The Project Gutenberg EBook of The 2004 CIA World 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.org Title: The 2004 CIA World Factbook Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency Release Date: December 18, 2008 [EBook #27559] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE 2004 CIA WORLD FACTBOOK *** Produced by Al Haines THE CIA WORLD FACTBOOK 2004 CONTENTS Countries and Locations Field Listings Rank Orders Appendixes Notes and Definitions History of The World Factbook Contributors and Copyright Information Purchasing Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ===================================================================== What's New - Country information has been updated as of 10 February, 2005. - There have been some significant changes to the latest edition of The World Factbook. Recent confirmation that the United Kingdom Government administers the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus as dependencies (and not as lease areas like the US Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba) has required a changing of their status and their addition to the Factbook as new entities. In addition, the European Union has been included as an "Other" entity at the end of the listing. The European Union continues to accrue more nation-like characteristics for itself and so a separate listing was deemed appropriate. A fuller explanation may be found under the European Union Preliminary statement. - Along with the new entities and the regular information updates, The World Factbook now also features five new fields. In the Economy category, entries have been added for Current account balance, Investment (gross fixed), Public debt, and Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. The Transnational issues category has a new Refugees and internally displaced persons entry. - Revision of some individual country maps, first introduced in the 2001 edition, is continued in this edition. Several regional maps have also been updated to reflect boundary changes and place name spelling changes. The World Factbook 2004 printed version provides a "snapshot" of the world as of 1 January, 2004. ===================================================================== Country Listing [Transcriber's note: To search on a country name in this file, prefix the name with "@", e.g. "@Afghanistan". "Afghanistan" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.] World A Afghanistan Akrotiri 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 Bahamas, The 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, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands Coral Sea Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic D Denmark Dhekelia Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E East Timor 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 Gambia, The 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 Kazakhstan Kenya Kingman Reef Kiribati Korea, North Korea, South Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Macau Macedonia 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 Samoa 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 Southern Ocean Spain Spratly Islands Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan entry follows Zimbabwe 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 Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe Taiwan European Union ===================================================================== Field Listings [Transcriber's note: To search on a field code in this file, prefix the code number with "@", e.g. "@2001". "2001" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.] Code Field Description 2001 GDP 2002 Population growth rate (%) 2003 GDP - real growth rate (%) 2004 GDP - per capita 2006 Dependency status 2007 Diplomatic representation from the US 2008 Transportation - note 2010 Age structure (%) 2011 Geographic coordinates 2012 GDP - composition by sector (%) 2013 Radio broadcast stations 2015 Television broadcast stations 2018 Sex ratio (male(s)/female) 2019 Heliports 2020 Elevation extremes (m) 2021 Natural hazards 2022 People - note 2023 Area - comparative 2024 Military manpower - military age and obligation (years of age) 2025 Military manpower - fit for military service 2026 Military manpower - reaching military age annually 2028 Background 2030 Airports - with paved runways 2031 Airports - with unpaved runways 2032 Environment - current issues 2033 Environment - international agreements 2034 Military expenditures - percent of GDP (%) 2038 Electricity - production (kWh) 2042 Electricity - consumption (kWh) 2043 Electricity - imports (kWh) 2044 Electricity - exports (kWh) 2045 2046 Population below poverty line (%) 2047 Household income or consumption by percentage share (%) 2048 Labor force - by occupation (%) 2049 Exports - commodities 2050 Exports - partners (%) 2051 Administrative divisions 2052 Agriculture - products 2053 Airports 2054 Birth rate (births/1,000 population) 2055 Military branches 2056 Budget 2057 Capital 2058 Imports - commodities 2059 Climate 2060 Coastline (km) 2061 Imports - partners (%) 2062 Economic aid - donor 2063 Constitution 2064 Economic aid - recipient 2065 Currency 2066 Death rate (deaths/1,000 population) 2067 Military expenditures - dollar figure 2068 Dependent areas 2070 Disputes - international 2075 Ethnic groups (%) 2076 Exchange rates 2077 Executive branch 2078 Exports 2079 Debt - external 2080 Fiscal year 2081 Flag description 2085 Highways (km) 2086 Illicit drugs 2087 Imports 2088 Independence 2089 Industrial production growth rate (%) 2090 Industries 2091 Infant mortality rate (deaths/1,000 live births) 2092 Inflation rate (consumer prices) (%) 2093 Waterways (km) 2094 Judicial branch 2095 Labor force 2096 Land boundaries (km) 2097 Land use (%) 2098 Languages (%) 2100 Legal system 2101 Legislative branch 2102 Life expectancy at birth (years) 2103 Literacy (%) 2105 Military manpower - availability 2106 Maritime claims 2107 International organization participation 2108 Merchant marine 2109 National holiday 2110 Nationality 2111 Natural resources 2112 Net migration rate (migrant(s)/1,000 population) 2113 Geography - note 2115 Political pressure groups and leaders 2116 Economy - overview 2117 Pipelines (km) 2118 Political parties and leaders 2119 Population 2120 Ports and harbors 2121 Railways (km) 2122 Religions (%) 2123 Suffrage 2124 Telephone system 2125 Terrain 2127 Total fertility rate (children born/woman) 2128 Government type 2129 Unemployment rate (%) 2137 Military - note 2138 Communications - note 2140 Government - note 2142 Country name 2144 Location 2145 Map references 2146 Irrigated land (sq km) 2147 Area (sq km) 2149 Diplomatic representation in the US 2150 Telephones - main lines in use 2151 Telephones - mobile cellular 2153 Internet users 2154 Internet country code 2155 HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate (%) 2156 HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS 2157 HIV/AIDS - deaths 2158 Currency code 2172 Distribution of family income - Gini index 2173 Oil - production (bbl/day) 2174 Oil - consumption (bbl/day) 2175 Oil - imports (bbl/day) 2176 Oil - exports (bbl/day) 2177 Median age (years) 2178 Oil - proved reserves (bbl) 2179 Natural gas - proved reserves (cu m) 2180 Natural gas - production (cu m) 2181 Natural gas - consumption (cu m) 2182 Natural gas - imports (cu m) 2183 Natural gas - exports (cu m) 2184 Internet hosts 2185 Investment (gross fixed) (% of GDP) 2186 Public debt (% of GDP) 2187 Current account balance 2188 Reserves of foreign exchange & gold 2194 Refugees and internally displaced persons ====================================================================== Rank Orders [Transcriber's note: To search on a rank order in this file, prefix the rank's name with "@", e.g. "@Population". "Population" will find all occurrences; prefixing it with "@" will find the correct location.] Guide to Rank Order Pages Rank Order pages are presorted lists of data from selected Factbook data fields. Rank Order pages are generally given in descending order - highest to lowest - such as Population and Area. The two exceptions are Unemployment Rate and Inflation Rate, which are in ascending - lowest to highest - order. Rank Order pages are available for the following 40 fields in six of the nine Factbook categories. Geography Area - total People Population Birth rate Death rate Infant mortality rate Life expectancy at birth - total Total fertility rate HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS - deaths Economy GDP GDP - real growth rate GDP - per capita Investment, gross fixed Inflation rate (consumer prices) Labor force Unemployment rate Public debt Industrial production growth rate Electricity - production Electricity - consumption Oil - production Oil - consumption Oil - exports Oil - imports Oil - proved reserves Natural Gas - production Natural Gas - consumption Natural Gas - exports Natural Gas - imports Natural Gas - proved reserves Current account balance Exports Imports Reserves of foreign exchange and gold Debt - external Communications Telephones - main lines in use Telephones - mobile cellular Internet hosts Internet users Transportation Railways - total Highways - total Military Military expenditures - dollar figure Military expenditures - percent of GDP Factbook fields with Rank Order pages are easily identified with a small bar chart icon to the right of the data field title. Not all Rank Order pages include the same number of entries because information for a particular field is not available for all countries. In addition, not all data fields are suitable for displaying as Rank Order pages, such as those containing textual information. Textual information is more readily viewed by clicking on the Field Listing icon next to the Data field title. The other icon next to the data field title provides the definition of the field. All of the 'Rank Order' pages can be downloaded as tab-delimited data files and can be opened in other applications such as spreadsheets and databases. To save a Rank Order page in a spreadsheet, first click on the 'Download Datafile' choice above the Rank Order page you selected; then, at the top of your browser window, click on 'File' and 'Save As'. After saving the file, open the spreadsheet, find the saved file, and 'Open' it. Additional Rank Order pages being considered for future updates of the Factbook Web site include: Median age Literacy Population below the poverty line Waterways Airports This page was last updated on 9 December, 2004 ===================================================================== Appendixes Appendix A - Abbreviations Appendix B - International Organizations and Groups Appendix C - Selected International Environmental Agreements Appendix D - Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes Appendix E - Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes Appendix F - Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names ====================================================================== Notes and Definitions Along with the new entities and the regular information updates, The World Factbook now also features six new fields. In the Economy category, entries have been added for Current account balance, Investment (gross fixed), Public debt, and Reserves of foreign exchange and gold. The Transnational issues category has a new Refugees and internally displaced persons entry. Revision of some individual country maps, first introduced in the 2001 edition, is continued in this edition. Several regional maps have also been updated to reflect boundary changes and place name spelling changes. Abbreviations This information is included in Appendix A: Abbreviations, which includes all abbreviations and acronyms used in the Factbook, with their expansions. Acronyms An acronym is an abbreviation coined from the initial letter of each successive word in a term or phrase. In general, an acronym made up solely from the first letter of the major words in the expanded form is rendered in all capital letters (NATO from North Atlantic Treaty Organization; an exception would be ASEAN for Association of Southeast Asian Nations). In general, an acronym made up of more than the first letter of the major words in the expanded form is rendered with only an initial capital letter (Comsat from Communications Satellite Corporation; an exception would be NAM from Nonaligned Movement). Hybrid forms are sometimes used to distinguish between initially identical terms (WTO: WTrO for World Trade Organization and WToO for World Tourism Organization.) Administrative divisions This entry generally gives the numbers, designatory terms, and first- order administrative divisions as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by BGN are noted. Age structure This entry provides the distribution of the population according to age. Information is included by sex and age group (0-14 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over). The age structure of a population affects a nation's key socioeconomic issues. Countries with young populations (high percentage under age 15) need to invest more in schools, while countries with older populations (high percentage ages 65 and over) need to invest more in the health sector. The age structure can also be used to help predict potential political issues. For example, the rapid growth of a young adult population unable to find employment can lead to unrest. Agriculture - products This entry is an ordered listing of major crops and products starting with the most important. Airports This entry gives the total number of airports. The runway(s) may be paved (concrete or asphalt surfaces) or unpaved (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces), but must be usable. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. Airports - with paved runways This entry gives the total number of airports with paved runways (concrete or asphalt surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m, (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m, (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m, (4) 914 to 1,523 m, and (5) under 914 m. Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control. Airports - with unpaved runways This entry gives the total number of airports with unpaved runways (grass, dirt, sand, or gravel surfaces) by length. For airports with more than one runway, only the longest runway is included according to the following five groups - (1) over 3,047 m, (2) 2,438 to 3,047 m, (3) 1,524 to 2,437 m, (4) 914 to 1,523 m, and (5) under 914 m. Only airports with usable runways are included in this listing. Not all airports have facilities for refueling, maintenance, or air traffic control Appendixes This section includes Factbook-related material by topic. Area This entry includes three subfields. Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Water area is the sum of all water surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, including inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Area - comparative This entry provides an area comparison based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states based on area measurements (1990 revised) provided by the US Bureau of the Census. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 sq km, 69 sq mi) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 sq km, 0.23 sq mi, 146 acres). Background This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends. Birth rate This entry gives the average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 persons in the population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate. The birth rate is usually the dominant factor in determining the rate of population growth. It depends on both the level of fertility and the age structure of the population. Budget This entry includes revenues, total expenditures, and capital expenditures. These figures are calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms Capital This entry gives the location of the seat of government. Climate This entry includes a brief description of typical weather regimes throughout the year. Coastline This entry gives the total length of the boundary between the land area (including islands) and the sea. Communications This category deals with the means of exchanging information and includes the telephone, radio, television, and Internet service provider entries. Communications - note This entry includes miscellaneous communications information of significance not included elsewhere. Constitution This entry includes the dates of adoption, revisions, and major amendments. Country data codes see Data codes Country map Most versions of the Factbook provide a country map in color. The maps were produced from the best information available at the time of preparation. Names and/or boundaries may have changed subsequently. Country name This entry includes all forms of the country's name approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (Italy is used as an example): conventional long form (Italian Republic), conventional short form (Italy), local long form (Repubblica Italiana), local short form (Italia), former (Kingdom of Italy), as well as the abbreviation. Also see the Terminology note. Crude oil See entry for oil. Currency This entry identifies the national medium of exchange and its basic subunit. Currency code This entry gives the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4217 alphabetic currency code for each country. Current account balance This entry records a country's net trade in goods and services, plus net earnings from rents, interest, profits, and dividends, and net transfer payments (such as pension funds and worker remittances) to and from the rest of the world during the period specified. Data codes This information is presented in Appendix D: Cross-Reference List of Country Data Codes and Appendix E: Cross-Reference List of Hydrographic Data Codes. This appendix includes the US Government approved Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) codes, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) codes, and Internet codes for land entities. The appendix also includes the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) codes, Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC; now a part of the National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency or NGA) codes, and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) codes for hydrographic entities. The US Government has not yet approved a standard for hydrographic data codes similar to the FIPS 10- 4 standard for country data codes. Date of information In general, information available as of 1 January 2004, was used in the preparation of this edition. Death rate This entry gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population. Debt - external This entry gives the total public and private debt owed to nonresidents repayable in foreign currency, goods, or services. Dependency status This entry describes the formal relationship between a particular nonindependent entity and an independent state. Dependent areas This entry contains an alphabetical listing of all nonindependent entities associated in some way with a particular independent state. Diplomatic representation The US Government has diplomatic relations with 186 independent states, including 185 of the 191 UN members (excluded UN members are Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and the US itself). In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 1 independent state that is not in the UN - Holy See. Diplomatic representation in the US This entry includes the chief of mission, chancery, telephone, FAX, consulate general locations, and consulate locations. Diplomatic representation from the US This entry includes the chief of mission, embassy address, mailing address, telephone number, FAX number, branch office locations, consulate general locations, and consulate locations. Disputes - international This entry includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international terrestrial and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the US Department of State. References to other situations involving borders or frontiers may also be included, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues; however, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government. Distribution of family income - Gini index This index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of family income in a country. The index is calculated from the Lorenz curve, in which cumulative family income is plotted against the number of families arranged from the poorest to the richest. The index is the ratio of (a) the area between a country's Lorenz curve and the 45 degree helping line to (b) the entire triangular area under the 45 degree line. The more nearly equal a country's income distribution, the closer its Lorenz curve to the 45 degree line and the lower its Gini index, e.g., a Scandinavian country with an index of 25. The more unequal a country's income distribution, the farther its Lorenz curve from the 45 degree line and the higher its Gini index, e.g., a Sub- Saharan country with an index of 50. If income were distributed with perfect equality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the 45 degree line and the index would be zero; if income were distributed with perfect inequality, the Lorenz curve would coincide with the horizontal axis and the right vertical axis and the index would be 100. Economic aid - donor This entry refers to net official development assistance (ODA) from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations to developing countries and multilateral organizations. ODA is defined as financial assistance that is concessional in character, has the main objective to promote economic development and welfare of the less developed countries (LDCs), and contains a grant element of at least 25%. The entry does not cover other official flows (OOF) or private flows. Economic aid - recipient This entry, which is subject to major problems of definition and statistical coverage, refers to the net inflow of Official Development Finance (ODF) to recipient countries. The figure includes assistance from the World Bank, the IMF, and other international organizations and from individual nation donors. Formal commitments of aid are included in the data. Omitted from the data are grants by private organizations. Aid comes in various forms including outright grants and loans. The entry thus is the difference between new inflows and repayments. Economy This category includes the entries dealing with the size, development, and management of productive resources, i.e., land, labor, and capital. Economy - overview This entry briefly describes the type of economy, including the degree of market orientation, the level of economic development, the most important natural resources, and the unique areas of specialization. It also characterizes major economic events and policy changes in the most recent 12 months and may include a statement about one or two key future macroeconomic trends. Electricity - consumption This entry consists of total electricity generated annually plus imports and minus exports, expressed in kilowatt-hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Electricity - exports This entry is the total exported electricity in kilowatt-hours. Electricity - imports This entry is the total imported electricity in kilowatt-hours. Electricity - production This entry is the annual electricity generated expressed in kilowatt- hours. The discrepancy between the amount of electricity generated and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is accounted for as loss in transmission and distribution. Electricity - production by source This entry states the percentage share of electricity generated from each energy source. These are fossil fuel, hydro, nuclear, and other (solar, geothermal, and wind). Elevation extremes This entry includes both the highest point and the lowest point. Entities Some of the independent states, dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. "Independent state" refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. "Dependencies" and "areas of special sovereignty" refer to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with an independent state. "Country" names used in the table of contents or for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names and may include independent states, dependencies, and areas of special sovereignty, or other geographic entities. There are a total of 271 separate geographic entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows: INDEPENDENT STATES 192 Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe OTHER 2 Taiwan, European Union DEPENDENCIES AND AREAS OF SPECIAL SOVEREIGNTY 6 Australia - Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island 2 China - Hong Kong, Macau 2 Denmark - Faroe Islands, Greenland 16 France - Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Guadeloupe, Juan de Nova Island, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna 2 Netherlands - Aruba, Netherlands Antilles 3 New Zealand - Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau 3 Norway - Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard 17 UK - Akrotiri, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dhekelia, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands 14 US - American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island MISCELLANEOUS 6 Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western Sahara OTHER ENTITIES 5 oceans - Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Southern Ocean 1 World 271 total Environment - current issues This entry lists the most pressing and important environmental problems. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: acidification - the lowering of soil and water pH due to acid precipitation and deposition usually through precipitation; this process disrupts ecosystem nutrient flows and may kill freshwater fish and plants dependent on more neutral or alkaline conditions (see acid rain). acid rain - characterized as containing harmful levels of sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxide; acid rain is damaging and potentially deadly to the earth's fragile ecosystems; acidity is measured using the pH scale where 7 is neutral, values greater than 7 are considered alkaline, and values below 5.6 are considered acid precipitation; note - a pH of 2.4 (the acidity of vinegar) has been measured in rainfall in New England. aerosol - a collection of airborne particles dispersed in a gas, smoke, or fog. afforestation - converting a bare or agricultural space by planting trees and plants; reforestation involves replanting trees on areas that have been cut or destroyed by fire. asbestos - a naturally occurring soft fibrous mineral commonly used in fireproofing materials and considered to be highly carcinogenic in particulate form. biodiversity - also biological diversity; the relative number of species, diverse in form and function, at the genetic, organism, community, and ecosystem level; loss of biodiversity reduces an ecosystem's ability to recover from natural or man-induced disruption. bio-indicators - a plant or animal species whose presence, abundance, and health reveal the general condition of its habitat. biomass - the total weight or volume of living matter in a given area or volume. carbon cycle - the term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere, and geological deposits. catchments - assemblages used to capture and retain rainwater and runoff; an important water management technique in areas with limited freshwater resources, such as Gibraltar. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) - a colorless, odorless insecticide that has toxic effects on most animals; the use of DDT was banned in the US in 1972. defoliants - chemicals which cause plants to lose their leaves artificially; often used in agricultural practices for weed control, and may have detrimental impacts on human and ecosystem health. deforestation - the destruction of vast areas of forest (e.g., unsustainable forestry practices, agricultural and range land clearing, and the over exploitation of wood products for use as fuel) without planting new growth. desertification - the spread of desert-like conditions in arid or semi-arid areas, due to overgrazing, loss of agriculturally productive soils, or climate change. dredging - the practice of deepening an existing waterway; also, a technique used for collecting bottom-dwelling marine organisms (e.g., shellfish) or harvesting coral, often causing significant destruction of reef and ocean-floor ecosystems. drift-net fishing - done with a net, miles in extent, that is generally anchored to a boat and left to float with the tide; often results in an over harvesting and waste of large populations of non- commercial marine species (by-catch) by its effect of "sweeping the ocean clean." ecosystems - ecological units comprised of complex communities of organisms and their specific environments. effluents - waste materials, such as smoke, sewage, or industrial waste which are released into the environment, subsequently polluting it. endangered species - a species that is threatened with extinction either by direct hunting or habitat destruction. freshwater - water with very low soluble mineral content; sources include lakes, streams, rivers, glaciers, and underground aquifers. greenhouse gas - a gas that "traps" infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere causing surface warming; water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and ozone are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. groundwater - water sources found below the surface of the earth often in naturally occurring reservoirs in permeable rock strata; the source for wells and natural springs. Highlands Water Project - a series of dams constructed jointly by Lesotho and South Africa to redirect Lesotho's abundant water supply into a rapidly growing area in South Africa; while it is the largest infrastructure project in southern Africa, it is also the most costly and controversial; objections to the project include claims that it forces people from their homes, submerges farmlands, and squanders economic resources. Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) - represents the 145,000 Inuits of Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland in international environmental issues; a General Assembly convenes every three years to determine the focus of the ICC; the most current concerns are long-range transport of pollutants, sustainable development, and climate change. metallurgical plants - industries which specialize in the science, technology, and processing of metals; these plants produce highly concentrated and toxic wastes which can contribute to pollution of ground water and air when not properly disposed. noxious substances - injurious, very harmful to living beings. overgrazing - the grazing of animals on plant material faster than it can naturally regrow leading to the permanent loss of plant cover, a common effect of too many animals grazing limited range land. ozone shield - a layer of the atmosphere composed of ozone gas (O3) that resides approximately 25 miles above the Earth's surface and absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation that can be harmful to living organisms. poaching - the illegal killing of animals or fish, a great concern with respect to endangered or threatened species. pollution - the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. potable water - water that is drinkable, safe to be consumed. salination - the process through which fresh (drinkable) water becomes salt (undrinkable) water; hence, desalination is the reverse process; also involves the accumulation of salts in topsoil caused by evaporation of excessive irrigation water, a process that can eventually render soil incapable of supporting crops. siltation - occurs when water channels and reservoirs become clotted with silt and mud, a side effect of deforestation and soil erosion. slash-and-burn agriculture - a rotating cultivation technique in which trees are cut down and burned in order to clear land for temporary agriculture; the land is used until its productivity declines at which point a new plot is selected and the process repeats; this practice is sustainable while population levels are low and time is permitted for regrowth of natural vegetation; conversely, where these conditions do not exist, the practice can have disastrous consequences for the environment . soil degradation - damage to the land's productive capacity because of poor agricultural practices such as the excessive use of pesticides or fertilizers, soil compaction from heavy equipment, or erosion of topsoil, eventually resulting in reduced ability to produce agricultural products. soil erosion - the removal of soil by the action of water or wind, compounded by poor agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and desertification. ultraviolet (UV) radiation - a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun and naturally filtered in the upper atmosphere by the ozone layer; UV radiation can be harmful to living organisms and has been linked to increasing rates of skin cancer in humans. water-born diseases - those in which the bacteria survive in, and is transmitted through, water; always a serious threat in areas with an untreated water supply. Environment - international agreements This entry separates country participation in international environmental agreements into two levels - party to and signed but not ratified. Agreements are listed in alphabetical order by the abbreviated form of the full name. Environmental agreements This information is presented in Appendix C: Selected International Environmental Agreements, which includes the name, abbreviation, date opened for signature, date entered into force, objective, and parties by category. Ethnic groups This entry provides an ordered listing of ethnic groups starting with the largest and normally includes the percent of total population. Exchange rates This entry provides the official value of a country's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat. Executive branch This entry includes several subfields. Chief of state includes the name and title of the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial functions but may not be involved with the day-to-day activities of the government. Head of government includes the name and title of the top administrative leader who is designated to manage the day-to-day activities of the government. For example, in the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the prime minister is the head of government. In the US, the president is both the chief of state and the head of government. Cabinet includes the official name for this body of high-ranking advisers and the method for selection of members. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote for each candidate in the last election. Exports This entry provides the total US dollar amount of exports on an f.o.b. (free on board) basis. Exports - commodities This entry provides a rank ordering of exported products starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Exports - partners This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Fiscal year This entry identifies the beginning and ending months for a country's accounting period of 12 months, which often is the calendar year but which may begin in any month. All yearly references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as a noncalendar fiscal year (FY). Flag description This entry provides a written flag description produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time the entry was written. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags. Flag graphic Most versions of the Factbook include a color flag at the beginning of the country profile. The flag graphics were produced from actual flags or the best information available at the time of preparation. The flags of independent states are used by their dependencies unless there is an officially recognized local flag. Some disputed and other areas do not have flags. GDP This entry gives the gross domestic product (GDP) or value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year. GDP dollar estimates in the Factbook are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations. See the note on GDP methodology for more information. GDP methodology In the Economy category, GDP dollar estimates for all countries are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations rather than from conversions at official currency exchange rates. The PPP method involves the use of standardized international dollar price weights, which are applied to the quantities of final goods and services produced in a given economy. The data derived from the PPP method provide the best available starting point for comparisons of economic strength and well-being between countries. The division of a GDP estimate in domestic currency by the corresponding PPP estimate in dollars gives the PPP conversion rate. Whereas PPP estimates for OECD countries are quite reliable, PPP estimates for developing countries are often rough approximations. Most of the GDP estimates are based on extrapolation of PPP numbers published by the UN International Comparison Program (UNICP) and by Professors Robert Summers and Alan Heston of the University of Pennsylvania and their colleagues. In contrast, the currency exchange rate method involves a variety of international and domestic financial forces that often have little relation to domestic output. In developing countries with weak currencies the exchange rate estimate of GDP in dollars is typically one-fourth to one-half the PPP estimate. Furthermore, exchange rates may suddenly go up or down by 10% or more because of market forces or official fiat whereas real output has remained unchanged. On 12 January 1994, for example, the 14 countries of the African Financial Community (whose currencies are tied to the French franc) devalued their currencies by 50%. This move, of course, did not cut the real output of these countries by half. One important caution: the proportion of, say, defense expenditures as a percentage of GDP in local currency accounts may differ substantially from the proportion when GDP accounts are expressed in PPP terms, as, for example, when an observer tries to estimate the dollar level of Russian or Japanese military expenditures. Note: the numbers for GDP and other economic data cannot be chained together from successive volumes of the Factbook because of changes in the US dollar measuring rod, revisions of data by statistical agencies, use of new or different sources of information, and changes in national statistical methods and practices. GDP - composition by sector This entry gives the percentage contribution of agriculture, industry, and services to total GDP. GDP - per capita This entry shows GDP on a purchasing power parity basis divided by population as of 1 July for the same year. GDP - real growth rate This entry gives GDP growth on an annual basis adjusted for inflation and expressed as a percent. Geographic coordinates This entry includes rounded latitude and longitude figures for the purpose of finding the approximate geographic center of an entity and is based on the Gazetteer of Conventional Names, Third Edition, August 1988, US Board on Geographic Names and on other sources. Geographic names This information is presented in Appendix F: Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names. It includes a listing of various alternate names, former names, local names, and regional names referenced to one or more related Factbook entries. Spellings are normally, but not always, those approved by the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Alternate names and additional information are included in parentheses. Geography This category includes the entries dealing with the natural environment and the effects of human activity. Geography - note This entry includes miscellaneous geographic information of significance not included elsewhere. GINI index See entry for Distribution of family income - Gini index GNP Gross national product (GNP) is the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year, plus income earned by its citizens abroad, minus income earned by foreigners from domestic production. The Factbook, following current practice, uses GDP rather than GNP to measure national production. However, the user must realize that in certain countries net remittances from citizens working abroad may be important to national well-being. Government This category includes the entries dealing with the system for the adoption and administration of public policy. Government type This entry gives the basic form of government. Definitions of the major governmental terms are as follows: Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence of governmental authority. Commonwealth - a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Communism - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single - often authoritarian - party holds power; state controls are imposed with the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people (i.e., a classless society). Confederacy (Confederation) - a union by compact or treaty between states, provinces, or territories, that creates a central government with limited powers; the constituent entities retain supreme authority over all matters except those delegated to the central government. Constitutional - a government by or operating under an authoritative document (constitution) that sets forth the system of fundamental laws and principles that determines the nature, functions, and limits of that government. Constitutional Democracy - a form of government in which the sovereign power of the people is spelled out in a governing constitution. Constitutional Monarchy - a system of government in which a monarch is guided by a constitution whereby his/her rights, duties, and responsibilities are spelled out in written law or by custom. Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority periodically renewed. Democratic Republic - a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them. Dictatorship - a form of government in which a ruler or small clique wield absolute power (not restricted by a constitution or laws). Ecclesiastical - a government administrated by a church. Federal (Federative) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally divided - usually by means of a constitution - between a central authority and a number of constituent regions (states, colonies, or provinces) so that each region retains some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional units. Federal Republic - a state in which the powers of the central government are restricted and in which the component parts (states, colonies, or provinces) retain a degree of self-government; ultimate sovereign power rests with the voters who chose their governmental representatives. Maoism - the theory and practice of Marxism-Leninism developed in China by Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-tung), which states that a continuous revolution is necessary if the leaders of a communist state are to keep in touch with the people. Marxism - the political, economic, and social principles espoused by 19th century economist Karl Marx; he viewed the struggle of workers as a progression of historical forces that would proceed from a class struggle of the proletariat (workers) exploited by capitalists (business owners), to a socialist "dictatorship of the proletariat," to, finally, a classless society - communism. Marxism-Leninism - an expanded form of communism developed by Lenin from doctrines of Karl Marx; Lenin saw imperialism as the final stage of capitalism and shifted the focus of workers' struggle from developed to underdeveloped countries. Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen, or prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Oligarchy - a government in which control is exercised by a small group of individuals whose authority generally is based on wealth or power. Parliamentary Democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament) selects the government - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor along with the cabinet ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament. Parliamentary Government (Cabinet-Parliamentary Government) - a government in which members of an executive branch (the cabinet and its leader - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor) are nominated to their positions by a legislature or parliament, and are directly responsible to it; this type of government can be dissolved at will by the parliament (legislature) by means of a no confidence vote or the leader of the cabinet may dissolve the parliament if it can no longer function. Parliamentary Monarchy - a state headed by a monarch who is not actively involved in policy formation or implementation (i.e., the exercise of sovereign powers by a monarch in a ceremonial capacity); true governmental leadership is carried out by a cabinet and its head - a prime minister, premier, or chancellor - who are drawn from a legislature (parliament). Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation. Socialism - a government in which the means of planning, producing, and distributing goods is controlled by a central government that theoretically seeks a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor; in actuality, most socialist governments have ended up being no more than dictatorships over workers by a ruling elite. Sultanate - similar to a monarchy, but a government in which the supreme power is in the hands of a sultan (the head of a Muslim state); the sultan may be an absolute ruler or a sovereign with constitutionally limited authority. Theocracy - a form of government in which a Deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, but the Deity's laws are interpreted by ecclesiastical authorities (bishops, mullahs, etc.); a government subject to religious authority. Totalitarian - a government that seeks to subordinate the individual to the state by controlling not only all political and economic matters, but also the attitudes, values, and beliefs of its population. Government - note This entry includes miscellaneous government information of significance not included elsewhere. Gross domestic product see GDP Gross national product see GNP Gross world product see GWP GWP This entry gives the gross world product (GWP) or aggregate value of all final goods and services produced worldwide in a given year. Heliports This entry gives the total number of established helicopter takeoff and landing sites (which may or may not have fuel or other services). Highways This entry states the total length of the highway system and the length of the paved and unpaved parts. HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate This entry gives an estimate of the percentage of adults (aged 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS. The adult prevalence rate is calculated by dividing the estimated number of adults living with HIV/AIDS at yearend by the total adult population at yearend. HIV/AIDS - deaths This entry gives an estimate of the number of adults and children who died of AIDS during a given calendar year. HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS This entry gives an estimate of all people (adults and children) alive at yearend with HIV infection, whether or not they have developed symptoms of AIDS. Household income or consumption by percentage share Data on household income or consumption come from household surveys, the results adjusted for household size. Nations use different standards and procedures in collecting and adjusting the data. Surveys based on income will normally show a more unequal distribution than surveys based on consumption. The quality of surveys is improving with time, yet caution is still necessary in making inter-country comparisons. Hydrographic data codes see Data codes Illicit drugs This entry gives information on the five categories of illicit drugs - narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside of medical channels. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, which provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil). Coca (mostly Erythroxylum coca) is a bush with leaves that contain the stimulant used to make cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa, which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter. Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush. Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid). Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual. Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual. Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self- awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn). Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine. Mandrax is a trade name for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Marijuana is the dried leaf of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Methaqualone is a pharmaceutical depressant, referred to as mandrax in Southwest Asia and Africa. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol with codeine, Empirin with codeine, Robitussan AC), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil). Opium is the brown, gummy exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for the natural and semisynthetic narcotics. Poppy straw is the entire cut and dried opium poppy-plant material, other than the seeds. Opium is extracted from poppy straw in commercial operations that produce the drug for medical use. Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea. Quaaludes is the North American slang term for methaqualone, a pharmaceutical depressant. Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), ephedrine, ecstasy (clarity, essence, doctor, Adam), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate). Imports This entry provides the total US dollar amount of imports on a c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and freight) or f.o.b. (free on board) basis. Imports - commodities This entry provides a rank ordering of imported products starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Imports - partners This entry provides a rank ordering of trading partners starting with the most important; it sometimes includes the percent of total dollar value. Independence For most countries, this entry gives the date that sovereignty was achieved and from which nation, empire, or trusteeship. For the other countries, the date given may not represent "independence" in the strict sense, but rather some significant nationhood event such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, fundamental change in the form of government, or state succession. Dependent areas include the notation "none" followed by the nature of their dependency status. Also see the Terminology note. Industrial production growth rate This entry gives the annual percentage increase in industrial production (includes manufacturing, mining, and construction). Industries This entry provides a rank ordering of industries starting with the largest by value of annual output. Infant mortality rate This entry gives the number of deaths of infants under one year old in a given year per 1,000 live births in the same year; included is the total death rate, and deaths by sex, male and female. This rate is often used as an indicator of the level of health in a country. Inflation rate (consumer prices) This entry furnishes the annual percent change in consumer prices compared with the previous year's consumer prices. Internet country code This entry includes the two-letter codes maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the ISO 3166 Alpha-2 list and used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to establish country-coded top-level domains (ccTLDs). Internet hosts This entry lists the number of Internet hosts available within a country. An Internet host is a computer connected directly to the Internet; normally an Internet Service Provider's (ISP) computer is a host. Internet users may use either a hard-wired terminal, at an institution with a mainframe computer connected directly to the Internet, or may connect remotely by way of a modem via telephone line, cable, or satellite to the Internet Service Provider's host computer. The number of hosts is one indicator of the extent of Internet connectivity. Internet users This entry gives the number of users within a country that access the Internet. Statistics vary from country to country and may include users who access the Internet at least several times a week to those who access it only once within a period of several months. International disputes see Disputes - international International organization participation This entry lists in alphabetical order by abbreviation those international organizations in which the subject country is a member or participates in some other way. International organizations This information is presented in Appendix B: International Organizations and Groups which includes the name, abbreviation, date established, aim, and members by category. Introduction This category includes one entry, Background. Investment (gross fixed) This entry records total business spending on fixed assets, such as factories, machinery, equipment, dwellings, and inventories of raw materials, which provide the basis for future production. It is measured gross of depreciation of the assets, i.e., it includes investment that merely replaces worn-out or scrapped capital. Irrigated land This entry gives the number of square kilometers of land area that is artificially supplied with water. Judicial branch This entry contains the name(s) of the highest court(s) and a brief description of the selection process for members. Labor force This entry contains the total labor force figure. Labor force - by occupation This entry contains a rank ordering of component parts of the labor force by occupation. Land boundaries This entry contains the total length of all land boundaries and the individual lengths for each of the contiguous border countries. Land use This entry contains the percentage shares of total land area for three different types of land use: arable land - land cultivated for crops like wheat, maize, and rice that are replanted after each harvest; permanent crops - land cultivated for crops like citrus, coffee, and rubber that are not replanted after each harvest; includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber; other - any land not arable or under permanent crops; includes permanent meadows and pastures, forests and woodlands, built-on areas, roads, barren land, etc. Languages This entry provides a rank ordering of languages starting with the largest and sometimes includes the percent of total population speaking that language. Legal system This entry contains a brief description of the legal system's historical roots, role in government, and acceptance of International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction. Legislative branch This entry contains information on the structure (unicameral, bicameral, tricameral), formal name, number of seats, and term of office. Elections includes the nature of election process or accession to power, date of the last election, and date of the next election. Election results includes the percent of vote and/or number of seats held by each party in the last election. Life expectancy at birth This entry contains the average number of years to be lived by a group of people born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future. The entry includes total population as well as the male and female components. Life expectancy at birth is also a measure of overall quality of life in a country and summarizes the mortality at all ages. It can also be thought of as indicating the potential return on investment in human capital and is necessary for the calculation of various actuarial measures. Literacy This entry includes a definition of literacy and Census Bureau percentages for the total population, males, and females. There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise specified, all rates are based on the most common definition - the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of the Factbook. Information on literacy, while not a perfect measure of educational results, is probably the most easily available and valid for international comparisons. Low levels of literacy, and education in general, can impede the economic development of a country in the current rapidly changing, technology-driven world. Location This entry identifies the country's regional location, neighboring countries, and adjacent bodies of water. Map references This entry includes the name of the Factbook reference map on which a country may be found. The entry on Geographic coordinates may be helpful in finding some smaller countries. Maritime claims This entry includes the following claims, the definitions of which are excerpted from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which alone contains the full and definitive descriptions: territorial sea - the sovereignty of a coastal state extends beyond its land territory and internal waters to an adjacent belt of sea, described as the territorial sea in the UNCLOS (Part II); this sovereignty extends to the air space over the territorial sea as well as its underlying seabed and subsoil; every state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles; the normal baseline for measuring the breadth of the territorial sea is the low-water line along the coast as marked on large-scale charts officially recognized by the coastal state; the UNCLOS describes specific rules for archipelagic states contiguous zone - according to the UNCLOS (Article 33), this is a zone contiguous to a coastal state's territorial sea, over which it may exercise the control necessary to: prevent infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws and regulations within its territory or territorial sea; punish infringement of the above laws and regulations committed within its territory or territorial sea; the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured (e.g., the US has claimed a 12-nautical mile contiguous zone in addition to its 12-nautical mile territorial sea) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) - the UNCLOS (Part V) defines the EEZ as a zone beyond and adjacent to the territorial sea in which a coastal state has: sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living, of the waters superjacent to the seabed and of the seabed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone, such as the production of energy from the water, currents, and winds; jurisdiction with regard to the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, and structures; marine scientific research; the protection and preservation of the marine environment; the outer limit of the exclusive economic zone shall not exceed 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured continental shelf - the UNCLOS (Article 76) defines the continental shelf of a coastal state as comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea throughout the natural prolongation of its land territory to the outer edge of the continental margin, or to a distance of 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured where the outer edge of the continental margin does not extend up to that distance; the continental margin comprises the submerged prolongation of the landmass of the coastal state, and consists of the seabed and subsoil of the shelf, the slope and the rise; wherever the continental margin extends beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, coastal states may extend their claim to a distance not to exceed 350 nautical miles from the baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2500 meter isobath; it does not include the deep ocean floor with its oceanic ridges or the subsoil thereof exclusive fishing zone - while this term is not used in the UNCLOS, some states (e.g. the United Kingdom) have chosen not to claim an EEZ, but rather to claim jurisdiction over the living resources off their coast; in such cases, the term exclusive fishing zone is often used; the breadth of this zone is normally the same as the EEZ or 200 nautical miles Median age This entry is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. Currently, the median age ranges from a low of about 15 in Uganda and Gaza Strip to 40 or more in several European countries and Japan. See the entry for "Age structure" for the importance of a young versus an older age structure and, by implication, a low versus a higher median age. Merchant marine Merchant marine may be defined as all ships engaged in the carriage of goods; or all commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc. This entry contains information in four fields - total, ships by type, foreign-owned, and registered in other countries. Total includes the number of ships (1,000 GRT or over), total DWT for those ships, and total GRT for those ships. DWT or dead weight tonnage is the total weight of cargo, plus bunkers, stores, etc., that a ship can carry when immersed to the appropriate load line. GRT or gross register tonnage is a figure obtained by measuring the entire sheltered volume of a ship available for cargo and passengers and converting it to tons on the basis of 100 cubic feet per ton; there is no stable relationship between GRT and DWT. Ships by type includes a listing of barge carriers, bulk cargo ships, cargo ships, chemical tankers, combination bulk carriers, combination ore/oil carriers, container ships, liquefied gas tankers, livestock carriers, multifunctional large-load carriers, petroleum tankers, passenger ships, passenger/cargo ships, railcar carriers, refrigerated cargo ships, roll-on/roll-off cargo ships, short-sea passenger ships, specialized tankers, and vehicle carriers. Foreign-owned are ships that fly the flag of one country but belong to owners in another. Registered in other countries are ships that belong to owners in one country but fly the flag of another. Military This category includes the entries dealing with a country's military structure, manpower, and expenditures. Military branches This entry lists the names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces. Military expenditures - dollar figure This entry gives current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis, not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies. Military expenditures - percent of GDP This entry gives current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Military manpower - availability This entry gives the total numbers of males and females age 15-49 and assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Military manpower - fit for military service This entry gives the number of males and females age 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to account for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Military manpower - military age This entry gives the minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription. Military manpower - reaching military age annually This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Military - note This entry includes miscellaneous military information of significance not included elsewhere. Money figures All money figures are expressed in contemporaneous US dollars unless otherwise indicated. National holiday This entry gives the primary national day of celebration - usually independence day. Nationality This entry provides the identifying terms for citizens - noun and adjective. Natural gas - production This entry is the total natural gas produced in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Natural gas - consumption This entry is the total natural gas consumed in cubic meters (cu m). The discrepancy between the amount of natural gas produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes and other complicating factors. Natural gas - exports This entry is the total natural gas exported in cubic meters (cu m). Natural gas - imports This entry is the total natural gas imported in cubic meters (cu m). Natural gas - proved reserves This entry is the stock of proved reserves of natural gas in cubic meters (cu m). Proved reserves are those quantities of natural gas, which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions. Natural hazards This entry lists potential natural disasters. Natural resources This entry lists a country's mineral, petroleum, hydropower, and other resources of commercial importance. Net migration rate This entry includes the figure for the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (e.g., 3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (e.g., -9.26 migrants/1,000 population). The net migration rate indicates the contribution of migration to the overall level of population change. High levels of migration can cause problems such as increasing unemployment and potential ethnic strife (if people are coming in) or a reduction in the labor force, perhaps in certain key sectors (if people are leaving). Oil - production This entry is the total oil produced in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Oil - consumption This entry is the total oil consumed in barrels per day (bbl/day). The discrepancy between the amount of oil produced and/or imported and the amount consumed and/or exported is due to the omission of stock changes, refinery gains, and other complicating factors. Oil - exports This entry is the total oil exported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products. Oil - imports This entry is the total oil imported in barrels per day (bbl/day), including both crude oil and oil products. Oil - proved reserves This entry is the stock of proved reserves of crude oil in barrels (bbl). Proved reserves are those quantities of petroleum which, by analysis of geological and engineering data, can be estimated with a high degree of confidence to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under current economic conditions. People This category includes the entries dealing with the characteristics of the people and their society. People - note This entry includes miscellaneous demographic information of significance not included elsewhere. Personal Names - Capitalization The Factbook capitalizes the surname or family name of individuals for the convenience of our users who are faced with a world of different cultures and naming conventions. The need for capitalization, bold type, underlining, italics, or some other indicator of the individual's surname is apparent in the following examples: MAO Zedong, Fidel CASTRO Ruz, George W. BUSH, and TUNKU SALAHUDDIN Abdul Aziz Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Hisammuddin Alam Shah. By knowing the surname, a short form without all capital letters can be used with confidence as in President Castro, Chairman Mao, President Bush, or Sultan Tunku Salahuddin. The same system of capitalization is extended to the names of leaders with surnames that are not commonly used such as Queen ELIZABETH II. Personal Names - Spelling The romanization of personal names in the Factbook normally follows the same transliteration system used by the US Board on Geographic Names for spelling place names. At times, however, a foreign leader expressly indicates a preference for, or the media or official documents regularly use, a romanized spelling that differs from the transliteration derived from the US Government standard. In such cases, the Factbook uses the alternative spelling. Personal Names - Titles The Factbook capitalizes any valid title (or short form of it) immediately preceding a person's name. A title standing alone is not capitalized. Examples: President PUTIN and President BUSH are chiefs of state. In Russia, the president is chief of state and the premier is the head of the government, while in the US, the president is both chief of state and head of government. Petroleum See entry for "oil." Petroleum products See entry for "oil." Pipelines This entry gives the lengths and types of pipelines for transporting products like natural gas, crude oil, or petroleum products. Political parties and leaders This entry includes a listing of significant political organizations and their leaders. Political pressure groups and leaders This entry includes a listing of organizations with leaders involved in politics, but not standing for legislative election. Population This entry gives an estimate from the US Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital statistics registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past and on assumptions about future trends. The total population presents one overall measure of the potential impact of the country on the world and within its region. Note: starting with the 1993 Factbook, demographic estimates for some countries (mostly African) have explicitly taken into account the effects of the growing impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These countries are currently: The Bahamas, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Population below poverty line National estimates of the percentage of the population falling below the poverty line are based on surveys of sub-groups, with the results weighted by the number of people in each group. Definitions of poverty vary considerably among nations. For example, rich nations generally employ more generous standards of poverty than poor nations. Population growth rate The average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructure (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Rapid population growth can be seen as threatening by neighboring countries. Ports and harbors This entry lists the major ports and harbors selected on the basis of overall importance to each country. This is determined by evaluating a number of factors (e.g., dollar value of goods handled, gross tonnage, facilities, military significance). Public debt This entry records the cumulative total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency. Public debt should not be confused with external debt, which reflects the foreign currency liablities of both the private and public sector and must be financed out of foreign exchange earnings. Radio broadcast stations This entry includes the total number of AM, FM, and shortwave broadcast stations. Railways This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge: broad, standard, narrow, and dual. Other gauges are listed under note. Reference maps This section includes world and regional maps. Refugees and internally displaced persons This entry includes those persons residing in a country as refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs). The definition of a refugee according to a United Nations Convention is "a person who is outside his/her country of nationality or habitual residence; has a well- founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion; and is unable or unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution." The UN established the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1950 to handle refugee matters worldwide. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has a different, operational definition for a Palestinian refugee: "a person whose normal place of residence was Palestine during the period 1 June 1946 to 15 May 1948 and who lost both home and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict." However, UNHCR also assists some 400,000 Palestinian refugees not covered under the UNRWA definition. The term "internally displaced person" is not specifically covered in the UN Convention; it is used to describe people who have fled their homes for reasons similar to refugees, but who remain within their own national territory and are subject to the laws of that state. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated that in December 2003 there was a global population of 9.7 million refugees and as many as 25 million IDPs. Religions This entry is an ordered listing of religions by adherents starting with the largest group and sometimes includes the percent of total population. Reserves of foreign exchange and gold This entry gives the dollar value for the stock of all financial assets that are available to the central monetary authority for use in meeting a country's balance of payments needs as of the end-date of the period specified. This category includes not only foreign currency and gold, but also a country's holdings of Special Drawing Rights in the International Monetary Fund, and its reserve position in the Fund. Sex ratio This entry includes the number of males for each female in five age groups - at birth, under 15 years, 15-64 years, 65 years and over, and for the total population. Sex ratio at birth has recently emerged as an indicator of certain kinds of sex discrimination in some countries. For instance, high sex ratios at birth in some Asian countries are now attributed to sex-selective abortion and infanticide due to a strong preference for sons. This will affect future marriage patterns and fertility patterns. Eventually it could cause unrest among young adult males who are unable to find partners. Suffrage This entry gives the age at enfranchisement and whether the right to vote is universal or restricted. Telephone numbers All telephone numbers in the Factbook consist of the country code in brackets, the city or area code (where required) in parentheses, and the local number. The one component that is not presented is the international access code, which varies from country to country. For example, an international direct dial telephone call placed from the US to Madrid, Spain, would be as follows: 011 [34] (1) 577-xxxx, where 011 is the international access code for station-to-station calls; 01 is for calls other than station-to-station calls, [34] is the country code for Spain, (1) is the city code for Madrid, 577 is the local exchange, and xxxx is the local telephone number. An international direct dial telephone call placed from another country to the US would be as follows: international access code + [1] (202) 939-xxxx, where [1] is the country code for the US, (202) is the area code for Washington, DC, 939 is the local exchange, and xxxx is the local telephone number. Telephone system This entry includes a brief general assessment of the system with details on the domestic and international components. The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout the entry: Africa ONE - a fiber-optic submarine cable link encircling the continent of Africa. Arabsat - Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). Autodin - Automatic Digital Network (US Department of Defense). CB - citizen's band mobile radio communications. cellular telephone system - the telephones in this system are radio transceivers, with each instrument having its own private radio frequency and sufficient radiated power to reach the booster station in its area (cell), from which the telephone signal is fed to a telephone exchange. Central American Microwave System - a trunk microwave radio relay system that links the countries of Central America and Mexico with each other. coaxial cable - a multichannel communication cable consisting of a central conducting wire, surrounded by and insulated from a cylindrical conducting shell; a large number of telephone channels can be made available within the insulated space by the use of a large number of carrier frequencies. Comsat - Communications Satellite Corporation (US). DSN - Defense Switched Network (formerly Automatic Voice Network or Autovon); basic general-purpose, switched voice network of the Defense Communications System (US Department of Defense). Eutelsat - European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Paris). fiber-optic cable - a multichannel communications cable using a thread of optical glass fibers as a transmission medium in which the signal (voice, video, etc.) is in the form of a coded pulse of light. GSM - a global system for mobile (cellular) communications devised by the Groupe Special Mobile of the pan-European standardization organization, Conference Europeanne des Posts et Telecommunications (CEPT) in 1982. HF - high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000- kHz range. Inmarsat - International Maritime Satellite Organization (London); provider of global mobile satellite communications for commercial, distress, and safety applications at sea, in the air, and on land. Intelsat - International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (Washington, DC). Intersputnik - International Organization of Space Communications (Moscow); first established in the former Soviet Union and the East European countries, it is now marketing its services worldwide with earth stations in North America, Africa, and East Asia. landline - communication wire or cable of any sort that is installed on poles or buried in the ground. Marecs - Maritime European Communications Satellite used in the Inmarsat system on lease from the European Space Agency. Marisat - satellites of the Comsat Corporation that participate in the Inmarsat system. Medarabtel - the Middle East Telecommunications Project of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) providing a modern telecommunications network, primarily by microwave radio relay, linking Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen; it was initially started in Morocco in 1970 by the Arab Telecommunications Union (ATU) and was known at that time as the Middle East Mediterranean Telecommunications Network. microwave radio relay - transmission of long distance telephone calls and television programs by highly directional radio microwaves that are received and sent on from one booster station to another on an optical path. NMT - Nordic Mobile Telephone; an analog cellular telephone system that was developed jointly by the national telecommunications authorities of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Orbita - a Russian television service; also the trade name of a packet-switched digital telephone network. radiotelephone communications - the two-way transmission and reception of sounds by broadcast radio on authorized frequencies using telephone handsets. PanAmSat - PanAmSat Corporation (Greenwich, CT). SAFE - South African Far East Cable satellite communication system - a communication system consisting of two or more earth stations and at least one satellite that provide long distance transmission of voice, data, and television; the system usually serves as a trunk connection between telephone exchanges; if the earth stations are in the same country, it is a domestic system. satellite earth station - a communications facility with a microwave radio transmitting and receiving antenna and required receiving and transmitting equipment for communicating with satellites. satellite link - a radio connection between a satellite and an earth station permitting communication between them, either one-way (down link from satellite to earth station - television receive-only transmission) or two-way (telephone channels). SHF - super high frequency; any radio frequency in the 3,000- to 30,000-MHz range. shortwave - radio frequencies (from 1.605 to 30 MHz) that fall above the commercial broadcast band and are used for communication over long distances. Solidaridad - geosynchronous satellites in Mexico's system of international telecommunications in the Western Hemisphere. Statsionar - Russia's geostationary system for satellite telecommunications. submarine cable - a cable designed for service under water. TAT - Trans-Atlantic Telephone; any of a number of high-capacity submarine coaxial telephone cables linking Europe with North America. telefax - facsimile service between subscriber stations via the public switched telephone network or the international Datel network. telegraph - a telecommunications system designed for unmodulated electric impulse transmission. telex - a communication service involving teletypewriters connected by wire through automatic exchanges. tropospheric scatter - a form of microwave radio transmission in which the troposphere is used to scatter and reflect a fraction of the incident radio waves back to earth; powerful, highly directional antennas are used to transmit and receive the microwave signals; reliable over-the-horizon communications are realized for distances up to 600 miles in a single hop; additional hops can extend the range of this system for very long distances. trunk network - a network of switching centers, connected by multichannel trunk lines. UHF - ultra high frequency; any radio frequency in the 300- to 3,000-MHz range. VHF - very high frequency; any radio frequency in the 30- to 300- MHz range. Telephones - main lines in use This entry gives the total number of main telephone lines in use. Telephones - mobile cellular This entry gives the total number of mobile cellular telephones in use. Television - broadcast stations This entry gives the total number of separate broadcast stations plus any repeater stations. Terminology Due to the highly structured nature of the Factbook database, some collective generic terms have to be used. For example, the word Country in the Country name entry refers to a wide variety of dependencies, areas of special sovereignty, uninhabited islands, and other entities in addition to the traditional countries or independent states. Military is also used as an umbrella term for various civil defense, security, and defense activities in many entries. The Independence entry includes the usual colonial independence dates and former ruling states as well as other significant nationhood dates such as the traditional founding date or the date of unification, federation, confederation, establishment, or state succession that are not strictly independence dates. Dependent areas have the nature of their dependency status noted in this same entry. Terrain This entry contains a brief description of the topography. Total fertility rate This entry gives a figure for the average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age. The total fertility rate is a more direct measure of the level of fertility than the crude birth rate, since it refers to births per woman. This indicator shows the potential for population growth in the country. High rates will also place some limits on the labor force participation rates for women. Large numbers of children born to women indicate large family sizes that might limit the ability of the families to feed and educate their children. Transnational Issues This category includes only two entries at the present time - Disputes - international and Illicit drugs - that deal with current issues going beyond national boundaries. Transportation This category includes the entries dealing with the means for movement of people and goods. Transportation - note This entry includes miscellaneous transportation information of significance not included elsewhere. Unemployment rate This entry contains the percent of the labor force that is without jobs. Substantial underemployment might be noted. Waterways This entry gives the total length of navigable rivers, canals, and other inland bodies of water. Years All year references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as fiscal year (FY). The calendar year is an accounting period of 12 months from 1 January to 31 December. The fiscal year is an accounting period of 12 months other than 1 January to 31 December. Note: Information for the US and US dependencies was compiled from material in the public domain and does not represent Intelligence Community estimates. This page was last updated on 10 December, 2004 ===================================================================== History A Brief History of Basic Intelligence and The World Factbook The Intelligence Cycle is the process by which information is acquired, converted into intelligence, and made available to policymakers. Information is raw data from any source, data that may be fragmentary, contradictory, unreliable, ambiguous, deceptive, or wrong. Intelligence is information that has been collected, integrated, evaluated, analyzed, and interpreted. Finished intelligence is the final product of the Intelligence Cycle ready to be delivered to the policymaker. The three types of finished intelligence are: basic, current, and estimative. Basic intelligence provides the fundamental and factual reference material on a country or issue. Current intelligence reports on new developments. Estimative intelligence judges probable outcomes. The three are mutually supportive: basic intelligence is the foundation on which the other two are constructed; current intelligence continually updates the inventory of knowledge; and estimative intelligence revises overall interpretations of country and issue prospects for guidance of basic and current intelligence. The World Factbook, The President's Daily Brief, and the National Intelligence Estimates are examples of the three types of finished intelligence. The United States has carried on foreign intelligence activities since the days of George Washington but only since World War II have they been coordinated on a government-wide basis. Three programs have highlighted the development of coordinated basic intelligence since that time: (1) the Joint Army Navy Intelligence Studies (JANIS), (2) the National Intelligence Survey (NIS), and (3) The World Factbook. During World War II, intelligence consumers realized that the production of basic intelligence by different components of the US Government resulted in a great duplication of effort and conflicting information. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought home to leaders in Congress and the executive branch the need for integrating departmental reports to national policymakers. Detailed and coordinated information was needed not only on such major powers as Germany and Japan, but also on places of little previous interest. In the Pacific Theater, for example, the Navy and Marines had to launch amphibious operations against many islands about which information was unconfirmed or nonexistent. Intelligence authorities resolved that the United States should never again be caught unprepared. In 1943, Gen. George B. Strong (G-2), Adm. H. C. Train (Office of Naval Intelligence - ONI), and Gen. William J. Donovan (Director of the Office of Strategic Services - OSS) decided that a joint effort should be initiated. A steering committee was appointed on 27 April 1943 that recommended the formation of a Joint Intelligence Study Publishing Board to assemble, edit, coordinate, and publish the Joint Army Navy Intelligence Studies (JANIS). JANIS was the first interdepartmental basic intelligence program to fulfill the needs of the US Government for an authoritative and coordinated appraisal of strategic basic intelligence. Between April 1943 and July 1947, the board published 34 JANIS studies. JANIS performed well in the war effort, and numerous letters of commendation were received, including a statement from Adm. Forrest Sherman, Chief of Staff, Pacific Ocean Areas, which said, "JANIS has become the indispensable reference work for the shore-based planners." The need for more comprehensive basic intelligence in the postwar world was well expressed in 1946 by George S. Pettee, a noted author on national security. He wrote in The Future of American Secret Intelligence (Infantry Journal Press, 1946, page 46) that world leadership in peace requires even more elaborate intelligence than in war. "The conduct of peace involves all countries, all human activities - not just the enemy and his war production." The Central Intelligence Agency was established on 26 July 1947 and officially began operating on 18 September 1947. Effective 1 October 1947, the Director of Central Intelligence assumed operational responsibility for JANIS. On 13 January 1948, the National Security Council issued Intelligence Directive (NSCID) No. 3, which authorized the National Intelligence Survey (NIS) program as a peacetime replacement for the wartime JANIS program. Before adequate NIS country sections could be produced, government agencies had to develop more comprehensive gazetteers and better maps. The US Board on Geographic Names (BGN) compiled the names; the Department of the Interior produced the gazetteers; and CIA produced the maps. The Hoover Commission's Clark Committee, set up in 1954 to study the structure and administration of the CIA, reported to Congress in 1955 that: "The National Intelligence Survey is an invaluable publication which provides the essential elements of basic intelligence on all areas of the world. There will always be a continuing requirement for keeping the Survey up-to-date." The Factbook was created as an annual summary and update to the encyclopedic NIS studies. The first classified Factbook was published in August 1962, and the first unclassified version was published in June 1971. The NIS program was terminated in 1973 except for the Factbook, map, and gazetteer components. The 1975 Factbook was the first to be made available to the public with sales through the US Government Printing Office (GPO). The year 2004 marks the 57th anniversary of the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency and the 61st year of continuous basic intelligence support to the US Government by The World Factbook and its two predecessor programs. This page was last updated on 9 December, 2004 ===================================================================== Contributors and Copyright Information In general, information available as of 1 January, 2004 was used in the preparation of this edition. The World Factbook is prepared by the Central Intelligence Agency for the use of US Government officials, and the style, format, coverage, and content are designed to meet their specific requirements. Information is provided by Antarctic Information Program (National Science Foundation), Bureau of the Census (Department of Commerce), Bureau of Labor Statistics (Department of Labor), Central Intelligence Agency, Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs, Defense Intelligence Agency (Department of Defense), Department of State, Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior), Maritime Administration (Department of Transportation), National Geospatial- Intelligence Agency (Department of Defense), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (Department of Defense), Office of Insular Affairs (Department of the Interior), Office of Naval Intelligence (Department of Defense), US Board on Geographic Names (Department of the Interior), US Transportation Command (Department of Defense), and other public and private sources. The Factbook is in the public domain. Accordingly, it may be copied freely without permission of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The official seal of the CIA, however, may NOT be copied without permission as required by the CIA Act of 1949 (50 U.S.C. section 403m). Misuse of the official seal of the CIA could result in civil and criminal penalties. Comments and queries are welcome and may be addressed to: Central Intelligence Agency Attn.: Office of Public Affairs Washington, DC 20505 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time Telephone: [1] (703) 482-0623 FAX: [1] (703) 482-1739 This page was last updated on 9 December, 2004 ===================================================================== Purchasing Information The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) publishes The World Factbook in printed and Internet versions. US Government officials may obtain information about availability of the Factbook from their organizations or through liaison channels to the CIA. Other users may obtain sales information about printed copies from the following: Superintendent of Documents P. O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) Telephone: [1] (202) 512-1800; toll free: [1] (866) 512-1800 FAX: [1] (202) 512-2250 http://bookstore.gpo.gov/ National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) Telephone: [1] (800) 553-6847 (only in the US); [1] (703) 605-6000 (for outside US) FAX: [1] (703) 605-6900 http://www.ntis.gov/ The World Factbook can be accessed on the Internet at: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html This page was last updated on 9 December, 2004 ===================================================================== Frequently Asked Questions The World Factbook staff thanks you for your comments, suggestions, updates, kudos, and corrections over the past years. The willingness of readers from around the world to share their observations and specialized knowledge is very helpful as we try to produce the best possible publications. Please feel free to continue to write and e-mail us. At least two Factbook staffers review every item. The sheer volume of correspondence precludes detailed personal replies, but we sincerely appreciate your time and interest in the Factbook. If you include your e-mail address we will at least acknowledge your note. Thank you again. Answers to many frequently asked questions (FAQs) are explained in the Notes and Definitions section in The World Factbook. Please review this section to see if your question is already answered there. In addition, we have compiled the following list of FAQs to answer other common questions. Select from the following categories to narrow your search: General Geography Spelling and Pronunciation Policies and Procedures Technical General Can you provide additional information for a specific country? The staff cannot provide data beyond what appears in The World Factbook. The format and information in the Factbook are tailored to the specific requirements of US Government officials and content is focused on their current and anticipated needs. The staff welcomes suggestions for new entries. How often is The World Factbook updated? Formerly our Web site (and the published Factbook) were only updated annually. Beginning in November 2001 we instituted a new system of more frequent online updates. The annual printed version of the Factbook is usually released about midyear. US Government officials may obtain information about Factbook availability from their own organizations or through liaison channels to the CIA. Other users may obtain sales information through the following channels: Superintendent of Documents P. O. Box 371954 Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954 Telephone: [1] (202) 512-1800 FAX: [1] (202) 512-2250 http://bookstore.gpo.gov National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Telephone: [1] (800) 553-6847 (only in the US); [1] (703) 605-6000 (for outside US) FAX: [1] (703) 605-6900 http://www.ntis.gov Can I use some or all of The World Factbook for my Web site (book, research project, homework, etc.)? The World Factbook is in the public domain and may be used freely by anyone at anytime without seeking permission. However, US Code prohibits use of the CIA seal in a manner which implies that the CIA approved, endorsed, or authorized such use. If you have any questions about your intended use, you should consult with legal counsel. Further information on The World Factbook's use is described on the Contributors and Copyright Information page. As a courtesy, please cite The World Factbook when used. Why doesn't The World Factbook include information on states, departments, provinces, etc., in the country format? The World Factbook provides national-level information on countries, territories, and dependencies, but not subnational administrative units within a country. A good encyclopedia should provide state/province- level information. Is it possible to access older editions of The World Factbook to do comparative research and trend analysis? Only the current version is available for browsing on the CIA Web site. In the future, the staff hopes to post electronic versions of The World Factbook as far back as 1986. Hardcopy editions for earlier years are available from libraries. Would it be possible to set up a partnership or collaboration between the producers of The World Factbook and other organizations or individuals? The World Factbook does not partner with other organizations or individuals, but we do welcome comments and suggestions that such groups or persons choose to provide. Geography I can't find a geographic name for a particular country. Why not? The World Factbook is not a gazetteer (a dictionary or index of places, usually with descriptive or statistical information) and cannot provide more than the names of the administrative divisions (in the Government category) and major cities/towns (on the country maps). Our expanded Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names, however, includes many of the world's major geographic features as well as historic (former) names of countries and cities mentioned in The World Factbook. Why are Taiwan and the European Union listed out of alphabetical order at the end of the Factbook entries? Taiwan is listed after the regular entries because even though the mainland People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, elected Taiwanese authorities de facto administer the island and reject mainland sovereignty claims. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with China on January 1, 1979, the US Government recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, acknowledging the Chinese position that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China. The European Union (EU) is not a country, but it has taken on many nation-like attributes and these are likely to be expanded in the future. A more complete explanation on the inclusion of the EU into the Factbook may be found in the Preliminary statement. Since we have an ambassador who represents the US at the Vatican, why is this entity not listed in the Factbook? Vatican City is found under Holy See. The term "Holy See" refers to the authority, jurisdiction, and sovereignty vested in the Pope and his advisors to direct the worldwide Catholic Church. The Holy See has a legal personality that allows it to enter into treaties as the juridical equal of a state and to send and receive diplomatic representatives. Vatican City, created in 1929 to administer properties belonging to the Holy See in Rome, is recognized under international law as a sovereign state, but it does not send or receive diplomatic representatives. Consequently, Holy See is included as a Factbook entry, with Vatican City cross-referenced in the Geographic Names appendix. Why is Palestine not listed in The World Factbook? The areas that could potentially form a future Palestinian state -- the West Bank and Gaza Strip -- do appear in the Factbook. These areas are presently Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli- Palestinian 1995 Interim Agreement; their permanent status is to be determined through further negotiation. Why are the Golan Heights not shown as part of Israel or Northern Cyprus with Turkey? Territorial occupations/annexations not recognized by the United States Government are not shown on US Government maps. Why don't you include information on entities such as Tibet, Kashmir, or Kosovo? The World Factbook provides information on the administrative divisions of a country as recommended by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN is a component of the US Government that develops policies, principles, and procedures governing the spelling, use, and application of geographic names--domestic, foreign, Antarctic, and undersea. Its decisions enable all departments and agencies of the US Government to have access to uniform names of geographic features. Also included in the Factbook are entries on parts of the world whose status has not yet been resolved (e.g., West Bank, Spratly Islands). Specific regions within a country or areas in dispute among countries are not covered. What do you mean when you say that a country is "doubly landlocked"? A doubly landlocked country is one that is separated from an ocean or an ocean-accessible sea by two intervening countries. Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein are the only countries that fit this definition. Spelling and Pronunciation Why is the spelling of proper names such as rulers, presidents, and prime ministers in The World Factbook different than their spelling in my country? The Factbook staff applies the names and spellings from the Chiefs of State link on the CIA Web site. The World Factbook is prepared using the standard American English computer keyboard and does not use any special characters, symbols, or most diacritical markings in its spellings. 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The Factbook site at: www.cia.gov is the only official site. When I attempt to download a PDF (Portable Document Format) map file (or some other map) the file has no image. Can you fix this? Some of the files on The World Factbook Web site are large and could take several minutes to download on a dial-up connection. The screen might be blank during the download process. When I open a map on The World Factbook site, it is fuzzy or granular, or too big or too small. Why? Adjusting the resolution setting on your monitor should correct this problem. Is The World Factbook country data available in machine-readable format? All I can find is HTML, but I'm looking for simple tabular data. The Factbook Web site now features "Rank Order" pages for selected Factbook entries. "Rank Order" pages are available for those data fields identified with a small bar chart icon located next to the title of the data entry. In addition, all of the "Rank Order" pages can be downloaded as tab-delimited data files that can be opened in other applications such as spreadsheets and databases. This page was last updated on 11 January, 2005 ===================================================================== @Afghanistan Introduction Afghanistan Background: Afghanistan's recent history is a story of war and civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw 10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces. The Communist regime in Kabul collapsed in 1992. Fighting that subsequently erupted among the various mujahidin factions eventually helped to spawn the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that fought to end the warlordism and civil war which gripped the country. The Taliban seized Kabul in 1996 and were able to capture most of the country outside of Northern Alliance srongholds primarily in the northeast. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US, Allied, and Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. In late 2001, a conference in Bonn, Germany, established a process for political reconstruction that ultimately resulted in the adoption of a new constitution and presidential election in 2004. On 9 October 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan. The new Afghan government's next task is to hold National Assembly elections, tentatively scheduled for April 2005. Geography Afghanistan Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Geographic coordinates: 33 00 N, 65 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 647,500 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 647,500 sq km Area - comparative: 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) Climate: arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers Terrain: mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest Elevation extremes: lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m highest point: Nowshak 7,485 m Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, chromite, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones Land use: arable land: 12.13% permanent crops: 0.22% other: 87.65% (2001) Irrigated land: 23,860 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil degradation; overgrazing; deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials); desertification; air and water pollution Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping signed, but not ratified: Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: landlocked; the Hindu Kush mountains that run northeast to southwest divide the northern provinces from the rest of the country; the highest peaks are in the northern Vakhan (Wakhan Corridor) People Afghanistan Population: 28,513,677 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 44.7% (male 6,525,929; female 6,222,497) 15-64 years: 52.9% (male 7,733,707; female 7,346,226) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 334,427; female 350,891) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 17.5 years male: 17.5 years female: 17.6 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 4.92% note: this rate does not take into consideration the recent war and its continuing impact (2004 est.) Birth rate: 47.27 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 21.12 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 23.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 165.96 deaths/1,000 live births female: 160.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 170.85 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 42.46 years male: 42.27 years female: 42.66 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.78 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.01% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Afghan(s) adjective: Afghan Ethnic groups: Pashtun 42%, Tajik 27%, Hazara 9%, Uzbek 9%, Aimak 4%, Turkmen 3%, Baloch 2%, other 4% Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 19%, other 1% Languages: Pashtu (official) 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much bilingualism Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write female: 21% (1999 est.) total population: 36% male: 51% People - note: of the estimated 4 million refugees in October 2001, 2.3 million have returned Government Afghanistan Country name: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan conventional short form: Afghanistan local short form: Afghanestan former: Republic of Afghanistan local long form: Dowlat-e Eslami-ye Afghanestan Government type: Islamic republic Capital: Kabul Administrative divisions: 34 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamian, Daykondi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khowst, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nurestan, Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Panjshir, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, and Zabol Independence: 19 August 1919 (from UK control over Afghan foreign affairs) National holiday: Independence Day, 19 August (1919) Constitution: new constitution drafted 14 December 2003 - 4 January 2004; signed 16 January 2004 Legal system: according to the new constitution, no law should be "contrary to Islam"; the state is obliged to create a prosperous and progressive society based on social justice, protection of human dignity, protection of human rights, realization of democracy, and to ensure national unity and equality among all ethnic groups and tribes; the state shall abide by the UN charter, international treaties, international conventions that Afghanistan signed, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government; former King ZAHIR Shah holds the honorific, "Father of the Country," and presides symbolically over certain occasions, but lacks any governing authority; the honorific is not hereditary head of government: President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government cabinet: 27 ministers; note - under the new constitution, ministers are appointed by the president and approved by the National Assembly elections: the president and two vice presidents are elected by direct vote for a five-year term; if no candidate receives 50% or more of the vote in the first round of voting, the two candidates with the most votes will participate in a second round; a president can only be elected for two terms; election last held 9 October 2004 (next to be held in 2009) election results: Hamid KARZAI elected president; percent of vote - Hamid KARZAI - 55.4%, Yunus QANOONI - 16.3%, Mohammad MOHAQEQ - 11.6%, Abdul Rashid DOSTAM 10.0%, Abdul Latif PEDRAM - 1.4%, Masooda JALAL - 1.2% Legislative branch: nonfunctioning as of January 2004; government is empowered by the constitution to issue legislation by decree until the new assembly is seated; under the new constitution, the bicameral National Assembly will consist of the Wolesi Jirga or House of People (no more than 249 seats), directly elected for a five-year term, and the Meshrano Jirga or House of Elders (102 seats, one third elected from provincial councils for a four-year term, one third elected from local district councils for a three-year term, and one third presidential appointees for a five-year term; the presidential appointees will include two representatives of Kuchis and two representatives of the disabled; half of the presidential appointees will be women) note: on rare occasions the government may convene the Loya Jirga on issues of independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity; it can amend the provisions of the constitution and prosecute the president; it is made up of members of the National Assembly and chairpersons of the provincial and district councils elections: scheduled for spring 2005 Judicial branch: the new constitution establishes a nine-member Stera Mahkama or Supreme Court (its nine justices are appointed for 10-year terms by the president with approval of the Wolesi Jirga) and subordinate High Courts and Appeals Courts; there is also a Minister of Justice; a separate Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission established by the Bonn Agreement is charged with investigating human rights abuses and war crimes Political parties and leaders: note - includes only political parties approved by the Ministry of Justice: Afghan Millat [Anwarul Haq AHADI]; De Afghanistan De Solay Ghorzang Gond [Shahnawaz TANAI]; De Afghanistan De Solay Mili Islami Gond [Shah Mahmood Polal ZAI]; Harakat-e-Islami Afghanistan [Mohammad Asif MOHSINEE]; Hezb-e-Aarman-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Iihaj Saraj-u-din ZAFAREE]; Hezb-e-Aazadee Afghanistan [Abdul MALIK]; Hezb-e-Adalat-e-Islami Afghanistan [Mohammad Kabeer MARZBAN]; Hezb-e-Afghanistan-e-Wahid [Mohammad Wasil RAHEEMEE]; Hezb-e-Afghan Watan Islami Gond [NA leader]; Hezb-e-Congra-e-Mili Afghanistan [Lateef PIDRAM]; Hezb-e-Falah-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Mohammad ZAREEF]; Hezb-e-Libral-e-Aazadee Khwa-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Ajmal SOHAIL]; Hezb-e-Hambastagee Mili Jawanan-e-Afghanistan [Mohammad Jamil KARZAI]; Hezb-e-Hamnbatagee-e-Afghanistan [Abdul Khaleq NEMAT]; Hezb-e-Harakat-e-Mili Wahdat-e-Afghanistan [Moahammad Nadir AATASH]; Hezb-e-Harak-e-Islami Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Ilhaj Said Hssain ANWARY]; Hezb-e-Ifazat Az Uqoq-e-Bashar Wa Inkishaf-e-Afghanistan [Baryalai NASRATEE]; Hezb-e-Istiqlal-e-Afghanistan [Dr. Gh. Farooq NIJZRABEE]; Hezb-e-Jamhoree Khwahan [Sibghatullah SANJAR]; Hezb-e-Kar Wa Tawsiha-e-Afghanistan [Zulfiar OMID]; Hezb-e-Mili Afghanistan [Abdul Rasheed AARYAN]; Hezb-e-Mili Wahdat-e-Aqwam-e-Islami Afghanistan [Mohammad Shah KHOGYANEE]; Hezb-e-Nuhzhat-e-Mili Afghanistan [Ahmad Wali MASOUD]; Hezb-e-Paiwand-e-Mili Afghanistan [Said Mansoor NADIRI]; Hezb-e-Rastakhaiz-e-Islami Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Said ZAHIR]; Hezb-e-Refah-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Mia Gul WASEEQ]; Hezb-e-Risalat-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Noor Aqa ROEEN]; Hezb-e-Sahadat-e-Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Mohammad Zubair PAIROZ]; Hezb-e-Sahadat-e-Mili Wa Islami Afghanistan [Mohammad Usman SALIGZADA]; Hezb-e-Sulh-e-Mili Islami Aqwam-e-Afghanistan [Abdul Qahir SHARYATEE]; Hezb-e-Sulh Wa Wahdat-e-Mili Afghanistan [Abdul Qadir IMAMEE]; Hezb-e-Tafahum-e-Wa Democracy Afghanistan [Ahamad SHAHEEN]; Hezb-e-Wahdat-e-Islami Afghanistan [Mohammad Karim KHALILI]; Hezb-e-Wahdat-e-Islami Mardum-e-Afghanistan [Haji Mohammad MUHAQIQ]; Hezb-e-Wahdat-e-Mili Afghanistan [Abdul Rasheed Jalili]; Jamahat-ul-Dahwat ilal Qurhan-wa-Sunat-ul-Afghanistan [Mawlawee Samiullah NAJEEBEE]; Jombesh-e Milli [Abdul Rashjid DOSTUM]; Mahaz-e-Mili Islami Afghanistan [Said Ahmad GAILANEE]; Majmah-e-Mili Fahaleen-e-Sulh-e-Afghanistan [Shams ul Haq Noor SHAMS]; Nuhzat-e-Aazadee Wa democracy Afghanistan [Abdul Raqeeb Jawid KUHISTANEE]; Nuhzat-e-Hambastagee Mili Afghanistan [Peer Said Ishaq GAILANEE]; Sazman-e-Islami Afghanistan-e-Jawan [Siad Jawad HUSSAINEE]; Tahreek Wahdat-e-Mili [Sultan Mahmood DHAZI] (30 Sep 2004) Political pressure groups and leaders: Jamiat-e Islami (Society of Islam), [former President Burhanuddin RABBANI]; Ittihad-e Islami (Islamic Union for the Liberation of Afghanistan), [Abdul Rasul SAYYAF]; there are also small monarchist, communist, and democratic groups International organization participation: AsDB, CP, ECO, FAO, G-77, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIGA, NAM, NATO, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO (observer), WToO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Said Tayeb JAWAD consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] 202-483-6488 telephone: [1] 202-483-6410 chancery: 2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zalmay KHALILZAD embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul mailing address: 6180 Kabul Place, Dulles, VA 20189-6180 telephone: [00] (2) 230-0436 FAX: [0093] (2) 230-1364 Flag description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist), red, and green, with a gold emblem centered on the red band; the emblem features a temple-like structure encircled by a wreath on the left and right and by a bold Islamic inscription above Economy Afghanistan Economy - overview: Afghanistan's economic outlook has improved significantly over the past two years because of the infusion of over $2 billion in international assistance, dramatic improvements in agricultural production, and the end of a four-year drought in most of the country. However, Afghanistan remains extremely poor, landlocked, and highly dependent on foreign aid, farming, and trade with neighboring countries. It will probably take the remainder of the decade and continuing donor aid and attention to raise Afghanistan's living standards up from its current status among the lowest in the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing, clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs, but the Afghan government and international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year. Growing political stability and continued international commitment to Afghan reconstruction create an optimistic outlook for maintaining improvements to the Afghan economy in 2004. The replacement of the opium trade - which may account for one-third of GDP - is one of several potential spoilers for the economy over the long term. GDP: purchasing power parity - $20 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 29% (2003 est.) : note: this high growth rate reflects the extremely low levels of activity between 1999 and 2002, as well as the end of a four-year drought and the impact of donor assistance GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $700 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 60% industry: 20% services: 20% (1990 est.) Population below poverty line: 23% (2002) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (2003) Labor force: 11.8 million (2001 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 80%, industry 10%, services 10% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NA (2003) Budget: revenues: $200 million expenditures: $550 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 plan) Agriculture - products: opium, wheat, fruits, nuts, wool, mutton, sheepskins, lambskins Industries: small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, coal, copper Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 334.8 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 511.4 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 200 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 3,500 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 0 bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 220 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 220 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 49.98 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Exports: $98 million (not including illicit exports) (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems Exports - partners: US 27%, France 17.5%, India 16.6%, Pakistan 13.3% (2003) Imports: $1.007 billion (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, food, textiles, petroleum products Imports - partners: Pakistan 30.1%, South Korea 9.2%, Japan 7.6%, Germany 6.9%, Turkmenistan 5.4%, Kenya 4.6%, US 4.5%, Russia 4% (2003) Debt - external: $8 billion in bilateral debt, mostly to Russia; Afghanistan has $500 million in debt to Multilateral Development Banks (2004) Economic aid - recipient: international pledges made by more than 60 countries and international financial institutions at the Tokyo Donors Conference for Afghan reconstruction in January 2002 reached $4.5 billion through 2006, with $1.8 billion allocated for 2002; another $1.7 billion was pledged for 2003. Currency: afghani (AFA) Currency code: AFA Exchange rates: afghanis per US dollar - 50 (2003), 50 (2002), 3,000 (2001), 3,000 (2000), 3,000 (1999) : note: in 2002, the afghani was revalued and the currency stabilized at about 50 afghanis to the dollar; before 2002, the market rate varied widely from the official rate Fiscal year: 21 March - 20 March Communications Afghanistan Telephones - main lines in use: 33,100 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 15,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: very limited telephone and telegraph service domestic: telephone service is improving with the establishment of two mobile phone operators by 2003; telephone main lines remain weak with only .1 line per 10 people international: country code - 93; five VSAT's installed in Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Kandahar, and Jalalabad provide international and domestic voice and data connectivity Radio broadcast stations: AM 21, FM 23, shortwave 1 (broadcasts in Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari), Urdu, and English) (2003) Radios: 167,000 (1999) Television broadcast stations: at least 10 (one government-run central television station in Kabul and regional stations in nine of the 32 provinces; the regional stations operate on a reduced schedule; also, in 1997, there was a station in Mazar-e Sharif reaching four northern Afghanistan provinces) (1998) Televisions: 100,000 (1999) Internet country code: .af Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 1,000 (2002) Communications - note: in March 2003 'af' was established as Afghanistan's domain name; Internet access is growing through Internet cafes as well as public "telekiosks" in Kabul that are part of a nationwide network proposed by the Transitional Authority for Internet access (2002) Transportation Afghanistan Highways: total: 21,000 km paved: 2,793 km unpaved: 18,207 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 1,200 km note: chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to 500 DWT (2004) Pipelines: gas 387 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Kheyrabad, Shir Khan Airports: 47 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 37 under 914 m: 11 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 Heliports: 5 (2003 est.) Military Afghanistan Military branches: Afghan National Army, currently being trained by the US with the assistance of the international community, is 7,000 strong; note - the December 2001 Bonn Agreement called for all militia forces to come under the authority of the central government, but regional leaders have continued to retain their militias and the formation of a national army remains a gradual process; Afghanistan's militia forces continue to be factionalized, largely along ethnic lines Military manpower - military age and obligation: 22 years of age (2004 est.) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 6,785,414 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 3,642,659 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 263,406 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $61 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1% (2003) Transnational Issues Afghanistan Disputes - international: despite largely successful UN efforts at voluntary repatriation, 2-3 million Afghan refugees continue to reside in Iran and Pakistan, many at their own choosing; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal areas to control the border and stem organized terrorist and other illegal cross-border activites; regular meetings between Pakistani and coalition allies aim to resolve periodic claims of boundary encroachments; occasional conflicts over water-sharing arrangements with Amu Darya and Helmand River states Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 167,000 - 200,000 (mostly Pashtuns and Kuchis displaced in south and west due to drought and instability) (2004) Illicit drugs: world's largest producer of opium; cultivation of opium poppy reached unprecedented level of 206,700 hectares in 2004; counterdrug efforts largely unsuccessful; potential opium production of 4,950 metric tons; potential heroin production of 582 metric tons if all opium was processed; source of hashish; many narcotics-processing labs throughout the country; drug trade source of instability and some antigovernment groups profit from the trade; 80-90% of the heroin consumed in Europe comes from Afghan opium; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering through informal financial networks This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Akrotiri Introduction Akrotiri Background: By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovreignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers in total: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Western Sovereign Base Area. Geography Akrotiri Location: peninsula on the southwest coast of Cyprus Geographic coordinates: 34 37 N, 32 58 E Map references: Middle East Area: total: 123 sq km note: includes a salt lake and wetlands Area - comparative: about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC Climate: temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters Environment - current issues: shooting around the salt lake; note - breeding place for loggerhead and green turtles; only remaining colony of griffon vultures is on the base Geography - note: British extraterritorial rights also extended to several small off-post sites scattered across Cyprus People Akrotiri Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: approximately 1,300 military personnel are on the base; note - there are another 5,000 British citizens who are families of military personnel or civilian staff on both Akrotiri and Dhekelia; Cyprus citizens work on the base, but do not live there Government Akrotiri Country name: conventional long form: Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area conventional short form: Akrotiri Dependency status: overseas territory of UK; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus Capital: Episkopi; also serves as capital of Dhekelia Legal system: the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply Executive branch: chief of state: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator is appointed by the monarch head of government: Administrator Maj. Gen. Peter Tomas Clayton PEARSON (since 9 May 2003) note - reports to the British Ministry of Defence Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: the flag of the UK is used Economy Akrotiri Economy - overview: Economic activity is limited to providing services to the military and their families located in Akrotiri. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Military Akrotiri Military - note: Akrotiri has a full RAF base, Headquarters for British Forces on Cyprus, and Episkopi Support Unit This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Albania Introduction Albania Background: Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks with links to high government officials, and disruptive political opponents. International observers judged parliamentary elections in 2001 and local elections in 2003 to be acceptable and a step toward democratic development, but identified serious deficiencies. Many of these deficiencies have been addressed through bi-partisan changes to the electoral code in 2003 and 2005, but implementation of these changes will not be demonstrated until parliamentary elections in July 2005. Geography Albania 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: 28,748 sq km water: 1,350 sq km land: 27,398 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 720 km border countries: Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km Coastline: 362 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, bauxite, chromite, copper, iron ore, nickel, salt, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land: 21.09% permanent crops: 4.42% other: 74.49% (2001) Irrigated land: 3,400 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea and Mediterranean Sea) People Albania Population: 3,544,808 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.4% (male 489,363; female 446,586) 15-64 years: 65.3% (male 1,184,670; female 1,130,065) 65 years and over: 8.3% (male 135,177; female 158,947) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 28.2 years male: 27.6 years female: 28.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.51% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 15.08 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.02 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -4.93 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 22.31 deaths/1,000 live births female: 21.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 23.01 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.06 years male: 74.37 years female: 80.02 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.05 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Albanian(s) adjective: Albanian Ethnic groups: Albanian 95%, Greek 3%, other 2% (Vlach, Roma (Gypsy), Serb, and Macedonian or Bulgarian) (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: percentages are estimates; there are no available current statistics on religious affiliation; all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious practice Languages: Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects Literacy: definition: age 9 and over can read and write total population: 86.5% male: 93.3% female: 79.5% (2003 est.) Government Albania Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Albania conventional short form: Albania local short form: Shqiperia former: People's Socialist Republic of Albania local long form: Republika e Shqiperise Government type: emerging democracy Capital: Tirana Administrative divisions: 12 counties (qarqe, singular - qark); Qarku i Beratit, Qarku i Dibres, Qarku i Durresit, Qarku i Elbasanit, Qarku i Fierit, Qarku i Gjirokastres, Qarku i Korces, Qarku i Kukesit, Qarku i Lezhes, Qarku i Shkodres, Qarku i Tiranes, Qarku i Vlores Independence: 28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1912) Constitution: a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998 Legal system: has a civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; has accepted jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court for its citizens Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU (since 24 July 2002) head of government: Prime Minister Fatos NANO (since 31 July 2002) cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, nominated by the president, and approved by Parliament elections: president elected by the People's Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 24 June 2002 (next to be held NA June 2007); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assembly vote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19 Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly or Kuvendi Popullor (140 seats; 100 are elected by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote for four-year terms) elections: last held 24 June 2001 with subsequent rounds on 8 July, 22 July, 29 July, 19 August 2001 (next to be held July 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - PS 41.5%, PD and coalition allies 36.8%, PDR 5.2%, PSD 3.6%, PBDNJ 2.6%, PASH (now PAA) 2.6%, PAD 2.5%; seats by party - PS 73, PD and coalition allies 46, PDR 6, PSD 4, PBDNJ 3, PASH (now PAA) 3, PAD 3, independents 2; note - seats by party as of January 2005: PS 65, PD and coalition allies 46, LSI 9, PDR 6, PSD 3, PBDNJ 3, PASH (now PAA) 3, PAD 3, PDS 1, independents 1 Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (chairman is elected by the People's Assembly for a four-year term), and multiple appeals and district courts Political parties and leaders: Agrarian Environmentalist Party or PAA [Lufter XHUVELI]; Christian Democratic Party or PDK [Nikolle LESI]; Communist Party of Albania or PKSH [Hysni MILLOSHI]; Democratic Alliance Party or PAD [Neritan CEKA]; Democratic Party or PD [Sali BERISHA]; Legality Movement Party or PLL [Ekrem SPAHIU]; Liberal Union Party or PBL [Arjan STAROVA]; National Front Party (Balli Kombetar) or PBK [Adriatik ALIMADHI]; New Democratic Party or PDR [Genc POLLO]; Party of National Unity or PUK [Idajet BEQIRI]; Renewed Democratic Party or PDR [Dashamir SHEHI]; Republican Party or PR [Fatmir MEDIU]; Social Democracy Party or PDS [Paskal MILO]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Skender GJINUSHI]; Socialist Movement for Integration or LSI [Ilir META]; Socialist Party or PS (formerly the Albanian Party of Labor) [Fatos NANO]; Union for Human Rights Party or PBDNJ [Vangjel DULE] Political pressure groups and leaders: Confederation of Trade Unions of Albania or KSSH [Kastriot MUCO]; Front for Albanian National Unification or FBKSH [Gafur ADILI]; Omonia [Jani JANI]; Union of Independent Trade Unions of Albania or BSPSH [Gezim KALAJA] International organization participation: ACCT, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Fatos TARIFA FAX: [1] (202) 628-7342 telephone: [1] (202) 223-4942 chancery: 2100 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Marcie B. RIES embassy: Rruga Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana mailing address: U. S. Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510 telephone: [355] (4) 247285 FAX: [355] (4) 374957 and [355] (4) 232222 Flag description: red with a black two-headed eagle in the center Economy Albania Economy - overview: Poor and backward by European standards, Albania is making the difficult transition to a more modern open-market economy. The government has taken measures to curb violent crime and to spur economic activity and trade. The economy is bolstered by remittances from abroad of $400-$600 million annually, mostly from Greece and Italy; this helps offset the sizable trade deficit. Agriculture, which accounts for one-half of GDP, is held back because of frequent drought and the need to modernize equipment and consolidate small plots of land. Severe energy shortages and antiquated and inadequate infrastructure make it difficult to attract and sustain foreign investment. The government plans to boost energy imports to relieve the shortages and is moving slowly to improve the poor national road and rail network, a long-standing barrier to sustained economic growth. GDP: purchasing power parity - $16.13 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,500 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 47.5% industry: 24.6% services: 27.8% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 18.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 30% (2001 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (2003) Labor force: 1.35 million (not including 352,000 emigrant workers) (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 57%, non-agricultural private sector 20%, public sector 23% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 15.8% officially; may be as high as 30% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.36 billion expenditures: $1.627 billion, including capital expenditures of $406 million (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar beets, grapes; meat, dairy products Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing; lumber, oil, cement, chemicals, mining, basic metals, hydropower Industrial production growth rate: 2.7% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 5.289 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 5.898 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 221 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 1.2 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 5,952 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 22,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 185.5 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 30 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 30 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 3.316 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-407 million (2003) Exports: $425 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: textiles and footwear; asphalt, metals and metallic ores, crude oil; vegetables, fruits, tobacco Exports - partners: Italy 74.9%, Greece 12.8%, Germany 3.4% (2003) Imports: $1.76 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, textiles, chemicals Imports - partners: Italy 33.6%, Greece 20.2%, Turkey 6.6%, Germany 5.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $1.038 billion (2003) Debt - external: $1.41 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: ODA: $315 million (top donors were Italy, EU, Germany) (2000 est.) Currency: lek (ALL) Currency code: ALL Exchange rates: leke per US dollar - 121.863 (2003), 140.155 (2002), 143.485 (2001), 143.709 (2000), 137.691 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Albania Telephones - main lines in use: 255,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.1 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: Despite new investment in fixed lines, the density of main lines remains the lowest in Europe with roughly 8 lines per 100 people. However, cellular telephone use is widespread and generally effective. domestic: offsetting the shortage of fixed line capacity, mobile phone service has been available since 1996; by 2003 two companies were providing mobile services at a greater density than some of Albania's Balkan neighbors international: country code - 355; inadequate fixed main lines; adequate cellular connections; international traffic carried by microwave radio relay from the Tirana exchange to Italy and Greece (2003) Radio broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 2 (2001) Radios: 1 million (2001) Television broadcast stations: 3 (plus 58 repeaters) (2001) Televisions: 700,000 (2001) Internet country code: .al Internet hosts: 455 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 10 (2001) Internet users: 30,000 (2003) Transportation Albania Railways: total: 447 km standard gauge: 447 km 1.435-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 18,000 km paved: 5,400 km unpaved: 12,600 km (2000) Waterways: 43 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 339 km; oil 207 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Durres, Sarande, Shengjin, Vlore Merchant marine: total: 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 40,878 GRT/62,676 DWT registered in other countries: 7 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 1, cargo 19, petroleum tanker 1, roll on/roll off 1 foreign-owned: Denmark 1, Honduras 1, Netherlands 1 Airports: 11 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 4 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Albania Military branches: General Staff Headquarters, Land Forces Command (Army), Naval Forces Command, Air Forces Command, Doctrine and Exercises Command, Logistics Support Command Military manpower - military age and obligation: 19 years of age (2004 est.) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 956,107 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 775,422 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 36,584 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $56.5 million (FY02) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.49% (FY02) Transnational Issues Albania Disputes - international: the Albanian Government calls for the protection of the rights of ethnic Albanians in neighboring countries, and the peaceful resolution of interethnic disputes; some ethnic Albanian groups in neighboring countries advocate for a "greater Albania," but the idea has little appeal among Albanian nationals Illicit drugs: increasingly active transshipment point for Southwest Asian opiates, hashish, and cannabis transiting the Balkan route and - to a far lesser extent - cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe; limited opium and growing cannabis production; ethnic Albanian narcotrafficking organizations active and expanding in Europe; vulnerable to money laundering associated with regional trafficking in narcotics, arms, contraband, and illegal aliens This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Algeria Introduction Algeria Background: After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), has dominated politics ever since. Many Algerians in the subsequent generation were not satisfied, however, and moved to counter the FLN's centrality in Algerian politics. The surprising first round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting spurred the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crack down on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking government targets. The government later allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties, but did not appease the activists who progressively widened their attacks. The fighting escalated into an insurgency, which saw intense fighting between 1992-1998 and which resulted in over 100,000 deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s and FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. However, small numbers of armed militants persist in confronting government forces and conducting ambushes and occasional attacks on villages. The army placed Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA in the presidency in 1999 in a fraudulent election but claimed neutrality in his 2004 landslide reelection victory. A number of longstanding problems continue to face BOUTEFLIKA in his second term, including the ethnic minority Berbers' ongoing autonomy campaign, large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing - although significantly degraded - activities of extremist militants. Algeria must also diversify its petroleum-based economy, which has yielded a large cash reserve but which has not been used to redress Algeria's many social and infrastructure problems. Algeria assumed a two-year seat on the UN Security Council in January 2004. Geography Algeria Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia Geographic coordinates: 28 00 N, 3 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 2,381,740 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 2,381,740 sq km Area - comparative: 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: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 32-52 nm 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 Elevation extremes: 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: 3.22% permanent crops: 0.25% other: 96.53% (2001) Irrigated land: 5,600 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides and floods in rainy season 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan) People Algeria Population: 32,129,324 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 29.9% (male 4,893,971; female 4,705,933) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 10,593,840; female 10,443,300) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 703,420; female 788,860) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 23.8 years male: 23.7 years female: 24 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.28% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 17.76 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.39 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 32.16 deaths/1,000 live births female: 28.