 30 November 1966 Legal system: English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by Acting Governor General Denys WILLIAMS (since 21 December 1995) who was appointed by the queen head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6 September 1994) was appointed by the governor general; Deputy Prime Minister Billie MILLER (since 6 September 1994) cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of a 21-member body appointed by the governor general House of Assembly: election last held 6 September 1994 (next to be held by January 1999); results - percentage vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) BLP 19, DLP 8,NDP 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature, judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Service Political parties and leaders: Democratic Labor Party (DLP), David THOMPSON; Barbados Labor Party (BLP), Owen ARTHUR; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richard HAYNES Other political or pressure groups: Barbados Workers Union, Leroy TROTMAN; People's Progressive Movement, Eric SEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE; Clement Payne Labor Union, David COMMISSIONG International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Courtney N. BLACKMAN chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 939-9218, 9219 FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467 consulate(s) general: Miami and New York consulate(s): Los Angeles US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Jeanette W. HYDE embassy: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; FPO AA 34055 telephone: [1] (809) 436-4950 FAX: [1] (809) 429-5246 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold, and blue with the head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms contained a complete trident) Economy ------- Economic overview: Historically, the Barbadian economy has been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but in recent years the production has diversified into manufacturing and tourism. Sluggish performances in the sugar and tourism sectors - which declined by 25% and 8% respectively - tempered economic expansion in 1995; output increased by 2% for the year, down from nearly 4% in 1994. Improved weather conditions in 1995 are expected to boost agriculture output in 1996. Since taking office in 1994, Prime Minister ARTHUR has aggressively moved to promote foreign direct investment as part of a policy designed to reduce nagging unemployment. The government has also been active in promoting regional integration initiatives. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $9,800 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 6.4% industry: 39.3% services: 54.3% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (1995 est.) Labor force: 126,000 (1993) by occupation: services and government 41%, commerce 15%, manufacturing and construction 18%, transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 8%, agriculture 6%, utilities 2% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 19.9% (September 1995) Budget: revenues: $550 million expenditures: $710 million, including capital expenditures of $86 million (FY95/96 est.) Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 152,100 kW production: 510 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,841 kWh (1993) Agriculture: sugarcane, vegetables, cotton Illicit drugs: one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for the US and Europe Exports: $158.6 million (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components, clothing partners: US 13%, UK 10%, Trinidad and Tobago 9%, Windward Islands 8% Imports: $693 million (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components partners: US 36%, UK 11%, Trinidad and Tobago 11%, Japan 3% External debt: $408 million (1995 est.) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 1,550 km paved: 1,550 km Ports: Bridgetown Merchant marine: total: 34 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 183,937 GRT/271,707 DWT ships by type: bulk 6, cargo 21, combination bulk 3, oil tanker 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 1 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 87,343 (1991 est.) Telephone system: domestic: island wide automatic telephone system international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 2 (1 pay) Televisions: 69,350 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force (includes Ground Forces and Coast Guard), Royal Barbados Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 71,667 males fit for military service: 49,726 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP ====================================================================== @Bassas da India --------------- (possession of France) Map --- Location: 21 30 S, 39 50 E -- Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique Flag ---- Description: the flag of France is used Geography --------- Location: Southern Africa, islands in the southern Mozambique Channel, about one-half of the way from Madagascar to Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 21 30 S, 39 50 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 0.2 sq km land area: 0.2 sq km comparative area: about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Madagascar Climate: tropical Terrain: a volcanic rock 2.4 meters high lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all rock) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones international agreements: NA People ------ Population: uninhabited Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bassas da India Data code: BS Type of government: French possession administered by a Commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion Capital: none; administered by France from Reunion Independence: none (possession of France) Flag: the flag of France is used Economy ------- Economic overview: no economic activity Transportation -------------- Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France ====================================================================== @Belarus ------- Map --- Location: 53 00 N, 28 00 E -- Eastern Europe, east of Poland Flag ---- Description: red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe of white on the hoist side bears in red the Belarusian national ornament Geography --------- Location: Eastern Europe, east of Poland Geographic coordinates: 53 00 N, 28 00 E Map references: Commonwealth of Independent States Area: total area: 207,600 sq km land area: 207,600 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: total: 3,098 km border countries: Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat and contains much marshland lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m Natural resources: forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas Land use: arable land: 29% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 0% other: 55% Irrigated land: 1,490 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Biodiversity, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 10,415,973 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (male 1,136,499; female 1,090,101) 15-64 years: 66% (male 3,334,077; female 3,536,982) 65 years and over: 13% (male 429,574; female 888,740) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.2% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 12.15 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 13.64 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 3.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female all ages: 0.89 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.57 years male: 63.2 years female: 74.21 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.69 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Belarusian(s) adjective: Belarusian Ethnic divisions: Byelorussian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Polish 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, other 1.9% Religions: Eastern Orthodox 60%, other (including Roman Catholic and Muslim) 40% (early 1990's) Languages: Byelorussian, Russian, other Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1989 est.) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 97% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Belarus conventional short form: Belarus local long form: Respublika Byelarus' local short form: none former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic Data code: BO Type of government: republic Capital: Minsk Administrative divisions: 6 voblastsi (singular - voblasts') and one municipality* (harady, singular - horad); Brestskaya (Brest), Homyel'skaya (Homyel'), Horad Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya (Hrodna), Mahilyowskaya (Mahilyow), Minskaya, Vitsyebskaya (Vitsyebsk) note: the administrative centers of the voblastsi are included in parentheses Independence: 25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union); the Belarussian Supreme Soviet issued a proclamation of independence; on 17 July 1990 Belarus issued a declaration of sovereignty National holiday: Independence Day, 27 July (1990) Constitution: adopted 15 March 1994; replaces constitution of April 1978 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20 July 1994) was elected for a five-year term by popular vote; election last held 24 June and 10 July 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 85%, Vyacheslav KEBICH 15% head of government: Prime Minister Mikhail CHIGIR (since NA July 1994) was appointed by the president; Deputy Prime Ministers Vladimir GARKUN (since NA), Sergey LING (since NA), Leonid SINITSYN (since NA), Valeriy KOKAREV (since NA), Vladimir RUSAKEVICH (since NA) cabinet: Council of Ministers note: first presidential elections took place in June-July 1994 Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Soviet: elections last held May, Nov-Dec 1995 (two rounds, each with a run-off; next to be held NA 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (260 total) KPB 42, Agrarian 33, CAB 9, Party of People's Concord 8, UPNAZ 2, SDPB 2, BPR 1, Green Party 1, Republican Party of Labor and Justice 1, BSP 1, NFB 1, Social and Sports Party 1, Ecological Party 1, independents 95, vacant 62 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges are appointed by the president; Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: Belarusian Communist Party (KPB), Vasiliy NOVIKOV, Viktor CHIKIN, chairmen; Agrarian Party, Semen SHARETSKIY; Civic Accord Bloc (CAB); Party of People's Concord, Gennadiy KARPENKO; Party of All-Belarusian Unity and Concord (UPNAZ), Dmitriy BULAKOV; Belarusian Social-Democrat Hramada (SDBP), Alex TRUSOV; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (BPR), Anatol BARANKEVICH; Green Party of Belarus, Mikalay KARTASH; Republican Party of Labor and Justice, Anatol NETSILKIN; Belarus Peasants (BSP), Yevgeniy LUGIN, chairman; Belarusian Popular Front (NFB), Zenon POZNYAK, chairman; Belarusian Social Sports Party, Vladimir ALEKSANDROVICH; Ecological Party, Aleksiy MIKULICH; National Democratic Party of Belarus (NDPB), Victor NAVUMENKA; United Democratic Party of Belarus (ADPB), Aleksandr DOBROVOLSKIY; Belarusian Socialist Party (SPB), Vyacheslav KUZNETSOV; Slavic Assembly (SAB), Nikolai SYARECHEV; Liberal-Democratic Party (LDPB), Vasil KRIVENKA; Belarusian Christian-Democratic Unity (BKDZ), Petr SILKO; Polish Democratic Union (PDZ), Konstantin TARASEVICH; Party of Beer Lovers, Yuriy GONCHAR; Belarusian Labor Party (BPP), Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV International organization participation: CCC, CE (guest), CIS, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, NACC, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Nikolayevich MARTYNOV chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604 FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth Spencer YALOWITZ embassy: Starovilenskaya #46-220002, Minsk mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [375] (172) 31-50-00 FAX: [375] (172) 34-78-53 Flag: red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe of white on the hoist side bears in red the Belarusian national ornament Economy ------- Economic overview: At the time of independence in late 1991, Belarus was one of the most developed of the former Soviet states, inheriting a modern - by Soviet standards - machine building sector and robust agricultural sector. However, the breakup of the Soviet Union and its traditional trade ties, as well as the government's failure to embrace market reforms, has resulted in a sharp economic decline. Privatization is virtually nonexistent and the system of state orders and distribution persists. Although President LUKASHENKO pronounces his 1995 macro stabilization policies a success - annual inflation dropped from 2,220% in 1994 to 244% in 1995 - the IMF has criticized his insistence on maintaining the steady exchange rate for Belarusian rubel, which has traded at 11,500 to the dollar since late 1994. The IMF suspended Minsk's $300 million standby program in November 1995 until the government would agree to a devaluation of the rubel. The overvalued rubel has especially hurt Belarusian exporters, most of which now operate at a loss. In addition, the January 1995 Customs Union agreement with Russia - which required Minsk to adjust its foreign trade practices to mirror Moscow's - has resulted in higher import tariffs for Belarusian consumers; tariffs have risen from 5%-20% to 20%-40%. GDP: purchasing power parity - $49.2 billion (1995 estimate as extrapolated from World Bank estimate for 1994) GDP real growth rate: -10% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $4,700 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 21% industry: 49% services: 30% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 244% (1995 est.) Labor force: 4.259 million by occupation: industry and construction 40%, agriculture and forestry 21%, other 39% (1992) Unemployment rate: 2.6% officially registered unemployed (December 1994); large numbers of underemployed workers Budget: revenues: $4.95 billion expenditures: $5.47 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.) Industries: tractors, metal-cutting machine tools, off-highway dump trucks up to 110-metric-ton load capacity, wheel-type earth movers for construction and mining, eight-wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for use in tundra and roadless areas, equipment for animal husbandry and livestock feeding, motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, linen fabric, wool fabric, radios, refrigerators, other consumer goods Industrial production growth rate: -11% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 7,010,000 kW production: 24.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,300 kWh (1995 est.) Agriculture: grain, potatoes, vegetables; meat, milk Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of opium poppy and cannabis; mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Exports: $4.2 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany Imports: $4.6 billion (c.i.f., 1995) commodities: fuel, natural gas, industrial raw materials, textiles, sugar partners: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany External debt: $2 billion (September 1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $186 million (1993) note: commitments, $3,930 million ($1,845 million disbursements), 1992-95 Currency: Belarusian rubel (BR) Exchange rates: Belarusian rubels per US$1 - 11,500 (yearend 1995), 10,600 (yearend 1994) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 5,488 km broad gauge: 5,488 km 1.520-m gauge (873 km electrified) (1993) Highways: total: 92,200 km paved: 61,000 km (including graveled) unpaved: 31,200 km (1994 est.) Waterways: NA km; note - Belarus has extensive and widely used canal and river systems Pipelines: crude oil 1,470 km; refined products 1,100 km; natural gas 1,980 km (1992) Ports: Mazyr Merchant marine: note: claims 5% of former Soviet fleet (1995 est.) Airports: total: 118 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 18 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 5 with paved runways under 914 m: 11 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 6 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 4 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 9 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 62 (1994 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 1.849 million (1991 est.) Telephone system: telephone service inadequate for the purposes of either business or the population; about 70% of the telephones are in homes; over 750,000 applications from households for telephones remain unsatisfied (1992 est.); new investment centers on international connections and business needs domestic: the new NMT-450 analog cellular system is now operating in Minsk international: international traffic is carried by the Moscow international gateway switch and also by satellite; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (through Canada) and 1 Eutelsat (through the UK) Radio broadcast stations: AM 35, FM 18, shortwave 0 Radios: 3.17 million (1991 est.) (5,615,000 with multiple speaker systems for program diffusion) Television broadcast stations: 2 (one national and one private; the license of the private station was suspended during the parliamentary elections of 1994) Televisions: 3.5 million (1992 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,635,570 males fit for military service: 2,067,676 males reach military age (18) annually: 76,006 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: 892 billion rubels, 1% of GDP (1995); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results ====================================================================== @Belgium ------- Map --- Location: 50 50 N, 4 00 E -- Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Flag ---- Description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France Geography --------- Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands Geographic coordinates: 50 50 N, 4 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total area: 30,510 sq km land area: 30,230 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,385 km border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: median line with neighbors exclusive fishing zone: median line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast) territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy Terrain: flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast lowest point: North Sea 0 m highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m Natural resources: coal, natural gas Land use: arable land: 24% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 20% forest and woodland: 21% other: 34% Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: Meuse River, a major source of drinking water, polluted from steel production wastes; other rivers polluted by animal wastes and fertilizers; industrial air pollution contributes to acid rain in neighboring countries natural hazards: flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Geographic note: crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of the EU People ------ Population: 10,170,241 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18% (male 930,919; female 886,632) 15-64 years: 66% (male 3,380,105; female 3,326,853) 65 years and over: 16% (male 663,760; female 981,972) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.33% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 10.3 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 1.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female all ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.09 years male: 73.86 years female: 80.51 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.69 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Belgian(s) adjective: Belgian Ethnic divisions: Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12% Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25% Languages: Dutch 56%, French 32%, German 1%, legally bilingual 11% (divided along ethnic lines) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium conventional short form: Belgium local long form: Royaume de Belgique local short form: Belgique Data code: BE Type of government: constitutional monarchy Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien, singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen note: constitutional reforms passed by Parliament in 1993 increased the number of provinces to 10 by splitting the province of Brabant into two new provinces, Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant Independence: 4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands) National holiday: National Day, 21 July (ascension of King LEOPOLD to the throne in 1831) Constitution: 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state Legal system: civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993) is a constitutional monarch head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992) was appointed by the king and then approved by Parliament cabinet: Cabinet is appointed by the king and approved by Parliament Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate (Flemish - Senaat French - Senat): elections last held 21 May 1995 (next to be held by the end of 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (71 total, 40 directly elected; 31 will be indirectly elected at a later date) CVP 7, SP 6, VLD 6, VU 2, AGALEV 1, VB 3, PS 5, PRL 5, PSC 3, ECOLO 2; note - before the 1995 elections, there were 184 seats Chamber of Deputies(Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordig: elections last held 21 May 1995 (next to be held by the end of 1999); results - CVP 17.2%, PS 11.9%, SP 12.6%, VLD 13.1%, PRL 10.3%, PSC 7.7%, VB 7.8%, VU 4.7%, ECOLO 4.0%, AGALEV 4.4%, FN 2.3%; seats - (150 total) CVP 29, PS 21, SP 20, VLD 21, PRL 18, PSC 12, VB 11, VU 5, ECOLO 6, AGALEV 5, FN 2; note - before the 1995 elections, there were 212 seats Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de Cassation), judges are appointed for life by the Belgian monarch Political parties and leaders: Flemish Christian Democrats (CVP - Christian People's Party), Johan VAN HECKE, president; Francophone Christian Democrats (PSC - Social Christian Party), Gerard DEPREZ, president; Flemish Socialist Party (SP), Louis TOBBACK, president; Francophone Socialist Party (PS), Philippe BUSQUIN, president; Flemish Liberal Democrats (VLD), Herman DE CROO, president; Francophone Liberal Reformation Party (PRL), Louis MICHEL, president; Francophone Democratic Front (FDF), Olivier MAINGAIN, president; Volksunie (VU), Bert ANCIAUX, president; Vlaams Blok (VB), Karel DILLEN, chairman; National Front (FN), Daniel FERET, president; AGALEV (Flemish Greens), no president; ECOLO (Francophone Greens), no president; other minor parties Other political or pressure groups: Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries; numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers, middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia; various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear Weapons and Pax Christi International organization participation: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, EBRD, ECE, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMOGIP, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Andre ADAM chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900 FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Alan J. BLINKEN embassy: 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: APO AE 09724, PSC 82, Box 002, Brussels telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111 FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725 Flag: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France Economy ------- Economic overview: This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Two-thirds of its trade is with other EU countries. The economy grew at a strong 4% annual pace during the period 1988-90, slowed to 1% in 1991-92, dropped by 1.5% in 1993, and recovered with moderate 2.3% growth in 1994 and 1995. Belgium's public debt has risen to 140% of GDP, and the government is trying to control its expenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrialized countries. GDP: purchasing power parity - $197 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.3% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $19,500 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 2% industry: 28% services: 70% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1995 est.) Labor force: 4.126 million by occupation: services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988) Unemployment rate: 14% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 14,040,000 kW production: 66 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,334 kWh (1993) Agriculture: sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk Illicit drugs: source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine entering the European market Exports: $108 billion (f.o.b., 1994) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union (BLEU) commodities: iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum products partners: EU 67.2% (Germany 19%), US 5.8%, former Communist countries 1.4% (1994) Imports: $140 billion (c.i.f., 1994) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union commodities: fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs partners: EU 68% (Germany 22.1%), US 8.8%, former Communist countries 0.8% (1994) External debt: $31.3 billion (1992 est.) Economic aid: donor: ODA, $808 million (1993) Currency: 1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 30.036 (January 1996), 29.480 (1995), 33.456 (1994), 34.597 (1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 3,396 km (2,363 km electrified; 2,563 km double track) standard gauge: 3,396 km 1.435-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 137,876 km paved: 129,603 km (including 1,667 km of expressways) unpaved: 8,273 km (1992 est.) Waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) Pipelines: crude oil 161 km; petroleum products 1,167 km; natural gas 3,300 km Ports: Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: total: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 64,220 GRT/83,360 DWT ships by type: bulk 1, cargo 8, chemical tanker 5, liquefied gas tanker 3, oil tanker 6 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 42 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 6 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 9 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 21 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 3 (1995 est.) Heliports: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 5.691 million (1992 est.) Telephone system: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities domestic: nationwide cellular telephone system; extensive cable network; limited microwave radio relay network international: 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 39, shortwave 0 Radios: 100,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 32 (1987 est.) Televisions: 3,315,662 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,571,588 males fit for military service: 2,135,375 males reach military age (19) annually: 61,986 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion, 1.7% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Belize ------ Map --- Location: 17 15 N, 88 45 W -- Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico Flag ---- Description: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland Geography --------- Location: Middle America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico Geographic coordinates: 17 15 N, 88 45 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 22,960 sq km land area: 22,800 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south; note - from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Cay, Belize's territorial sea is 3 nm; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose of this limitation is to provide a framework for the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with Guatemala International disputes: border with Guatemala in dispute; talks to resolve the dispute are stalled Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 2% forest and woodland: 44% other: 52% Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff natural hazards: frequent, devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding (especially in south) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Whaling Geographic note: national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean People ------ Population: 219,296 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 43% (male 48,291; female 46,451) 15-64 years: 53% (male 59,132; female 57,498) 65 years and over: 4% (male 3,881; female 4,043) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.42% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 32.8 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.73 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -2.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female all ages: 1.03 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 33.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.53 years male: 66.58 years female: 70.58 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.12 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean Ethnic divisions: mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8% Religions: Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other 2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980) Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib) Literacy: age 14 and over has ever attended school (1991 est.) total population: 70.3% male: 70.3% female: 70.3% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras Data code: BH Type of government: parliamentary democracy Capital: Belmopan Administrative divisions: 6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo Independence: 21 September 1981 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1981) Constitution: 21 September 1981 Legal system: English law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG (since 17 November 1993), who, according to the constitution, must be a Belizean; was appointed by the queen head of government: Prime Minister Manuel ESQUIVEL (since July 1993) was appointed by the governor general; Deputy Prime Minister Dean BARROW (since NA 1993) cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: consists of an eight-member appointed body; five members are appointed on the advice of the prime minister, two on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one after consultation with the Belize Advisory Council (this council serves as an independent body to advise the governor general with respect to difficult decisions such as granting pardons, commutations, stays of execution, the removal of justices of appeal who appear to be incompetent, etc.) National Assembly: elections last held 30 June 1993 (next to be held NA June 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 13 UDP 15 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on advice of the prime minister Political parties and leaders: People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA; United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW; National Alliance for Belizean Rights, Philip GOLDSON Other political or pressure groups: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR), Assad SHOMAN; United Workers Front, leader NA International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LAES, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dean R. LINDO chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636 FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles consulate(s): New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador George Charles BRUNO embassy: Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City; APO: Unit 7401, APO AA 34025 telephone: [501] (2) 77161 through 77163 FAX: [501] (2) 30802 Flag: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland Economy ------- Economic overview: The small, essentially private enterprise economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification program. GDP: purchasing power parity - $575 million (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $2,750 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: NA services: NA (1995 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (1994 est.) Labor force: 51,500 by occupation: agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%, manufacturing 10.3% note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985) Unemployment rate: 10% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $126.8 million expenditures: $123.1 million, including capital expenditures of $44.8 million (FY90/91 est.) Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism, construction Industrial production growth rate: 3.7% (1990) Electricity: capacity: 34,532 kW production: 110 million kWh consumption per capita: 490 kWh (1993) Agriculture: bananas, coca, citrus, sugarcane; lumber; fish, cultured shrimp Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine; an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; minor money-laundering center Exports: $115 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: sugar, citrus fruits, bananas, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood partners: US 38%, UK, other EC (1994) Imports: $281 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 53%, UK, other EC, Mexico (1994) External debt: $167.5 million (1992) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 2,560 km paved: 336 km unpaved: 2,224 km (1987 est.) Waterways: 825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable Ports: Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda Merchant marine: total: 89 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 311,731 GRT/470,272 DWT ships by type: bulk 9, cargo 60, container 6, liquefied gas tanker 1, oil tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 4, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 35 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 25 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 8 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 15,917 (1990 est.) Telephone system: above-average system domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: 27,048 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Navy, Air Force, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 52,290 males fit for military service: 31,086 males reach military age (18) annually: 2,390 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $8.1 million, NA% of GDP (FY95/96) ====================================================================== @Benin ----- Map --- Location: 9 30 N, 2 15 E -- Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo Flag ---- Description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side Geography --------- Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Nigeria and Togo Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 2 15 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 112,620 sq km land area: 110,620 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total: 1,989 km border countries: Burkina Faso 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km Coastline: 121 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Tanekas 641 m Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 35% other: 45% Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea Geographic note: no natural harbors People ------ Population: 5,709,529 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (male 1,376,531; female 1,367,394) 15-64 years: 50% (male 1,349,386; female 1,480,251) 65 years and over: 2% (male 60,030; female 75,937) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 3.32% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 46.76 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 13.53 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female all ages: 0.95 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 105.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.69 years male: 50.74 years female: 54.7 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.64 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Beninese (singular and plural) adjective: Beninese Ethnic divisions: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15% Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 37% male: 48.7% female: 25.8% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local long form: Republique du Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey Data code: BN Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule dropped Marxism-Leninism December 1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty system completed 4 April 1991 Capital: Porto-Novo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1990) Constitution: 2 December 1990 Legal system: based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996) was elected for a five-year term by popular vote; election last held 18 March 1996 (next to be held March 2001); results - Mathieu KEREKOU 52.49%, Nicephore SOGLO 47.51% cabinet: Executive Council, appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 28 March 1995 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (83 total) Renaissance Party and allies 20, PRD 19, FARD-ALAFIA 10, PSD 7, NCC 3, RDL-VIVOTEN 3, Communist Party 2, Alliance Chameleon 1, RDP 1, ADP 1, other 16 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: as of February 1996, more than 80 political parties were officially recognized; the following are represented in the National Assembly: Alliance of the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Action for Renewal and Development (FARD-ALAFIA), Mathieu KEREKOU; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno AMOUSSOU; Alliance Chameleon; Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Adekpedjon AKINDES; Alliance for Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Communist Party of Benin, Pascal FATONDJI, First Secretary; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP); The Renaissance Party, Nicephore SOGLO International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lucien Edgar TONOUKOUIN chancery: 2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656, 6657, 6658 FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John M. YATES embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92 FAX: [229] 30-14-39, 30-19-74 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side Economy ------- Economic overview: The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output, which had averaged a sound 4% in 1990-94, rose to 6% in 1995. Rapid population growth, now 3.3% per year, offset much of this growth in output. Inflation jumped to 55% in 1994 (compared to 3% in 1993) following the 50% currency devaluation in January 1994, but subsided gradually in 1995. Commercial and transport activities, which make up 37% of GDP, are extremely vulnerable to developments in Nigeria as evidenced by decreased reexport trade in 1994 due to a severe contraction in Nigerian demand. Support by the Paris Club and official bilateral creditors has eased the external debt situation in recent years. The government, still burdened with money-losing state enterprises and a bloated civil service, has been gradually implementing a World Bank supported structural adjustment program since 1991. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.6 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,380 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 36.8% industry: 12.6% services: 50.6% (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 55% (1994 est.) Labor force: 1.9 million (1987) by occupation: agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less than 2% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $272 million (1993 est.) expenditures: $375 million, including capital expenditures of $84 million (1993 est.) Industries: textiles, cigarettes; beverages, food; construction materials, petroleum Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 30,000 kW production: 10 million kWh consumption per capita: 25 kWh (1993) Agriculture: corn, sorghum, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, rice, cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, livestock Illicit drugs: transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western Europe and the US Exports: $310 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa partners: France, Morocco 37%, Portugal 14%, Spain, Italy, UK, US, Libya Imports: $439 million (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods, capital goods, light consumer goods partners: France 24%, Thailand 12%, Netherlands 7%, US 5%, China, Hong Kong External debt: $1.5 billion (1993 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 578 km (single track) (1995 est.) narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge Highways: total: 6,070 km paved: 1,214 km unpaved: 4,856 km (1992 est.) Waterways: navigable along small sections, important only locally Ports: Cotonou, Porto-Novo Merchant marine: none Airports: total: 5 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 16,200 (1986 est.) Telephone system: domestic: fair system of open wire and microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); submarine cable Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 2 Televisions: 20,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Armed Forces (includes Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,212,440 females age 15-49: 1,290,773 males fit for military service: 620,923 females fit for military service: 653,094 males reach military age (18) annually: 62,526 females reach military age (18) annually: 60,968 (1996 est.) note: both sexes are liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $33 million, 3.2% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Bermuda ------- (dependent territory of the UK) Map --- Location: 32 20 N, 64 45 W -- North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US) Flag ---- Description: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag Geography --------- Location: North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina (US) Geographic coordinates: 32 20 N, 64 45 W Map references: North America Area: total area: 50 sq km land area: 50 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 20% other: 80% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: hurricanes (June to November) international agreements: NA Geographic note: consists of about 360 small coral islands with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some reclaimed land leased by US Government People ------ Population: 62,099 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Population growth rate: 0.76% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 7.3 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 13.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.03 years male: 73.36 years female: 76.97 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian Ethnic divisions: black 61%, white and other 39% Religions: Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%, Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28% Languages: English Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda Data code: BD Type of government: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May Constitution: 8 June 1968 Legal system: English law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor Lord David WADDINGTON (since 25 August 1992), who was appointed by the queen head of government: Premier David SAUL (since 25 August 1995) was appointed by the governor; Deputy Premier Jerome DILL (since 1 September 1995) cabinet: Cabinet was nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate: consists of an 11-member body appointed by the governor House of Assembly: elections last held 5 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998); results - UBP 50%, PLP 46%, independents 4%; seats - (40 total) UBP 22, PLP 18 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: United Bermuda Party (UBP), David SAUL; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL Other political or pressure groups: Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONS International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert A. FARMER consulate general(s): Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592 Flag: red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in 1609) centered on the outer half of the flag Economy ------- Economic overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are imported. International business contributes over 60% of Bermuda's economic output; a failed independence vote in late 1995 can be partially attributed to Bermudian's fear of scaring away foreign firms. Hurricane Felix, which hit Bermuda twice over three days, caused an estimated $2.5 million in damages in August of 1995. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.7 billion (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.5% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $28,000 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (1995 est.) Labor force: 33,650 (1992) by occupation: clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%, administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2% (1984) Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1995) Budget: revenues: $327.5 million expenditures: $308.9 million, including capital expenditures of $35.4 million (FY90/91 est.) Industries: tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals, ship repairing Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 140,000 kW production: 504 million kWh consumption per capita: 7,745 kWh (1993) Agriculture: bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products Exports: $60 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: semitropical produce, light manufactures, reexports of pharmaceuticals partners: US 62.4%, UK 20% Imports: $519 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: fuel, foodstuffs, machinery partners: US 38%, UK 5%, Canada 5% External debt: $NA Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 208 km paved: 208 km unpaved: 0 km (1986 est.) note: in addition, there are 400 km of paved and unpaved roads that are privately owned Ports: Hamilton, Saint George Merchant marine: total: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,146,693 GRT/5,007,242 DWT ships by type: bulk 10, cargo 3, container 7, liquefied gas tanker 16, oil tanker 16, refrigerated cargo 10, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4, short-sea passenger 1, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 1 note: a flag of convenience registry; includes ships from 11 countries among which are UK 17, US 13, Canada 10, Norway 9, Nigeria 4, Sweden 3, Hong Kong 2, Syria 2, Mexico 1, and NZ 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 54,000 (1991 est.) Telephone system: domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone system international: 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 Radios: 78,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 2 Televisions: 57,000 (1992 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ====================================================================== @Bhutan ------ Map --- Location: 27 30 N, 90 30 E -- Southern Asia, between China and India Flag ---- Description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side Geography --------- Location: Southern Asia, between China and India Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total area: 47,000 sq km land area: 47,000 sq km comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Indiana Land boundaries: total: 1,075 km border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna lowest point: Dangme Chu 97 m highest point: Khula Kangri I 7,553 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 70% other: 23% Irrigated land: 340 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water natural hazards: violent storms coming down from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Geographic note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes People ------ Population: 1,822,625 (July 1996 est.) note: other estimates range as low as 600,000 Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (male 378,407; female 351,146) 15-64 years: 56% (male 524,972; female 496,715) 65 years and over: 4% (male 36,304; female 35,081) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.32% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 38.48 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 15.28 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.04 male(s)/female all ages: 1.06 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 116.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 51.46 years male: 51.96 years female: 50.93 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.33 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese Ethnic divisions: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 42.2% male: 56.2% female: 28.1% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan Data code: BT Type of government: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) National holiday: National Day, 17 December (1907) (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights note: Bhutan uses 1953 Royal decree for the Constitution of the National Assembly Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: each family has one vote in village-level elections Executive branch: Chief of State and Head of Government (Druk Gyalpo): King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) is a hereditary monarch Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde): was nominated by the king cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) was appointed by the king Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu): members serve for three years; seats - (150 total, 105 elected from village constituencies, 12 represent religious bodies, and 33 designated by the king to represent government and other secular interests) Judicial branch: the Supreme Court of Appeal is the king; High Court, judges appointed by the king Political parties and leaders: no legal parties Other political or pressure groups: Buddhist clergy; Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign International organization participation: AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, Intelsat, IOC, ITU, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation in US: none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN, headed by Ugyen TSERING; address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 826-1919; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consular jurisdiction in the US consulate(s) general: New York honorary consulate(s): San Francisco; Washington, DC US diplomatic representation: the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India) Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side Economy ------- Economic overview: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about half of GDP. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to 4,000 per year to minimize foreign influence. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare but growth continues to be constrained by the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. Growth picked up in 1995 and the country's balance of payments remained strong with comfortable reserves. The cautious fiscal stance planned for FY95/96 suggests continued economic stability in 1996. However, excessive controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.3 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $730 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.6% (FY94/95 est.) Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2% note: massive lack of skilled labor Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $52 million expenditures: $150 million, including capital expenditures of $95 million (FY93/94 est.) note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of Bhutan's budget expenditures Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide Industrial production growth rate: 7.6% (1992 est.) Electricity: capacity: 360,000 kW production: 1.