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 36.06 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.74 years male: 71.22 years female: 74.34 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% note - no country specific models provided (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 9,100 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 500 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Algerian(s) adjective: Algerian Ethnic groups: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algeirs; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools Religions: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1% Languages: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 70% male: 78.8% female: 61% (2003 est.) Government Algeria Country name: conventional long form: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria conventional short form: Algeria local short form: Al Jaza'ir local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Sha'biyah Government type: 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: Revolution Day, 1 November (1954) Constitution: 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996 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 Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28 April 1999) head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 9 May 2003) cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 8 April 2004 (next to be held NA April 2009); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA reelected president for second term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 85%, Ali BENFLIS 6.4%, Abdallah DJABALLAH 5% Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the National People's Assembly or Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani (389 seats - changed from 380 seats in the 2002 elections; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Council of Nations (Senate) (144 seats; one-third of the members appointed by the president, two-thirds elected by indirect vote; members serve six-year terms; the constitution requires half the council to be renewed every three years) elections: National People's Assembly - last held 30 May 2002 (next to be held NA 2007); Council of Nations (Senate) - last held 30 December 2003 (next to be held NA 2009) election results: National People's Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FLN 199, RND 48, Islah 43, MSP 38, PT 21, FNA 8, EnNahda 1, PRA 1, MEN 1, independents 29; Council of Nations - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Court Supreme Political parties and leaders: Algerian National Front or FNA [Moussa TOUATI]; Democratic National Rally or RND [Ahmed OUYAHIA, chairman]; Islamic Salvation Front or FIS (outlawed April 1992) [Ali BELHADJ and Dr. Abassi MADANI, Rabeh KEBIR (self-exiled in Germany)]; National Entente Movement or MEN [Ali BOUKHAZNA]; National Liberation Front or FLN [Abdelaziz BELKHADEM, secretary general (also serves as Foreign Minister)]; National Reform Movement or Islah (formerly MRN) [Abdellah DJABALLAH]; National Renewal Party or PRA [Yacine TERKMANE]; Progressive Republican Party [Khadir DRISS]; Rally for Culture and Democracy or RCD [Said SAADI, secretary general]; Renaissance Movement or EnNahda Movement [Fatah RABEI]; Social Liberal Party or PSL [Ahmed KHELIL]; Socialist Forces Front or FFS [Hocine Ait AHMED, secretary general (self-exiled in Switzerland)]; Society of Peace Movement or MSP [Boujerra SOLTANI]; Workers Party or PT [Louisa HANOUN] note: a law banning political parties based on religion was enacted in March 1997 Political pressure groups and leaders: The Algerian Human Rights League or LADH or LADDH [Yahia Ali ABDENOUR]; SOS Disparus [Nacera DUTOUR]; Somoud [Ali MERABET] International organization participation: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AMU, AU, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, OSCE (partner), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) chancery: 2137 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 667-2174 telephone: [1] (202) 265-2800 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. ERDMAN embassy: 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers telephone: [213] (21) 691-425/255/186 FAX: [213] (21) 69-39-79 Flag description: two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white; a red, five-pointed star within a red crescent centered over the two-color boundary; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion) Economy Algeria Economy - overview: The hydrocarbons sector is the backbone of the economy, accounting for roughly 60% of budget revenues, 30% of GDP, and over 95% of export earnings. Algeria has the seventh-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the second-largest gas exporter; it ranks 14th in oil reserves. Economic policy reforms supported by the IMF and debt rescheduling from the Paris Club in the past decade have helped improve Algeria's financial and macroeconomic indicators. Because of sustained high oil prices in the past three years, Algeria's finances have further benefited from substantial trade surpluses and record foreign exchange reserves. Real GDP has risen due to higher oil output and increased government spending. The government's continued efforts to diversify the economy by attracting foreign and domestic investment outside the energy sector, however, has had little success in reducing high unemployment and improving living standards. Structural reform within the economy moves ahead slowly. GDP: purchasing power parity - $196 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 7.4% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $6,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10.2% industry: 56.5% services: 33.4% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 24.8% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 23% (1999 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 26.8% (1995) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 35.3 (1995) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (2003 est.) Labor force: 9.6 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 14%, industry 13.4%, construction and public works 10%, trade 14.6%, government 32%, other 16% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 26.2% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $25.49 billion expenditures: $22.87 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.8 billion (2003 est.) Public debt: 41.5% of GDP (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits; sheep, cattle Industries: petroleum, natural gas, light industries, mining, electrical, petrochemical, food processing Industrial production growth rate: 6% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 24.69 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 22.9 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 340 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 275 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 1.52 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 209,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 13.1 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 80.3 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 22.32 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 57.98 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 4.739 trillion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $7.836 billion (2003) Exports: $24.96 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products 97% Exports - partners: Italy 19.5%, US 18.5%, France 13.6%, Spain 11.2%, Canada 6.2%, Belgium 5.1%, Brazil 4.9% (2003) Imports: $12.42 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods Imports - partners: France 30.9%, Italy 9.6%, Spain 6.1%, Germany 5.5%, China 4.6%, Turkey 4.1% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $33.42 billion (2003) Debt - external: $22.71 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $182 million (2001 est.) Currency: Algerian dinar (DZD) Currency code: DZD Exchange rates: Algerian dinars per US dollar - 77.395 (2003), 79.6819 (2002), 77.215 (2001), 75.2598 (2000), 66.5739 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Algeria Telephones - main lines in use: 2,199,600 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,447,310 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: telephone density in Algeria is very low, not exceeding five telephones per 100 persons; the number of fixed main lines increased in the last few years to a little more than 2,000,000, but only about two-thirds of these have subscribers; much of the infrastructure is outdated and inefficient domestic: good service in north but sparse in south; domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations (20 additional domestic earth stations are planned) international: country code - 213; 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 (1998) Radio broadcast stations: AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999) Radios: 7.1 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995) Televisions: 3.1 million (1997) Internet country code: .dz Internet hosts: 897 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: 500,000 (2002) Transportation Algeria Railways: total: 3,973 km standard gauge: 2,888 km 1.435-m gauge (283 km electrified) narrow gauge: 1,085 km 1.055-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 104,000 km paved: 71,656 km (including 640 km of expressways) unpaved: 32,344 km (1999) Pipelines: condensate 1,344 km; gas 85,946 km; liquid petroleum gas 2,213 km; oil 6,496 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Beni Saf, Dellys, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda, Tenes Merchant marine: total: 59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 837,676 GRT/929,847 DWT by type: bulk 9, cargo 16, chemical tanker 6, liquefied gas 10, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 9, short-sea/passenger 4, specialized tanker 1 foreign-owned: United Kingdom 4 registered in other countries: 4 (2004 est.) Airports: 137 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 52 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 27 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 85 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 26 under 914 m: 19 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 38 Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Algeria Military branches: People's National Army (ANP; includes Ground Forces), Algerian National Navy (ANN), Air Force (QJA), Territorial Air Defense Military manpower - military age and obligation: 19-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (October 2003) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 9,311,747 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 5,675,739 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 373,235 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $2,196.6 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.5% (2003) Transnational Issues Algeria Disputes - international: Algeria supports the exiled Sahrawi Polisario Front and rejects Moroccan administration of Western Sahara; Algeria's border with Morocco remains an irritant to bilateral relations; each nation has accused the other of harboring militants and arms smuggling; in an attempt to improve relations afer unilaterally imposing a visa requirement on Algerians in the early 1990s, Morocco lifted the requirement in mid-2004 - a gesture not reciprocated by Algeria; Algeria remains concerned about armed bandits operating throughout the Sahel who sometimes destabilize southern Algerian towns; dormant disputes include Libyan claims of about 32,000 sq km still reflected on its maps of southeastern Algeria and the FLN's assertions of a claim to Chirac Pastures in southeastern Morocco Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 165,000 (Western Saharan Sahrawi, mostly living in Algerian-sponsored camps in the southeastern Algerian town of Tindouf) IDPs: 100,000 - 200,000 (conflict between government forces, Islamic insurgents) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @American Samoa Introduction American Samoa Background: Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year. Geography American Samoa Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand Geographic coordinates: 14 20 S, 170 00 W Map references: Oceania Area: total: 199 sq km note: includes Rose Island and Swains Island water: 0 sq km land: 199 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 116 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall averages about 3 m; 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) Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Lata 966 m Natural resources: pumice, pumicite Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 15% other: 75% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: typhoons common from December to March Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources; the water division of the government has spent substantial funds in the past few years to improve water catchments and pipelines Geography - 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 American Samoa Population: 57,902 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 36.6% (male 10,983; female 10,208) 15-64 years: 60.3% (male 18,010; female 16,933) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 699; female 1,069) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 22.4 years male: 22.1 years female: 22.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.04% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 24.46 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 3.39 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -20.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 9.48 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 10.06 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.62 years male: 72.05 years female: 79.41 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.41 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: American Samoan(s) adjective: American Samoan Ethnic groups: Samoan (Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5% Religions: Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant and other 30% Languages: Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages), English note: most people are bilingual Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97% male: 98% female: 97% (1980 est.) Government American Samoa Country name: conventional long form: Territory of American Samoa conventional short form: American Samoa abbreviation: AS Dependency status: unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior Government type: NA Capital: Pago Pago Administrative divisions: none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three districts and two islands* at the second order; Eastern, Manu'a, Rose Island*, Swains Island*, Western Independence: none (territory of the US) National holiday: 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 George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001) election results: Togiola TULAFONO elected governor; percent of vote: Togiola TULAFONO 55.7%, Afoa Moega LUTU 44.3% elections: US president and vice president elected on the same ticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 2 and 16 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008) head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003) cabinet: NA Legislative branch: bicameral Fono or Legislative Assembly consists of the House of Representatives (21 seats - 20 of which are elected by popular vote and 1 is an appointed, nonvoting delegate from Swains Island; members serve two-year terms) and the Senate (18 seats; members are elected from local chiefs and serve four-year terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 7 November 2002 (next to be held 2 November 2004); Senate - last held 7 November 2000 (next to be held 2 November 2004) note: American Samoa elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2002 (next to be held 2 November 2004); results - Eni F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA (Democrat) reelected as delegate election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 18 Judicial branch: High Court (chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the US Secretary of the Interior) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party [leader NA]; Republican Party [leader NA] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of the US) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of the US) 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 Economy American Samoa Economy - overview: This is a traditional Polynesian economy in which more than 90% of the land is communally owned. Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa conducts most of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export. Transfers from the US Government add substantially to American Samoa's economic well-being. Attempts by the government to develop a larger and broader economy are restrained by Samoa's remote location, its limited transportation, and its devastating hurricanes. Tourism is a promising developing sector. GDP: purchasing power parity - $500 million (2000 est.) GDP - real growth rate: NA GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $8,000 (2000 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA (2003 est.) Labor force: 14,000 (1996) Labor force - by occupation: tuna canneries 34%, government 33%, other 33% (1990) Unemployment rate: 6% (2000) Budget: revenues: $121 million (37% in local revenue and 63% in US grants) expenditures: $127 million, including capital expenditures of NA (FY96/97) Agriculture - products: bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples, papayas; dairy products, livestock Industries: tuna canneries (largely supplied by foreign fishing vessels), handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 130 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 120.9 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 3,800 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $30 million (2002) Exports - commodities: canned tuna 93% Exports - partners: Samoa 33.3%, Japan 22.2%, Australia 11.1%, Canada 11.1%, New Zealand 11.1% (2003) Imports: $123 million (2002) Imports - commodities: materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery and parts 6% Imports - partners: Australia 33.3%, New Zealand 33.3%, Mauritius 9%, Japan 5.1%, South Korea 5.1%, UK 5.1% (2003) Debt - external: NA (2002 est.) Economic aid - recipient: important financial support from the US, more than $40 million in 1994 Currency: US dollar (USD) Currency code: USD Exchange rates: the US dollar is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September Communications American Samoa Telephones - main lines in use: 15,000 (2001) Telephones - mobile cellular: 2,377 (1999) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: good telex, telegraph, facsimile and cellular telephone services; domestic satellite system with 1 Comsat earth station international: country code - 1-684; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004) Radios: 57,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2004) Televisions: 14,000 (1997) Internet country code: .as Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: NA Transportation American Samoa Highways: total: 350 km paved: 150 km unpaved: 200 km Ports and harbors: Aunu'u (new construction), Auasi, Faleosao, Ofu, Pago Pago, Ta'u Merchant marine: none Airports: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military American Samoa Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US Transnational Issues American Samoa Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Andorra Introduction Andorra Background: For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes. Geography Andorra Location: Southwestern Europe, between France and Spain Geographic coordinates: 42 30 N, 1 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 468 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 468 sq km Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: total: 120.3 km border countries: France 56.6 km, Spain 63.7 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and warm, dry summers Terrain: rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys Elevation extremes: lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m Natural resources: hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead Land use: arable land: 2.22% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.78% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: avalanches Environment - current issues: deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion; air pollution; wastewater treatment and solid waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Hazardous Wastes signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: landlocked; straddles a number of important crossroads in the Pyrenees People Andorra Population: 69,865 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 15% (male 5,478; female 4,988) 15-64 years: 71.6% (male 26,268; female 23,766) 65 years and over: 13.4% (male 4,659; female 4,706) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 39.7 years male: 40 years female: 39.4 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 9.32 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.9 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 6.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.05 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 4.39 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 83.5 years male: 80.59 years female: 86.59 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.28 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Andorran(s) adjective: Andorran Ethnic groups: Spanish 43%, Andorran 33%, Portuguese 11%, French 7%, other 6% (1998) Religions: Roman Catholic (predominant) Languages: Catalan (official), French, Castilian, Portuguese Literacy: definition: NA total population: 100% male: NA female: NA Government Andorra Country name: conventional long form: Principality of Andorra conventional short form: Andorra local short form: Andorra local long form: Principat d'Andorra Government type: parliamentary democracy (since March 1993) that retains as its chiefs of state a coprincipality; the two princes are the president of France and bishop of Seo de Urgel, Spain, who are represented locally by coprinces' representatives Capital: Andorra la Vella Administrative divisions: 7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, La Massana, Escaldes-Engordany, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria Independence: 1278 (was formed under the joint suzerainty of the French count of Foix and the Spanish bishop of Urgel) National holiday: Our Lady of Meritxell Day, 8 September (1278) Constitution: Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 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: chief of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May 1995), represented by Philippe MASSONI (since 26 July 2002); Spanish Coprince Bishop Joan Enric VIVES i SICILIA (since 12 May 2003), represented by Nemesi MARQUES i OSTE (since NA) elections: Executive Council president elected by the General Council and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-year term; election last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held April-May 2005) election results: Marc FORNE Molne elected executive council president; percent of General Council vote - NA% cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the Executive Council president head of government: Executive Council President Marc FORNE Molne (since 21 December 1994) Legislative branch: unicameral General Council of the Valleys or Consell General de las Valls (28 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, 14 from a single national constituency and 14 to represent each of the 7 parishes; members serve four-year terms) elections: last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held NA March-April 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - PLA 46.1%, PSD 30%, PD 23.8%, other 0.1%; seats by party - PLA 15, PSD 6, PD 5, other 2 Judicial branch: Tribunal of Judges or Tribunal de Batlles; Tribunal of the Courts or Tribunal de Corts; Supreme Court of Justice of Andorra or Tribunal Superior de Justicia d'Andorra; Supreme Council of Justice or Consell Superior de la Justicia; Fiscal Ministry or Ministeri Fiscal; Constitutional Tribunal or Tribunal Constitucional Political parties and leaders: Andorran Democratic Center Party or CDA (formerly Democratic Party or PD) [leader NA]; Liberal Party of Andorra or PLA (formerly Liberal Union or UL) [Albert PINTAT]; Social Democratic Party or PS (formerly part of National Democratic Group or AND) [leader NA] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: CE, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, Interpol, IOC, ITU, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNESCO, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jelena V. PIA-COMELLA chancery: 2 United Nations Plaza, 25th Floor, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 750-8064 FAX: [1] (212) 750-6630 Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US Ambassador to Spain is accredited to 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: [34] (93) 280-2227; FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175 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, which do not have a national coat of arms in the center, and the flag of Moldova, which does bear a national emblem Economy Andorra Economy - overview: Tourism, the mainstay of Andorra's tiny, well-to-do economy, accounts for roughly 80% of GDP. An estimated 9 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 - only 2% of the land is arable - and most food has to be imported. The principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing output 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 - $1.3 billion (2000 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3.8% (2000 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $19,000 (2000 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.3% (2000) Labor force: 33,000 (2001 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 1%, industry 21%, services 78% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: 0% (1996 est.) Budget: revenues: $385 million expenditures: $342 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1997) Agriculture - products: small quantities of rye, wheat, barley, oats, vegetables; sheep Industries: tourism (particularly skiing), cattle raising, timber, banking Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption: NA kWh Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2002) Electricity - imports: NA kWh; note - most electricity supplied by Spain and France; Andorra generates a small amount of hydropower Exports: $58 million f.o.b. (1998) Exports - commodities: tobacco products, furniture Exports - partners: Spain 58%, France 34% (2000) Imports: $1.077 billion (1998) Imports - commodities: consumer goods, food, electricity Imports - partners: Spain 48%, France 35%, US 2.3% (2000) Debt - external: NA Economic aid - recipient: none Currency: euro (EUR) Currency code: EUR Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.12 (2001), 1.09 (2000), 0.94 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Andorra Telephones - main lines in use: 35,000 (2001) Telephones - mobile cellular: 23,500 (2001) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: modern system with microwave radio relay connections between exchanges international: country code - 376; landline circuits to France and Spain Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 15, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 16,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 0 (1997) Televisions: 27,000 (1997) Internet country code: .ad Internet hosts: 4,144 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 24,500 (2001) Transportation Andorra Highways: total: 269 km paved: 198 km unpaved: 71 km (1994) Ports and harbors: none Airports: none Military Andorra Military branches: no regular military forces, Police Service of Andorra Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain Transnational Issues Andorra Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Angola Introduction Angola Background: Angola has begun to enjoy the fruits of peace since the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but UNITA renewed fighting after being beaten by the MPLA at the polls. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. DOS SANTOS has pledged to hold national elections in 2006. Geography Angola Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Namibia and Democratic Republic of the Congo Geographic coordinates: 12 30 S, 18 30 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 1,246,700 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 1,246,700 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,198 km border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of discontiguous Cabinda Province), Republic of the Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zambia 1,110 km Coastline: 1,600 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m Natural resources: petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, uranium Land use: arable land: 2.41% permanent crops: 0.24% other: 97.35% (2001) Irrigated land: 750 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau Environment - current issues: overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures; desertification; deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity; soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams; inadequate supplies of potable water Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: the province of Cabinda is an exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of the Congo People Angola Population: 10,978,552 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 43.5% (male 2,410,326; female 2,363,368) 15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,998,892; female 2,897,837) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 137,340; female 170,789) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 18.1 years male: 18.1 years female: 18.1 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.93% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 45.14 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 25.86 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 192.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 179.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 204.97 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 36.79 years male: 36.06 years female: 37.55 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.33 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3.9% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 240,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 21,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Angolan(s) adjective: Angolan Ethnic groups: 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% (1998 est.) Languages: Portuguese (official), Bantu and other African languages Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 42% male: 56% female: 28% (1998 est.) Government Angola Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Angola conventional short form: Angola local short form: Angola former: People's Republic of Angola local long form: Republica de Angola Government type: republic, 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; note - new constitution has not yet been approved 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); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21 September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state and head of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS was appointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002, but this is not a position of real power cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by universal ballot for a NA-year term; President DOS SANTOS originally elected (in 1979) without opposition under a one-party system and stood for reelection in Angola's first multiparty elections 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA) election results: DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making a run-off election necessary; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI's National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) repudiated the results of the first election; the civil war resumed Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (220 seats; members elected by proportional vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 29-30 September 1992 (next to be held NA) election results: percent of vote by party - MPLA 54%, UNITA 34%, others 12%; seats by party - MPLA 129, UNITA 70, PRS 6, FNLA 5, PLD 3, others 7 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Tribunal da Relacao (judges are appointed by the president) Political parties and leaders: Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Analia de Victoria PEREIRA]; National Front for the Liberation of Angola or FNLA [disputed leadership: Lucas NGONDA, Holden ROBERTO]; National Union for the Total Independence of Angola or UNITA [Isaias SAMAKUVA], largest opposition party has engaged in years of armed resistance; Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola or MPLA [Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS], ruling party in power since 1975; Social Renewal Party or PRS [disputed leadership: Eduardo KUANGANA, Antonio MUACHICUNGO] note: about a dozen minor parties participated in the 1992 elections but only won a few seats and have little influence in the National Assembly Political pressure groups and leaders: Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC [N'zita Henriques TIAGO; Antonio Bento BEMBE] note: FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed struggle for the independence of Cabinda Province International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS (observer), SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Josefina Perpetua Pitra DIAKIDI FAX: [1] (202) 785-1258 consulate(s) general: Houston and New York telephone: [1] (202) 785-1156 chancery: 2108 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher William DELL embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of Luanda), Luanda mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda; pouch: American Embassy Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2550 telephone: [244] (2) 445-481, 447-028, 446-224 FAX: [244] (2) 446-924 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) Economy Angola Economy - overview: Angola has been an economy in disarray because of a quarter century of nearly continuous warfare. An apparently durable peace was established after the death of rebel leader Jonas SAVIMBI on February 22, 2002, but consequences from the conflict continue including the impact of wide-spread land mines. Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and more than half of exports. Much of the country's food must still be imported. To fully take advantage of its rich natural resources - gold, diamonds, extensive forests, Atlantic fisheries, and large oil deposits - Angola will need to continue reforming government policies and to reduce corruption. While Angola made progress in bringing inflation down further, from 325% in 2000 to about 106% in 2002, the government has failed to make sufficient progress on reforms recommended by the IMF such as increasing foreign exchange reserves and promoting greater transparency in government spending. Increased oil production supported 7% GDP growth in 2003. GDP: purchasing power parity - $20.42 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8% industry: 67% services: 25% (2001 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 31.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 70% (2003 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 76.6% (2003 est.) Labor force: 5.57 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 85%, industry and services 15% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: extensive unemployment and underemployment affecting more than half the population (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $4.874 billion expenditures: $6.012 billion, including capital expenditures of $963 million (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: bananas, sugarcane, coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, manioc (tapioca), tobacco, vegetables, plantains; livestock; forest products; fish Industries: petroleum; diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite, uranium, and gold; cement; basic metal products; fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco products; sugar; textiles Industrial production growth rate: 1% (2000) Electricity - production: 1.45 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 1.348 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 742,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 5.691 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 530 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 530 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 79.57 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-475 million (2003) Exports: $9.669 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum products, gas, coffee, sisal, fish and fish products, timber, cotton Exports - partners: US 47.7%, China 23.4%, Taiwan 8%, France 7.4% (2003) Imports: $4.08 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and electrical equipment, vehicles and spare parts; medicines, food, textiles, military goods Imports - partners: Portugal 18.2%, South Africa 12.4%, US 12.2%, Netherlands 11.6%, France 6.5%, Brazil 6.1%, UK 4.2% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $638.4 million (2003) Debt - external: $9.164 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $383.5 million (1999) Currency: kwanza (AOA) Currency code: AOA Exchange rates: kwanza per US dollar - 74.6063 (2003), 43.5302 (2002), 22.0579 (2001), 10.041 (2000), 2.791 (1999), 0.393 (1998); note - in December 1999 the kwanza was revalued with six zeroes dropped off the old value Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Angola Telephones - main lines in use: 96,300 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 130,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: 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: country code - 244; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable (SAT-3/WASC) provides connectivity to Europe and Asia Radio broadcast stations: AM 21, FM 6, shortwave 7 (2000) Radios: 815,000 (2000) Television broadcast stations: 6 (2000) Televisions: 196,000 (2000) Internet country code: .ao Internet hosts: 17 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 41,000 (2002) Transportation Angola Railways: total: 2,761 km narrow gauge: 2,638 km 1.067-m gauge; 123 km 0.600-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 51,429 km paved: 5,349 km unpaved: 46,080 km (1999) Waterways: 1,300 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 214 km; liquid natural gas 14 km; liquid petroleum gas 30 km; oil 837 km; refined products 56 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Ambriz, Cabinda, Lobito, Luanda, Malongo, Namibe (Mocamedes), Porto Amboim, Soyo Merchant marine: total: 7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 26,123 GRT/42,879 DWT by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1 registered in other countries: 4 (2004 est.) Airports: 244 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 32 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 5 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 211 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 30 914 to 1,523 m: 95 under 914 m: 80 (2004 est.) Military Angola Military branches: Army, Navy (Marinha de Guerra, MdG), Air and Air Defense Forces (FANA) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 17 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years plus time for training (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,620,219 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,317,328 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 113,103 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $265.1 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.9% (2003) Transnational Issues Angola Disputes - international: continues to give shelter to refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo while many Angolan refugees and Cabinda exclave secessionists reside in neighboring states Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 40,000 - 60,000 (27-year civil war ending in 2002; 4 million IDPs already have returned) (2004) Illicit drugs: used as a transshipment point for cocaine destined for Western Europe and other African states This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Anguilla Introduction Anguilla Background: Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency. Geography Anguilla Location: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Geographic coordinates: 18 15 N, 63 10 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 102 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 102 sq km Area - comparative: about half the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 61 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds Terrain: flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m Natural resources: salt, fish, lobster Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt ponds) (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October) Environment - current issues: supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system Geography - note: the most northerly of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles People Anguilla Population: 13,008 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 23.8% (male 1,569; female 1,523) 15-64 years: 69.4% (male 4,641; female 4,385) 65 years and over: 6.8% (male 396; female 494) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 30.4 years male: 30.4 years female: 30.3 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.98% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 14.45 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.46 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 10.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 21.91 deaths/1,000 live births female: 14.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 28.72 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.9 years male: 73.99 years female: 79.91 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.74 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Anguillan(s) adjective: Anguillan Ethnic groups: black (predominant), mulatto, white Religions: Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, other 12% Languages: English (official) Literacy: definition: age 12 and over can read and write total population: 95% male: 95% female: 95% (1984 est.) Government Anguilla Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Anguilla Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Government type: NA Capital: The Valley Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK) Independence: none (overseas 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); represented by Governor Alan Eden HUCKLE (since 28 May 2004) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March 2000) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the House of Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly (11 seats total, 7 elected by direct popular vote, 2 ex officio members, and 2 appointed; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 3 March 2000 (next to be held NA June 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANA 3, AUM 2, ADP 1, independent 1 Judicial branch: High Court (judge provided by Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court) Political parties and leaders: Anguilla United Movement or AUM [Hubert HUGHES]; The United Front or UF [Osbourne FLEMING, Victor BANKS], a coalition of the Anguilla Democratic Party or ADP and the Anguilla National Alliance or ANA; Anguilla Patriotic Movement or APM [Quincy GUMBS]; Movement for Grassroots Democracy or MFGD [Joyce KENTISH, John BENJAMIN] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), OECS (associate), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) 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 Economy Anguilla Economy - overview: Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on luxury tourism, offshore banking, lobster fishing, and remittances from emigrants. Increased activity in the tourism industry, which has spurred the growth of the construction sector, has contributed to economic growth. Anguillan officials have put substantial effort into developing the offshore financial sector, which is small, but growing. In the medium term, prospects for the economy will depend largely on the tourism sector and, therefore, on revived income growth in the industrialized nations as well as on favorable weather conditions. GDP: purchasing power parity - $104 million (2001 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2.8% (2001 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $8,600 (2001 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78% (1997 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% Labor force: 6,049 (2001) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture/fishing/forestry/mining 4%, manufacturing 3%, construction 18%, transportation and utilities 10%, commerce 36%, services 29% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.7% (2001) Budget: revenues: $22.8 million expenditures: $22.5 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2000 est.) Agriculture - products: small quantities of tobacco, vegetables; cattle raising Industries: tourism, boat building, offshore financial services Industrial production growth rate: 3.1% (1997 est.) Electricity - production: NA Electricity - consumption: 42.6 million kWh Exports: $2.6 million (1999) Exports - commodities: lobster, fish, livestock, salt, concrete blocks, rum Exports - partners: UK, US, Puerto Rico, Saint-Martin (2000) Imports: $80.9 million (1999) Imports - commodities: fuels, foodstuffs, manufactures, chemicals, trucks, textiles Imports - partners: US, Puerto Rico, UK (2000) Debt - external: $8.8 million (1998) Economic aid - recipient: $3.5 million (1995) Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD) Currency code: XCD Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Anguilla Telephones - main lines in use: 6,200 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,800 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: modern internal telephone system international: country code - 1-264; microwave radio relay to island of Saint Martin (Guadeloupe and Netherlands Antilles) Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 3,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1997) Televisions: 1,000 (1997) Internet country code: .ai Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 16 (2000) Internet users: 3,000 (2002) Transportation Anguilla Highways: total: 105 km paved: 65 km unpaved: 40 km (1997) Ports and harbors: Blowing Point, Road Bay Merchant marine: none Airports: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2004 est.) Military Anguilla Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Transnational Issues Anguilla Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Antarctica Introduction Antarctica Background: Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961. Geography Antarctica Location: continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle Geographic coordinates: 90 00 S, 0 00 E Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total: 14 million sq km note: fifth-largest continent, following Asia, Africa, North America, and South America, but larger than Australia and the subcontinent of Europe land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km ice-covered) (est.) Area - comparative: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US Land boundaries: 0 km note: see entry on Disputes - international Coastline: 17,968 km Maritime claims: Australia, Chile, and Argentina claim Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) rights or similar over 200 nm extensions seaward from their continental claims, but like the claims themselves, these zones are not accepted by other countries; 20 of 27 Antarctic consultative nations have made no claims to Antarctic territory (although Russia and the US have reserved the right to do so) and do not recognize the claims of the other nations; also see the Disputes - international entry 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 nearly 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater Natural resources: iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small uncommercial quantities; none presently exploited; krill, finfish, and crab have been taken by commercial fisheries Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km 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; large icebergs may calve from ice shelf Environment - current issues: in 1998, NASA satellite data showed that the antarctic ozone hole was the largest on record, covering 27 million square kilometers; researchers in 1997 found that increased ultraviolet light coming through the hole damages the DNA of icefish, an antarctic fish lacking hemoglobin; ozone depletion earlier was shown to harm one-celled antarctic marine plants; in 2002, significant areas of ice shelves disintegrated in response to regional warming Geography - note: the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), 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 Antarctica Population: no indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent and summer-only staffed research stations note: 26 nations, all signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, operate seasonal (summer) and year-round research stations on the continent and in its surrounding oceans; the population of persons doing and supporting science on the continent and its nearby islands south of 60 degrees south latitude (the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty) varies from approximately 4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter; in addition, approximately 1,000 personnel including ship's crew and scientists doing onboard research are present in the waters of the treaty region; summer (January) population - 3,687 total; Argentina 302, Australia 201, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Bulgaria 16, Chile 352, China 70, Finland 11, France 100, Germany 51, India 60, Italy 106, Japan 136, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 60, Norway 40, Peru 28, Poland 70, Russia 254, South Africa 80, Spain 43, Sweden 20, UK 192, US 1,378 (1998-99); winter (July) population - 964 total; Argentina 165, Australia 75, Brazil 12, Chile 129, China 33, France 33, Germany 9, India 25, Japan 40, South Korea 14, NZ 10, Poland 20, Russia 102, South Africa 10, UK 39, US 248 (1998-99); research stations operated within the Antarctic Treaty area (south of 60 degrees south) by members of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP): year-round stations - 37 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 4, China 2, France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 1, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, Russia 6, South Africa 1, Ukraine 1, UK 2, US 3, Uruguay 1 (2004); summer-only stations - 36 total; Argentina 8, Australia 2, Bulgaria 1, Chile 5, Ecuador 1, Finland 1, Germany 1, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 3, Norway 2, Peru 1, Russia 2, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 2, UK 1, Italy and France jointly 1 (2003-2004); in addition, during the austral summer some nations have numerous occupied locations such as tent camps, summer-long temporary facilities, and mobile traverses in support of research Government Antarctica Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antarctica Government type: 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; the 26th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was held in Madrid, Spain in June 2003; at these periodic meetings, decisions are made by consensus (not by vote) of all consultative member nations; at the end of 2003, there were 45 treaty member nations: 27 consultative and 18 non-consultative; consultative (decision-making) members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 