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 143 kWh (1993) note: Bhutan exports electricity to India Agriculture: rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs Exports: $70.9 million (f.o.b., FY94/95 est.) commodities: cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India), precious stones, spices partners: India 94%, Bangladesh Imports: $113.6 million (c.i.f., FY94/95 est.) commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice partners: India 77%, Japan, UK, Germany, US External debt: $141 million (October 1994) Economic aid: recipient: $NA Currency: 1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender Exchange rates: ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 35.766 (January 1996), 32.427 (1995), 31.374 (1994), 30.493 (1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742 (1991); note - the Bhutanese ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 1,296 km paved: 416 km unpaved: 880 km (1988 est.) Ports: none Airports: total: 2 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 4,620 (1991 est.) Telephone system: domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with very few telephones in use international: international telephone and telegraph service is by landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1990) Radios: 23,000 (1989 est.) Television broadcast stations: 0 (1990 est.) Televisions: 200 (1985 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 444,875 males fit for military service: 237,529 males reach military age (18) annually: 17,634 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP ====================================================================== @Bolivia ------- Map --- Location: 17 00 S, 65 00 W -- Central South America, southwest of Brazil Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band Geography --------- Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil Geographic coordinates: 17 00 S, 65 00 W Map references: South America Area: total area: 1,098,580 sq km land area: 1,084,390 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: total: 6,743 km border countries: Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay 750 km, Peru 900 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water rights Climate: varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid Terrain: rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland plains of the Amazon Basin lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m highest point: Cerro Illimani 6,882 m Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 52% other: 20% Irrigated land: 1,650 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: the clearing of land for agricultural purposes and the international demand for tropical timber are contributing to deforestation; soil erosion from overgrazing and poor cultivation methods (including slash-and-burn agriculture); desertification; loss of biodiversity; industrial pollution of water supplies used for drinking and irrigation natural hazards: cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion, as well as to physical activity by those unaccustomed to it from birth; flooding in the northeast (March-April) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection Geographic note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru People ------ Population: 7,165,257 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 39% (male 1,422,313; female 1,390,885) 15-64 years: 56% (male 1,959,989; female 2,042,135) 65 years and over: 5% (male 153,111; female 196,824) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.82% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 32.37 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 10.75 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -3.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 67.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.81 years male: 56.94 years female: 62.82 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.25 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian Ethnic divisions: Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mestizo (mixed European and Indian ancestry) 25%-30%, European 5%-15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 83.1% male: 90.5% female: 76% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Bolivia conventional short form: Bolivia local long form: Republica de Bolivia local short form: Bolivia Data code: BL Type of government: republic Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary) Administrative divisions: 9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija Independence: 6 August 1825 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 6 August (1825) Constitution: 2 February 1967 Legal system: based on Spanish law and Napoleonic Code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal and compulsory (married); 21 years of age, universal and compulsory (single) Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamente (since 6 August 1993) and Vice President Victor Hugo CARDENAS Conde (since 6 August 1993) were elected for four-year terms by popular vote; election last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held NA May 1997); results - Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (MNR) 34%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN/MIR alliance) 20%, Carlos PALENQUE Aviles (CONDEPA) 14%, Max FERNANDEZ Rojas (UCS) 13%, Antonio ARANIBAR Quiroga (MBL) 5%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA won a congressional runoff election on 4 August 1993 after forming a coalition with Max FERNANDEZ and Antonio ARANIBAR; FERNANDEZ died in a plane crash 26 November 1995 cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president from panel of candidates proposed by the Senate Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held NA May 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (130 total) MNR 52, UCS 20, ADN 17, MIR 17, CONDEPA 13, MBL 7, ARBOL 1, ASD 1, EJE 1, PCD 1 Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held NA May 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) MNR 17, ADN 4, MIR 4, CONDEPA 1, UCS 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges appointed for a 10-year term by National Congress Political parties and leaders: Left parties: Free Bolivia Movement (MBL), Antonio ARANIBAR; April 9 Revolutionary Vanguard (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE; Alternative of Democratic Socialism (ASD), Jerjes JUSTINIANO; Revolutionary Front of the Left (FRI), Oscar ZAMORA; Bolivian Socialist Falange (FSB); Socialist Unzaguista Movement (MAS); Socialist Party One (PS-1); Bolivian Communist Party (PCB) Center-Left parties: Nationalist Revolutionary Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA; Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora, Oscar EID; Christian Democrat (PCD), Jorge AGREDA Center-Right party: Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN), Jorge LANDIVAR, Hugo BANZER Populist parties: Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Johnny FERNANDEZ; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE Aviles; Popular Patriotic Movement (MPP), Julio MANTILLA; Unity and Progress Movement (MUP), Ivo KULJIS Evangelical: Bolivian Renovating Alliance (ARBOL), Hugo VILLEGAS indigenous: Tupac Katari Revolutionary Liberation Movement (MRTK-L), Victor Hugo CARDENAS Conde; Patriotic Axis of Convergence (EJE-P), Ramiro BARRANCHEA; National Katarista Movement (MKN), Fernando UNTOJA International organization participation: AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Fernando Alvaro COSSIO chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410 through 4412 FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Curtis Warren KAMMAN embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032 telephone: [591] (2) 430251 FAX: [591] (2) 433900 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band Economy ------- Economic overview: With its long history of semifeudal social controls, dependence on volatile prices for its mineral exports, and bouts of hyperinflation, Bolivia has remained one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries. However, Bolivia has experienced generally improving economic conditions since the PAZ Estenssoro administration (1985-89) introduced market-oriented policies which reduced inflation from 11,700% in 1985 to about 20% in 1988. PAZ Estenssoro was followed as president by Jaime PAZ Zamora (1989-93) who continued the free-market policies of his predecessor, despite opposition from his own party and from Bolivia's once powerful labor movement. By maintaining fiscal discipline, PAZ Zamora helped reduce inflation to 9.3% in 1993, while GDP grew by an annual average of 3.25% during his tenure. Inaugurated in August 1993, President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA has vowed to advance the market-oriented economic reforms he helped launch as PAZ Estenssoro's planning minister. His successes so far have included the signing of a free trade agreement with Mexico and progress on his unique privatization plan. The main privatization bill was passed by the Bolivian legislature in late March 1994. Since that time, the administration has privatized the electric power generation sector, the state airline, the state telephone company, and the national railroad. The state mining and petroleum companies are expected to be privatized in 1996. GDP: purchasing power parity - $20 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 3.7% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $2,530 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1995 est.) Labor force: 3.54 million by occupation: agriculture NA%, services and utilities 20%, manufacturing, mining and construction 7% (1993) Unemployment rate: urban rate 8% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $3.75 billion expenditures: $3.75 billion, including capital expenditures of $556.2 million (1995 est.) Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1994 est.) Electricity: capacity: 756,200 kW production: 2.116 billion kWh consumption per capita: 367 kWh (1994) Agriculture: coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber Illicit drugs: world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Peru and Colombia) with an estimated 48,600 hectares under cultivation in 1995, a one percent increase in overall cultivation of coca over 1994 levels; Bolivia, however, is the second-largest producer of harvested coca leaf; even so, voluntary and forced eradication programs resulted in leaf production dropping from 89,800 metric tons in 1994 to 85,000 tons in 1995; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and Brazil to the US and other international drug markets; alternative crop program aims to reduce illicit coca cultivation Exports: $1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: metals 39%, natural gas 9%, soybeans 11%, jewelry 11%, wood 8% partners: US 26%, Argentina 15% (1993 est.) Imports: $1.21 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: capital goods 48%, chemicals 11%, petroleum 5%, food 5% (1993 est.) partners: US 24%, Argentina 13%, Brazil 11%, Japan 11% (1993 est.) External debt: $4.4 billion (November 1995) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $362 million (1993) Currency: 1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 4.9137 (December 1995), 4.8003 (1995), 4.6205 (1994), 4.2651 (1993), 3.9005 (1992), 3.5806 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 3,691 km (single track) narrow gauge: 3,652 km 1.000-m gauge; 39 km 0.760-m gauge (13 km electrified) (1995) Highways: total: 46,311 km paved: 1,940 km (including 27 km of expressways) unpaved: 44,371 km (1991 est.) Waterways: 10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways Pipelines: crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km Ports: none; however, Bolivia has free port privileges in the maritime ports of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay Merchant marine: total: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,214 GRT/6,390 DWT (1995 est.) Airports: total: 1,017 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with paved runways under 914 m: 750 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 69 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 186 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 144,300 (1987 est.) Telephone system: new subscribers face bureaucratic difficulties; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities domestic: microwave radio relay system being expanded international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 129, FM 0, shortwave 68 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 43 Televisions: 500,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval Boliviana, includes Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana), National Police Force (Policia Nacional de Bolivia) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,685,572 males fit for military service: 1,098,948 males reach military age (19) annually: 76,035 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $145 million; 1.9% of GDP (1996) ====================================================================== @Bosnia and Herzegovina ---------------------- On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the former Yugoslavia's three warring parties signed a peace agreement that brought to a halt over three years of interethnic civil strife in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement, signed by Bosnian President IZETBEGOVIC, Croatian President TUDJMAN, and Serbian President MILOSEVIC, divides Bosnia and Herzegovina roughly equally between the Muslim/Croat Federation and the Bosnian Serbs while maintaining Bosnia's currently recognized borders. An international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops began to enter Bosnia in late 1995 to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement and is scheduled to depart the country within one year. A High Representative appointed by the UN Security Council is responsible for civilian implementation of the accord, including monitoring implementation, facilitating any difficulties arising in connection with civilian implementation, and coordinating activities of the civilian organizations and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bosnian conflict began in the spring of 1992 when the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina held a referendum on independence and the Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosnia's Muslims and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement in Washington creating their joint Muslim/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Map --- Location: 44 00 N, 18 00 E -- Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia Flag ---- Description: white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white fleurs-de-lis with a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower outer side Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia Geographic coordinates: 44 00 N, 18 00 E Map references: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe Area: total area: 51,233 sq km land area: 51,233 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,459 km border countries: Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km (312 km with Serbia, 215 km with Montenegro) Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: NA International disputes: none Climate: hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast Terrain: mountains and valleys lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maglic 2,386 m Natural resources: coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, forests, copper, chromium, lead, zinc Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 36% other: 17% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; widespread casualties, water shortages, and destruction of infrastructure because of civil strife natural hazards: frequent and destructive earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection Geographic note: as of January 1996, Bosnian Serb leaders continued to demand revisions to the territorial aspects of the Dayton Agreement, especially in Sarajevo - designated to be under Federation control - and the Brcko/Posavina corridor area; members of the Bosnian Croat community also reject several territorial aspects of the agreement, citing that historically Bosnian Croat lands are to be transferred to Bosnian Serb control; despite disagreements, initial implementation of the agreement as of January 1996 appeared on course with the warring parties meeting the deadline for withdrawal of forces from the front lines in Sarajevo People ------ Population: 2,656,240 (July 1996 est.) note: all data dealing with population is subject to considerable error because of the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing Age structure: 0-14 years: 20% (male 276,530; female 248,519) 15-64 years: 68% (male 892,807; female 915,686) 65 years and over: 12% (male 133,081; female 189,617) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: -2.84% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 6.34 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 15.92 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -18.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female all ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 43.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.11 years male: 51.16 years female: 61.39 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian Ethnic divisions: Serb 40%, Muslim 38%, Croat 22% (est.) Religions: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10% Languages: Serbo-Croatian 99% Literacy: NA Government ---------- Government note: The US recognizes the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, formed by the Muslims and Croats in March 1994, remains in the implementation stages. Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: Republika Bosna i Hercegovina local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina note: under the new constitution initialed in Dayton, Ohio, on 21 November 1995, the name of the country will be changed from Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to simply Bosnia and Herzegovina and will be made up of the Muslim/Croat Federation and the Bosnian Serb entity now called Republika Srpska Data code: BK Type of government: emerging democracy Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: 109 districts (opstinas, singular - opstina) Banovici, Banja Luka, Bihac, Bijeljina, Bileca, Bosanska Dubica, Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanska Krupa, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Novi, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanski Samac, Bosansko Grahovo, Bratunac, Brcko, Breza, Bugojno, Busovaca, Cazin, Cajnice, Capljina, Celinac, Citluk, Derventa, Doboj, Donji Vakuf, Foca, Fojnica, Gacko, Glamoc, Gorazde, Gornji Vakuf, Gracanica, Gradacac, Grude, Han Pijesak, Jablanica, Jajce, Kakanj, Kalesija, Kalinovik, Kiseljak, Kladanj, Kljuc, Konjic, Kotor Varos, Kresevo, Kupres, Laktasi, Listica, Livno, Lopare, Lukavac, Ljubinje, Ljubuski, Maglaj, Modrica, Mostar, Mrkonjic-Grad, Neum, Nevesinje, Odzak, Olovo, Orasje, Posusje, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Prozor, (Pucarevo) Novi Travnik, Rogatica, Rudo, Sanski Most, Sarajevo-Centar, Sarajevo-Hadzici, Sarajevo-Ilidza, Sarajevo-Ilijas, Sarajevo-Novi Grad, Sarajevo-Novo, Sarajevo-Pale, Sarajevo-Stari Grad, Sarajevo-Trnovo, Sarajevo-Vogosca, Skender Vakuf, Sokolac, Srbac, Srebrenica, Srebrenik, Stolac, Sekovici, Sipovo, Teslic, Tesanj, Drvar, Duvno, Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Vares, Velika Kladusa, Visoko, Visegrad, Vitez, Vlasenica, Zavidovici, Zenica, Zvornik, Zepce, Zivinice note: administrative reorganization is currently under negotiation with the assistance of international mediators; spellings not yet approved by the US Board on Geographic Names Independence: NA April 1992 (from Yugoslavia) National holiday: NA Constitution: first promulgated in 1974 (under the Communists), amended 1989, 1990, and 1991; constitution of Muslim/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified April 1994; under the Dayton Agreement signed 21 November 1995, the Muslim/Croat Federation and the Serb republic government agreed to accept new basic principles in their constitutions Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since 20 December 1990) was elected by a collective (seven-member) presidency (of which he is a member); other members of the collective presidency are: Ejup GANIC (since NA November 1990), Nijaz DURAKOVIC (since NA October 1993), Stjepan KLJUJIC (since NA October 1993), Ivo KOMSIC (since NA October 1993), Mirko PEJANOVIC (since NA June 1992), Tatjana LJUJIC-MIJATOVIC (since NA December 1992); the collective presidency is elected from among the National Assembly with at least two members drawn from each of the three main ethnic groups head of government: Prime Minister Hasan MURATOVIC (since 30 January 1996) was elected by the collective presidency and the National Assembly cabinet: there is an executive body of ministers with no formal name who are members of, and responsible to, the National Assembly note: the president of the Muslim/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Kresimir ZUBAK (since 31 May 1994); Vice President Ejup GANIC (since 31 May 1994); elections for the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Presidency of the Republika Srpska will take place between six and nine months after the entry into force of the Dayton Agreement (14 December 1995) Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Chamber of Municipalities (Vijece Opeina): elections last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA); percent of vote by party NA; seats - (110 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 38, HDZ BiH 23, Party of Democratic Changes 4, DSS 1, SPO 1 Chamber of Citizens (Vijece Gradanstvo): elections last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA); percent of vote by party NA; seats - (130 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH 34, HDZ BiH 21, Party of Democratic Changes 15, SRSJ BiH 12, LBO 2, DSS 1, DSZ 1, LS 1 note: the new constitution signed as part of the Dayton agreement on 21 November 1995 provides for a new bicameral Parliamentary assembly which will consist of a House of Peoples with 15 delegates, two-thirds from the Muslim/Croat Federation and one-third from the Serbian republic, and a House of Representatives with 42 members, two-thirds from the Muslim/Croat Federation and one-third from the Serbian republic; elections are scheduled to be held six to nine months after the entry into force of the Dayton Agreement Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: Civic Democratic Party (GDS), Ibrahim SPAHIC; Party for Bosnia, Haris SILAJDZIC; Croatian Democratic Union of BiH (HDZ), Bozo RAJIC; Croatian Peasants' Party of BiH (HSS), Stanko STISKOVIC; Independent Serbian Democratic Party (NSDS), Petar DODIK; Liberal Bosniak Organization (LBO), Muhamed FILIPOVIC; Liberal Party (LS), Rasim KADIC, president; Muslim-Bosniac Organization (MBO), Adil ZULFIKARPASIC; Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Alija IZETBEGOVIC; Republican Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Stjepan KLUJIC; Serb Democratic Party (SDS), Radovan KARADZIC, president; Serbian Civic Council (SGV), Mirko PEJANOVIC; Serbian Consultative Council, Ljubomir BERBEROVIC; Social Democratic Party (SDP - formerly the Democratic Party of Socialists (DSS)), Nijaz DURAKOVIC, president; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska, Zivko RADISIC; Union of Social Democrats (SSDB), Salim BESLAGIC; United Left of the Bosnian Serb Republic (ULRS), Mile IVOSEVIC; Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), Milan TRIVUNCIC, note - this party participated in the 1990 elections, but may not exist now; Party of Democratic Changes, leader NA, note - this party participated in the 1990 elections, but may not exist now; Alliance of Reform Forces of Yugoslavia for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SRSJ BiH), Dr. Nenad KECMANOVIC, president, note - this party participated in the 1990 elections, but may not exist now; Democratic League of Greens (DSZ), Drazen PETROVIC, note - this party participated in the 1990 elections, but may not exist now; Yugoslav United Left (JUL), CAREVIC; Serb Liberal Party, Miodrag ZIVANOVIC; Serb Radical Party; Serb Patriotic Party, Slavko ZUPLJANIN; Serb Homeland Party Other political or pressure groups: NA International organization participation: CE (guest), CEI, ECE, FAO, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (guest), OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Sven ALKALAJ chancery: Suite 760, 1707 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 833-3612, 3613, 3615 FAX: [1] (202) 833-2061 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John K. MENZIES embassy: 43 Ul. Djure Djakovica, Sarajevo mailing address: use street address telephone: [387] (71) 645-992, 445-700, 659-743 Flag: white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white fleurs-de-lis with a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower outer side Economy ------- Economic overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of communist central planning and management. TITO had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of Yugoslavia's defense plants. The bitter interethnic warfare in Bosnia caused production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery to multiply. No economic statistics for 1992-95 are available, although output clearly has fallen substantially below the levels of earlier years and almost certainly is well below $1,000 per head. The country receives substantial amounts of humanitarian aid from the international community. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: NA% GDP per capita: $300 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Labor force: 1,026,254 by occupation: NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining; much of capacity damaged or shut down (1995) Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 3,800,000 kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock Illicit drugs: NA Exports: $NA commodities: NA partners: NA Imports: $NA commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 dinar = 100 para; Croatian dinar used in Croat-held area, presumably to be replaced by new Croatian kuna; old and new Serbian dinars used in Serb-held area; hard currencies probably supplanting local currencies in areas held by Bosnian Government Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 1,021 km (electrified 795 km) standard gauge: 1,021 km 1.435-m gauge (1991) Highways: total: 21,168 km paved: 11,436 km unpaved: 9,732 km (1991 est.) Waterways: NA km Pipelines: crude oil 174 km; natural gas 90 km (1992); note - pipelines now disrupted Ports: Bosanski Brod Merchant marine: none Airports: total: 24 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 7 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 9 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 727,000 Telephone system: telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion; many urban areas are below average when compared with services in other former Yugoslav republics domestic: NA international: no satellite earth stations Radio broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 2, shortwave 0 Radios: 840,000 Television broadcast stations: 6 Televisions: 1,012,094 Defense ------- Branches: Army Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 654,326 males fit for military service: 524,963 males reach military age (19) annually: 22,902 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP ====================================================================== @Botswana -------- Map --- Location: 22 00 S, 24 00 E -- Southern Africa, north of South Africa Flag ---- Description: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center Geography --------- Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa Geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 24 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 600,370 sq km land area: 585,370 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 4,013 km border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: short section of boundary with Namibia is indefinite; quadripoint with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; dispute with Namibia over uninhabited Kasikili (Sidudu) Island in Linyanti (Chobe) River remained unresolved in January 1996 and the parties have agreed to refer the matter to the ICJ Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Terrain: predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hill 1,489 m Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 75% forest and woodland: 2% other: 21% Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: overgrazing, primarily as a result of the expansion of the cattle population; desertification; limited natural fresh water resources natural hazards: periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Desertification Geographic note: landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country People ------ Population: 1,477,630 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42% (male 317,254; female 309,617) 15-64 years: 54% (male 374,572; female 419,991) 65 years and over: 4% (male 22,314; female 33,882) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.63% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 33.34 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 17.01 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 54.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 46.01 years male: 44.94 years female: 47.11 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.26 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic divisions: Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 69.8% male: 80.5% female: 59.9% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Botswana conventional short form: Botswana former: Bechuanaland Data code: BC Type of government: parliamentary republic Capital: Gaborone Administrative divisions: 10 districts and four town councils*; Central, Chobe, Francistown*, Gaborone*,Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Ngamiland, North-East, Selebi-Phikwe*, South-East, Southern, Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 30 September (1966) Constitution: March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Sir Ketumile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980) was elected for a five-year term by the National Assembly; election last held 15 October 1994 (next to be held October 1999); Vice President Festus MOGAE (since 9 March 1992) was appointed by the president cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament House of Chiefs: is a largely advisory 15-member body consisting of the chiefs of the eight principal tribes, four elected subchiefs, and three members selected by the other 12 National Assembly: elections last held 15 October 1994 (next to be held October 1999); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total, 40 elected and 4 appointed by the majority party) BDP 27, BNF 13 Judicial branch: High Court; Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Sir Ketumile MASIRE; Botswana National Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Botswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE; Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Archibald MOGWE chancery: Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990, 4991 FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Howard F. JETER embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353982 FAX: [267] 356947 Flag: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center Economy ------- Economic overview: The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops. Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population but supplies only about 50% of food needs and accounts for only 5% of GDP. Subsistence farming and cattle raising predominate. The sector is plagued by erratic rainfall and poor soils. The driving force behind the rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry. This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating 25% of GDP in 1980 to 39% in 1994. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 21%. Hampered by a still sluggish diamond market in 1994 and 1995, GDP grew by only 1% in both years. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 1% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $3,200 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: NA% services: NA% (1995 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1994 est.) Labor force: 428,000 (1992) by occupation: 220,000 formal sector employees; 14,300 are employed in various mines in South Africa; most others are engaged in cattle raising and subsistence agriculture (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 21% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.7 billion expenditures: $1.99 billion, including capital expenditures of $652 million (FY93/94) Industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing Industrial production growth rate: 4.6% (FY92/93) Electricity: capacity: 220,000 kW production: 900 million kWh consumption per capita: 694 kWh (1993) Agriculture: sorghum, maize, millet, pulses, groundnuts (peanuts), beans, cowpeas, sunflower seed; livestock Exports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b. 1994) commodities: diamonds 78%, copper and nickel 6%, meat 5% partners: Switzerland, UK, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products partners: Switzerland, Southern African Customs Union (SACU), UK, US External debt: $691 million (1994) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $189 million (1993) Currency: 1 pula (P) = 100 thebe Exchange rates: pula (P) per US$1 - 2.8305 (January 1996), 2.7716 (1995), 2.6831 (1994), 2.4190 (1993), 2.1327 (1992), 2.0173 (1991) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications -------------- Telephones: 19,109 (1985 est.) Telephone system: sparse system domestic: small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations international: microwave radio relay links to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 7, FM 13, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 0 (1988 est.) Televisions: 13,800 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Botswana Defense Force (includes Army and Air Wing), Botswana National Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 334,177 males fit for military service: 175,471 males reach military age (18) annually: 17,088 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $199 million, 5.2% of GDP (FY93/94) ====================================================================== @Bouvet Island ------------- (territory of Norway) Map --- Location: 54 26 S, 3 24 E -- Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Flag ---- Description: the flag of Norway is used Geography --------- Location: Southern Africa, island in the South Atlantic Ocean, south-southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Geographic coordinates: 54 26 S, 3 24 E Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total area: 58 sq km land area: 58 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: none Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 780 m Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% (all ice) Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Geographic note: covered by glacial ice People ------ Population: uninhabited Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island Data code: BV Type of government: territory of Norway Capital: none; administered from Oslo, Norway Independence: none (territory of Norway) Flag: the flag of Norway is used Economy ------- Economic overview: no economic activity Transportation -------------- Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Communications -------------- Communications note: automatic meteorological station Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of Norway ====================================================================== @Brazil ------ Map --- Location: 10 00 S, 55 00 W -- Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Flag ---- Description: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) Geography --------- Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Geographic coordinates: 10 00 S, 55 00 W Map references: South America Area: total area: 8,511,965 sq km land area: 8,456,510 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than the US note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo Land boundaries: total: 14,691 km border countries: Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km Coastline: 7,491 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: short section of the boundary with Paraguay, just west of Salto das Sete Quedas (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay are in dispute - Arroio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai and the Uruguay River Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico da Neblina 3,014 m Natural resources: bauxite, gold, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, platinum, tin, uranium, petroleum, hydropower, timber Land use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 67% other: 6% Irrigated land: 27,000 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers the existence of a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and several other large cities; land degradation and water pollution caused by improper mining activities natural hazards: recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification Geographic note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador People ------ Population: 162,661,214 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 31% (male 25,286,278; female 24,422,897) 15-64 years: 65% (male 52,232,435; female 53,094,724) 65 years and over: 4% (male 3,072,720; female 4,552,160) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.16% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 20.8 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 9.19 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 55.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.62 years male: 56.67 years female: 66.81 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.34 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Ethnic divisions: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and African 38%, African 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 70% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 83.3% male: 83.3% female: 83.2% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil conventional short form: Brazil local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil local short form: Brasil Data code: BR Type of government: federal republic Capital: Brasilia Administrative divisions: 26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Acre, Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo, Sergipe, Tocantins Independence: 7 September 1822 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 7 September (1822) Constitution: 5 October 1988 Legal system: based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and under 70 years of age Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Fernando Henrique CARDOSO (since 1 January 1995) was elected for a four-year term by popular vote; election last held 3 October 1994; (next to be held October 1998); results - Fernando Henrique CARDOSO 53%, Luis Inacio LULA da Silva 26%, Eneas CARNEIRO 7%, Orestes QUERCIA 4%, Leonel BRIZOLA 3%, Espiridiao AMIN 3%; note - second direct presidential election since 1960; Vice President Marco MARCIEL (since NA) cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) Federal Senate (Senado Federal): election last held 3 October 1994 for two-thirds of Senate (next to be held October 1996 for one-third of the Senate); results - PMBD 28%, PFL 22%, PSDB 12%, PPR 7%, PDT 7%, PT 6%, PTB 6%, other 12%; seats - (81 total) seats by party NA Chamber of Deputies (Camara dos Deputados): election last held 3 October 1994 (next to be held October 1998); results - PMDB 21%, PFL 18%, PDT 7%, PSDB 12%, PPR 10%, PTB 6%, PT 10%, other 16%; seats - (517 total) seats by party NA note: party totals since Fall 1994 have changed considerably due to extensive party-switching Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal, judges are appointed for life by the Senate Political parties and leaders: National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Paes DE ANDRADE, president; Liberal Front Party (PFL), Jorge BORNHAUSEN, president; Workers' Party (PT), Jose DIRCEU, president; Brazilian Workers' Party (PTB), Rodrigues PALMA, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel BRIZOLA, president; Brazilian Progressive Party (PPB), Espiridiao AMIN, president; Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Artur DA TAVOLA, president; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, chairman; Liberal Party (PL), Alvaro VALLE, president Other political or pressure groups: left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Workers' Party are critical of government's social and economic policies International organization participation: AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MTCR, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Paulo Tarso FLECHA de LIMA chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 745-2700 FAX: [1] (202) 745-2827 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and San Francisco consulate(s): Houston US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Melvyn LEVITSKY embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal mailing address: Unit 3500, APO AA 34030 telephone: [55] (61) 321-7272 FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136 consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulate(s): Porto Alegre, Recife Flag: green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial globe with 27 white five-pointed stars (one for each state and the Federal District) arranged in the same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress) Economy ------- Economic overview: With its large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil has South America's largest GDP by far and has the potential to become a major player in the world economy. Prior to the institution of a stabilization plan in mid-1994, stratospheric inflation rates had devastated the economy and discouraged foreign investment. Since then, tight monetary policy has apparently brought inflation under control - consumer prices increased by 23% in 1995 compared to more than 1,000% in 1994. At the same time, GDP growth slowed from 5.7% to 4.2% as credit was tightened and the steadily appreciating real encouraged imports while depressing export growth. The increased stability of the Brazilian economy allowed it to weather the fallout from the Mexican peso crisis relatively well, with foreign funds flowing in during the second half of 1995 to swell official foreign exchange reserves past the $50 billion mark. Stock market indices in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, however, ended 26% lower in 1995. President CARDOSO remains committed to further reducing inflation in 1996 while boosting growth, but he faces key challenges. Servicing domestic debt has become dramatically more burdensome for both public and private sector entities because of very high real interest rates which are contributing to growing budget deficits and a surge in bankruptcies. Fiscal reforms, many of which require constitutional amendments, are proceeding at a slow pace through the Brazilian legislature; in their absence, the government is maintaining its strict monetary policy. Brazil's natural resources remain a major, long-run economic strength. GDP: purchasing power parity - $976.8 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.2% (1995) GDP per capita: $6,100 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 16% industry: 25% services: 59% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 23% (1995) Labor force: 57 million (1989 est.) by occupation: services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27% Unemployment rate: 5% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $58.7 billion expenditures: $54.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994) Industries: textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (1995 est.) Electricity: capacity: 55,130,000 kW production: 241.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,589 kWh (1993) Agriculture: coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, coca cultivation in the Amazon region has diminished in recent years because of its low alkaloid content, mostly for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Exports: $46.5 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts partners: EU 27.6%, Latin America 21.8%, US 17.4%, Japan 6.3% (1993) Imports: $49.7 billion (f.o.b., 1995) commodities: crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal partners: US 23.3%, EU 22.5%, Middle East 13.0%, Latin America 11.8%, Japan 6.5% (1993) External debt: $94 billion (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $107 million (1993) Currency: 1 real (R$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: R$ per US$1 - 0.975 (January 1996), 0.918 (1995), 0.639 (1994); CR$ per US$1 - 390.845 (January 1994), 88.449 (1993), 4.513 (1992), 0.407 (1991) note: on 1 August 1993 the cruzeiro real (CR$), equal to 1,000 cruzeiros, was introduced; another new currency, the real (R$) was introduced on 1 July 1994, equal to 2,750 cruzeiro reals Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 27,418 km (1,750 km electrified) broad gauge: 5,730 km 1.600-m gauge standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge narrow gauge: 20,958 km 1.000-m gauge; 13 km 0.760-m gauge dual gauge: 523 km 1.000-m and 1.600-m gauges Highways: total: 1,661,850 km paved: 142,919 km unpaved: 1,518,931 km (1992 est.) Waterways: 50,000 km navigable Pipelines: crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km Ports: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Imbituba, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos, Vitoria Merchant marine: total: 207 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,108,543 GRT/8,477,760 DWT ships by type: bulk 48, cargo 29, chemical tanker 11, combination ore/oil 12, container 14, liquefied gas tanker 11, multifunction large-load carrier 1, oil tanker 64, passenger-cargo 5, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 11 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 2,950 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 5 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 19 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 122 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 295 with paved runways under 914 m: 1,298 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 66 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1,145 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 14,426,673 (1992 est.) Telephone system: good working system domestic: extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations international: 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean Region East) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1,223, FM 0, shortwave 151 Radios: 60 million (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 112 note: Brazil has the world's fourth largest television broadcasting system Televisions: 30 million (1993 est.) ====================================================================== @British Indian Ocean Territory ------------------------------ (dependent territory of the UK) Map --- Location: 6 00 S, 71 30 E -- Southern Asia, archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia Flag ---- Description: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag Geography --------- Location: Southern Asia, archipelago in the Indian Ocean, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 71 30 E Map references: World Area: total area: 60 sq km land area: 60 sq km comparative area: about 0.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: the island of Diego Garcia is claimed by Mauritius Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (up to four meters in elevation) lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m Natural resources: coconuts, fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Geographic note: archipelago of 2,300 islands; Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility People ------ Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there are UK-US military personnel and civilian contractors; civilian inhabitants, known as the Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US military facilities Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory conventional short form: none abbreviation: BIOT Data code: IO Type of government: dependent territory of the UK Capital: none Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch head of government: Commissioner David Ross MACLENNAN (since NA 1994); Administrator Don CAIRNS (since NA); note - both reside in the UK Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag Economy ------- Economic overview: All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia, where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and various services needed to support the military installations are done by military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands. Electricity: provided by the US military Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: NA km paved: short stretch of paved road of NA km between port and airfield on Diego Garcia unpaved: NA km Ports: Diego Garcia Airports: total: 1 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: NA Telephone system: facilities for military needs only domestic: NA international: NA Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: NA Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ====================================================================== @British Virgin Islands ---------------------- (dependent territory of the UK) Map --- Location: 18 30 N, 64 30 W -- Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Flag ---- Description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 18 30 N, 64 30 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 150 sq km land area: 150 sq km comparative area: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes the island of Anegada Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Sage 521 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 7% meadows and pastures: 33% forest and woodland: 7% other: 33% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the island's water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchment) natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) international agreements: NA Geographic note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico People ------ Population: 13,195 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Population growth rate: 1.29% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 20.19 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 6.05 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -1.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 19.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.78 years male: 70.93 years female: 74.75 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.26 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander Ethnic divisions: black 90%, white, Asian Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981) Languages: English (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1991 est.) total population: 97.8% male: NA% female: NA% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: British Virgin Islands abbreviation: BVI Data code: VI Type of government: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Road Town Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Territory Day, 1 July Constitution: 1 June 1977 Legal system: English law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952), hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor David MACKILLIGIN (since NA June 1995) who was appointed by the queen head of government: Chief Minister Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 15 May 1995; appointed after the death of former Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT) was appointed by the governor from among the members of the Legislative Council cabinet: Executive Council is appointed by the governor Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: election last held 20 February 1995 (next to be held NA February 2000); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (13 total) VIP 6, CCM 2, UP 2, independents 3 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP); Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), E. Walwyln BREWLEY International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) Economy ------- Economic overview: The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism, which generates an estimated 45% of the national income. In 1985, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, is expected to make the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements. Because of traditional close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands have used the dollar as their currency since 1959. GDP: purchasing power parity - $133 million (1991 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2% (1991 est.) GDP per capita: $10,600 (1991 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,911 (1980) by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: NEGL% (1992) Budget: revenues: $77.1 million expenditures: $76.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY93/94) Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Industrial production growth rate: 4% (1985) Electricity: capacity: 10,500 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,148 kWh (1993) Agriculture: fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish Exports: $2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US External debt: $4.5 million (1985) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 106 km (1983 est.) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km Ports: Road Town Merchant marine: none (1995 est.) Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 6,291 (1990 est.) Telephone system: worldwide telephone service domestic: NA international: submarine cable to Bermuda Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: 9,000 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: 4,000 (1992 est.) Defense ------- Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ====================================================================== @Brunei ------ Map --- Location: 4 30 N, 114 40 E -- Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia Flag ---- Description: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia Geographic coordinates: 4 30 N, 114 40 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 5,770 sq km land area: 5,270 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Delaware Land boundaries: total: 381 km border country: Malaysia 381 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly claimed the island Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 79% other: 18% Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are very rare international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Geographic note: close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of Malaysia People ------ Population: 299,939 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (male 51,266; female 49,194) 15-64 years: 62% (male 98,806; female 88,323) 65 years and over: 5% (male 6,843; female 5,507) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.56% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 25.5 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.1 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 5.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.24 male(s)/female all ages: 1.1 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 24.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.39 years male: 69.82 years female: 73.04 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.39 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bruneian(s) adjective: Bruneian Ethnic divisions: Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16% Religions: Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and other 15% (1981) Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 88.2% male: 92.6% female: 83.4% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam conventional short form: Brunei Data code: BX Type of government: constitutional sultanate Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Administrative divisions: 4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara, Temburong, Tutong Independence: 1 January 1984 (from UK) National holiday: National Day, 23 February (1984) Constitution: 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) Legal system: based on Islamic law Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967) is a traditional Islamic monarch cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers is composed chiefly of members of the royal family, appointed and presided over by the sultan; deals with executive matters Religious Council: is appointed by the sultan; advises on religious matters Privy Council: is appointed by the sultan; deals with constitutional matters the Council of Succession: is appointed by the sultan; determines the succession to the throne if the need arises Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri): elections last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive body by decree of the sultan; an elected Legislative Council is being considered as part of constitutional reform, but elections are unlikely for several years Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chief justice and judges are sworn in by the sultan for a three-year term Political parties and leaders: Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei National Solidarity Party (the first legal political party and now banned), leader NA; Brunei Peoples Party (banned), leader NA International organization participation: APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador JAYA bin Abdul Latif chancery: Watergate, Suite 300, 3rd floor, 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: [1] (202) 342-0159 FAX: [1] (202) 342-0158 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Theresa A. TULL embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan mailing address: American Embassy Box B, Bandar Seri Begawan, APO AP 96440 telephone: [673] (2) 229670 FAX: [673] (2) 225293 Flag: yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by two upraised hands Economy ------- Economic overview: The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 40% of GDP. Per capita GDP is among the highest in the Third World, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and housing. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.6 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $15,800 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 42% services: 55% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (1994 est.) Labor force: 119,000 (1993 est.); note - includes members of the Army by occupation: government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986) note: 33% of labor force is foreign (1988) Unemployment rate: 4.8% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.1 billion expenditures: $2.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $427 million (1993) Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Industrial production growth rate: 12.9% (1987) Electricity: capacity: 380,000 kW production: 1.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,971 kWh (1993) Agriculture: rice, cassava (tapioca), bananas; water buffalo, pigs Exports: $2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products partners: Japan 50%, UK 19%, Thailand 10%, Singapore 9% (1994 est.) Imports: $1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1994 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals partners: Singapore 29%, UK 19%, US 13%, Malaysia 9%, Japan 5% (1994 est.) External debt: 0 Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.4214 (January 1996), 1.4174 (1995), 1.5274 (1994), 1.6158 (1993), 1.6290 (1992), 1.7276 (1991); note - the Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 13 km private line narrow gauge: 13 km 0.610-m gauge Highways: total: 2,443 km paved: 1,296 km unpaved: 1,147 km (1993) Waterways: 209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m Pipelines: crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km Ports: Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong Merchant marine: total: 7 liquefied gas tankers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635 DWT (1994 est.) Airports: total: 2 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.) Heliports: 3 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 76,900 (1993) Telephone system: service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international service good to adjacent Malaysia domestic: NA international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 4, shortwave 0 Radios: 115,000 (1993) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1984 est.) Televisions: 78,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Land Forces, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 83,641 males fit for military service: 48,559 males reach military age (18) annually: 2,918 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $312 million, 6.2% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Bulgaria -------- Map --- Location: 43 00 N, 25 00 E -- Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Flag ---- Description: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Geographic coordinates: 43 00 N, 25 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total area: 110,910 sq km land area: 110,550 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: total: 1,808 km border countries: Greece 494 km, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km (all with Serbia), Turkey 240 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Musala 2,925 m Natural resources: bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land Land use: arable land: 34% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 18% forest and woodland: 35% other: 10% Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes natural hazards: earthquakes, landslides international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Law of the Sea Geographic note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia People ------ Population: 8,612,757 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 17% (male 769,025; female 732,119) 15-64 years: 68% (male 2,891,197; female 2,923,440) 65 years and over: 15% (male 561,944; female 735,032) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 0.46% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 8.33 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 13.55 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 9.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female all ages: 0.96 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 15.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71 years male: 67.07 years female: 75.12 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.17 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Ethnic divisions: Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, other 0.6% Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%, Uniate Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5% Languages: Bulgarian, secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1992 est.) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 97% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria conventional short form: Bulgaria Data code: BU Type of government: emerging democracy Capital: Sofia Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo, Lovech, Montana, Plovdiv, Ruse, Sofiya, Varna Independence: 22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 March (1878) Constitution: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system with Soviet law influence; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990, when he was elected by the National Assembly); president and vice president elected for five-year terms by popular vote; election last held NA January 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Zhelyu ZHELEV elected by popular vote; Vice President (vacant) head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Zhan VIDENOV (since 25 January 1995) appointed by the president; Deputy Prime Ministers Doncho KONAKCHIEV (since 25 January 1995), Atanas PAPAKIZOV (since NA), Rumen GECHEV (since 25 January 1995), Svetoslav SHIVAROV (since 25 January 1995) cabinet: Council of Ministers elected by the National Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie): last held 18 December 1994 (next to be held NA 1997); results - BSP 43.5%, UDF 24.2%, PU 6.5%, MRF 5.4%, BBB 4.7%; seats - (240 total) BSP 125, UDF 69, PU 18, MRF 15, BBB 13 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chairman appointed for a seven-year term by the president; Constitutional Court, 12 justices appointed or elected for a nine-year term Political parties and leaders: Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman; Union of Democratic Forces (UDF - an alliance of pro-Democratic parties), Ivan KOSTOV; People's Union (PU), Stefan SAVOV; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (mainly ethnic Turkish party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN; Bulgarian Business Bloc (BBB), George GANCHEV Other political or pressure groups: Democratic Alliance for the Republic (DAR); New Union for Democracy (NUD); Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union; Bulgarian Communist Party (BCP); Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Bulgarian Agrarian National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov" Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas International organization participation: ACCT, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, EBRD, ECE, EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarset, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAVEM III, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOT, UPU, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant), ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Snezhana Damianova BOTUSHAROVA chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 387-7969 FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) embassy: 1 Saborna Street, Sofia mailing address: Unit 1335, APO AE 09213-1335 telephone: [359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05 FAX: [359] (2) 80-19-77 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control) Economy ------- Economic overview: One of the poorest countries of central Europe, Bulgaria has continued the difficult process of moving from its old command economy to a modern, market-oriented economy. GDP rose a moderate 2.4% in 1995; inflation was down sharply; and unemployment fell from an estimated 16% to 12%. Despite this progress, structural reforms necessary to underpin macroeconomic stabilization were not pursued vigorously. Mass privatization of state-owned industry continued to move slowly, although privatization of small-scale industry, particularly in the retail and service sectors, accelerated. The Bulgarian economy will continue to grow in 1996, but economic reforms will remain politically difficult as the population has become weary of the process. GDP: purchasing power parity - $43.2 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.4% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $4,920 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 12% industry: 36% services: 52% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 35% (1995) Labor force: 3.1 million by occupation: industry 41%, agriculture 18%, other 41% (1992) Unemployment rate: 11.9% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $3.8 billion expenditures: $4.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994) Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, construction materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Industrial production growth rate: 2% (1995) Electricity: capacity: 11,500,000 kW production: 38.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,342 kWh (1994) Agriculture: grain, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, tobacco; livestock Illicit drugs: important transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine transiting the Balkan route; limited producer of precursor chemicals Exports: $4.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: machinery and equipment 12.8%; agriculture and food 21.9%; textiles and apparel 14%; metals and ores 19.7%; chemicals 16.9%; minerals and fuels 9.3% partners: former CEMA countries 35.7%; OECD 46.6% (EU 33.5%); Arab countries 5.1%; other 12.6% Imports: $4 billion (c.i.f., 1994) commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials 30.1%; machinery and equipment 23.6%; textiles and apparel 11.6%; agricultural products 10.8%; metals and ores 6.8%; chemicals 12.3%; other 4.8% partners: former CEMA countries 40.3%; OECD 48.3% (EU 34.1%); Arab countries 1.7%; other 9.7% External debt: $10.4 billion (1995) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $39 million (1993) note: $700 million in balance of payments support from Western nations (1994) Currency: 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 70.5 (December 1995), 54.2 (1994), 27.1 (1993), 23.3 (1992), 18.4 (1991); note - floating exchange rate since February 1991 Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 4,292 km standard gauge: 4,047 km 1.435-m gauge (2,650 km electrified; 917 double track) other: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 36,932 km paved: 33,904 km (including 276 km of expressways) unpaved: 3,028 km (1992 est.) Waterways: 470 km (1987) Pipelines: crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 525 km; natural gas 1,400 km (1992) Ports: Burgas, Lom, Nesebur, Ruse, Varna, Vidin Merchant marine: total: 103 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,084,090 GRT/1,596,735 DWT ships by type: bulk 45, cargo 27, chemical tanker 4, container 2, oil tanker 13, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1 note: Bulgaria owns an additional 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 135,016 DWT operating under the registries of Liberia and Malta (1995 est.) Airports: total: 355 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 17 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 10 with paved runways under 914 m: 88 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 10 with unpaved runways under 914 m: 226 (1994 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 2,773,293 (1993 est.) Telephone system: almost two-thirds of the lines are residential; 67% of Sofia households have telephones (November 1988 est.) domestic: extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; telephone service is available in most villages international: direct dialing to 36 countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region); Intelsat available through a Greek earth station Radio broadcast stations: AM 20, FM 15, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 29 (Russian repeater in Sofia 1) Televisions: 2.1 million (May 1990 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Troops, Internal Troops Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,155,332 males fit for military service: 1,797,318 males reach military age (19) annually: 64,568 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $352 million, 2.5% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Burkina Faso ------------ Map --- Location: 13 00 N, 2 00 W -- Western Africa, north of Ghana Flag ---- Description: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Geography --------- Location: Western Africa, north of Ghana Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 2 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total area: 274,200 sq km land area: 273,800 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Colorado Land boundaries: total: 3,192 km border countries: Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: following mutual acceptance of an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in December 1986 on their international boundary dispute, Burkina Faso and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast lowest point: Black Volta River 200 m highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m Natural resources: manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper, nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 37% forest and woodland: 26% other: 27% Irrigated land: 160 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation natural hazards: recurring droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Geographic note: landlocked People ------ Population: 10,623,323 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 48% (male 2,569,806; female 2,537,106) 15-64 years: 49% (male 2,444,601; female 2,738,726) 65 years and over: 3% (male 145,479; female 187,605) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.53% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 47.02 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 19.99 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -1.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.89 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female all ages: 0.94 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 117.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 43.21 years male: 43.46 years female: 42.95 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural) adjective: Burkinabe Ethnic divisions: Mossi about 24%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% Languages: French (official), tribal languages belonging to Sudanic family, spoken by 90% of the population Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 19.2% male: 29.5% female: 9.2% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Burkina Faso former: Upper Volta Data code: UV Type of government: parliamentary Capital: Ouagadougou Administrative divisions: 30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) Constitution: 2 June 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state: President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) elected for a seven-year term by popular vote; election last held NA December 1991 (next to be held NA 1998) head of government: Prime Minister Roch KABORE (since NA March 1994) appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of People's Deputies: elections last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (107 total), ODP-MT 78, CNPP-PSD 12, RDA 6, ADF 4, other 7 note: the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, which has not been formally constituted Judicial branch: Appeals Court Political parties and leaders: Organization for People's Democracy - Labor Movement (ODP-MT), ruling party, Secretary General Simon COMPAORE; National Convention of Progressive Patriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Moussa BOLY; African Democratic Rally (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance for Democracy and Federation (ADF), Amadou Michel NANA Other political or pressure groups: committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Gaetan R. OUEDRAOGO chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577, 6895 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald J. MCCONNELL embassy: Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou telephone: [226] 306723 through 306725 FAX: [226] 303890 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Economy ------- Economic overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina Faso has a high population density and a high population growth rate, few natural resources, and a fragile soil. Economic development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked country. Agriculture is mainly subsistence farming. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the Communaute Financiere Africaine currency devaluation on 12 January 1994, exports appear to have risen, but no official figures have been released yet. The upswing apparently continued in 1995, with growth perhaps at 4%. The government has updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies, yet even with the best of plans, the government faces formidable problems on all sides. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.4 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $700 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 32% industry: 24% services: 44% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1995 est.) Labor force: NA (most adults are employed in subsistence agriculture) by occupation: agriculture 80%, industry 15%, commerce, services, and government 5% note: 20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $483 million expenditures: $548 million, including capital expenditures of $189 million (1992) Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 60,000 kW production: 190 million kWh consumption per capita: 17 kWh (1993) Agriculture: peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock Exports: $273 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: cotton, gold, animal products partners: EC, Cote d'Ivoire, Taiwan, Thailand Imports: $636 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery, food products, petroleum partners: EC, Africa, Japan External debt: $1 billion (December 1993 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 622 km (1995 est.) narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge (517 km Ouagadougou to Cote d'Ivoire border and 105 km opened in 1993 from Ouagadougou to Kaya) Highways: total: 16,400 km paved: 1,280 km unpaved: 15,120 km (1987 est.) Ports: none Airports: total: 23 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 8 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 10 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 21,000 (1993 est.) Telephone system: all services only fair domestic: microwave radio relay, open wire, and radiotelephone communication stations international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 2 (1987 est.) Televisions: 49,000 (1991 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's Militia Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,149,485 males fit for military service: 1,101,184 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $104 million, 6.4% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Burma ----- Map --- Location: 22 00 N, 98 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand Flag ---- Description: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand Geographic coordinates: 22 00 N, 98 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 678,500 sq km land area: 657,740 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,876 km border countries: Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km Coastline: 1,930 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April) Terrain: central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m Natural resources: petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas Land use: arable land: 15% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 1% forest and woodland: 49% other: 34% Irrigated land: 10,180 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease natural hazards: destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94 Geographic note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes People ------ Population: 45,975,625 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 37% (male 8,637,102; female 8,308,282) 15-64 years: 59% (male 13,577,232; female 13,571,312) 65 years and over: 4% (male 853,403; female 1,028,294) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.84% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 30.01 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 11.66 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female all ages: 1.01 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 80.