20 non-claimant nations; the US and Russia have reserved the right to make claims; the US does not recognize the claims of others; Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; the year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was accepted as a consultative member, 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), Bulgaria (1998) China (1985), Ecuador (1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan, South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), Russia, South Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), and the US; non-consultative members, with year of accession in parentheses, are - Austria (1987), Canada (1988), Colombia (1989), Cuba (1984), Czech Republic (1993), Denmark (1965), Estonia (2001), Greece (1987), Guatemala (1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania (1971), Slovakia (1993), Switzerland (1990), Turkey (1995), Ukraine (1992), and Venezuela (1999); 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, 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 and reserves high seas rights; 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 expeditions 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 - some 200 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for Fauna and Flora (1964) which were later incorporated into the Environmental Protocol; 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 remains unratified; the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed 4 October 1991 and entered into force 14 January 1998; this agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through five specific annexes: 1) environmental impact assessment, 2) conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, 3) waste disposal and waste management, 4) prevention of marine pollution, and 5) area protection and management; it prohibits all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research Legal system: Antarctica is administered through meetings of the consultative member nations; decisions from these meetings are carried out by these member nations (with respect to their own nationals and operations) in accordance with their own national laws; US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such as murder, may apply extra-territorially; 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 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 one year in prison; the National Science Foundation and Department of Justice share enforcement responsibilities; Public Law 95-541, the US Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended in 1996, requires expeditions from the US to Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans, Room 5805, 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; telephone: (703) 292-8030, or visit their website at www.nsf.gov Economy Antarctica Economy - overview: Fishing off the coast and tourism, both based abroad, account for the limited economic activity. Antarctic fisheries in 2000-01 (1 July-30 June) reported landing 112,934 metric tons. Unregulated fishing, particularly of Patagonian toothfish, is a serious problem. The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources determines the recommended catch limits for marine species. A total of 13,571 tourists visited in the 2002-03 antarctic summer, up from the 11,588 who visited the previous year. Nearly all of them were passengers on commercial (nongovernmental) ships and several yachts that make trips during the summer. Most tourist trips last approximately two weeks. Communications Antarctica Telephones - main lines in use: 0 note: information for US bases only (2001) Telephones - mobile cellular: NA Telephone system: general assessment: local systems at some research stations domestic: NA international: country code - 672; via satellite (mobile Inmarsat and Iridium system) from some research stations Radio broadcast stations: AM NA, FM 2, shortwave 1 note: information for US bases only (2002) Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (cable system with six channels; American Forces Antarctic Network-McMurdo) note: information for US bases only (2002) Televisions: several hundred at McMurdo Station (US) note: information for US bases only (2001) Internet country code: .aq Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NA Transportation Antarctica Ports and harbors: there are no developed ports and harbors in Antarctica; most coastal stations have offshore anchorages, and supplies are transferred from ship to shore by small boats, barges, and helicopters; a few stations have a basic wharf facility; US coastal stations include McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E), Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W); government use only except by permit (see Permit Office under "Legal System"); all ships at port are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty; offshore anchorage is sparse and intermittent Airports: there are no developed public access airports or landing facilities; 30 stations, operated by 16 national governments party to the Antarctic Treaty, have restricted aircraft landing facilities for either helicopters and/or fixed-wing aircraft; commercial enterprises operate two additional aircraft landing facilities; helicopter pads are available at 27 stations; runways at 15 locations are gravel, sea-ice, blue-ice, or compacted snow suitable for landing wheeled, fixed-wing aircraft; of these, 1 is greater than 3 km in length, 6 are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 3 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 3 are less than 1 km in length, and 2 are of unknown length; snow surface skiways, limited to use by ski-equipped, fixed-wing aircraft, are available at another 15 locations; of these, 4 are greater than 3 km in length, 3 are between 2 km and 3 km in length, 2 are between 1 km and 2 km in length, 2 are less than 1 km in length, and 4 are of unknown length; aircraft landing facilities generally subject to severe restrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographic conditions; aircraft landing facilities do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from the respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization required for landing; landed aircraft are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7, Antarctic Treaty (2003 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 20 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 6 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 Heliports: 27 stations have restricted helicopter landing facilities (helipads) (2003 est.) Military Antarctica Military - 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 Transnational Issues Antarctica Disputes - international: Antarctic Treaty freezes claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary in Government type entry); sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK; the US and most other states do not recognize the territorial claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia reserve the right to do so); no claims have been made in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west; several states with land claims in Antarctica have expressed their intention to submit data to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to extend their continental shelf claims to adjoining undersea ridges This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Antigua and Barbuda Introduction Antigua and Barbuda Background: The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981. Geography Antigua and Barbuda 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: 443 sq km (Antigua 280 sq km; Barbuda 161 sq km) water: 0 sq km note: includes Redonda, 1.6 sq km land: 443 sq km Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 153 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands, with some higher volcanic areas Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m Natural resources: NEGL; pleasant climate fosters tourism Land use: arable land: 18.18% permanent crops: 4.55% other: 77.27% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: Antigua has a deeply indented shoreline with many natural harbors and beaches; Barbuda has a very large western harbor People Antigua and Barbuda Population: 68,320 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.1% (male 9,761; female 9,429) 15-64 years: 67.6% (male 23,179; female 23,023) 65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,151; female 1,777) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 29.4 years male: 28.9 years female: 29.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.6% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 17.7 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.55 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 20.18 deaths/1,000 live births female: 15.87 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 24.29 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.6 years male: 69.26 years female: 74.07 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.27 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s) adjective: Antiguan, Barbudan Ethnic groups: black, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian Religions: Christian, (predominantly Anglican with other Protestant, and some Roman Catholic) Languages: English (official), local dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has completed five or more years of schooling total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88% (1960 est.) Government Antigua and Barbuda Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Antigua and Barbuda Government type: constitutional monarchy with UK-style parliament Capital: Saint John's (Antigua) 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 (National 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), represented by Governor General James B. CARLISLE (since 10 June 1993) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosen by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister head of government: Prime Minister Baldwin SPENCER (since 24 March 2004) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (17-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Representatives (17 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve five-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ALP 4, UPP 12, contested 1; note - new election will decide the contested seat elections: House of Representatives - last held 23 March 2004 (next to be held NA 2009) 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 or ALP [Lester Bryant BIRD]; Barbuda People's Movement or BPM [Thomas H. FRANK]; United Progressive Party or UPP [Baldwin SPENCER] (a coalition of three opposition parties - United National Democratic Party or UNDP, Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement or ACLM, and Progressive Labor Movement or PLM) Political pressure groups and leaders: Antigua Trades and Labor Union or ATLU [William ROBINSON]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Hugh MARSHALL] International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lionel A. HURST chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 telephone: [1] (202) 362-5122 FAX: [1] (202) 362-5225 consulate(s) general: Miami Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994); the US Ambassador to Barbados, Ambassador Mary E. KRAMER, is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda 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 Economy Antigua and Barbuda Economy - overview: Tourism continues to dominate the economy, accounting for more than half of GDP. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. The dual-island nation's agricultural production is focused on the domestic market and constrained by a limited water supply and a labor shortage stemming from the lure of higher wages in tourism and construction. Manufacturing 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 slightly more than one-third of tourist arrivals. GDP: purchasing power parity - $750 million (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.9% industry: 19.2% services: 76.8% (2002) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.4% (2000 est.) Labor force: 30,000 Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 7%, industry 11%, services 82% (1983) Unemployment rate: 11% (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $123.7 million expenditures: $145.9 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2000 est.) Agriculture - products: cotton, fruits, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane; livestock Industries: tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household appliances) Industrial production growth rate: 6% (1997 est.) Electricity - production: 105.3 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 97.89 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $689 million (2002) Exports - commodities: petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, machinery and transport equipment 17%, food and live animals 4%, other 8% Exports - partners: Germany 84.9%, UK 3.8%, US 3.3% (2003) Imports: $692 million (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, oil Imports - partners: US 26.5%, Singapore 10%, Poland 7%, Germany 6.1%, UK 6.1%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.4% (2003) Debt - external: $231 million (1999) Economic aid - recipient: $2.3 million (1995) Currency: East Caribbean dollar (XCD) Currency code: XCD Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000), 2.7 (1999), 2.7 (1998) (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Antigua and Barbuda Telephones - main lines in use: 38,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 38,200 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: good automatic telephone system international: country code - 1-268; 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 0 (1998) Radios: 36,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997) Televisions: 31,000 (1997) Internet country code: .ag Internet hosts: 1,665 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 16 (2000) Internet users: 10,000 (2002) Transportation Antigua and Barbuda Highways: total: 250 km (1999 est.) Ports and harbors: Saint John's Merchant marine: total: 867 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,873,626 GRT/7,683,143 DWT by type: bulk 25, cargo 477, chemical tanker 13, container 284, liquefied gas 10, multi-functional large load carrier 15, refrigerated cargo 10, roll on/roll off 32, vehicle carrier 1 registered in other countries: 2 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Australia 1, Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 3, Colombia 1, Cuba 1, Cyprus 1, Estonia 3, France 1, Germany 818, Greece 2, Iceland 5, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Lithuania 2, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 19, New Zealand 1, Norway 2, Portugal 1, Slovenia 5, Sweden 2, Switzerland 5, Turkey 3, United States 10 Airports: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Antigua and Barbuda Military branches: Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force (including Coast Guard) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001) Military expenditures - dollar figure: NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA Transnational Issues Antigua and Barbuda Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: considered a minor transshipment point for narcotics bound for the US and Europe; more significant as an offshore financial center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Arctic Ocean Introduction Arctic Ocean Background: The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean. Geography Arctic Ocean Location: body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America, mostly north of the Arctic Circle Geographic coordinates: 90 00 N, 0 00 E Map references: Arctic Region Area: total: 14.056 million sq km 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 Area - comparative: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US Coastline: 45,389 km 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 landmasses; 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 Lomonosov Ridge) Elevation extremes: 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) 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 ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May Environment - current issues: endangered marine species include walruses and whales; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from disruptions or damage; thinning polar icepack Geography - 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 Economy Arctic Ocean Economy - overview: Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals. Transportation Arctic Ocean Ports and harbors: 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 Transnational Issues Arctic Ocean Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Argentina Introduction Argentina Background: Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation. Geography Argentina 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: 2,766,890 sq km land: 2,736,690 sq km water: 30,200 sq km Area - comparative: 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: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz) highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza) Natural resources: fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese, petroleum, uranium Land use: arable land: 12.31% permanent crops: 0.48% other: 87.21% (2001) Irrigated land: 15,610 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding Environment - current issues: environmental problems (urban and rural) typical of an industrializing economy such as deforestation, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution, and water pollution note: Argentina is a world leader in setting voluntary greenhouse gas targets Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location relative to sea lanes between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Cerro Aconcagua is South America's tallest mountain, while Laguna del Carbon is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere People Argentina Population: 39,144,753 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.9% (male 5,179,236; female 4,947,234) 15-64 years: 63.6% (male 12,452,566; female 12,457,451) 65 years and over: 10.5% (male 1,685,371; female 2,422,895) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 29.2 years male: 28.3 years female: 30.1 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.02% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 17.19 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.57 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births female: 13.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 17.6 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.7 years male: 71.95 years female: 79.65 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.24 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.7% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 130,000 (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,500 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Argentine(s) adjective: Argentine Ethnic groups: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other nonwhite groups 3% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 92% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, other 4% Languages: Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97.1% male: 97.1% female: 97.1% (2003 est.) Government Argentina Country name: conventional long form: Argentine Republic conventional short form: Argentina local short form: Argentina local long form: Republica Argentina Government type: republic Capital: Buenos Aires Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 autonomous city* (distrito federal); Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires Capital Federal*, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba, Corrientes, 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 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 and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003); Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003); Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election results: results of the presidential primary of 27 April 2003: Carlos Saul MENEM 24.3%, Nestor KIRCHNER 22%, Ricardo Lopez MURPHY 16.4%, Adolfo Rodriguez SAA 14.4%, Elisa CARRIO 14.2%, other 8.7%; the subsequent runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 was awarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy on the eve of the election elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; the last election held was the presidential primary election of 27 April 2003 (next election to be held NA 2007) Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate (72 seats; members are elected by direct vote; presently one-third of the members elected every two years to a six-year term) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 seats; members are elected by direct vote; one-half of the members elected every two years to a four-year term) election results: Senate - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - PJ 41, UCR 16, provincial parties 15; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by bloc or party - NA; seats by bloc or party - PJ 133, UCR 46, IF 23, ARI 11, Socialist 6, other/provincial parties 38 elections: Senate - last held intermittently by province during the 2nd half of 2003 (next to be held NA 2005); Chamber of Deputies - last held intermittently by province during the 2nd half of 2003 (next to be held NA 2005) Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (the nine Supreme Court judges are appointed by the president with approval by the Senate) Political parties and leaders: Action for the Republic or AR [Domingo CAVALLO]; Alternative for a Republic of Equals or ARI [Elisa CARRIO]; Front for a Country in Solidarity or Frepaso (a four-party coalition) [Dario Pedro ALESSANDRO]; Interbloque Federal or IF (a broad coalition of approximately 12 parties including RECREAR) [leader NA]; Justicialist Party or PJ [leader NA] (Peronist umbrella political organization); Radical Civic Union or UCR [Angel ROZAS]; Federal Recreate Movement or RECREAR [Ricardo LOPEZ MURPHY]; Socialist Party or PS [Ruben GIUSTINIANI]; Union For All [Patricia BULLRICH]; several provincial parties Political pressure groups and leaders: Argentine Association of Pharmaceutical Labs (CILFA); Argentine Industrial Union (manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners' association); business organizations; General Confederation of Labor or CGT (Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Central of Argentine Workers or CTA (a radical union for employed and unemployed workers); Peronist-dominated labor movement; Roman Catholic Church; students International organization participation: AfDB, Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, FAO, G-6, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jose Octavio BORDON chancery: 1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York FAX: [1] (202) 332-3171 telephone: [1] (202) 238-6400 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lino GUTIERREZ embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires mailing address: international mail: use street address; APO address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034 telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533 FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240 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 Economy Argentina Economy - overview: Argentina benefits from rich natural resources, a highly literate population, an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base. Over the past decade, however, the country has suffered recurring economic problems of inflation, external debt, capital flight, and budget deficits. Growth in 2000 was a negative 0.8%, as both domestic and foreign investors remained skeptical of the government's ability to pay debts and maintain the peso's fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. The economic situation worsened in 2001 with the widening of spreads on Argentine bonds, massive withdrawals from the banks, and a further decline in consumer and investor confidence. Government efforts to achieve a "zero deficit," to stabilize the banking system, and to restore economic growth proved inadequate in the face of the mounting economic problems. The peso's peg to the dollar was abandoned in January 2002, and the peso was floated in February; the exchange rate plunged and inflation picked up rapidly, but by mid-2002 the economy had stabilized, albeit at a lower level. Strong demand for the peso compelled the Central Bank to intervene in foreign exchange markets to curb its appreciation in 2003. Led by record exports, the economy began to recover with output up 8% in 2003, unemployment falling, and inflation reduced to under 4% at year-end. GDP: purchasing power parity - $435.5 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 8.7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $11,200 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11.1% industry: 34.8% services: 54.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 15.1% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 51.7% (May 2003) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13.4% (2003) Labor force: 14.92 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture NA, industry NA, services NA Unemployment rate: 17.3% (2003) Budget: revenues: $26.62 billion expenditures: $26 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 65.7% of GDP (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: sunflower seeds, lemons, soybeans, grapes, corn, tobacco, peanuts, tea, wheat; livestock Industries: food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel Industrial production growth rate: 16.2% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 97.17 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 92.12 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 5.662 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 7.417 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 828,600 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 486,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 2.927 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 37.15 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 31.1 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 6.05 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 768 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $7.855 billion (2003) Exports: $29.57 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: edible oils, fuels and energy, cereals, feed, motor vehicles Exports - partners: Brazil 15.8%, Chile 12%, US 10.6%, China 8.4%, Spain 4.7% (2003) Imports: $13.27 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal manufactures, plastics Imports - partners: Brazil 34%, US 16.4%, Germany 5.6%, China 5.2% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $14.16 billion (2003) Debt - external: $145.6 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $10 billion (2001 est.) Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) Currency code: ARS Exchange rates: Argentine pesos per US dollar - 2.9003 (2003), 3.0633 (2002), 0.9995 (2001), 0.9995 (2000), 0.9995 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Argentina Telephones - main lines in use: 8,009,400 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 6.5 million (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: by opening the telecommunications market to competition and foreign investment with the "Telecommunications Liberalization Plan of 1998," Argentina encouraged the growth of modern telecommunication technology; fiber-optic cable trunk lines are being installed between all major cities; the major networks are entirely digital and the availability of telephone service is being improved; however, telephone density is presently minimal, and making telephone service universally available will take time domestic: microwave radio relay, fiber-optic cable, and a domestic satellite system with 40 earth stations serve the trunk network; more than 110,000 pay telephones are installed and mobile telephone use is rapidly expanding international: country code - 54; satellite earth stations - 8 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); Atlantis II and Unisur submarine cables; two international gateways near Buenos Aires (1999) Radio broadcast stations: AM 260 (including 10 inactive stations), FM NA (probably more than 1,000, mostly unlicensed), shortwave 6 (1998) Radios: 24.3 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 42 (plus 444 repeaters) (1997) Televisions: 7.95 million (1997) Internet country code: .ar Internet hosts: 742,358 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 33 (2000) Internet users: 4.1 million (2002) Transportation Argentina Railways: total: 34,091 km (167 km electrified) broad gauge: 20,594 km 1.676-m gauge (141 km electrified) standard gauge: 2,885 km 1.435-m gauge (26 km electrified) narrow gauge: 10,375 km 1.000-m gauge; 237 km 0.750-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 215,471 km paved: 63,348 km (including 734 km of expressways) unpaved: 152,123 km (1999) Waterways: 11,000 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 27,166 km; liquid petroleum gas 41 km; oil 3,668 km; refined products 2,945 km; unknown (oil/water) 13 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, Concepcion del Uruguay, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Necochea, Rio Gallegos, Rosario, Santa Fe, Ushuaia Merchant marine: total: 45 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 149,007 GRT/212,620 DWT by type: cargo 9, petroleum tanker 9, rail car carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea/passenger 1, specialized tanker 1 foreign-owned: Uruguay 1 registered in other countries: 26 (2004 est.) Airports: 1,335 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 144 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 26 1,524 to 2,437 m: 62 914 to 1,523 m: 44 under 914 m: 8 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,190 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 50 914 to 1,523 m: 569 under 914 m: 567 (2004 est.) Military Argentina Military branches: Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic (includes Naval Aviation and Marines), Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Argentina, FAA) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 9,901,352 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 8,042,304 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 327,738 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $4.3 billion (FY99) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.3% (FY00) Transnational Issues Argentina Disputes - international: UK continues to reject sovereignty talks requested by Argentina, whose constitution still claims UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, but in 1995 ceded the right to settle the dispute by force; Beagle Channel islands dispute resolved through Papal mediation in 1984, but armed incidents persist since 1992 oil discovery; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps UK and Chilean claims (see Antarctic disputes); unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question Illicit drugs: used as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe and the US; some money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; domestic consumption of drugs in urban centers is increasing This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Armenia Introduction Armenia Background: Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade on Armenia and closed the common border because of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas. Geography Armenia Location: Southwestern Asia, east of Turkey Geographic coordinates: 40 00 N, 45 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 29,800 sq km water: 1,400 sq km land: 28,400 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller 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) Climate: highland continental, hot summers, cold winters Terrain: Armenian Highland with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing rivers; good soil in Aras River valley Elevation extremes: lowest point: Debed River 400 m highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m Natural resources: small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina Land use: arable land: 17.55% permanent crops: 2.3% other: 80.15% (2001) Irrigated land: 2,870 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts Environment - current issues: soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT; the energy crisis of the 1990s led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood; pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers; the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies; restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant in spite of its location in a seismically active zone Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Geography - note: landlocked in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains; Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan) is the largest lake in this mountain range People Armenia Population: 2,991,360 note: Armenia's first census since independence was conducted in October 2001 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 22.7% (male 357,094; female 323,396) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 929,719; female 1,065,505) 65 years and over: 10.6% (male 128,027; female 187,619) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 29.7 years male: 27.1 years female: 32.4 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -0.32% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 11.43 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 8.12 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -6.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.18 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 24.16 deaths/1,000 live births female: 18.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 29.32 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.23 years male: 67.73 years female: 75.36 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.31 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 2,600 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Armenian(s) adjective: Armenian Ethnic groups: Armenian 93%, Azeri 1%, Russian 2%, other (mostly Yezidi Kurds) 4% (2002) note: as of the end of 1993, virtually all Azeris had emigrated from Armenia Religions: Armenian Apostolic 94%, other Christian 4%, Yezidi (Zoroastrian/animist) 2% Languages: Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2% Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98.6% male: 99.4% female: 98% (2003 est.) Government Armenia Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Armenia conventional short form: Armenia local short form: Hayastan former: Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic local long form: Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun Government type: republic Capital: Yerevan Administrative divisions: 11 provinces (marzer, singular - marz); Aragatsotn, Ararat, Armavir, Geghark'unik', Kotayk', Lorri, Shirak, Syunik', Tavush, Vayots' Dzor, Yerevan Independence: 21 September 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1991) Constitution: adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March 1998) head of government: Prime Minister Andranik MARKARYAN (since 12 May 2000) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 19 February and 5 March 2003 (next to be held NA 2008); prime minister appointed by the president; the prime minister and Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assembly refuses to accept their program election results: Robert KOCHARIAN reelected president; percent of vote - Robert KOCHARIAN 67.5%, Stepan DEMIRCHYAN 32.5% Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Parliament) or Azgayin Zhoghov (131 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; 75 members elected by party list, 56 by direct vote) elections: last held 25 May 2003 (next to be held in the spring of 2007) note: percent of vote by party - Republican Party 23.5%, Justice Bloc 13.6%, Rule of Law 12.3%, ARF (Dashnak) 11.4%, National Unity Party 8.8%, United Labor Party 5.7%; seats by party - Republican Party 23, Justice Bloc 14, Rule of Law 12, ARF (Dashnak) 11, National Unity 9, United Labor 6; note - seats by party change frequently as deputies switch parties or announce themselves independent Judicial branch: Constitutional Court; Court of Cassation (Appeals Court) Political parties and leaders: Agro-Industrial Party [Vladimir BADALIAN]; Armenia Party [Myasnik MALKHASYAN]; Armenian National Movement or ANM [Alex ARZUMANYAN, chairman]; Armenian Ramkavar Liberal Party or HRAK [Harutyun MIRZAKHANYAN, chairman]; Armenian Revolutionary Federation ("Dashnak" Party) or ARF [Vahan HOVHANISSIAN]; Democratic Party [Aram SARKISYAN]; Justice Bloc (comprised of the Democratic Party, National Democratic Party, National Democratic Union, and the People's Party); National Democratic Party [Shavarsh KOCHARIAN]; National Democratic Union or NDU [Vazgen MANUKIAN]; National Unity Party [Artashes GEGAMIAN, chairman]; People's Party of Armenia [Stepan DEMIRCHYAN]; Republic Party [Albert BAZEYAN and Aram SARKISYAN, chairmen]; Republican Party or RPA [Andranik MARKARYAN]; Rule of Law Party [Artur BAGDASARIAN, chairman]; Union of Constitutional Rights [Hrant KHACHATURYAN]; United Labor Party [Gurgen ARSENIAN] Political pressure groups and leaders: Yerkrapah Union [Manvel GRIGORIAN] International organization participation: BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Arman KIRAKOSSIAN consulate(s) general: Los Angeles FAX: [1] (202) 319-2982 telephone: [1] (202) 319-1976 chancery: 2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John M. EVANS embassy: 18 Baghramyan Ave., Yerevan 375019 mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, 7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020 telephone: [374](1) 521-611, 520-791, 542-117, 542-132, 524-661, 527-001, 524-840 FAX: [374](1) 520-800 Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and orange Economy Armenia Economy - overview: Under the old Soviet central planning system, Armenia had developed a modern industrial sector, supplying machine tools, textiles, and other manufactured goods to sister republics in exchange for raw materials and energy. Since the implosion of the USSR in December 1991, Armenia has switched to small-scale agriculture away from the large agroindustrial complexes of the Soviet era. The agricultural sector has long-term needs for more investment and updated technology. The privatization of industry has been at a slower pace, but has been given renewed emphasis by the current administration. Armenia is a food importer, and its mineral deposits (copper, gold, bauxite) are small. The ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the ethnic Armenian-dominated region of Nagorno-Karabakh and the breakup of the centrally directed economic system of the former Soviet Union contributed to a severe economic decline in the early 1990s. By 1994, however, the Armenian Government had launched an ambitious IMF-sponsored economic liberalization program that resulted in positive growth rates in 1995-2003. Armenia joined the WTrO in January 2003. Armenia also has managed to slash inflation, stabilize the local currency (the dram), and privatize most small- and medium-sized enterprises. The chronic energy shortages Armenia suffered in the early and mid-1990s have been offset by the energy supplied by one of its nuclear power plants at Metsamor. Armenia is now a net energy exporter, although it does not have sufficient generating capacity to replace Metsamor, which is under international pressure to close. The electricity distribution system was privatized in 2002. Armenia's severe trade imbalance has been offset somewhat by international aid and foreign direct investment. Economic ties with Russia remain close, especially in the energy sector. GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.79 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 9.9% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,500 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 23.4% industry: 35.1% services: 41.5% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 19.8% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 50% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.3% highest 10%: 46.2% (1999) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 44.4 (1996) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.8% (2003 est.) Labor force: 1.4 million (2001) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 45%, industry 25%, services 30% (2002 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $425.9 million expenditures: $460.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (2003) Agriculture - products: fruit (especially grapes), vegetables; livestock Industries: diamond-processing, metal-cutting machine tools, forging-pressing machines, electric motors, tires, knitted wear, hosiery, shoes, silk fabric, chemicals, trucks, instruments, microelectronics, jewelry manufacturing, software development, food processing, brandy Industrial production growth rate: 15% (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 6.479 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 5.784 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 704 million kWh; note - exports an unknown quantity to Georgia; includes exports to Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan (2001) Electricity - imports: 463 million kWh; note - imports an unknown quantity from Iran (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 5,700 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 1.4 billion cu m (2001 est.) Current account balance: $-210 million (2003) Exports: $735 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: diamonds, mineral products, foodstuffs, energy Exports - partners: Belgium 18.2%, UK 16.8%, Israel 15.7%, Russia 12.1%, Iran 7.9%, US 6.3%, Germany 5% (2003) Imports: $1.18 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: natural gas, petroleum, tobacco products, foodstuffs, diamonds Imports - partners: Belgium 11.6%, Russia 11.6%, Israel 11.3%, US 9.5%, Iran 8.8%, Germany 6.7%, UAE 5.4%, Italy 4.7%, Ukraine 4.6% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $509.4 million (2003) Debt - external: $905 million (June 2001) Economic aid - recipient: ODA $170 million (2000) Currency: dram (AMD) Currency code: AMD Exchange rates: drams per US dollar - 578.763 (2002), 555.078 (2001), 539.526 (2000), 535.062 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Armenia Telephones - main lines in use: 562,600 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 114,400 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: system inadequate; now 90% privately owned and undergoing modernization and expansion domestic: the majority of subscribers and the most modern equipment are in Yerevan (this includes paging and mobile cellular service) international: country code - 374; Yerevan is connected to the Trans-Asia-Europe fiber-optic cable through Iran; additional international service is available by microwave radio relay and landline connections to the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and through the Moscow international switch and by satellite to the rest of the world; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 9, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 850,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 3 (plus an unknown number of repeaters); (1998) Televisions: 825,000 (1997) Internet country code: .am Internet hosts: 2,206 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 9 (2001) Internet users: 150,000 (2003) Transportation Armenia Railways: total: 845 km broad gauge: 845 km 1.520-m gauge (828 km electrified) note: some lines are out of service (2003) Highways: total: 15,918 km paved: 15,329 km (includes 7,527 km of expressways) unpaved: 589 km (2000) Pipelines: gas 1,871 km (2004) Ports and harbors: none Airports: 17 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 1 (2003 est.) Military Armenia Military branches: Army, Air Force and Air Defense Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (May 2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 812,140 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 649,568 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 31,926 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $135 million (FY01) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 6.5% (FY01) Transnational Issues Armenia Disputes - international: Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and militarily occupies 16% of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; border with Turkey remains closed over Nagorno-Karabakh dispute; traditional demands regarding former Armenian lands in Turkey have subsided; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the new Georgian Government Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 236,306 (Azerbaijan) IDPs: 50,000 (conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh) (2004) Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of small amount of cannabis for domestic consumption; used as a transit point for illicit drugs - mostly opium and hashish - moving from Southwest Asia to Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Aruba Introduction Aruba Background: Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990. Geography Aruba 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: 193 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 193 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 68.5 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: flat with a few hills; scant vegetation Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m Natural resources: NEGL; white sandy beaches Land use: arable land: 10.53% (including aloe 0.01%) permanent crops: 0% other: 89.47% (2001) Irrigated land: 0.01 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: a flat, riverless island renowned for its white sand beaches; its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean; the temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit) People Aruba Population: 71,218 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 20.3% (male 7,429; female 7,051) 15-64 years: 68.2% (male 23,587; female 25,007) 65 years and over: 11.4% (male 3,347; female 4,797) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 37.5 years male: 35.7 years female: 39.1 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.51% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 11.53 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 6.47 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.02 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.98 years male: 75.64 years female: 82.49 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.79 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Aruban(s) adjective: Aruban; Dutch Ethnic groups: mixed white/Caribbean Amerindian 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: definition: total population: 97% male: NA female: NA Government Aruba Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Aruba Dependency status: part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs Government type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Oranjestad Administrative divisions: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) 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 of the Netherlands (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since 11 May 2004) election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percent of legislative vote - NA elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed for a six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy prime minister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by December 2005) head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30 October 2001) cabinet: Council of Ministers (elected by the Staten) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislature or Staten (21 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 28 September 2001 (next to be held by NA 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - MEP 52.4%, AVP 26.7%, PPA 9.6%, OLA 5.7%, Aliansa 3.5%, other 2.1%; seats by party - MEP 12, AVP 6, PPA 2, OLA 1 Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice (judges are appointed by the monarch) Political parties and leaders: Aruba Solidarity Movement or MAS [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Alliance or Aliansa [leader NA]; Aruban Democratic Party or PDA [Leo BERLINSKI]; Aruban Liberal Party or OLA [Glenbert CROES]; Aruban Patriotic Party or PPA [Benny NISBET]; Aruban People's Party or AVP [Jan (Henny) H. EMAN]; Concentration for the Liberation of Aruba or CLA [leader NA]; People's Electoral Movement Party or MEP [Nelson O. ODUBER]; For a Restructured Aruba Now or PARA [Urbana LOPEZ]; National Democratic Action or ADN [Pedro Charro KELLY] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WCL, WToO (associate) Diplomatic representation in the US: none (represented by the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Netherlands Antilles, Robert E. SORENSON, is accredited to Aruba 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 Economy Aruba Economy - overview: Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage 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 low unemployment rate have led to a large number of unfilled job vacancies, despite sharp rises in wage rates in recent years. Tourist arrivals have declined in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The government now must deal with a budget deficit and a negative trade balance. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.94 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -1.5% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (2002 est.) Labor force: 41,500 (1997 est.) Labor force - by occupation: most employment is in wholesale and retail trade and repair, followed by hotels and restaurants; oil refining Unemployment rate: 0.6% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $135.8 million expenditures: $147 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2000) Agriculture - products: aloes; livestock; fish Industries: tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining Industrial production growth rate: NA (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 531.9 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 494.7 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 6,500 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $128 million f.o.b. (including oil reexports) (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: live animals and animal products, art and collectibles, machinery and electrical equipment, transport equipment Exports - partners: Netherlands 33.7%, Colombia 12%, Netherlands Antilles 12%, Panama 12%, Venezuela 10.8%, US 9.6% (2003) Imports: $841 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and electrical equipment, crude oil for refining and reexport, chemicals; foodstuffs Imports - partners: US 55.3%, Netherlands 13%, Netherlands Antilles 3.1% (2003) Debt - external: $285 million (1996) Economic aid - recipient: $26 million (1995); note - the Netherlands provided a $127 million aid package to Aruba and Suriname in 1996 Currency: Aruban guilder/florin (AWG) Currency code: AWG Exchange rates: Aruban guilders/florins per US dollar - 1.79 (2003), 1.79 (2002), 1.79 (2001), 1.79 (2000), 1.79 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Aruba Telephones - main lines in use: 37,100 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 53,000 (2001) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: more than adequate international: country code - 297; 1 submarine cable to Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles); extensive interisland microwave radio relay links Radio broadcast stations: AM 4, FM 6, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 50,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (1997) Televisions: 20,000 (1997) Internet country code: .aw Internet hosts: 923 (2001) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NA Internet users: 24,000 (2002) Transportation Aruba Highways: total: 800 km paved: 513 km note: most coastal roads are paved, while unpaved roads serve large tracts of the interior (1995) unpaved: 287 km Ports and harbors: Barcadera, Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas Merchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,772 GRT/7,068 DWT foreign-owned: Germany 1, Russia 1 registered in other countries: 1 (2003 est.) by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 2 Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Aruba Military branches: no regular indigenous military forces; Royal Dutch Navy and Marines, Coast Guard Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Transnational Issues Aruba Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transit point for US- and Europe-bound narcotics with some accompanying money-laundering activity This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Ashmore and Cartier Islands Introduction Ashmore and Cartier Islands Background: These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve. Geography Ashmore and Cartier Islands Location: Southeastern Asia, islands in the Indian Ocean, midway between north-western Australia and Timor island Geographic coordinates: 12 14 S, 123 05 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 5 sq km note: includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island water: 0 sq km land: 5 sq km Area - comparative: about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 74.1 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: tropical Terrain: low with sand and coral Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all grass and sand) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve established in August 1983 People Ashmore and Cartier Islands Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: Indonesian fishermen are allowed access to the lagoon and fresh water at Ashmore Reef's West Island (July 2004 est.) People - note: the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem Government Ashmore and Cartier Islands Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands conventional short form: Ashmore and Cartier Islands Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services Legal system: the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia, where applicable, apply Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: the flag of Australia is used Economy Ashmore and Cartier Islands Economy - overview: no economic activity Transportation Ashmore and Cartier Islands Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military Ashmore and Cartier Islands Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Transnational Issues Ashmore and Cartier Islands Disputes - international: Indonesian groups challenge Australia's claim to Ashmore Reef; Australia has closed the surrounding waters to Indonesian traditional fishing and has created a national park in the region while continuing to prospect for hydrocarbons in the vicinity This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Atlantic Ocean Introduction Atlantic Ocean Background: The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south. Geography Atlantic Ocean Location: body of water between Africa, Europe, the Southern Ocean, and the Western Hemisphere Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 25 00 W Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 76.762 million sq km note: includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, part of the Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Labrador Sea, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, almost all of the Scotia Sea, and other tributary water bodies Area - comparative: slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US Coastline: 111,866 km 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 coastal portions of the 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the 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 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; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December) 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 Geography - note: major chokepoints 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 Atlantic Ocean Economy Atlantic Ocean Economy - overview: The Atlantic Ocean provides some of the world's most heavily trafficked sea routes, between and within the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. Other economic activity includes the exploitation of natural resources, e.g., fishing, the dredging of aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and production of crude oil and natural gas (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea). Transportation Atlantic Ocean Ports and harbors: Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki (Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon (Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal (Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria), Oslo (Norway), Peiraiefs or Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Stockholm (Sweden) Transportation - note: Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US Transnational Issues Atlantic Ocean Disputes - international: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Australia Introduction Australia Background: Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef. A referendum to change Australia's status, from a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to a republic, was defeated in 1999. Geography Australia 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: 7,686,850 sq km water: 68,920 sq km note: includes Lord Howe Island and Macquarie Island land: 7,617,930 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 25,760 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm Climate: generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north Terrain: mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m Natural resources: bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, gold, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten, mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum Land use: arable land: 6.55% (includes about 27 million hectares of cultivated grassland) permanent crops: 0.04% other: 93.41% (2001) Irrigated land: 24,000 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol Geography - 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 Australia Population: 19,913,144 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 20.1% (male 2,044,449; female 1,948,574) 15-64 years: 67.2% (male 6,747,687; female 6,623,995) 65 years and over: 12.8% (male 1,121,522; female 1,426,917) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 36.3 years male: 35.5 years female: 37.1 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.9% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 12.4 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.38 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 3.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.34 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 5.16 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 80.26 years male: 77.4 years female: 83.27 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.76 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 14,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Australian(s) adjective: Australian Ethnic groups: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1% Religions: Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%, non-Christian 11%, other 12.6% Languages: English, native languages Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% (1980 est.) Government Australia Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Australia conventional short form: Australia Government type: democratic, federal-state system recognizing the British monarch as sovereign 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 of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael JEFFERY (since 11 August 2003) head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11 March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister John ANDERSON (since 20 July 1999) cabinet: Parliament nominates and selects, from among its members, a list of candidates to serve as government ministers; from this list, the governor general swears in the final selections for the Cabinet elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the prime minister; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in as prime minister by the governor general note: government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Parliament consists of the Senate (76 seats - 12 from each of the six states and two from each of the two mainland territories; one-half of the members elected every three years by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives (150 seats - this is up from 148 seats in 2001 election; members elected by popular vote on the basis of preferential representation to serve three-year terms; no state can have fewer than five representatives) elections: Senate - last held 9 October 2004 (next to be held not later than June 2008); House of Representatives - last held 9 October 2004 (next to be held not later than November 2007) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party (as of 1 July 2003) - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 34, Australian Labor Party 28, Australian Democrats 7, Green Party 2, One Nation Party 1, Country Liberal Party 1, Australian Progressive Alliance 1, independent 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - Liberal Party-National Party coalition 86, Australian Labor Party 60, Country Liberal Party 1, independent and other 3 Judicial branch: High Court (the chief justice and six other justices are appointed by the governor general) Political parties and leaders: Australian Democrats [Andrew BARTLETT]; Australian Labor Party [Mark LATHAM]; Australian Progressive Alliance [Meg LEES]; Country Liberal Party [Terry MILLS]; Australian Greens [Bob BROWN]; Liberal Party [John Winston HOWARD]; The Nationals [John ANDERSON]; One Nation Party [Len HARRIS] Political pressure groups and leaders: Australian Monarchist League [leader NA]; Australian Republican Movement [leader NA] International organization participation: ANZUS, APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CP, EBRD, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, OPCW, Paris Club, PCA, PIF, Sparteca, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNMEE, UNMISET, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, WToO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. THAWLEY consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 797-3168 telephone: [1] (202) 797-3000 chancery: 1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador J. Thomas SCHIEFFER embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 mailing address: APO AP 96549 telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600 FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970 consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney 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 known as the Commonwealth Star, representing the federation of the colonies of Australia in 1901; the star depicts one point for each of the six original states and one representing all of Australia's internal and external territories; 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 Australia Economy - overview: Australia has an enviable Western-style capitalist economy, with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. Rising output in the domestic economy has been offsetting the global slump, and business and consumer confidence remains robust. Australia's emphasis on reforms, low inflation, and growing ties with China are other key factors behind the economy's strength. The impact of drought, weak foreign demand, and strong import demand pushed the trade deficit up to $18 billion in 2003 and to $20 billion in 2004 from $8 billion in 2002. One other concern is the domestic housing bubble. GDP: purchasing power parity - $571.4 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.5% industry: 26.3% services: 70.2% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 24.8% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 25.4% (1994) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 35.2 (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2003 est.) Labor force: 10.19 million (37256) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 5%, industry 22%, services 73% (1997 est.) Unemployment rate: 6% (2003) Budget: revenues: $185 billion expenditures: $181 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Public debt: 18.2% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruits; cattle, sheep, poultry Industries: mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals, steel Industrial production growth rate: -0.1% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 198.2 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 184.4 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 731,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 796,500 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: 523,400 bbl/day (2001) Oil - imports: 530,800 bbl/day (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 3.664 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 33.08 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 23.33 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 9.744 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 2.407 trillion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-30.14 billion (2003) Exports: $68.67 billion (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, iron ore, wheat, machinery and transport equipment Exports - partners: Japan 18.1%, US 8.7%, China 8.4%, South Korea 7.4%, New Zealand 7.4%, UK 6.7% (2003) Imports: $82.91 billion (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, telecommunication equipment and parts; crude oil and petroleum products Imports - partners: US 16%, Japan 12.5%, China 11%, Germany 6.1%, UK 4.2% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $33.26 billion (2003) Debt - external: $233.5 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - donor: ODA, $894 million (FY99/00) Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) Currency code: AUD Exchange rates: Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001), 1.7248 (2000), 1.55 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Australia Telephones - main lines in use: 10.815 million (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 14.347 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: excellent domestic and international service domestic: domestic satellite system; much use of radiotelephone in areas of low population density; rapid growth of mobile cellular telephones international: country code - 61; 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) (1998) Radio broadcast stations: AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 25.5 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 104 (1997) Televisions: 10.15 million (1997) Internet country code: .au Internet hosts: 2,847,763 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 571 (2002) Internet users: 9.472 million (2002) Transportation Australia Railways: total: 44,015 km (5,290 km electrified) broad gauge: 1,957 km 1.600-m gauge standard gauge: 27,095 km 1.435-m gauge (2,828 km electrified) dual gauge: 213 km dual gauge (2003) narrow gauge: 14,957 km 1.067-m gauge (2,462 km electrified) Highways: total: 811,603 km paved: 314,090 km (including 18,619 km of expressways) unpaved: 497,513 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 2,000 km (mainly used for recreation on Murray and Murray-Darling river systems) (2004) Pipelines: condensate/gas 492 km; gas 28,680 km; liquid petroleum gas 240 km; oil 4,773 km; oil/gas/water 110 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport (Tasmania), Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart (Tasmania), Launceston (Tasmania), Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville Merchant marine: total: 52 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,531,461 GRT/1,999,409 DWT foreign-owned: United Kingdom 2, United States 12 registered in other countries: 60 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 20, cargo 5, chemical tanker 3, combination bulk 2, container 3, liquefied gas 4, passenger 2, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 6 Airports: 444 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 305 over 3,047 m: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 12 1,524 to 2,437 m: 131 914 to 1,523 m: 139 under 914 m: 13 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 143 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 112 under 914 m: 14 (2004 est.) Military Australia Military branches: Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, new Special Operations Command (announced in December 2002) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 5,061,810 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 4,356,671 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 140,182 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $14,120.1 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.8% (2003) Transnational Issues Australia Disputes - international: the 1999 maritime delimitation established partial maritime boundaries with East Timor over part of the Timor Gap but temporary resource-sharing agreements over an unreconciled area grant Australia 90% share of exploited gas reserves and hamper creation of a southern maritime boundary with Indonesia (see Ashmore and Cartier Islands disputes); Australia asserts a territorial claim to Antarctica and to its continental shelf (see Antarctica) 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 This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Austria Introduction Austria Background: Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. Following the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995, some Austrian's have called into question this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the European Monetary Union in 1999. Geography Austria Location: Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia Geographic coordinates: 47 20 N, 13 20 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 83,870 sq km water: 1,426 sq km land: 82,444 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maine Land boundaries: total: 2,562 km border countries: Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers Terrain: in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping Elevation extremes: lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m Natural resources: oil, coal, lignite, timber, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, magnesite, tungsten, graphite, salt, hydropower Land use: arable land: 16.91% permanent crops: 0.86% other: 82.23% (2001) Irrigated land: 457 sq km (2000 est.) Natural hazards: landslides; avalanches; earthquakes 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Geography - 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 Austria Population: 8,174,762 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 15.9% (male 665,680; female 633,560) 15-64 years: 68.1% (male 2,799,411; female 2,764,426) 65 years and over: 16% (male 518,748; female 792,937) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 40 years male: 38.8 years female: 41.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.14% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 8.9 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 9.56 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.68 deaths/1,000 live births female: 3.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.87 years male: 76 years female: 81.89 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.35 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 10,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Austrian(s) adjective: Austrian Ethnic groups: German 88.5%, indigenous minorities 1.5% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma), recent immigrant groups 10% (includes Turks, Bosnians, Serbians, Croatians) (2001) Religions: Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 0.1%, none 17.4% Languages: German (official nationwide), Slovene (official in Carinthia), Croatian (official in Burgenland), Hungarian (official in Burgenland) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: NA female: NA Government Austria Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Austria conventional short form: Austria local short form: Oesterreich local long form: Republik Oesterreich Government type: federal republic Capital: Vienna Administrative divisions: 9 states (Bundeslaender, singular - Bundesland); Burgenland, Kaernten, Niederoesterreich, Oberoesterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg, Wien Independence: 1156 (Duchy of Austria founded); 12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed) National holiday: National Day, 26 October (1955); note - commemorates the State Treaty restoring national sovereignty and the end of occupation and the passage of the law on permanent neutrality 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; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; compulsory for presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (since 8 July 2004) head of government: Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4 February 2000); Vice Chancellor Hubert GORBACH (since 21 October 2003) cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor elections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-year term; presidential election last held 25 April 2004 (next to be held NA April 2010); chancellor traditionally chosen by the president from the plurality party in the National Council; vice chancellor chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor note: government coalition - OeVP and FPOe election results: Heinz FISCHER elected president; percent of vote - Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) 52.4%, Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (OeVP) 47.6% Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly or Bundesversammlung consists of Federal Council or Bundesrat (62 members; members represent each of the states on the basis of population, but with each state having at least three representatives; members serve a five- or six-year term) and the National Council or Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - OeVP 42.3%, SPOe 36.5%, FPOe 10.0%, Greens 9.5%; seats by party - OeVP 79, SPOe 69, FPOe 18, Greens 17 elections: National Council - last held 24 November 2002 (next to be held in the fall of 2006) Judicial branch: Supreme Judicial Court or Oberster Gerichtshof; Administrative Court or Verwaltungsgerichtshof; Constitutional Court or Verfassungsgerichtshof Political parties and leaders: Austrian People's Party or OeVP [Wolfgang SCHUESSEL]; Freedom Party of Austria or FPOe [Ursula HAUBNER]; Social Democratic Party of Austria or SPOe [Alfred GUSENBAUER]; The Greens [Alexander VAN DER BELLEN] Political pressure groups and leaders: Austrian Trade Union Federation (nominally independent but primarily Socialist) or OeGB; Federal Economic Chamber; OeVP-oriented League of Austrian Industrialists or VOeI; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay organization, Catholic Action; three composite leagues of the Austrian People's Party or OeVP representing business, labor, and farmers and other non-government organizations in the areas of environment and human rights International organization participation: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIK, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (observer), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Eva NOWOTNY chancery: 3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York FAX: [1] (202) 895-6750 telephone: [1] (202) 895-6700 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William Lee LYONS BROWN, Jr. embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0, 31375, 31335 FAX: [43] (1) 3100682 Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red Economy Austria Economy - overview: Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany's. Membership in the EU has drawn an influx of foreign investors attracted by Austria's access to the single European market and proximity to EU aspirant economies. Slow growth in Germany and elsewhere in the world held the economy to 0.7% growth in 2001, 1.4% in 2002, and again less than 1% in 2003. However, recent data signal that the recovery has started. The government estimates economic growth in 2004 of 1.7-2.1% and of 2.5% in 2005. The government is planning a EURO 500 billion income tax cut in 2004, though some economists doubt it will have stimulative effects in 2004, because it will be offset by higher health insurance contributions and higher taxes on energy. For 2005, Austria plans a tax cut of EURO 2.5 billion and harmonization of the various pension schemes. To meet increased competition from both EU and Central European countries, particularly the new EU members, Austria will need to emphasize knowledge-based sectors of the economy, continue to deregulate the service sector, and lower its tax burden. A key issue is the encouragement of much greater participation in the labor market by its aging population. GDP: purchasing power parity - $245.3 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 0.7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $30,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3.5% industry: 25.7% services: 70.9% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 22.5% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 3.9% (1999) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.5% highest 10%: 22.5% (1995) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 31 (1995) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (2003 est.) Labor force: 3.425 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture and forestry 4%, industry and crafts 29%, services 67% (2001 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.4% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $67 billion expenditures: $70 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2004 est.) Public debt: 67.6% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: grains, potatoes, sugar beets, wine, fruit; dairy products, cattle, pigs, poultry; lumber Industries: construction, machinery, vehicles and parts, food, chemicals, lumber and wood processing, paper and paperboard, communications equipment, tourism Industrial production growth rate: 1.9% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 58.75 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 54.85 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 14.25 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 14.47 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 20,670 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 262,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: 35,470 bbl/day (2001) Oil - imports: 262,000 bbl/day (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 85.69 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 1.731 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 7.81 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 403 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 6.033 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 24.9 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-1.353 billion (2003) Exports: $83.45 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, paper and paperboard, metal goods, chemicals, iron and steel; textiles, foodstuffs Exports - partners: Germany 31.9%, Italy 9.6%, Switzerland 5.2%, US 4.9%, France 4.8%, UK 4.7% (2003) Imports: $81.59 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, metal goods, oil and oil products; foodstuffs Imports - partners: Germany 43.2%, Italy 6.7%, Hungary 5.4%, Switzerland 5%, Netherlands 4.2% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $12.73 billion (2003) Debt - external: $15.5 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - donor: ODA, $520 million (2002) Currency: euro (EUR) note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by the financial institutions of member countries; as of 1 January 2002, the euro became the only legal tender in EMU member countries, including Austria Currency code: EUR Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Austria Telephones - main lines in use: 3.881 million (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 7,094,500 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: highly developed and efficient domestic: there are 48 main lines for every 100 persons; the fiber optic net is very extensive; all telephone applications and Internet services are available international: country code - 43; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat; in addition, there are about 600 VSAT (very small aperture terminals) (2002) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 65 (plus several hundred repeaters), shortwave 1 (2001) Radios: 6.08 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 10 (plus more than 1,000 repeaters) (2001) Televisions: 4.25 million (1997) Internet country code: .at Internet hosts: 387,006 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 37 (2000) Internet users: 3.73 million (2003) Transportation Austria Railways: total: 6,021 km (3,552 km electrified) standard gauge: 5,565 km 1.435-m gauge (3,430 km electrified) narrow gauge: 34 km 1.000-m gauge (28 km electrified); 422 km 0.760-m gauge (94 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 200,000 km paved: 200,000 km (including 1,633 km of expressways) unpaved: 0 km (2000) Waterways: 358 km (2003) Pipelines: gas 2,722 km; oil 663 km; refined products 149 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Enns, Krems, Linz, Vienna Merchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 29,624 GRT/37,425 DWT by type: cargo 4, container 2 registered in other countries: 34 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Netherlands 1 Airports: 55 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 14 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 27 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Austria Military branches: Land Forces (KdoLdSK), Air Forces (KdoLuSK) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for voluntary service; from 2007, at the earliest, compulsory military service obligation will be reduced from 8 months to 6 (June 2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,066,467 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,699,384 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 48,981 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $1.497 billion (FY01/02) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.85% (June 2004) Transnational Issues Austria Disputes - international: minor disputes with the Czech Republic over the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant Illicit drugs: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and South American cocaine destined for Western Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Azerbaijan Introduction Azerbaijan Background: Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim population - regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its territory and must support some 800,000 refugees and internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled. Geography Azerbaijan Location: Southwestern Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Russia, with a small European portion north of the Caucasus range Geographic coordinates: 40 30 N, 47 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 86,600 sq km 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 water: 500 sq km land: 86,100 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maine 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.) Climate: dry, semiarid steppe Terrain: large, flat Kur-Araz Ovaligi (Kura-Araks Lowland) (much of it below sea level) with Great Caucasus Mountains to the north, Qarabag Yaylasi (Karabakh Upland) in west; Baku lies on Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) that juts into Caspian Sea Elevation extremes: 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: 19.63% permanent crops: 2.71% other: 77.66% (2001) Irrigated land: 14,550 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: droughts Environment - current issues: local scientists consider the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula) (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, soil, and water pollution; soil pollution results from oil spills, from the use of DDT as a pesticide, and from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: both the main area of the country and the Naxcivan exclave are landlocked People Azerbaijan Population: 7,868,385 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 27% (male 1,081,579; female 1,046,270) 15-64 years: 65.2% (male 2,499,618; female 2,630,386) 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 242,253; female 368,279) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 27.3 years male: 25.9 years female: 28.8 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.52% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 19.81 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 9.76 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -4.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 82.07 deaths/1,000 live births female: 80.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 83.99 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.25 years male: 59.09 years female: 67.62 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.39 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1,400 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani Ethnic groups: Azeri 90%, Dagestani 3.2%, Russian 2.5%, Armenian 2%, other 2.3% (1998 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; percentages for actual practicing adherents are much lower Languages: Azerbaijani (Azeri) 89%, Russian 3%, Armenian 2%, other 6% (1995 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97% male: 99% female: 96% (1989 est.) Government Azerbaijan Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Azerbaijan conventional short form: Azerbaijan local long form: Azarbaycan Respublikasi former: Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic local short form: none Government type: republic Capital: Baku (Baki) Administrative divisions: 59 rayons (rayonlar; rayon - singular), 11 cities* (saharlar; sahar - singular), 1 autonomous republic** (muxtar respublika) : rayons: Abseron Rayonu, Agcabadi Rayonu, Agdam Rayonu, Agdas Rayonu, Agstafa Rayonu, Agsu Rayonu, Astara Rayonu, Balakan Rayonu, Barda Rayonu, Beylaqan Rayonu, Bilasuvar Rayonu, Cabrayil Rayonu, Calilabad Rayonu, Daskasan Rayonu, Davaci Rayonu, Fuzuli Rayonu, Gadabay Rayonu, Goranboy Rayonu, Goycay Rayonu, Haciqabul Rayonu, Imisli Rayonu, Ismayilli Rayonu, Kalbacar Rayonu, Kurdamir Rayonu, Lacin Rayonu, Lankaran Rayonu, Lerik Rayonu, Masalli Rayonu, Neftcala Rayonu, Oguz Rayonu, Qabala Rayonu, Qax Rayonu, Qazax Rayonu, Qobustan Rayonu, Quba Rayonu, Qubadli Rayonu, Qusar Rayonu, Saatli Rayonu, Sabirabad Rayonu, Saki Rayonu, Salyan Rayonu, Samaxi Rayonu, Samkir Rayonu, Samux Rayonu, Siyazan Rayonu, Susa Rayonu, Tartar Rayonu, Tovuz Rayonu, Ucar Rayonu, Xacmaz Rayonu, Xanlar Rayonu, Xizi Rayonu, Xocali Rayonu, Xocavand Rayonu, Yardimli Rayonu, Yevlax Rayonu, Zangilan Rayonu, Zaqatala Rayonu, Zardab Rayonu : cities: Ali Bayramli Sahari, Baki Sahari, Ganca Sahari, Lankaran Sahari, Mingacevir Sahari, Naftalan Sahari, Saki Sahari, Sumqayit Sahari, Susa Sahari, Xankandi Sahari, Yevlax Sahari : autonomous republic: Naxcivan Muxtar Respublikasi Independence: 30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Founding of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaidzhan, 28 May (1918) Constitution: adopted 12 November 1995 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October 2003) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly election results: Ilham ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote - Ilham ALIYEV 76.8%, Isa GAMBAR 14% elections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; election last held 15 October 2003 (next to be held NA October 2008); prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas ABBASOV (since 10 November 2003) Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Milli Mejlis (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NAP and allies 108, APF "Reform" 6, CSP 3, PNIA 2, Musavat Party 2, CPA 2, APF "Classic" 1, Compatriot Party 1 elections: last held 4 November 2000 (next to be held NA November 2005) note: 100 members of the current parliament were elected on the basis of single mandate constituencies, while 25 were elected based on proportional balloting; as a result of a 24 August 2002 national referendum on changes to the constitution, all 125 members of the next parliament will be elected from single mandate constituencies note: PNIA, Musavat, and APF "Classic" parties refused to take their seats Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Azerbaijan Popular Front or APF [Ali KARIMLI, leader of "Reform" faction; Mirmahmud MIRALI-OGLU, leader of "Classic" faction]; Civic Solidarity Party or CSP [Sabir RUSTAMKHANLY]; Civic Union Party [Ayaz MUTALIBOV]; Communist Party of Azerbaijan or CPA [Ramiz AHMADOV]; Compatriot Party [Mais SAFARLI]; Democratic Party for Azerbaijan or DPA [Rasul QULIYEV, chairman]; Justice Party [Ilyas ISMAILOV]; Liberal Party of Azerbaijan [Lala Shovkat HACIYEVA]; Musavat [Isa GAMBAR, chairman]; New Azerbaijan Party or NAP [vacant]; Party for National Independence of Azerbaijan or PNIA [Etibar MAMMADLI, chairman]; Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan or SDP [Araz ALIZADE and Ayaz MUTALIBOV] note: opposition parties regularly factionalize and form new parties Political pressure groups and leaders: Sadval, Lezgin movement; self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; Talysh independence movement; Union of Pro-Azerbaijani Forces (UPAF) International organization participation: AsDB, BSEC, CE, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, ECO, FAO, GUUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OSCE, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hafiz PASHAYEV chancery: 2741 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 337-5911 telephone: [1] (202) 337-3500 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Reno L. HARNISH III embassy: 83 Azadlyg Prospecti, Baku AZ1007 mailing address: American Embassy Baku, Department of State, 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050 telephone: [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37 FAX: [9] (9412) 656-671 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 Economy Azerbaijan Economy - overview: Azerbaijan's number one export is oil. Azerbaijan's oil production declined through 1997 but has registered an increase every year since. Negotiation of production-sharing arrangements (PSAs) with foreign firms, which have thus far committed $60 billion to long-term oilfield development, should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the first of these PSAs, with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company, began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the former 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 are slowly being replaced. One obstacle to economic progress is the need for stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector. A second obstacle is the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijan's ability to manage its oil wealth. GDP: purchasing power parity - $26.65 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 11.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14.1% industry: 45.7% services: 40.2% (2002 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 50.4% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 49% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 27.8% (1995) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 36 (1995) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (2003 est.) Labor force: 4.99 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture and forestry 41%, industry 7%, services 52% (2001) Unemployment rate: 1.1% (official rate is 1.2%) (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.063 billion expenditures: $2.202 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Public debt: 16.3% of GDP (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs, sheep, goats Industries: petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel, iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Industrial production growth rate: 6.1% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 18.23 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 16.65 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 700 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 400 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 307,200 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 140,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 589 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 5.72 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 6.72 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 1 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 62.3 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-2.021 billion (2003) Exports: $2.605 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: oil and gas 90%, machinery, cotton, foodstuffs Exports - partners: Italy 34.1%, Czech Republic 11.4%, Germany 10.5%, France 8.2%, Turkey 5.9%, Georgia 4.5%, Russia 4.5% (2003) Imports: $2.498 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, oil products, foodstuffs, metals, chemicals Imports - partners: Russia 15.5%, Turkey 12%, UK 8.7%, Germany 8.1%, China 7.8%, Ukraine 5.4%, Italy 4.6%, US 4.6%, Kazakhstan 4.3% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $820.9 million (2003) Debt - external: $1.575 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: ODA, $140 million (2000 est.) Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZM) Currency code: AZM Exchange rates: Azerbaijani manats per US dollar - 4,910.73 (2003), 4,860.82 (2002), 4,656.58 (2001), 4,474.15 (2000), 4,120.17 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Azerbaijan Telephones - main lines in use: 923,800 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 870,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: inadequate; requires considerable expansion and modernization; teledensity of 10 main lines per 100 persons is low (2002) domestic: the majority of telephones are in Baku and other industrial centers - about 700 villages still without public telephone service; satellite service connects Baku to a modern switch in its exclave of Naxcivan international: country code - 994; the old Soviet system of cable and microwave is still serviceable; a satellite connection to Turkey enables Baku to reach about 200 additional countries, some of which are directly connected to Baku by satellite providers other than Turkey (1997) Radio broadcast stations: AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 175,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997) Televisions: 170,000 (1997) Internet country code: .az Internet hosts: 586 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: 300,000 (2002) Transportation Azerbaijan Railways: total: 2,957 km broad gauge: 2,957 km 1.520-m gauge (1,278 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 24,981 km paved: 23,057 km unpaved: 1,924 km (2000) Pipelines: gas 4,451 km; oil 1,518 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Baku (Baki) Merchant marine: total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 253,004 GRT/318,922 DWT by type: cargo 14, petroleum tanker 40, roll on/roll off 2 foreign-owned: Russia 1 (2004 est.) Airports: 67 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 27 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 3 under 914 m: 1 (2003 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 40 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 32 (2003 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 6 Heliports: 2 (2003 est.) Military Azerbaijan Military branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; law passed December 2001 raises maximum conscription age from 28 to 35 (December 2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,187,847 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,748,567 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 83,131 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $121 million (FY99) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.6% (FY99) Transnational Issues Azerbaijan Disputes - international: Armenia supports ethnic Armenian secessionists in Nagorno-Karabakh and militarily occupies about one-sixth of Azerbaijan - Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to mediate dispute; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia ratify Caspian seabed delimitation treaties based on equidistance, while Iran continues to insist on an even one-fifth allocation and challenges Azerbaijan's hydrocarbon exploration in disputed waters; talks resume with Turkmenistan on dividing the seabed in 2004 as both sides await an ICJ decision on contested oilfields in the middle of the Caspian; Azerbaijan protests Georgian constructions at the Red Bridge crossing and several other small segments of boundary, which remain unresolved until delimitation Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 571,000 (conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh) (2004) Illicit drugs: limited illicit cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for CIS consumption; small government eradication program; transit point for Southwest Asian opiates bound for Russia and to a lesser extent the rest of Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bahamas, The Introduction Bahamas, The Background: Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US. Geography Bahamas, The Location: Caribbean, chain of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida, northeast of Cuba Geographic coordinates: 24 15 N, 76 00 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 13,940 sq km water: 3,870 sq km land: 10,070 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,542 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream Terrain: long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m Natural resources: salt, aragonite, timber, arable land Land use: arable land: 0.8% permanent crops: 0.4% other: 98.8% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage Environment - current issues: coral reef decay; solid waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain of which 30 are inhabited People Bahamas, The Population: 299,697 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.3% (male 42,474; female 42,423) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 96,825; female 99,985) 65 years and over: 6% (male 7,351; female 10,639) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 27.3 years male: 26.5 years female: 28 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.72% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 18.22 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 8.82 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 25.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 31.73 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.63 years male: 62.21 years female: 69.11 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.23 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 3% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 5,600 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Bahamian(s) adjective: Bahamian Ethnic groups: black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3% Religions: Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God 6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2% Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 95.6% male: 94.7% female: 96.5% (2003 est.) Government Bahamas, The Country name: conventional long form: Commonwealth of The Bahamas conventional short form: The Bahamas Government type: constitutional parliamentary democracy Capital: Nassau Administrative divisions: 21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma, Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island, High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New Providence, Nichollstown and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 10 July (1973) Constitution: 10 July 1973 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), represented by Governor General Dame Ivy DUMONT (since NA May 2002) head of government: Prime Minister Perry CHRISTIE (since 3 May 2002) and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia PRATT (since 7 May 2002) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (16-member body appointed by the governor general upon the advice of the prime minister and the opposition leader for five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (40 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms); the government may dissolve the parliament and call elections at any time elections: last held 1 May 2002 (next to be held by May 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 50.8%, FNM 41.1%, independents 5.2%; seats by party - PLP 29, FNM 7, independents 4 Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; magistrates courts Political parties and leaders: Free National Movement or FNM [Tommy TURNQUEST]; Progressive Liberal Party or PLP [Perry CHRISTIE] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOM, IOC, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joshua SEARS consulate(s) general: Miami and New York FAX: [1] (202) 319-2668 telephone: [1] (202) 319-2660 chancery: 2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ROOD embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370 telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours) FAX: [1] (242) 356-0222 Flag description: three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine, with a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side Economy Bahamas, The Economy - overview: The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone accounts for more than 60% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs half of the archipelago's labor force. Steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences had led to solid GDP growth in recent years, but the slowdown in the US economy and the attacks of 11 September 2001 held back growth in these sectors in 2001-03. Financial services constitute the second-most important sector of the Bahamian economy, accounting for about 15% of GDP. However, since December 2000, when the government enacted new regulations on the financial sector, many international businesses have left The Bahamas. Manufacturing and agriculture together contribute approximately a tenth of GDP and show little growth, despite government incentives aimed at those sectors. Overall growth prospects in the short run rest heavily on the fortunes of the tourism sector, which depends on growth in the US, the source of more than 80% of the visitors. In addition to tourism and banking, the government supports the development of a "third pillar," e-commerce. GDP: purchasing power parity - $5.049 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 0% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,700 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 7% services: 90% (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (2002 est.) Labor force: 156,000 (1999) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 5%, industry 5%, tourism 50%, other services 40% (1999 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.9% (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $918.5 million expenditures: $956.5 million, including capital expenditures of $106.7 million (FY99/00) Agriculture - products: citrus, vegetables; poultry Industries: tourism, banking, e-commerce, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt, rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral-welded steel pipe Industrial production growth rate: NA (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 1.56 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 1.451 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 23,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $617 million (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: fish and crawfish; rum, salt, chemicals; fruit and vegetables Exports - partners: US 35%, Spain 9.6%, Germany 7.8%, France 7.6%, Poland 5.3%, Switzerland 4.8%, Peru 4.2%, Paraguay 4.2% (2003) Imports: $1.614 billion (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, chemicals, mineral fuels; food and live animals Imports - partners: US 20.8%, South Korea 17.4%, Italy 11.4%, France 9.1%, Brazil 7.5%, Japan 5.6%, Venezuela 5.3% (2003) Debt - external: $308.5 million (2002) Economic aid - recipient: $9.8 million (1995) Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD) Currency code: BSD Exchange rates: Bahamian dollars per US dollar - 1 (2003), 1 (2002), 1 (2001), 1 (2000), 1 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Bahamas, The Telephones - main lines in use: 131,700 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 121,800 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: modern facilities domestic: totally automatic system; highly developed international: country code - 1-242; tropospheric scatter and submarine cable to Florida; 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (1997) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2004) Radios: 215,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2 (2004) Televisions: 67,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bs Internet hosts: 302 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 19 (2000) Internet users: 84,000 (2003) Transportation Bahamas, The Highways: total: 2,693 km paved: 1,546 km unpaved: 1,147 km (1999 est.) Ports and harbors: Freeport, Matthew Town, Nassau Merchant marine: total: 1,035 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 31,631,252 GRT/43,025,977 DWT by type: bulk 165, cargo 188, chemical tanker 45, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 17, container 97, liquefied gas 27, livestock carrier 2, multi-functional large load carrier 4, passenger 108, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 163, refrigerated cargo 133, roll on/roll off 34, short-sea/passenger 18, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 20 foreign-owned: Algeria 1, Australia 7, Belgium 14, Bermuda 1, Canada 4, Chile 1, China 4, Croatia 1, Cuba 3, Cyprus 14, Denmark 49, Estonia 1, Faroe Islands 1, Finland 9, France 21, Germany 13, Gibraltar 1, Greece 163, Hong Kong 9, India 1, Indonesia 3, Ireland 1, Israel 3, Italy 7, Japan 35, Kenya 2, South Korea 1, Latvia 1, Liberia 1, Malaysia 11, Malta 1, Monaco 68, Netherlands 29, New Zealand 1, Norway 231, Panama 2, Philippines 3, Poland 14, Reunion 1, Russia 1, Saudi Arabia 9, Singapore 13, Slovenia 1, Spain 6, Sweden 9, Switzerland 1, Thailand 1, Trinidad and Tobago 2 registered in other countries: 11 (2004 est.) Airports: 63 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 29 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 9 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 34 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 10 under 914 m: 21 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Bahamas, The Military branches: Royal Bahamas Defense Force (including Coast Guard) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001) Military expenditures - dollar figure: NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA Transnational Issues Bahamas, The Disputes - international: concerned about migrants fleeing Haiti's deteriorated economic and political conditions Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for US and Europe; offshore financial center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bahrain Introduction Bahrain Background: Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly. Geography Bahrain 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: 665 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 665 sq km Area - comparative: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined contiguous zone: 24 nm Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers Terrain: mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment Elevation extremes: lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls Land use: arable land: 2.82% permanent crops: 5.63% other: 91.55% (2001) Irrigated land: 50 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: periodic droughts; dust storms 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; lack of freshwater resources, groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean People Bahrain Population: 677,886 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.4% (male 97,179; female 95,043) 15-64 years: 68.4% (male 271,015; female 192,342) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 11,426; female 10,881) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 29 years male: 31.9 years female: 25.3 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.56% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 18.54 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 4.03 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.41 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female total population: 1.27 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 17.91 deaths/1,000 live births female: 14.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 20.93 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.98 years male: 71.52 years female: 76.51 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.67 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: less than 600 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Bahraini(s) adjective: Bahraini Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8% Religions: Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30% Languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 89.1% male: 91.9% female: 85% (2003 est.) Government Bahrain Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain conventional short form: Bahrain local short form: Al Bahrayn former: Dilmun local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn Government type: constitutional hereditary monarchy Capital: Manama Administrative divisions: 12 municipalities (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: National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection Constitution: adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary) Legal system: based on Islamic law and English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969) head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since NA 1971) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of Shura Council (40 members appointed by the King) and House of Deputies (40 members directly elected to serve four-year terms) elections: House of Deputies - last held 31 October 2002 (next election to be held NA 2006) note: first elections since 7 December 1973; unicameral National Assembly dissolved 26 August 1975; National Action Charter created bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum 14 February 2001; first legislative session of Parliament held on 25 December 2002 election results: House of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - independents 21, Sunni Islamists 9, other 10 Judicial branch: High Civil Appeals Court Political parties and leaders: political parties prohibited but politically oriented societies are allowed Political pressure groups and leaders: Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically in 1994-97, demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador KHALIFA bin ALI bin Rashid Al Khalifa chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192 telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William T. MONROE embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama telephone: [973] 1724-2700 FAX: [973] 1725-6242 (consular) Flag description: red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam Economy Bahrain Economy - overview: In well-to-do Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil granted as aid. A large share of exports consist of petroleum products made from refining imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems. GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.29 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.9% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,900 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 0.7% industry: 42.1% services: 57.2% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 11.9% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.2% (2003 est.) Labor force: 350,000 note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 1%, industry, commerce, and services 79%, government 20% (1997 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1998 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.981 billion expenditures: $3.019 billion, including capital expenditures of $700 million (2003 est.) Public debt: 57.5% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish Industries: petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing; tourism Industrial production growth rate: 2% (2000 est.) Electricity - production: 6.257 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 5.819 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 43,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 31,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 125 million bbl (1 January 2003) Natural gas - production: 8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 8.9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 46 billion cu m (1 January 2003) Current account balance: $53 million (2003) Exports: $6.492 billion (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles Exports - partners: US 3.5%, India 3.3%, South Korea 2.2% (2003) Imports: $5.126 billion (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: crude oil, machinery, chemicals Imports - partners: Saudi Arabia 30.7%, US 11.4%, Japan 7.8%, UK 5.7%, Germany 5.4% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $1.785 billion (2003) Debt - external: $4.682 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $150 million; note - $50 million annually since 1992 from each of Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait (2002) Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD) Currency code: BHD Exchange rates: Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002), 0.376 (2001), 0.376 (2000), 0.376 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Bahrain Telephones - main lines in use: 185,800 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 443,100 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: modern system domestic: modern fiber-optic integrated services; digital network with rapidly growing use of mobile cellular telephones international: country code - 973; 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 (1997) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 338,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 4 (1997) Televisions: 275,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bh Internet hosts: 1,334 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 195,700 (2003) Transportation Bahrain Highways: total: 3,261 km paved: 2,531 km unpaved: 730 km (2000) Pipelines: gas 20 km; oil 53 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Manama, Mina' Salman, Sitrah Merchant marine: total: 6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 219,083 GRT/312,638 DWT registered in other countries: 2 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Hong Kong 1, Kuwait 1 by type: bulk 3, container 2, petroleum tanker 1 Airports: 4 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 over 3,047 m: 2 1524 to 2437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Bahrain Military branches: Bahrain Defense Forces (BDF): Ground Force (includes Air Defense), Navy, Air Force, National Guard Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 221,661 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 121,484 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 6,396 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $618.1 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 7.5% (2003) Transnational Issues Bahrain Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Baker Island Introduction Baker Island Background: The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast. Geography Baker Island Location: Oceania, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and Australia Geographic coordinates: 0 13 N, 176 31 W Map references: Oceania Area: total: 1.4 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 1.4 sq km Area - comparative: about 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 4.8 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 8 m Natural resources: guano (deposits worked until 1891), terrestrial and aquatic wildlife Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard Environment - current issues: no natural fresh water resources Geography - 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 Baker Island 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 from US Fish and Wildlife Service only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and remnants of structures from early settlement are located near the middle of the west coast; visited annually by US Fish and Wildlife Service (2004 est.) Government Baker Island Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Baker Island Dependency status: unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system Legal system: the laws of the US, where applicable, apply Flag description: the flag of the US is used Economy Baker Island Economy - overview: no economic activity Transportation Baker Island Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only; note - there is one small boat landing area along the middle of the west coast Airports: 1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m, completely covered with vegetation and unusable (2003 est.) Transportation - note: there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast Military Baker Island Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard Transnational Issues Baker Island Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bangladesh Introduction Bangladesh Background: Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development. Geography Bangladesh 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: 144,000 sq km land: 133,910 sq km water: 10,090 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Iowa Land boundaries: total: 4,246 km border countries: Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin contiguous zone: 18 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber, coal Land use: arable land: 62.11% permanent crops: 3.07% other: 34.82% (2001) Irrigated land: 38,440 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season Environment - current issues: many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land; water-borne diseases prevalent in surface water; water pollution, especially of fishing areas, results from the use of commercial pesticides; ground water contaminated by naturally occurring arsenic; intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country; soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; severe overpopulation Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: most of the country is situated on deltas of large rivers flowing from the Himalayas: the Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal People Bangladesh Population: 141,340,476 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 33.5% (male 24,359,149; female 23,013,811) 15-64 years: 63.1% (male 45,557,963; female 43,626,950) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 2,575,519; female 2,207,084) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 21.5 years male: 21.5 years female: 21.5 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.08% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 30.03 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 8.52 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.17 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 64.32 deaths/1,000 live births female: 63.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 65.41 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.71 years male: 61.8 years female: 61.61 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.15 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 13,000 (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 650 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Bangladeshi(s) adjective: Bangladeshi Ethnic groups: Bengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims (1998) Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998) Languages: Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 43.1% male: 53.9% female: 31.8% (2003 est.) Government Bangladesh Country name: conventional long form: People's Republic of Bangladesh conventional short form: Bangladesh former: East Pakistan Government type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Dhaka Administrative divisions: 6 divisions; Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet Independence: 16 December 1971 (from West Pakistan); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is known as Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh National holiday: Independence Day, 26 March (1971); note - 26 March 1971 is the date of independence from West Pakistan, 16 December 1971 is Victory Day and commemorates the official creation of the state of Bangladesh 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 Iajuddin AHMED (since 6 September 2002); note - the president's duties are normally ceremonial, but with the 13th amendment to the constitution ("Caretaker Government Amendment"), the president's role becomes significant at times when Parliament is dissolved and a caretaker government is installed - at presidential direction - to supervise the elections head of government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA (since 10 October 2001) cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president elections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-year term; election scheduled for 16 September 2002 was not held since Iajuddin AHMED was the only presidential candidate; he was sworn in on 6 September 2002 (next election to be held by NA 2007); following legislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the most seats is usually appointed prime minister by the president election results: Iajuddin AHMED declared by the Election Commission elected unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote - NA Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament or Jatiya Sangsad; 300 seats elected by popular vote from single territorial constituencies (the constitutional amendment reserving 30 seats for women over and above the 300 regular parliament seats expired in May 2001); members serve five-year terms elections: last held 1 October 2001 (next to be held before October 2006) election results: percent of vote by party - BNP and alliance partners 47%, AL 40%; seats by party - BNP 195, AL 58, JI 17, JP (Ershad faction) 14, IOJ 3, JP (Naziur) 4, other 9; note - the election of October 2001 brought a majority BNP government aligned with three other smaller parties - Jamaat-i-Islami, Islami Oikya Jote, and Jatiya Party (Manzur) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (the chief justices and other judges are appointed by the president) Political parties and leaders: Awami League or AL [Sheikh HASINA]; Bangladesh Communist Party or BCP [Saifuddin Ahmed MANIK]; Bangladesh Nationalist Party or BNP [Khaleda ZIA, chairperson]; Islami Oikya Jote or IOJ [Mufti Fazlul Haq AMINI]; Jamaat-e-Islami or JI [Motiur Rahman NIZAMI]; Jatiya Party or JP (Ershad faction) [Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD]; Jatiya Party (Manzur faction) [Naziur Rahman MANZUR] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: AsDB, C, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OIC, ONUB, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIK, UNMIL, UNMISET, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Syed Hasan AHMAD consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York FAX: [1] (202) 244-5366 telephone: [1] (202) 244-0183 chancery: 3510 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS, Jr. embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212 mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000 telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500 FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744 Flag description: green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; the red sun of freedom represents the blood shed to achieve independence; the green field symbolizes the lush countryside, and secondarily, the traditional color of Islam Economy Bangladesh Economy - overview: Despite sustained domestic and international efforts to improve economic and demographic prospects, Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and ill-governed nation. Although half of GDP is generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Major impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, inefficient state-owned enterprises, inadequate port facilities, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be absorbed by agriculture, delays in exploiting energy resources (natural gas), insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Economic reform is stalled in many instances by political infighting and corruption at all levels of government. Progress also has been blocked by opposition from the bureaucracy, public sector unions, and other vested interest groups. The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA, has the parliamentary strength to push through needed reforms, but the party's political will to do so has been lacking in key areas. One encouraging note: growth has been a steady 5% for the past several years. GDP: purchasing power parity - $258.8 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 21.7% industry: 26.6% services: 51.7% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 23.2% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 35.6% (FY95/96 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.9% highest 10%: 28.6% (1995-96 est.) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 33.6 (FY95/96) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.6% (2003 est.) Labor force: 64.02 million note: extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Malaysia; workers' remittances estimated at $1.71 billion in 1998-99 (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 63%, industry 11%, services 26% (FY95/96) Unemployment rate: 40% (includes underemployment) (2002 est.) Budget: revenues: $5.352 billion expenditures: $7.55 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Public debt: 43.3% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry Industries: cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar Industrial production growth rate: 1.9% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 15.33 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 14.25 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 3,581 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 71,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 28.45 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 9.9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 150.3 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $393 million (2003) Exports: $6.713 billion (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood (2001) Exports - partners: US 23.9%, Germany 13.6%, UK 9.7%, France 5.9% (2003) Imports: $9.459 billion (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement (2000) Imports - partners: India 15.4%, China 11.3%, Singapore 10.8%, Japan 5.9%, Hong Kong 4.5% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $2.624 billion (2003) Debt - external: $18.06 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $1.575 billion (2000 est.) Currency: taka (BDT) Currency code: BDT Exchange rates: taka per US dollar - 58.15 (2003), 57.888 (2002), 55.8067 (2001), 52.1417 (2000), 49.0854 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Bangladesh Telephones - main lines in use: 740,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.365 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: totally inadequate for a modern country domestic: modernizing; introducing digital systems; trunk systems include VHF and UHF microwave radio relay links, and some fiber-optic cable in cities international: country code - 880; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean); international radiotelephone communications and landline service to neighboring countries (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 12, FM 12, shortwave 2 (1999) Radios: 6.15 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 15 (1999) Televisions: 770,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bd Internet hosts: 1 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 10 (2000) Internet users: 243,000 (2003) Transportation Bangladesh Railways: total: 2,706 km broad gauge: 884 km 1.676-m gauge narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 207,486 km paved: 19,773 km unpaved: 187,713 km (1999) Waterways: 8,372 km note: includes 2,575 km main cargo routes (2004) Pipelines: gas 2,012 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla Port, Narayanganj Merchant marine: total: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 319,897 GRT/440,575 DWT by type: bulk 2, cargo 24, container 10, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 foreign-owned: China 1, Singapore 9 registered in other countries: 10 (2004 est.) Airports: 16 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 15 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 6 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Bangladesh Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 39,523,128 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 23,441,482 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $606.8 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.2% (2003) Transnational Issues Bangladesh Disputes - international: discussions with India remain stalled to delimit a small section of river boundary, exchange 162 miniscule enclaves in both countries, allocate divided villages, and stop illegal cross-border trade, migration, and violence; Bangladesh protests India's attempts to fence off high-traffic sections of the porous boundary; dispute with India over New Moore/South Talpatty/Purbasha Island in the Bay of Bengal deters maritime boundary delimitation; Burmese Muslim refugees strain Bangladesh's meager resources Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 61,000 (land conflicts, religious persecution) (2004) Illicit drugs: transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Barbados Introduction Barbados Background: The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance. Geography Barbados Location: Caribbean, island in the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Venezuela Geographic coordinates: 13 10 N, 59 32 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 431 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 431 sq km Area - comparative: 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 97 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m Natural resources: petroleum, fish, natural gas Land use: arable land: 37.21% permanent crops: 2.33% other: 60.46% (2001) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides Environment - current issues: pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships; soil erosion; illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: easternmost Caribbean island People Barbados Population: 278,289 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21% (male 29,294; female 29,020) 15-64 years: 70.3% (male 95,675; female 99,864) 65 years and over: 8.8% (male 9,370; female 15,066) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 33.7 years male: 32.6 years female: 34.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.36% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 12.98 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 9.08 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births female: 10.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 14.26 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.64 years male: 69.51 years female: 73.81 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.65 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.5% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 2,500 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Barbadian(s) or Bajan (colloquial) adjective: Barbadian or Bajan (colloquial) Ethnic groups: black 90%, white 4%, Asian and mixed 6% Religions: Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%), Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, other 12% Languages: English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school total population: 97.4% male: 98% female: 96.8% (1995 est.) Government Barbados Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Barbados Government type: parliamentary democracy; independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth 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), represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS (since 1 June 1996) head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 6 September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 26 May 2003) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; the prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (21-member body appointed by the governor general) and the House of Assembly (30 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Assembly - last held 21 May 2003 (next to be held by May 2008) election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - BLP 23, DLP 7 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Judicature (judges are appointed by the Service Commissions for the Judicial and Legal Services) Political parties and leaders: Barbados Labor Party or BLP [Owen ARTHUR]; Democratic Labor Party or DLP [Clyde Mascoll] Political pressure groups and leaders: Barbados Workers Union [Leroy TROTMAN]; Clement Payne Labor Union [David COMMISSIONG]; People's Progressive Movement [Eric SEALY]; Worker's Party of Barbados [Dr. George BELLE] International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael Ian KING consulate(s): Los Angeles consulate(s) general: Miami and New York FAX: [1] (202) 332-7467 telephone: [1] (202) 339-9200 chancery: 2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mary E. KRAMER embassy: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown; (courier) ALICO Building-Cheapside, Bridgetown mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; CMR 1014, APO AA 34055 telephone: [1] (246) 436-4950 FAX: [1] (246) 429-5246, 429-3379 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) Economy Barbados Economy - overview: Historically, the Barbadian economy had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but production in recent years has diversified into light industry and tourism. Offshore finance and information services are important foreign exchange earners. The government continues its efforts to reduce unemployment, to encourage direct foreign investment, and to privatize remaining state-owned enterprises. The economy contracted in 2002-03 mainly due to a decline in tourism. Growth should be positive in 2004, the precise level largely dependent on economic conditions in the US and Europe. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.355 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $15,700 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 16% services: 78% (2000 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.5% (2003 est.) Labor force: 128,500 (2001 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 10%, industry 15%, services 75% (1996 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.7% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $847 million (including grants) expenditures: $886 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2000 est.) Agriculture - products: sugarcane, vegetables, cotton Industries: tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export Industrial production growth rate: -3.2% (2000 est.) Electricity - production: 780 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 725.4 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 1,271 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 10,900 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 1.254 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 29.17 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 29.17 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 70.79 million cu m (1 January 2002) Exports: $206 million (2002) Exports - commodities: sugar and molasses, rum, other foods and beverages, chemicals, electrical components Exports - partners: US 18.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 14.5%, UK 14%, Jamaica 7.8%, Saint Lucia 6.2%, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4.7% (2003) Imports: $1.039 billion (2002) Imports - commodities: consumer goods, machinery, foodstuffs, construction materials, chemicals, fuel, electrical components Imports - partners: US 37.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 19.6%, UK 6.2%, Japan 4.4% (2003) Debt - external: $668 million (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $9.1 million (1995) Currency: Barbadian dollar (BBD) Currency code: BBD Exchange rates: Barbadian dollars per US dollar - 2 (2003), 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2 (2000), 2 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Barbados Telephones - main lines in use: 134,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 140,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: island-wide automatic telephone system international: country code - 1-246; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); tropospheric scatter to Trinidad and Saint Lucia Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 237,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (plus two cable channels) (1997) Televisions: 76,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bb Internet hosts: 204 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 19 (2000) Internet users: 100,000 (2003) Transportation Barbados Highways: total: 1,793 km paved: 1,719 km unpaved: 74 km (1999) Ports and harbors: Bridgetown, Speightstown (Port Charles Marina) Merchant marine: total: 42 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 427,465 GRT/668,195 DWT by type: bulk 11, cargo 20, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 3, petroleum tanker 6, roll on/roll off 1 registered in other countries: 3 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Australia 1, Bahamas 1, Bangladesh 1, Canada 5, Greece 7, Hong Kong 7, Italy 2, Lebanon 1, Norway 9, United Kingdom 10 Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Barbados Military branches: Royal Barbados Defense Force (Troops Command and Coast Guard) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; volunteers at earlier age with parental consent; no conscription (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 77,714 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 53,127 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: NA Military expenditures - percent of GDP: NA Transnational Issues Barbados Disputes - international: Barbados intends to take its claim before UNCLOS arbitration that the northern limit of Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into its waters; joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the Caribbean Sea Illicit drugs: one of many Caribbean transshipment points for narcotics bound for Europe and the US; offshore financial center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bassas da India Introduction Bassas da India Background: This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968. Geography Bassas da India 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: 0.2 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 0.2 sq km Area - comparative: about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 35.2 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical Terrain: volcanic rock Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all rock) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: the islands emerge from a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano People Bassas da India Population: uninhabited (July 2004 est.) Government Bassas da India Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bassas da India Dependency status: possession of France; administered by a high commissioner of the Republic, resident in Reunion Legal system: the laws of France, where applicable, apply Flag description: the flag of France is used Economy Bassas da India Economy - overview: no economic activity Transportation Bassas da India Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military Bassas da India Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues Bassas da India Disputes - international: claimed by Madagascar This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Belarus Introduction Belarus Background: After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Geography Belarus Location: Eastern Europe, east of Poland Geographic coordinates: 53 00 N, 28 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 207,600 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 207,600 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: total: 2,900 km border countries: Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 407 km, Russia 959 km, Ukraine 891 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: cold winters, cool and moist summers; transitional between continental and maritime Terrain: generally flat and contains much marshland Elevation extremes: lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m Natural resources: forests, peat deposits, small quantities of oil and natural gas, granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, clay Land use: arable land: 29.55% permanent crops: 0.6% other: 69.85% (2001) Irrigated land: 1,150 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: landlocked; glacial scouring accounts for the flatness of Belarusian terrain and for its 11,000 lakes; the country is geologically well endowed with extensive deposits of granite, dolomitic limestone, marl, chalk, sand, gravel, and clay People Belarus Population: 10,310,520 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.3% (male 859,219; female 823,839) 15-64 years: 69.2% (male 3,469,926; female 3,662,203) 65 years and over: 14.5% (male 496,204; female 999,129) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 36.9 years male: 34.2 years female: 39.5 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -0.11% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 10.52 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 14.1 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 2.