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.14 years male: 54.46 years female: 57.92 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.83 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Burmese (singular and plural) adjective: Burmese Ethnic divisions: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%, other 5% Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist beliefs 1%, other 2% Languages: Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 83.1% male: 88.7% female: 77.7% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Union of Burma conventional short form: Burma local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar) local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma Data code: BM Type of government: military regime Capital: Rangoon (regime refers to the capital as Yangon) Administrative divisions: 7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular - pyine); Chin State, Ayeyarwady*, Bago*, Kachin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Magway*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Rakhine State, Sagaing*, Shan State, Tanintharyi*, Yangon* Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948) Constitution: 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft a new constitution; chapter headings and three of 15 sections have been approved Legal system: does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) State Law and Order Restoration Council: military junta which assumed power 18 September 1988 Legislative branch: People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw): election last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats - (485 total) NLD 396, NUP 10, other 79 Judicial branch: limited; remnants of the British-era legal system in place, but there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not independent of the executive Political parties and leaders: Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA; pro-regime), THAN AUNG, secretary; National Unity Party (NUP), pro-regime, THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), AUNG SAN SUU KYI, general secretary; and eight minor legal parties Other political or pressure groups: National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), headed by the elected prime minister SEIN WIN - consists of individuals legitimately elected to the People's Assembly but not recognized by the military regime; the group fled to a border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government; Kachin Independence Army (KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen National Union (KNU); several Shan factions, including the Mong Tai Army (MTA); All Burma Student Democratic Front (ABSDF) International organization participation: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador U THAUNG chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 332-9044, 9045 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Marilyn A. MEYERS embassy: 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (GPO 521) mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546 telephone: [95] (1) 82055, 82182 (operator assistance required) FAX: [95] (1) 80409 Flag: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions Economy ------- Economic overview: Burma has a mixed economy with about 75% private activity, mainly in agriculture, light industry, and transport, and with about 25% state-controlled activity, mainly in energy, heavy industry, and foreign trade. Government policy in the last seven years, 1989-95, has aimed at revitalizing the economy after three decades of tight central planning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreign investment has been encouraged, so far with moderate success; and efforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises. Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because of the volume of black market trade. A major ongoing problem is the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, its rich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-term increases in income, exports, and living standards. GDP: purchasing power parity - $47 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6.8% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,000 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 60% industry: 10% services: 30% (1995 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 38% (1994 est.) Labor force: 16.007 million (1992) by occupation: agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1% (FY88/89 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $5.3 billion expenditures: $10 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1995 est.) Industries: agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products; petroleum refining; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer Industrial production growth rate: 4.9% (FY92/93 est.) Electricity: capacity: 845,000 kW production: 3.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 46 kWh (1995 est.) Agriculture: paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses; hardwood Illicit drugs: world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,340 metric tons in 1995) and source for over 60% of US heroin imports; minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; Rangoon's antinarcotic programs hindered by lack of resources, government commitment; growing role in methamphetamine production for regional consumption Exports: $879 million (FY94/95 est.) commodities: pulses and beans, teak, rice, hardwood partners: Singapore, China, Thailand, India, Hong Kong Imports: $1.5 billion (FY94/95 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, food products, consumer goods partners: Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia External debt: $5.5 billion (FY94/95 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $61 million (1993) Currency: 1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 5.8475 (January 1996), 5.9170 (1995), 5.9749 (1994), 6.1570 (1993), 6.1045 (1992), 6.2837 (1991); unofficial - 120 Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 3,569 km narrow gauge: 3,569 km 1.000-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 26,861 km paved: 3,181 km unpaved: 23,680 km (1988 est.) Waterways: 12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels Pipelines: crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km Ports: Bassein, Bhamo, Chauk, Mandalay, Moulmein, Myitkyina, Rangoon, Akyab (Sittwe), Tavoy Merchant marine: total: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 444,957 GRT/610,420 DWT ships by type: bulk 11, cargo 15, chemical tanker 5, container 1, oil tanker 3, passenger-cargo 3, vehicle carrier 2 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 74 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 13 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 10 with paved runways under 914 m: 28 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 17 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 122,195 (1993 est.) Telephone system: meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and government; international service is good domestic: NA international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1985 est.) note: radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1988 est.) Televisions: 88,000 (1992 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 11,759,636 females age 15-49: 11,588,181 males fit for military service: 6,291,986 females fit for military service: 6,184,667 males reach military age (18) annually: 473,255 females reach military age (18) annually: 454,786 (1996 est.) note: both sexes liable for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $135 million, NA% of GDP (FY95/96) ====================================================================== @Burundi ------- Map --- Location: 3 30 S, 30 00 E -- Central Africa, east of Zaire Flag ---- Description: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) Geography --------- Location: Central Africa, east of Zaire Geographic coordinates: 3 30 S, 30 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 27,830 sq km land area: 25,650 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 974 km border countries: Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands; dry season from June to September Terrain: hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m highest point: Mount Heha 2,760 m Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium Land use: arable land: 43% permanent crops: 8% meadows and pastures: 35% forest and woodland: 2% other: 12% Irrigated land: 720 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands; deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel); habitat loss threatens wildlife populations natural hazards: flooding, landslides international agreements: party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Geographic note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed People ------ Population: 5,943,057 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 47% (male 1,404,375; female 1,398,228) 15-64 years: 50% (male 1,454,545; female 1,527,644) 65 years and over: 3% (male 62,955; female 95,310) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.54% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 43.02 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 15.15 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -12.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) note: in a number of waves since October 1993, hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled the civil strife between the Hutu and Tutsi factions in Burundi and crossed into Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zaire; the refugee flows are continuing in 1996 as the ethnic violence persists Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 102.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.33 years male: 48.28 years female: 50.42 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.55 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Burundian(s) adjective: Burundi Ethnic divisions: Africans: Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1% non-Africans: Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000 Religions: Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%, Muslim 1% Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 35.3% male: 49.3% female: 22.5% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Burundi conventional short form: Burundi local long form: Republika y'u Burundi local short form: Burundi Data code: BY Type of government: republic Capital: Bujumbura Administrative divisions: 15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Constitution: 13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural political system Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult Executive branch: chief of state: President Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA (acting president from 8 April 1994 to 30 September 1994, president since 1 October 1994); note - NTIBANTUNGANYA, in his capacity as President of the National Assembly, became acting president upon the death of President Cyprien NTARYAMIRE in an airplane crash on 6 April 1994; NTIBANTUNGANYA was sworn in on 1 October 1994 as president by the "Convention on Government" to serve a four year transitional term head of government: Prime Minister Antoine NDUWAYO (since February 1995) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): election last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA); results - FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats - (81 total) FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16; other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in the assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Unity for National Progress (UPRONA); Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU); Organization of the People of Burundi (RBP); Socialist Party of Burundi (PSB); People's Reconciliation Party (PRP); opposition parties, legalized in March 1992, include Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation (ABASA); Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development (RADDES); and Party for National Redress (PARENA) Other political or pressure groups: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Severin NTAHOMVUKIYE chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charles YELLIN embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura telephone: [257] (2) 23454 FAX: [257] (2) 22926 Flag: divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a triangular design (one star above, two stars below) Economy ------- Economic overview: Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic development. The economy is predominately agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on subsistence agriculture. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts for 80% of foreign exchange earnings. The ability to pay for imports therefore rests largely on the vagaries of the climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi is trying to diversify its agricultural exports, attract foreign investment in industry, and modernize government budgetary practices. Since October 1993 the nation has suffered from massive ethnic-based violence which has resulted in the death of perhaps 100,000 persons and the displacement of a million others; production has fallen sharply, and an impoverished and disorganized government can hardly implement these needed reform programs. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.7% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $600 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 54.1% industry: 16.8% services: 29.1% (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1993 est.) Labor force: 1.9 million (1983 est.) by occupation: agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services 1.5% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $318 million expenditures: $326 million, including capital expenditures of $150 million (1991 est.) Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 55,000 kW production: 100 million kWh consumption per capita: 20 kWh (1993) Agriculture: coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; meat, milk, hides Exports: $68 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: coffee 81%, tea, cotton, hides partners: EC 57%, US 19%, Asia 1% Imports: $203 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 45%, Asia 29%, US 2% External debt: $1.05 billion (1994 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 268.13 (November 1995), 252.66 (1994), 242.78 (1993), 208.30 (1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 14,473 km paved: 1,028 km unpaved: 13,445 km (1992 est.) Waterways: Lake Tanganyika Ports: Bujumbura Airports: total: 3 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 7,200 (1987 est.) Telephone system: primitive system domestic: sparse system of open wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relay international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 2, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 Televisions: 4,500 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,312,458 males fit for military service: 683,073 males reach military age (16) annually: 67,990 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $25 million, 2.6% of GDP (1993) ====================================================================== @Cambodia -------- Map --- Location: 13 00 N, 105 00 E -- Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand and Vietnam Flag ---- Description: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined in black in the center of the red band Geography --------- Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand and Vietnam Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 105 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total area: 181,040 sq km land area: 176,520 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Oklahoma Land boundaries: total: 2,572 km border countries: Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km Coastline: 443 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: offshore islands and sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; parts of border with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly defined Climate: tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m Natural resources: timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential Land use: arable land: 16% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 76% other: 4% Irrigated land: 920 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand are resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); deforestation; soil erosion; in rural areas, a majority of the population does not have access to potable water natural hazards: monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts international agreements: party to - Marine Life Conservation, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Tropical Timber 94 Geographic note: a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap People ------ Population: 10,861,218 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 45% (male 2,505,998; female 2,432,620) 15-64 years: 51% (male 2,579,986; female 3,007,838) 65 years and over: 4% (male 143,759; female 191,017) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.77% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 43.5 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 15.78 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female all ages: 0.93 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 107.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.86 years male: 48.39 years female: 51.39 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.81 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Cambodian(s) adjective: Cambodian Ethnic divisions: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% Religions: Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5% Languages: Khmer (official), French Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 35% male: 48% female: 22% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia conventional short form: Cambodia local long form: Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea local short form: Kampuchea Data code: CB Type of government: multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993 Capital: Phnom Penh Administrative divisions: 21 provinces (khett, singular and plural); Banteay Mean Cheay, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh, Pouthisat, Preah Seihanu (Sihanoukville), Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanah Kiri, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev note: a new province of Otdar Mean Cheay may have been created from parts of Banteay Mean Cheay and Siem Reab Independence: 9 November 1949 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 9 November 1949 Constitution: promulgated 21 September 1993 Legal system: currently being defined Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated 24 September 1993) is a constitutional monarch head of government: power shared between First Prime Minister Prince Norodom RANARIDDH (since NA 1993) and Second Prime Minister HUN SEN (since NA 1993) who were appointed by the king cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the king Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: members elected for five-year terms; elections last held 23 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) FUNCINPEC 58, CPP 51, Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party 10, Molinaka 1 note: the May 1993 elections were for the Constituent Assembly which became the National Assembly after the new constitution was promulgated in September 1993 Judicial branch: Supreme Court provided for by the constitution has not yet been established and the future judicial system is yet to be defined by law Political parties and leaders: National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC), Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP), CHEA SIM; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party, SON SANN faction; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party, IENG MOULY faction; Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge), KHIEU SAMPHAN; Molinaka, PROM NEAKAREACH International organization participation: ACCT, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), Interpol, ITU, Mekong Group, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador VAR HUOTH chancery: 4500 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742 FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth M. QUINN embassy: 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546 telephone: [855] (23) 426436, 426438 FAX: [855] (23) 426437 Flag: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double width), and blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat outlined in black in the center of the red band Economy ------- Economic overview: The Cambodian economy - virtually destroyed by decades of war - is slowly recovering. Government leaders are moving toward restoring fiscal and monetary discipline and have established good working relations with international financial institutions. Growth, starting from a low base, has been strong in 1991-95. Despite such positive developments, the reconstruction effort faces many tough challenges because of the persistence of internal political divisions and the related lack of confidence of foreign investors. Rural Cambodia, where 90% of about 9.5 million Khmer live, remains mired in poverty. The almost total lack of basic infrastructure in the countryside will hinder development and will contribute to a growing imbalance in growth between urban and rural areas over the near term. Moreover, the government's lack of experience in administering economic and technical assistance programs and rampant corruption among officials will slow the growth of critical public sector investment. The decline of inflation from the 1992 rate of more than 50% is one of the bright spots. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 6.7% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $660 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 52% industry: 13.5% services: 34.5% (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1995 est.) Labor force: 2.5 million to 3 million by occupation: agriculture 80% (1988 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $210 million expenditures: $346 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1994 est.) Industries: rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining Industrial production growth rate: 7.9% (1993 est.) Electricity: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 160 million kWh consumption per capita: 14 kWh (1993) Agriculture: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables Illicit drugs: key transshipment country for Golden Triangle heroin en route to West; possibly becoming money-laundering center; high-level narcotics-related corruption in government, military, and police; possible small-scale opium, heroin, and amphetamine production; large producer of cannabis Exports: $240.7 million (1995 est.) commodities: timber, rubber, soybeans, sesame partners: Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia Imports: $630.5 million (1995 est.) commodities: cigarettes, construction materials, petroleum products, machinery, motor vehicles partners: Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia External debt: $383 million to OECD members (1993) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA note: IMF pledged $120 million in aid for 1995-98 Currency: 1 new riel (CR) = 100 sen Exchange rates: riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,585 (December 1994), 2,470 (December 1993), 2,800 (September 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560 (1990) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 603 km narrow gauge: 603 km 1.000-m gauge Highways: total: 34,100 km paved: 3,000 km unpaved: 31,100 km (1994 est.) Waterways: 3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 m; 282 km navigable to craft drawing 1.8 m Ports: Kampong Saom (Sihanoukville), Kampot, Krong Kaoh Kong, Phnom Penh Merchant marine: total: 5 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 17,451 GRT/18,280 DWT (1995 est.) Airports: total: 14 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 2 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 7 (1995 est.) Heliports: 2 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 7,000 (1981 est.) Telephone system: service barely adequate for government requirements and virtually nonexistent for general public domestic: NA international: landline international service limited to Vietnam and other adjacent countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean Region) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1986 est.) Televisions: 70,000 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Khmer Royal Armed Forces (KRAF): created in 1993 by the merger of the Cambodian People's Armed Forces and the two noncommunist resistance armies; note - the KRAF is also known as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Resistance forces: National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 2,336,606 males fit for military service: 1,302,234 males reach military age (18) annually: 79,514 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $85 million, 1.4% of GDP (1995) ====================================================================== @Cameroon -------- Map --- Location: 6 00 N, 12 00 E -- Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria Flag ---- Description: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Geography --------- Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria Geographic coordinates: 6 00 N, 12 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 475,440 sq km land area: 469,440 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total: 4,591 km border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km Coastline: 402 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 50 nm International disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaits ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; dispute with Nigeria over land and maritime boundaries in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula has been referred to the International Court of Justice Climate: varies with terrain, from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north Terrain: diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center, mountains in west, plains in north lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Fako 4,095 m Natural resources: petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential Land use: arable land: 13% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 18% forest and woodland: 54% other: 13% Irrigated land: 280 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing natural hazards: recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber 94 Geographic note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa People ------ Population: 14,261,557 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (male 3,295,924; female 3,266,429) 15-64 years: 51% (male 3,602,037; female 3,627,625) 65 years and over: 3% (male 213,176; female 256,366) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.89% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 42.49 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 13.56 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female all ages: 1 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 78.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.6 years male: 51.55 years female: 53.68 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.99 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Cameroonian(s) adjective: Cameroonian Ethnic divisions: Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%, Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African less than 1% Religions: indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16% Languages: 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 63.4% male: 75% female: 52.1% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon conventional short form: Cameroon former: French Cameroon Data code: CM Type of government: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990) Capital: Yaounde Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest Independence: 1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration) National holiday: National Day, 20 May (1972) Constitution: 20 May 1972 Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last held 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA October 1997); results - President Paul BIYA reelected with about 40% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud; SDF candidate John FRU NDI got 36% of the vote; UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI got 19% of the vote head of government: Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992) appointed by the president cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 1 March 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats (180 total) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) (government-controlled and the only party until legalization of opposition parties in 1990), Paul BIYA, president major opposition parties: National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP); Social Democratic Front (SDF); Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of Cameroonian Populations (UPC); Movement for the Defense of the Republic (MDR) Other political or pressure groups: Alliance for Change (FAC), Cameroon Anglophone Movement (CAM) International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790 through 8794 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. TWINING embassy: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde mailing address: B. P. 817, Yaounde telephone: [237] 23-40-14, 23-05-12 FAX: [237] 23-07-53 Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Economy ------- Economic overview: Because of its offshore oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed, most diversified primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as political instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led to rapid economic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986, precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee, cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, and inefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-93, with support from the IMF and World Bank, the government began to introduce reforms designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, and recapitalize the nation's banks. Political instability, following suspect elections in 1992, brought IMF/WB structural adjustment to a halt; currently Cameroon receives only minimal assistance from those Bretton Woods institutions. Although the 50% devaluation of the currency of 12 January 1994 improved the potential for export growth, mismanagement remains the main barrier to economic improvement. The devaluation led to a spurt in inflation, to 48% in 1994, but inflation moderated in 1995. Progress toward privatization of remaining state industry remains slow. GDP: purchasing power parity - $16.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 1.8% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $1,200 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 29% industry: 24% services: 47% (1994 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 48% (1994) Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2% (1983) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $1.6 billion expenditures: $2.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $226 million (FY92/93 est.) Industries: petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 630,000 kW production: 2.7 billion kWh consumption per capita: 196 kWh (1993) Agriculture: coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, aluminum, cocoa beans, coffee, cotton partners: EU (particularly France) about 50%, African countries, US Imports: $810 million (f.o.b., 1994) commodities: machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transport equipment, petroleum products partners: EU (France 38%, Germany), African countries, Japan 5%, US 5% External debt: $6.6 billion (1993) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $449 million (1993) Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 1,104 km (1995 est.) narrow gauge: 1,104 km 1.000-m gauge Highways: total: 64,626 km paved: 2,666 km unpaved: 61,960 km (1987 est.) Waterways: 2,090 km; of decreasing importance Ports: Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko Merchant marine: total: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT (1995 est.) Airports: total: 45 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 2 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 4 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 3 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 13 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 7 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 15 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 36,737 (1991 est.) Telephone system: available only to business and government domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 11, FM 11, shortwave 0 Radios: 2 million (1993 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1995) Televisions: NA Defense ------- Branches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Presidential Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 3,112,339 males fit for military service: 1,572,150 males reach military age (18) annually: 151,300 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $102 million, NA% of GDP (FY93/94) ====================================================================== @Canada ------ Map --- Location: 60 00 N, 95 00 W -- Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean, north of the conterminous US Flag ---- Description: three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band Geography --------- Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific Ocean, north of the conterminous US Geographic coordinates: 60 00 N, 95 00 W Map references: North America Area: total area: 9,976,140 sq km land area: 9,220,970 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than US Land boundaries: total: 8,893 km border country: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska) Coastline: 243,791 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: maritime boundary disputes with the US; Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Logan 5,950 m Natural resources: nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 3% forest and woodland: 45% other: 43% Irrigated land: 8,400 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: air pollution and resulting acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities natural hazards: continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea, Tropical Timber 94 Geographic note: second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; nearly 90% of the population is concentrated within 161 km of the US/Canada border People ------ Population: 28,820,671 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (male 3,032,458; female 2,889,603) 15-64 years: 67% (male 9,663,955; female 9,660,648) 65 years and over: 12% (male 1,501,542; female 2,072,465) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.06% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 13.33 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 7.17 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 4.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.07 years male: 75.67 years female: 82.65 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Canadian(s) adjective: Canadian Ethnic divisions: British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenous Indian and Eskimo 1.5%, other, mostly Asian 11.5% Religions: Roman Catholic 45%, United Church 12%, Anglican 8%, other 35% (1991) Languages: English (official), French (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986 est.) total population: 97% male: NA% female: NA% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Canada Data code: CA Type of government: confederation with parliamentary democracy Capital: Ottawa Administrative divisions: 10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* Independence: 1 July 1867 (from UK) National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867) Constitution: amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982; charter of rights and unwritten customs Legal system: based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), a hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General Romeo LeBLANC (since 8 February 1995), who was appointed by the queen head of government: Prime Minister Jean CHRETIEN (since 4 November 1993) was appointed by the governor general; on 25 October 1993; Deputy Prime Minister Sheila COPPS (since NA); note - the prime minister is the leader of the political party commanding a majority in the House of Commons cabinet: Federal Ministry was chosen by the prime minister from members of his own party sitting in Parliament Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlement) Senate (Senat): consisting of a body whose members are appointed to serve until 75 years of age by the governor general and selected on the advice of the prime minister; its normal limit is 104 senators House of Commons (Chambre des Communes): elections last held 25 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998); results - percent of votes by party NA; seats - (295 total) Liberal Party 179, Bloc Quebecois 53, Reform Party 52, New Democratic Party 8, Progressive Conservative Party 2, independents 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; Bloc Quebecois, Michel GAUTHIER; Reform Party, Preston MANNING; New Democratic Party, Alexa MCDONOUGH; Progressive Conservative Party, Jean CHAREST International organization participation: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB (non-regional), EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state), FAO, G- 7, G- 8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNAMIR, UNCRO, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNITAR, UNPREDEP, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raymond A. J. CHRETIEN chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740 FAX: [1] (202) 682-7726 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle consulate(s): Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Princeton, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) embassy: 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430 telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470 FAX: [1] (613) 238-5720 consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver Flag: three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band Economy ------- Economic overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of production. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. Canada started the 1990s in recession, and real rates of growth have averaged only 1.1% so far this decade. Because of slower growth, Canada still faces high unemployment and a large public sector debt. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant, however, Canada will enjoy better economic prospects in the future. The continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas is raising the possibility of a split in the confederation, making foreign investors somewhat edgy. GDP: purchasing power parity - $694 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 2.1% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $24,400 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 2% industry: 26% services: 72% (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (1995 est.) Labor force: 13.38 million by occupation: services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%, other 4% (1988) Unemployment rate: 9.5% (1995) Budget: revenues: $90.4 billion expenditures: $114.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY94/95 est.) Industries: processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products, transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural gas Industrial production growth rate: 5.9% (1994) Electricity: capacity: 108,090,000 kW production: 511 billion kWh consumption per capita: 16,133 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; commercial fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is exported Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroin and cocaine entering the US market Exports: $185 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas, aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China Imports: $166.7 billion (c.i.f., 1995 est.) commodities: crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods, electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts partners: US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea External debt: $233 billion (1994) Economic aid: donor: ODA, $2.373 billion (1993) note: ODA and OOF commitments, $10.1 billion (1986-91) Currency: 1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.3666 (January 1996), 1.3724 (1995), 1.3656 (1994), 1.2901 (1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: total: 70,176 km; note - there are two major transcontinental freight railway systems: Canadian National (privatized November 1995) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passenger service provided by government-operated firm VIA, which has no trackage of its own standard gauge: 70,000 km 1.435-m gauge (63 km electrified) narrow gauge: 176 km 0.914-m gauge (1995) Highways: total: 849,404 km paved: 297,291 km (including 15,983 km of expressways) unpaved: 552,113 km (1991 est.) Waterways: 3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence Seaway Pipelines: crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km Ports: Becancour (Quebec), Churchill, Halifax, Montreal, New Westminister, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's (Newfoundland), Seven Islands, Sydney, Three Rivers, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor Merchant marine: total: 62 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 573,089 GRT/804,436 DWT ships by type: bulk 17, cargo 9, chemical tanker 4, oil tanker 15, passenger 2, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 note: does not include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes (1995 est.) Airports: total: 1,138 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 17 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 15 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 136 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 226 with paved runways under 914 m: 422 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 53 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 269 (1995 est.) Heliports: 14 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 15.3 million (1990) Telephone system: excellent service provided by modern technology domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations international: 5 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and 2 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean Region) Radio broadcast stations: AM 900, FM 29, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 70 (repeaters 1,400) (1991) Televisions: 11.53 million (1983 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Canadian Armed Forces (includes Land Forces Command or LC, Maritime Command or MC, Air Command or AC, Communications Command or CC, Training Command or TC), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 7,645,245 males fit for military service: 6,575,057 males reach military age (17) annually: 197,688 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $9.0 billion, 1.6% of GDP (FY95/96) ====================================================================== @Cape Verde ---------- Map --- Location: 16 00 N, 24 00 W -- Western Africa, group of Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal Flag ---- Description: three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands Geography --------- Location: Western Africa, group of Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal Geographic coordinates: 16 00 N, 24 00 W Map references: World Area: total area: 4,030 sq km land area: 4,030 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 965 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico 2,829 m Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 0% other: 85% Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: overgrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several indigenous species of birds and reptiles; overfishing natural hazards: prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility; volcanically and seismically active international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban Geographic note: strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air refueling site People ------ Population: 449,066 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 50% (male 114,206; female 110,276) 15-64 years: 46% (male 90,593; female 117,485) 65 years and over: 4% (male 6,450; female 10,056) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.93% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 44.31 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 8.29 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -6.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.77 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female all ages: 0.89 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 54.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.39 years male: 61.47 years female: 65.41 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.12 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Cape Verdean(s) adjective: Cape Verdean Ethnic divisions: Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 71.6% male: 81.4% female: 63.8% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde conventional short form: Cape Verde local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde local short form: Cabo Verde Data code: CV Type of government: republic Capital: Praia Administrative divisions: 14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo, Maio, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal Independence: 5 July 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1975) Constitution: new constitution came into force 25 September 1992 Legal system: NA Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (since 22 March 1991) elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last held 18 February 1996 (next to be held NA February 2001); results - Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (independent) received 80.1% of vote head of government: Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13 January 1991) nominated by the People'sNational Assembly and appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by prime minister from members of the Peoples National Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular): elections last held 17 December 1995 (next to be held NA); results - MPD 59%, PAICV 28%, PCD 6%; seats - (72 total) MPD 50, PAICV 21, PCD 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia) Political parties and leaders: Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and chairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro Verona Rodrigues PIRES, chairman; Party for Democratic Convergence (PCD) International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTrO (applicant) Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Alberto Santos SILVA-CARLOS chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820 FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207 consulate(s) general: Boston US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph M. SEGARS embassy: Rua Abilio Macedo 81, Praia mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia telephone: [238] 61 56 16 FAX: [238] 61 13 55 Flag: three horizontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (with a horizontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circle of 10 yellow five-pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands Economy ------- Economic overview: Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 60% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GNP is only 13%, of which fishing accounts for 4%. About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster and tuna, is not fully exploited. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittances from emigrants and foreign aid, which form important supplements to GDP. Economic reforms, launched by the new democratic government in 1991, are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects for 1996 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. GDP: purchasing power parity - $440 million (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.6% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $1,040 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 13% industry: 17% services: 70% (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1994 est.) Labor force: 102,000 (1985 est.) by occupation: agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981) Unemployment rate: 35% (1994 est.) Budget: revenues: $174 million expenditures: $235 million, including capital expenditures of $165 million (1993 est.) Industries: fish processing, salt mining, garments, ship repair, food and beverages Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 15,000 kW production: 40 million kWh consumption per capita: 73 kWh (1993) Agriculture: bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish Illicit drugs: increasingly used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs moving from Latin America and Africa destined for Western Europe Exports: $4.4 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: fish, bananas partners: Netherlands, Portugal, Angola, Spain Imports: $173 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipment partners: Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Brazil, France, Cote d'Ivoire External debt: $156 million (1991) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 77.860 (December 1995), 76.853 (1995), 81.891 (1994), 80.427 (1993), 68.018 (1992), 71.408 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 1,100 km paved: 680 km unpaved: 420 km (1992 est.) Ports: Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal Merchant marine: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1 (1995 est.) total: 4 (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,632 GRT/8,872 DWT Airports: total: 6 with paved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 5 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 1,740 (1987 est.) Telephone system: domestic: interisland microwave radio relay system international: 2 coaxial submarine cables; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1987 est.) Televisions: 7,000 (1991 est.) Defense ------- Branches: People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP; includes Army and Navy), Security Service Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 84,003 males fit for military service: 48,885 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.4 million, NA% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Cayman Islands -------------- (dependent territory of the UK) Map --- Location: 19 30 N, 80 30 W -- Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras Flag ---- Description: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS Geography --------- Location: Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras Geographic coordinates: 19 30 N, 80 30 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km comparative area: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Terrain: low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: The Bluff 43 m Natural resources: fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 8% forest and woodland: 23% other: 69% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: no natural fresh water resources, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November) international agreements: NA Geographic note: important location between Cuba and Central America People ------ Population: 34,646 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA Population growth rate: 4.27% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 14.52 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US Sex ratio: at birth: NA male(s)/female under 15 years: NA male(s)/female 15-64 years: NA male(s)/female 65 years and over: NA male(s)/female all ages: NA male(s)/female Infant mortality rate: 8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.1 years male: 75.37 years female: 78.81 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Caymanian(s) adjective: Caymanian Ethnic divisions: mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20% Religions: United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations Languages: English Literacy: age 15 and over has ever attended school (1970 est.) total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands Data code: CJ Type of government: dependent territory of the UK Capital: George Town Administrative divisions: 8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July) Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 and 1992 Legal system: British common law and local statutes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch head of government: Governor and President of the Executive Council John OWEN (since 15 September 1995) cabinet: Executive Council - three members are appointed by the governor, four members are elected by the Legislative Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: election last held 18 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) independents 12 Judicial branch: Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: no formal political parties International organization participation: Caricom (observer), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS Economy ------- Economic overview: With no direct taxation, the Islands are a thriving offshore financial center. Tourism is also a mainstay, accounting for about 70% of GDP and 75% of foreign currency earnings. The tourist industry is aimed at the luxury market and caters mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded one million visitors in 1995 for the first time. About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world. GDP: purchasing power parity - $750 million (1994 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.5% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $22,500 (1994 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4% industry: 3.2% services: 95.4% (1994 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (1995 est.) Labor force: 8,061 by occupation: service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979) Unemployment rate: 7% (1992) Budget: revenues: $141.5 million expenditures: $160.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 80,000 kW production: 230 million kWh consumption per capita: 6,899 kWh (1993) Agriculture: vegetables, fruit; livestock; turtle farming Illicit drugs: a major money-laundering center for illicit drug profits; transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe Exports: $10 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: turtle products, manufactured consumer goods partners: mostly US Imports: $312 million (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods partners: US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan External debt: $15 million (1986) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 0.83 (18 November 1993), 0.85 (22 November 1993) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 406 km paved: 304 km unpaved: 102 km Ports: Cayman Brac, George Town Merchant marine: total: 19 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 283,734 GRT/432,610 DWT ships by type: bulk 3, cargo 6, chemical tanker 2, container 1, oil tanker 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 4 note: a flag of convenience registry; UK owns 1 ship, India 1, Norway 1, US 3, Sweden 1, and UAE 1 (1995 est.) Airports: total: 3 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 21,584 (1993 est.) Telephone system: domestic: NA international: 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: 28,200 (1992 est.) Television broadcast stations: 0 Televisions: 6,000 (1992 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF) Defense note: defense is the responsibility of the UK ====================================================================== @Central African Republic ------------------------ Map --- Location: 7 00 N, 21 00 E -- Central Africa, north of Zaire Flag ---- Description: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band Geography --------- Location: Central Africa, north of Zaire Geographic coordinates: 7 00 N, 21 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 622,980 sq km land area: 622,980 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,203 km border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km, Zaire 1,577 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m highest point: Mount Gaou 1,420 m Natural resources: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 64% other: 28% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea Geographic note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa People ------ Population: 3,274,426 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (male 724,914; female 718,423) 15-64 years: 52% (male 839,118; female 877,069) 65 years and over: 4% (male 53,418; female 61,484) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.08% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 39.97 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 17.64 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: -1.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female all ages: 0.98 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 45.86 years male: 45.03 years female: 46.71 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.41 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Central African(s) adjective: Central African Ethnic divisions: Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%, Europeans 6,500 (including 3,600 French) Religions: indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%, other 11% note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority Languages: French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), Arabic, Hunsa, Swahili Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 60% male: 68.5% female: 52.4% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Central African Republic conventional short form: none local long form: Republique Centrafricaine local short form: none former: Central African Empire abbreviation: CAR Data code: CT Type of government: republic; Capital: Bangui Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures* (prefectures economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1 commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui**, Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto, Haute-Sangha, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga Independence: 13 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic) Constitution: passed by referendum 29 December 1994; adopted 7 January 1995 Legal system: based on French law Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ange PATASSE (since 22 October 1993) elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - PATASSE received 52.45% of the votes and Abel GOUMBA received 45.62% head of government: Prime Minister Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE (since 6 June 1996); appointed by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (85 total) MLPC 33, RDC 14, PLD 7, ADP 6, PSD 3, others 22 note: the National Assembly is advised by the Economic and Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together they are called the Congress (Congres) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), judges appointed by the president; Constitutional Court, judges appointed by the president Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP), Tchapka BREDE; Central African Democratic Assembly (RDC), Andre KOLINGBA; Civic Forum (FC), Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA; Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), the party of the president, Ange Felix PATASSE; Movement for Democracy and Development (MDD), David DACKO; Marginal Movement for Democracy, Renaissance and Evolution (MDREC), Joseph BENDOUNGA; Patriotic Front for Progress (FFP), Abel GOUMBA; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Enoch Derant LAKOUE International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Henri KOBA chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800, 7801 FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mosina H. JORDAN embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui telephone: [236] 61 02 00, 61 25 78, 61 02 10 FAX: [236] 61 44 94 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the hoist side of the blue band Economy ------- Economic overview: Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 13% of export earnings and the diamond industry for nearly 80%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. A major plus is the large forest reserves, which the government is moving to protect from overexploitation. The 50% devaluation of the currencies of 14 Francophone African nations on 12 January 1994 had mixed effects on the CAR's economy. While diamond, timber, coffee, and cotton exports increased - leading GDP to increase by 5.5% - inflation rose to 45%, fueled by the rising prices of imports on which the economy depends; inflation dropped back rapidly in 1995. The CAR's poor resource base and primitive infrastructure will keep it dependent on multilateral donors and France for the foreseeable future. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.5 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4.1% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $800 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 50% industry: 14% services: 36% (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 45% (1994 est.) Labor force: 775,413 (1986 est.) by occupation: agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3% note: about 64,000 salaried workers (1985) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 100 million kWh consumption per capita: 29 kWh (1993) Agriculture: cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber Exports: $154 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco partners: France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US, Spain, Iran Imports: $215 million (f.o.b., 1994 est.) commodities: food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products partners: France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria, Cameroon, Namibia External debt: $904.3 million (1993 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 23,738 km paved: 427 km unpaved: 23,311 km (1991 est.) Waterways: 800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river Ports: Bangui, Nola Airports: total: 48 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 2 with paved runways under 914 m: 11 with unpaved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 9 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 24 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 16,867 (1992 est.) Telephone system: fair system domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1987 est.) Televisions: 7,500 (1993 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Central African Army (includes Republican Guard), Air Force, National Gendarmerie, Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 737,330 males fit for military service: 384,134 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $30 million, 2.3% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Chad ---- Map --- Location: 15 00 N, 19 00 E -- Central Africa, south of Libya Flag ---- Description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France Geography --------- Location: Central Africa, south of Libya Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 19 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total area: 1.284 million sq km land area: 1,259,200 sq km comparative area: slightly more than three times the size of California Land boundaries: total: 5,968 km border countries: Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya 1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) International disputes: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in February 1994 that the 100,000 sq km Aozou Strip between Chad and Libya belongs to Chad and that Libya must withdraw from it by 31 May 1994; Libya has withdrawn some of its forces in response to the ICJ ruling, but still maintains part of the airfield and a small military presence at the airfield's water supply located in Chad; demarcation of international boundaries in vicinity of Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south lowest point: Djourab Depression 175 m highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m Natural resources: petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad) Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 36% forest and woodland: 11% other: 51% Irrigated land: 100 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping Geographic note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel People ------ Population: 6,976,845 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 44% (male 1,543,688; female 1,535,729) 15-64 years: 53% (male 1,807,361; female 1,881,930) 65 years and over: 3% (male 91,998; female 116,139) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 2.68% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 44.25 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 17.44 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 120.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.55 years male: 45.18 years female: 50.01 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.84 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Chadian(s) adjective: Chadian Ethnic divisions: nonindigenous 150,000, of whom 1,000 are French north and center: Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi, Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba) south: non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa) Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs (mostly animism) 25% Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara and Sango (in south), more than 100 different languages and dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write in French or Arabic (1995 est.) total population: 48.1% male: 62.1% female: 34.7% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Chad conventional short form: Chad local long form: Republique du Tchad local short form: Tchad Data code: CD Type of government: republic Capital: N'Djamena Administrative divisions: 14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine, Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 11 August (1960) Constitution: 31 March 1995, passed by referendum Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: NA years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990, after seizing power on 3 December 1990); note - transitional government's mandate was scheduled to expire in May 1996; the first round of presidential elections was scheduled for 2 June 1996, with a runoff on 23 June if necessary head of government: Prime Minister Djimasta KOIBLA (since 9 April 1995) elected by the Sovereign National Conference cabinet: Council of State appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Higher Transitional Council (Conseil Superieur de Transition: popular elections to the former National Consultative Council (Conceil National Consultatif) were last held 8 July 1990; this body was disbanded on 3 December 1990 by President DEBY and on 8 March 1991 replaced with the Provisional Council of the Republic having 30 members whom he appointed; this body, in turn, was replaced on 6 April 1993 by a 57-member Higher Transitional Council (Conseil Superieur de Transition) elected by a specially convened Sovereign National Conference; popular elections, formerly scheduled for April 1995, were initially postponed by mutual agreement of the parties concerned until at least May 1996 and subsequently postponed until after the rainy season (as late as October 1996); note - the name of the anticipated new legislative body has not been announced Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS), former dissident group, Idriss DEBY, chairman note: President DEBY, who promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and free elections by April 1994, subsequently twice postponed these initiatives; there are numerous dissident groups and at least 45 opposition political parties Other political or pressure groups: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNAMIR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mahamat Saleh AHMAT chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009 FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Laurence E. POPE II embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: [235] (51) 70-09, (51) 90-52, (51) 92-33 FAX: [235] (51) 56-54 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France Economy ------- Economic overview: Climate, geographic remoteness, poor resource endowment, and lack of infrastructure make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is hobbled by political turmoil, drought, and food shortages. Consequently the economy has shown little progress in recent years in overcoming a severe setback brought on by civil war in the late 1980s. More than 80% of the work force is involved in subsistence farming and fishing. Cotton is the major cash crop, accounting for at least half of exports. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially food credits, given chronic shortages in several regions. Of all the Francophone countries in Africa, Chad has benefited the least from the 50% devaluation of their currencies on 12 January 1994. Despite an increase in external financial aid and favorable price increases for cotton - the primary source of foreign exchange - the corrupt and enfeebled government bureaucracy continues to postpone payment of public sector salaries and to dampen economic enterprise by neglecting payments to domestic suppliers. The devaluation resulted in stepped-up inflation of 41% in 1994; in contrast to other Francophone countries, Chad continued to suffer high inflation in 1995 because of the government's lack of financial discipline. Oil production in the Lake Chad area remains a distant prospect and the subsistence-driven economy probably will continue to limp along in the near term. GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.3 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 4% (1994 est.) GDP per capita: $600 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 49% industry: 17% services: 34% Inflation rate (consumer prices): 41% (1994 est.) Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 85% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $120 million expenditures: $363 million, including capital expenditures of $104 million (1992 est.) Industries: cotton textiles, meat packing, beer brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 80 million kWh consumption per capita: 13 kWh (1993) Agriculture: cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels Exports: $132 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: cotton, cattle, textiles, fish partners: France, Nigeria, Cameroon, Zaire, Sudan, Central African Republic Imports: $201 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; textiles; note - excludes military equipment partners: US, France, Nigeria, Cameroon, Italy, Germany External debt: $757 million (December 1993 ) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $NA Currency: 1 Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: CFA Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 500.56 (January 1996), 499.15 (1995), 555.20 (1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation -------------- Railways: 0 km Highways: total: 31,141 km paved: 32 km unpaved: 31,109 km (1987 est.) Waterways: 2,000 km navigable Ports: none Airports: total: 47 with paved runways 2 438 to 3 047 m: 3 with paved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 1 with paved runways under 914 m: 11 with unpaved runways over 3 047 m: 1 with unpaved runways 1 524 to 2 437 m: 13 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 18 (1995 est.) Communications -------------- Telephones: 5,000 (1987 est.) Telephone system: primitive system domestic: fair system of radiotelephone communication stations international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 6, FM 1, shortwave 0 Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1987 est.) note: limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative Televisions: 7,000 (1991 est.) Defense ------- Branches: Armed Forces (includes Ground Force, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), Republican Guard, Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49: 1,562,052 males fit for military service: 809,210 males reach military age (20) annually: 63,254 (1996 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $74 million, 11.1% of GDP (1994) ====================================================================== @Chile ----- Map --- Location: 30 00 S, 71 00 W -- Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Flag ---- Description: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag Geography --------- Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean and South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Geographic coordinates: 30 00 S, 71 00 W Map references: South America Area: total area: 756,950 sq km land area: 748,800 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana note: includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y Gomez Land boundaries: total: 6,171 km border countries: Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km Coastline: 6,435 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Bolivia has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca water rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims Climate: temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south Terrain: low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,962 m Natural resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum Land use: arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 16% forest and woodland: 21% other: 56% Irrigated land: 12,650 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Desertification, Law of the Sea Geographic note: strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert is one of world's driest regions People ------ Population: 14,333,258 (July 1996 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 29% (male 2,071,816; female 2,041,417) 15-64 years: 65% (male 4,599,173; female 4,651,030) 65 years and over: 6% (male 403,019; female 566,803) (July 1996 est.) Population growth rate: 1.24% (1996 est.) Birth rate: 18.09 births/1,000 population (1996 est.) Death rate: 5.68 deaths/1,000 population (1996 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1996 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female all ages: 0.97 male(s)/female (1996 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1996 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.49 years male: 71.26 years female: 77.72 years (1996 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.23 children born/woman (1996 est.) Nationality: noun: Chilean(s) adjective: Chilean Ethnic divisions: European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2% Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish Languages: Spanish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.) total population: 95.2% male: 95.4% female: 95% Government ---------- Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of Chile conventional short form: Chile local long form: Republica de Chile local short form: Chile Data code: CI Type of government: republic Capital: Santiago Administrative divisions: 13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena, Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica Independence: 18 September 1810 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 18 September (1810) Constitution: 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989 Legal system: based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (since 11 March 1994) elected for a four-year term by popular vote; election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1997); results - Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (PDC) 58%, Arturo ALESSANDRI 24.4%, other 17.6% cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Senate (Senado): election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Coalition of Parties for Democracy 21 (PDC 13, PS 4, PPD 3, PR 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 15 (RN 11, UDI 3, UCC 1), right-wing independents 10 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1997); results - Coalition of Parties for Democracy 53.95% (PDC 27.16%, PS 12.01%, PPD 11.82%, PR 2.96%), Union for the Progress of Chile 30.57% (RN 15.25%, UDI 12.13%, UCC 3.19%); seats - (120 total) Coalition of Parties for Democracy 70 (PDC 37, PPD 15, PR 2, PS 15, left-wing independent 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 47 (RN 30, UDI 15, UCC 2), right-wing independents 3 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema), judges are appointed by the president, the president of the Supreme Court is elected by the 17-member court Political parties and leaders: Coalition of Parties for Democracy (CPD) consists mainly of: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Alejandro FOXLEY; Socialist Party (PS), Camilo ESCALONA; Party for Democracy (PPD), Jorge SCHAULSOHN, Radical Party (PR); Union for the Progress of Chile (UPP) consists mainly of three parties: National Renewal (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jovino NOVOA; Center Center Union (UCCP), Francisco Javier ERRAZURIZ Other political or pressure groups: revitalized university student federations at all major universities; labor - United Labor Central (CUT) includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations; Roman Catholic Church International organization participation: APEC, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate member), NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador John BIEHL del Rio chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746 FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel GUERRA-MONDRAGON embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Santiago mailing address: use street address telephone: [56] (2) 232-2600 FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band; the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based on the US flag Economy ------- Economic overview: Chile has a prosperous, essentially free market economy, with the degree of government intervention varying according to the philosophy of the different regimes. Under the center-left government of President AYLWIN, which took power in March 1990, spending on social welfare rose steadily. At the same time business investment, exports, and consumer spending also grew substantially. The new president, FREI, who took office in March 1994, has emphasized social spending even more. Growth in real GDP in 1991-95 has averaged more than 6.5% annually, with an estimated one million Chileans having moved out of poverty in the last four years. Copper remains vital to the health of the economy; Chile is the world's largest producer and exporter of copper. Success in meeting the government's goal of sustained annual economic growth of 5% depends on world copper prices, the level of confidence of foreign investors and creditors, and the government's own ability to maintain a conservative fiscal stance. GDP: purchasing power parity - $113.2 billion (1995 est.) GDP real growth rate: 8.5% (1995 est.) GDP per capita: $8,000 (1995 est.) GDP composition by sector: agriculture: 7.4% industry: 36.4% services: 56.2% (1985) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.1% (1995 est.) Labor force: 4.728 million by occupation: services 38.3% (includes government 12%), industry and commerce 33.8%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%, mining 2.3%, construction 6.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 5.4% (1995 est.) Budget: revenues: $17 billion expenditures: $17 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.) Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 4.3% (1993 est.) Electricity: capacity: 4,810,000 kW production: 22 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,499 kWh (1993) Agriculture: wheat, corn, grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, fruit; beef, poultry, wool; timber; 1991 fish catch of 6.6 million metric tons Illicit drugs: a minor transshipment country for cocaine destined for the US and Europe; booming economy has made it more attractive to traffickers seeking to launder drug profits Exports: $15.9 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: copper 41%, other metals and minerals 8.7%, wood products 7.1%, fish and fishmeal 9.8%, fruits 8.4% (1991) partners: EU 25%, US 15%, Asia 34%, Latin America 20% (1995 est.) Imports: $14.3 billion (f.o.b., 1995 est.) commodities: capital goods 25.2%, spare parts 24.8%, raw materials 15.4%, petroleum 10%, foodstuffs 5.7% partners: EU 18%, US 25%, Asia 16%, Latin America 26% (1995 est.) External debt: $21.1 billion (1995 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA, $62 million (1993) Currency: 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 408.64 (December 1995), 396.78 (1995), 420.08 (1994), 404.35 (1993), 362.59 (1992), 349.37 (1991) Fiscal year: calendar year Transportation ----------