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.5 male(s)/female total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 13.62 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.47 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 14.71 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.57 years male: 62.79 years female: 74.65 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.36 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 15,000 (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,000 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Belarusian(s) adjective: Belarusian Ethnic groups: Belarusian 81.2%, Russian 11.4%, Polish, Ukrainian, and other 7.4% Religions: Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.) Languages: Belarusian, Russian, other Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.6% male: 99.8% female: 99.5% (2003 est.) Government Belarus Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Belarus conventional short form: Belarus local short form: none former: Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic local long form: Respublika Byelarus' Government type: republic in name, although in fact a dictatorship Capital: Minsk Administrative divisions: 6 provinces (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and 1 municipality* (horad); Brest, Homyel', Horad Minsk*, Hrodna, Mahilyow, Minsk, Vitsyebsk note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers Independence: 25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 July (1944); note - 3 July 1944 was the date Minsk was liberated from German troops, 25 August 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union Constitution: 30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing presidential term limits 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) head of government: Prime Minister Sergei SIDORSKY (since 19 December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (since December 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Andrei KOBYAKOV (since December 2003), Vladimir DRAZHIN (since 24 September 2001), Ivan BAMBIZA (since 25 May 2004), Anatoly TYUTYUNOV (since July 2002) cabinet: Council of Ministers election results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percent of vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 75.6%, Vladimir GONCHARIK 15.4% elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the 1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999, however LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996 referendum; new election held 9 September 2001; October 2004 referendum ended presidential term limits allowing president to run for a third term in September 2006; prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament or Natsionalnoye Sobranie consists of the Council of the Republic or Soviet Respubliki (64 seats; 56 members elected by regional councils and 8 members appointed by the president, all for 4-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Palata Predstaviteliy (110 seats; members elected by universal adult suffrage to serve 4-year terms) election results: Soviet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA; Palata Pretsaviteley - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NA elections: last held 18 March and 1 April 2001 and 17 and 31 October 2004 (bi-election will be held March 2005 to fill one unfilled seat in the Palata Predstaviteliy); international observers widely denounced the October 2004 elections as flawed and undemocratic, based on massive government falsification; pro-Lukashenko candidates won every seat, after many opposition candidates were disqualified for technical reasons Judicial branch: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); Constitutional Court (half of the judges appointed by the president and half appointed by the Chamber of Representatives) Political parties and leaders: Pro-government parties: Agrarian Party or AP; Belarusian Communist Party or KPB; Belarusian Patriotic Movement (Belarusian Patriotic Party) or BPR [Anatoliy BARANKEVICH, chairman]; Liberal Democratic Party of Belarus [Sergei GAYDUKEVICH]; Social-Sports Party; Opposition parties: Belarusian Popular Front or BNF [Vintsuk VYACHORKA]; Belarusian Social-Democrat Party Narodnaya Gromada or BSDP NG [Nikolay STATKEVICH, chairman]; Belarusian Social-Democratic Party Hromada [Stanislav SHUSHKEVICH, chairman]; United Civic Party or UCP [Anatol LEBEDKO]; Party of Communists Belarusian or PKB [Sergei KALYAKIN, chairman]; Women's Party "Nadezhda" [Valentina MATUSEVICH, chairperson] note: the opposition Belarusian Party of Labor [Aleksandr BUKHVOSTOV] was liquidated in August 2004, but remains active Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: CEI, CIS, EAPC, EBRD, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, NSG, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mikhail KHVOSTOV FAX: [1] (202) 986-1805 consulate(s) general: New York telephone: [1] (202) 986-1604 chancery: 1619 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador George A. KROL embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002 mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723 telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347, 217-7348 FAX: [375] (17) 234-7853 Flag description: red horizontal band (top) and green horizontal band one-half the width of the red band; a white vertical stripe on the hoist side bears Belarusian national ornamention in red Economy Belarus Economy - overview: Belarus' economy in 2003 posted 6.1 percent growth and is likely to continue expanding through 2004, albeit at a slower growth rate. The Belarusian economy in 2004 is likely to be hampered by high inflation, persistent trade deficits, and ongoing rocky relations with Russia, Belarus' largest trading partner and energy supplier. Belarus has seen little structural reform since 1995, when President LUKASHENKO launched the country on the path of "market socialism." In keeping with this policy, LUKASHENKO reimposed administrative controls over prices and currency exchange rates and expanded the state's right to intervene in the management of private enterprises. In addition, businesses have been subject to pressure on the part of central and local governments, e.g., arbitrary changes in regulations, numerous rigorous inspections, retroactive application of new business regulations, and arrests of "disruptive" businessmen and factory owners. A wide range of redistributive policies has helped those at the bottom of the ladder. For the time being, Belarus remains self-isolated from the West and its open-market economies. GDP: purchasing power parity - $62.56 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 6.8% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $6,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11.1% industry: 36.4% services: 52.5% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 21.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 22% (1995 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 5.1% highest 10%: 20% (1998) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 21.7 (1998) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 28.2% (2003 est.) Labor force: 4.8 million (2000 est.) Labor force - by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: 2.1% officially registered unemployed (December 2000); large number of underemployed workers (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.976 billion expenditures: $3.211 billion, including capital expenditures of $180 million (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: grain, potatoes, vegetables, sugar beets, flax; beef, milk Industries: metal-cutting machine tools, tractors, trucks, earthmovers, motorcycles, television sets, chemical fibers, fertilizer, textiles, radios, refrigerators Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 24.4 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 26.69 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 300 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 4.3 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 230,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Natural gas - production: 200 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 18 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 17.8 billion cu m (2001 est.) Current account balance: $-945 million (2003) Exports: $9.413 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, mineral products, chemicals, metals; textiles, foodstuffs Exports - partners: Russia 49.1%, UK 9.4%, Poland 4.4%, Germany 4.2%, Netherlands 4.2% (2003) Imports: $11.09 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: mineral products, machinery and equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, metals Imports - partners: Russia 65.8%, Germany 7.1%, Ukraine 3.1% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $637 million (2003) Debt - external: $851 million (2001 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $194.3 million (1995) Currency: Belarusian ruble (BYB/BYR) Currency code: BYB/BYR Exchange rates: Belarusian rubles per US dollar - 1,790.92 (2003), 1,920 (2002), 1,390 (2001), 876.75 (2000), 248.795 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Belarus Telephones - main lines in use: 3,071,300 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.118 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: the Ministry of Telecommunications controls all telecommunications through its carrier (a joint stock company) Beltelcom which is a monopoly domestic: local - Minsk has a digital metropolitan network and a cellular NMT-450 network; waiting lists for telephones are long; local service outside Minsk is neglected and poor; intercity - Belarus has a partly developed fiber-optic backbone system presently serving at least 13 major cities (1998); Belarus' fiber optics form synchronous digital hierarchy rings through other countries' systems; an inadequate analog system remains operational international: country code - 375; Belarus is a member of the Trans-European Line (TEL), Trans-Asia-Europe (TAE) fiber-optic line, and has access to the Trans-Siberia Line (TSL); three fiber-optic segments provide connectivity to Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine; worldwide service is available to Belarus through this infrastructure; additional analog lines to Russia; Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik earth stations Radio broadcast stations: AM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998) Radios: 3.02 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 47 (plus 27 repeaters) (1995) Televisions: 2.52 million (1997) Internet country code: .by Internet hosts: 5,308 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 23 (2002) Internet users: 1,391,900 (2003) Transportation Belarus Railways: total: 5,523 km broad gauge: 5,523 km 1.520-m gauge (875 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 74,385 km paved: 66,203 km unpaved: 8,182 km (2000) Waterways: 2,500 km (use limited by location on perimeter of country and by shallowness) (2003) Pipelines: gas 5,223 km; oil 2,443 km; refined products 1,686 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Mazyr Airports: 135 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 50 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 21 under 914 m: 21 (2003 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 85 under 914 m: 64 (2003 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 11 over 3,047 m: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Belarus Military branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (May 2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,764,856 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,164,923 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 86,716 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $176.1 million (FY02) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.4% (FY02) Transnational Issues Belarus Disputes - international: 1997 boundary treaty with Ukraine remains unratified over unresolved financial claims, preventing demarcation and diminishing border security; boundaries with Latvia and Lithuania remain undemarcated despite European Union financial support Illicit drugs: limited cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis, mostly for the domestic market; transshipment point for illicit drugs to and via Russia, and to the Baltics and Western Europe; a small and lightly regulated financial center; new anti-money-laundering legislation does not meet international standards; few investigations or prosecutions of money-laundering activities This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Belgium Introduction Belgium Background: Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. Geography Belgium 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: 30,528 sq km land: 30,278 sq km water: 250 sq km Area - comparative: about the size of Maryland Land boundaries: total: 1,385 km border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km Coastline: 66.5 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: median line with neighbors exclusive economic zone: geographic coordinates define outer limit 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: North Sea 0 m highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m Natural resources: coal, natural gas, construction materials, silica sand, carbonates Land use: arable land: 23.28% permanent crops: 0.4% note: includes Luxembourg (2001) other: 76.32% Irrigated land: 40 sq km (includes Luxembourg) (1998 est.) Natural hazards: flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes Environment - current issues: the environment is exposed to intense pressures from human activities: urbanization, dense transportation network, industry, extensive animal breeding and crop cultivation; air and water pollution also have repercussions for neighboring countries; uncertainties regarding federal and regional responsibilities (now resolved) have slowed progress in tackling environmental challenges Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants Geography - note: crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO People Belgium Population: 10,348,276 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 17.1% (male 901,486; female 863,092) 15-64 years: 65.6% (male 3,424,438; female 3,364,057) 65 years and over: 17.3% (male 739,479; female 1,055,724) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 40.2 years male: 38.9 years female: 41.5 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.16% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 10.59 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 10.2 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.76 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 5.36 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.44 years male: 75.26 years female: 81.75 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.64 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.2% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 10,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 100 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Belgian(s) adjective: Belgian Ethnic groups: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11% Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25% Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: NA female: NA Government Belgium Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium conventional short form: Belgium local short form: Belgique/Belgie local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie Government type: federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch Capital: Brussels Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch: provincies, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions; Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Wallon, Brussels* (Bruxelles), Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities Independence: 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declares independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King Leopold I ascends to the throne) National holiday: 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I 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); Heir Apparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarch head of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July 1999) cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarch note: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP.A-Spirit elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch and then approved by Parliament Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of a Senate or Senaat in Dutch, Senat in French (71 seats; 40 members are directly elected by popular vote, 31 are indirectly elected; members serve four-year terms) and a Chamber of Deputies or Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers in Dutch, Chambre des Representants in French (150 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - SP.A-Spirit 15.5%, VLD 15.4%, CD & V 12.7%, PS 12.8%, MR 12.1%, VB 9.4%, CDH 5.6%; seats by party - SP.A-Spirit 7, VLD 7, CD & V 6, PS 6, MR 5, VB 5, CDH 2, other 2 (note - there are also 31 indirectly elected senators); Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - VLD 15.4%, SP.A-Spirit 14.9%, CD & V 13.3%, PS 13.0%, VB 11.6%, MR 11.4%, CDH 5.5%, Ecolo 3.1%; seats by party - VLD 25, SP.A-Spirit 23, CD & V 21, PS 25, VB 18, MR 24, CDH 8 Ecolo 4, other 2 note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments each with its own legislative assembly; for other acronyms of the listed parties see the Political parties and leaders entry elections: Senate and Chamber of Deputies - last held 18 May 2003 (next to be held no later than May 2007) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice or Hof van Cassatie (in Dutch) or Cour de Cassation (in French) (judges are appointed for life by the Government; candidacies have to be submitted by the High Justice Council) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democrats and Flemish or CD & V [Jo VANDEURZEN]; Ecolo (Francophone Greens) [Jean-Michel JAVAUX, Evelyne HUYTEBROECK, Claude BROUIR]; Flemish Liberal Democrats or VLD [Bart SOMERS]; Flemish Socialist Party.Alternative or SP.A [Steve STEVAERT]; Francophone Humanist and Democratic Center of CDH [Joelle MILQUET]; Francophone Reformist Movement or MR [Didier REYNDERS]; Francophone Socialist Party or PS [Elio DI RUPO]; GROEN! (formerly AGALEV, Flemish Greens) [Vera DUA]; National Front or FN [Daniel FERET]; New Flemish Alliance or NVA [Bart DE WEVER]; Spirit [Els VAN WEERT]; note - new party now associated with SP.A; Vlaams Belang or VB [Frank VANHECKE]; other minor parties Political pressure groups and leaders: Christian, Socialist, and Liberal 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 Pax Christi and groups representing immigrants International organization participation: ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, G- 9, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MONUC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUB, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WADB (nonregional), WCL, WCO, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900 chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C. KOROLOGOS embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710 telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111 FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725 Flag description: three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France Economy Belgium Economy - overview: This modern 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. 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. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is about 100% of GDP, and the government has succeeded in balancing its budget. Belgium, together with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown. Prospects for 2004 again depend largely on recovery in the EU and the US. GDP: purchasing power parity - $299.1 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.1% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.9% industry: 26.3% services: 71.8% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 19.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 4% (1989 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 23% (1996) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 28.7 (1996) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (2003 est.) Labor force: 4.73 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 1.3%, industry 24.5%, services 74.2% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.1% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $151.6 billion expenditures: $151.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.56 billion (2003) Public debt: 102% of GDP (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk Industries: engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum Industrial production growth rate: -1.5% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 74.28 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 78.18 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 6.712 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 15.82 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 595,100 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: 450,000 bbl/day (2001) Oil - imports: 1.042 million bbl/day (2001) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 15.5 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 15.4 billion cu m (2001 est.) Current account balance: $10.69 billion (2003) Exports: $182.9 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs Exports - partners: Germany 19.5%, France 17.4%, Netherlands 11.7%, UK 9%, US 6.7%, Italy 5.4% (2003) Imports: $173 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products Imports - partners: Germany 17.7%, Netherlands 16.5%, France 13.2%, UK 7.5%, US 5.9%, Ireland 5.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $14.45 billion (2003) Debt - external: $28.3 billion (1999 est.) Economic aid - donor: ODA, $1.072 billion (2002) Currency: euro (EUR) note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries Currency code: EUR Exchange rates: euros per US dollar - 0.886 (2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000), 0.9386 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Belgium Telephones - main lines in use: 5,120,400 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 8,135,500 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: 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: country code - 32; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Eutelsat Radio broadcast stations: FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 8.075 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997) Televisions: 4.72 million (1997) Internet country code: .be Internet hosts: 166,799 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 61 (2000) Internet users: 3.4 million (2002) Transportation Belgium Railways: total: 3,518 km standard gauge: 3,518 km 1.435-m gauge (2,631 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 148,216 km paved: 116,687 km (including 1,727 km of expressways) unpaved: 31,529 km (2000) Waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2003) Pipelines: gas 1,485 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur, Oostende, Zeebrugge Merchant marine: total: 50 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,146,301 GRT/1,588,184 DWT foreign-owned: Denmark 6, Finland 1, France 2, Netherlands 3 registered in other countries: 69 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 1, cargo 8, chemical tanker 11, container 6, liquefied gas 18, petroleum tanker 6 Airports: 42 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 25 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 8 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 7 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 16 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Belgium Military branches: Army, Naval, and Air Operations Commands Military manpower - military age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,509,538 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,068,221 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 61,270 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $3.999 billion (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.3% (2003) Transnational Issues Belgium Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: growing producer of synthetic drugs; transit point for US-bound ecstasy; source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for cocaine, heroin, hashish, and marijuana entering Western Europe; despite a strengthening of legislation, the country remains vulnerable to money laundering related to narcotics, automobiles, alcohol and tobacco This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Belize Introduction Belize Background: Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increased urban crime. Geography Belize Location: Central 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: 22,966 sq km water: 160 sq km land: 22,806 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Massachusetts Land boundaries: total: 516 km border countries: Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km Coastline: 386 km Maritime claims: 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 exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May) Terrain: flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish, hydropower Land use: arable land: 2.85% permanent crops: 1.71% other: 95.44% (2001) Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south) Environment - current issues: deforestation; water pollution from sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff; solid and sewage waste disposal Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: only country in Central America without a coastline on the North Pacific Ocean People Belize Population: 272,945 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 40.6% (male 56,530; female 54,322) 15-64 years: 55.8% (male 77,118; female 75,309) 65 years and over: 3.5% (male 4,674; female 4,992) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 19.1 years male: 19 years female: 19.3 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.39% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 29.89 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 6.04 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.94 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 26.37 deaths/1,000 live births female: 22.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 29.75 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.11 years female: 69.86 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.77 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 2.4% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,600 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Belizean(s) adjective: Belizean Ethnic groups: mestizo 48.7%, Creole 24.9%, Maya 10.6%, Garifuna 6.1%, other 9.7% Religions: Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000) Languages: English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 94.1% male: 94.1% female: 94.1% (2003 est.) Government Belize Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Belize former: British Honduras Government type: 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), represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17 November 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28 August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September 1998) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; prime minister recommends the deputy prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly consists of the Senate (12 members appointed by the governor general - six on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and one each on the advice of the Belize Council of Churches and Evangelical Association of Churches, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Belize Better Business Bureau, and the National Trade Union Congress and the Civil Society Steering Committee; members are appointed for five-year terms) and the House of Representatives (29 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: House of Representatives - last held 5 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2008) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PUP 21, UDP 8 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister) Political parties and leaders: People's United Party or PUP [Said MUSA]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Dean BARROW, party leader; Douglas SINGH, party chairman] Political pressure groups and leaders: Society for the Promotion of Education and Research or SPEAR [Adele CATZIM] International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lisa M. SHOMAN consulate(s) general: Los Angeles FAX: [1] (202) 332-6888 telephone: [1] (202) 332-9636 chancery: 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Russell F. FREEMAN embassy: 29 Gabourel Lane, Belize City mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City telephone: [501] 227-7161 through 7163 FAX: [501] 2-30802 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 Economy Belize Economy - overview: In this small, essentially private enterprise economy the tourism industry is the number one foreign exchange earner followed by cane sugar, citrus, marine products, bananas, and garments. The government's expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led to GDP growth of 6.5% in 1999, 10.8% in 2000, 4.6% in 2001, and 3.7% in 2002. Major concerns continue to be the sizable trade deficit and foreign debt. A key short-term objective remains the reduction of poverty with the help of international donors. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.28 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3.7% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 22.7% industry: 24.5% services: 52.8% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 33% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 33% (1999 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% (2003 est.) Labor force: 90,000 note: shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (2001 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 27%, industry 18%, services 55% (2001 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.1% (2002) Budget: revenues: $222 million expenditures: $300 million, including capital expenditures of $70 million (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: bananas, coca, citrus, sugar; fish, cultured shrimp; lumber; garments Industries: garment production, food processing, tourism, construction Industrial production growth rate: 4.6% (1999) Electricity - production: 199.5 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 185.5 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-142 million (2003) Exports: $207.8 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: sugar, bananas, citrus, clothing, fish products, molasses, wood Exports - partners: US 39.1%, UK 25%, France 4% (2003) Imports: $500.6 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods; fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals; food, beverages, tobacco Imports - partners: US 41.9%, Mexico 12.4%, UK 5.9%, Cuba 5.5% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $84.7 million (2003) Debt - external: $475 million (2001 est.) Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: Belizean dollar (BZD) Currency code: BZD Exchange rates: Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2 (2003), 2 (2002), 2 (2001), 2 (2000), 2 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Belize Telephones - main lines in use: 33,300 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 60,400 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: above-average system domestic: trunk network depends primarily on microwave radio relay international: country code - 501; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 133,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997) Televisions: 41,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bz Internet hosts: 2,613 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: 30,000 (2002) Transportation Belize Highways: total: 2,872 km paved: 488 km unpaved: 2,384 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 825 km (navigable only by small craft) (2004) Ports and harbors: Belize City, Big Creek, Corozol, Punta Gorda Merchant marine: total: 336 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,015,270 GRT/1,336,890 DWT registered in other countries: 25 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 13, cargo 240, chemical tanker 11, combination bulk 4, combination ore/oil 1, container 10, multi-functional large load carrier 1, petroleum tanker 27, refrigerated cargo 18, roll on/roll off 8, short-sea/passenger 1, specialized tanker 2 foreign-owned: Bahamas 2, Belgium 1, British Virgin Islands 11, Cambodia 6, China 67, Cuba 2, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 1, Estonia 8, Germany 5, Greece 2, Grenada 1, Honduras 1, Hong Kong 27, Indonesia 4, Italy 2, Japan 5, Jordan 1, South Korea 13, Latvia 5, Liberia 2, Malaysia 4, Malta 1, Isle of Man 1, Marshall Islands 16, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Nigeria 2, Panama 15, Philippines 4, Portugal 1, Russia 9, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3, Singapore 9, Spain 6, Switzerland 2, Taiwan 1, Thailand 3, Tunisia 1, Turkey 2, Ukraine 3, United Kingdom 1, United States 3, Yemen 1 Airports: 43 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 under 914 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 38 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 26 (2004 est.) Military Belize Military branches: Belize Defense Force (includes Army, Maritime Wing, Air Wing, and Volunteer Guard) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1 (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 68,518 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 40,619 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 3,122 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $18 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2% (2003) Transnational Issues Belize Disputes - international: Guatemalan squatters continue to settle along the border region; an OAS brokered Differendum in 2002 created a small adjustment to the land boundary, a large Guatemalan maritime corridor in Caribbean, a joint ecological park for disputed Sapodilla Cays, and a substantial US-UK financial package, but agreement was not brought to popular referendum leaving Guatemala to continue to claim the southern half of Belize Illicit drugs: major transshipment point for cocaine; small-scale illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; money-laundering activity related to narcotics trafficking and offshore sector This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Benin Introduction Benin Background: Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged. Geography Benin Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Benin, between Nigeria and Togo Geographic coordinates: 9 30 N, 2 15 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 112,620 sq km water: 2,000 sq km land: 110,620 sq km Area - comparative: 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 Climate: tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m Natural resources: small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber Land use: arable land: 18.08% permanent crops: 2.4% other: 79.52% (2001) Irrigated land: 120 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; poaching threatens wildlife populations; deforestation; desertification Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: sandbanks create difficult access to a coast with no natural harbors, river mouths, or islands People Benin Population: 7,250,033 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 46.8% (male 1,711,075; female 1,679,439) 15-64 years: 51% (male 1,802,990; female 1,890,915) 65 years and over: 2.3% (male 68,890; female 96,724) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 16.5 years male: 16 years female: 16.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.89% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 42.57 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 13.69 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 85.88 deaths/1,000 live births female: 80.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 90.89 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 50.81 years male: 50.25 years female: 51.39 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.95 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.9% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 68,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 5,800 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, yellow fever overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Beninese (singular and plural) adjective: Beninese Ethnic groups: African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba, Bariba), Europeans 5,500 Religions: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20% Languages: French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal languages (at least six major ones in north) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 40.9% male: 56.2% female: 26.5% (2000) Government Benin Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Benin conventional short form: Benin local short form: Benin former: Dahomey local long form: Republique du Benin Government type: 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 is the official capital; Cotonou is the seat of government Administrative divisions: 12 departments; Alibori, Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Collines, Kouffo, Donga, Littoral, Mono, Oueme, Plateau, Zou Independence: 1 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: National Day, 1 August (1960) Constitution: 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: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term; runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held NA March 2006) note: the four top-ranking contenders following the first-round presidential elections were: Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%, Nicephore SOGOLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI (National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister of State) 8.6%; the second-round balloting, originally scheduled for 18 March 2001, was postponed four days because both SOGOLO and HOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU to run against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termed a "friendly match" election results: Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent of vote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9% Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (83 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Presidential Movement 52, opposition (PRB, PRD, E'toile, and 5 other small parties) 31 elections: last held 30 March 2003 (next to be held NA March 2007) Judicial branch: Constitutional Court or Cour Constitutionnelle; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; High Court of Justice Political parties and leaders: African Congress for Renewal or DUNYA [Saka SALEY]; African Movement for Democracy and Progress or MADEP [Sefou FAGBOHOUN]; Alliance of the Social Democratic Party or PSD [Bruno AMOUSSOU]; Coalition of Democratic Forces [Gatien HOUNGBEDJI]; Democratic Renewal Party or PRD [Adrien HOUNGBEDJI]; Front for Renewal and Development or FARD-ALAFIA [Jerome Sakia KINA]; Impulse for Progress and Democracy or IPD [Bertin BORNA]; Key Force or FC [leader NA]; Presidential Movement (UBF, MADEP, FC, IDP, and 4 other small parties); Renaissance Party du Benin or PRB [Nicephore SOGLO]; The Star Alliance (Alliance E'toile) [Sacca LAFIA]; Union of Tomorrow's Benin or UBF [Bruno AMOUSSOU] note: approximately 20 additional minor parties Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OIC, ONUB, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Cyrille Segbe OGUIN FAX: [1] (202) 265-1996 telephone: [1] (202) 232-6656 chancery: 2124 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Wayne NEILL embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50 FAX: [229] 30-06-70 Flag description: two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green band on the hoist side Economy Benin Economy - overview: The economy of Benin remains underdeveloped and dependent on subsistence agriculture, cotton production, and regional trade. Growth in real output has averaged a stable 5% in the past six years, but rapid population rise has offset much of this increase. Inflation has subsided over the past several years. In order to raise growth still further, Benin plans to attract more foreign investment, place more emphasis on tourism, facilitate the development of new food processing systems and agricultural products, and encourage new information and communication technology. The 2001 privatization policy should continue in telecommunications, water, electricity, and agriculture in spite of initial government reluctance. The Paris Club and bilateral creditors have eased the external debt situation, while pressing for speeded-up structural reforms. GDP: purchasing power parity - $7.742 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 36.4% industry: 14.5% services: 49.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 19.3% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 37% (2001 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (2003 est.) Labor force: NA (1996) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: $698.9 million expenditures: $613.2 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Agriculture - products: cotton, corn, cassava (tapioca), yams, beans, palm oil, peanuts, livestock (2001) Industries: textiles, food processing, chemical production, construction materials (2001) Industrial production growth rate: 8.3% (2001 est.) Electricity - production: 274.3 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 631.1 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 376 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 700 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 11,500 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 4.105 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - proved reserves: 608.8 million cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-112 million (2003) Exports: $485 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: cotton, crude oil, palm products, cocoa Exports - partners: China 21.1%, India 18%, Thailand 6.8%, Ghana 5.8%, Niger 4.4%, Indonesia 4.1% (2003) Imports: $726 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, capital goods, petroleum products Imports - partners: China 29.5%, France 14.9%, UK 4.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.7%, Thailand 4.6% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $636 million (2003) Debt - external: $1.6 billion (2000) Economic aid - recipient: $342.6 million (2000) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States Currency code: XOF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Benin Telephones - main lines in use: 66,500 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 236,200 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: fair system of open-wire, microwave radio relay, and cellular connections international: country code - 229; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable (SAT-3/WASC) provides connectivity to Europe and Asia Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2000) Radios: 660,000 (2000) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001) Televisions: 66,000 (2000) Internet country code: .bj Internet hosts: 879 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 4 (2002) Internet users: 70,000 (2003) Transportation Benin Railways: total: 578 km narrow gauge: 578 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 6,787 km paved: 1,357 km (including 10 km of expressways) unpaved: 5,430 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 150 km (on River Niger along northern border) (2004) Ports and harbors: Cotonou, Porto-Novo Merchant marine: none Airports: 5 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2004 est.) Military Benin Military branches: Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,638,010 females age 15-49: 1,647,850 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 835,561 females age 15-49: 835,633 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 77,552 females: 81,841 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $98.3 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.7% (2003) Transnational Issues Benin Disputes - international: two villages remain in dispute along the border with Burkina Faso; accuses Burkina Faso of moving boundary pillars; much of Benin-Niger boundary, including tripoint with Nigeria, remains undemarcated, and ICJ ad hoc judges have been selected to rule on disputed Niger and Mekrou River islands; several villages along the Okpara River are in dispute with Nigeria; a joint boundary commission continues to resurvey the boundary with Togo to verify Benin's claim that Togo moved boundary stones Illicit drugs: transshipment point for narcotics associated with Nigerian trafficking organizations and most commonly destined for Western Europe and the US; vulnerable to money laundering due to a poorly regulated financial infrastructure This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bermuda Introduction Bermuda Background: Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995. Geography Bermuda Location: North America, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, east of South Carolina (US) Geographic coordinates: 32 20 N, 64 45 W Map references: North America Area: total: 53.3 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 53.3 sq km Area - comparative: about one-third the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 103 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter Terrain: low hills separated by fertile depressions Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m Natural resources: limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% other: 80% (55% developed, 45% rural/open space) (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes (June to November) Environment - current issues: asbestos disposal; water pollution; preservation of open space; sustainable development Geography - note: consists of about 138 coral islands and islets with ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; some land was leased by US Government from 1941 to 1995 People Bermuda Population: 64,935 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 19.1% (male 6,192; female 6,186) 15-64 years: 69.3% (male 22,268; female 22,703) 65 years and over: 11.7% (male 3,295; female 4,291) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 39.2 years male: 38.3 years female: 40.1 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.68% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 11.83 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.55 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 2.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 8.79 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 10.45 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.6 years male: 75.54 years female: 79.7 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Bermudian(s) adjective: Bermudian Ethnic groups: black 58%, white 36%, other 6% Religions: non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19% Languages: English (official), Portuguese Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98% male: 98% female: 99% (1970 est.) Government Bermuda Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bermuda former: Somers Islands Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Government type: parliamentary British overseas territory with internal self-government Capital: Hamilton Administrative divisions: 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK) National holiday: Bermuda Day, 24 May Constitution: 8 June 1968, amended 1989 and 2003 Legal system: English law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since NA April 2002) head of government: Premier Alex SCOTT (since 24 July 2003); Deputy Premier Ewart BROWN cabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governor elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed premier by the governor Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (an 11-member body appointed by the governor, the premier, and the opposition) and the House of Assembly (36 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve up to five-year terms) elections: last general election held 24 July 2003 (next to be held NA July 2008) election results: percent of vote by party - PLP 51.7%, UBP 48%; seats by party - PLP 22, UBP 14 Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrate Courts Political parties and leaders: Gombey Liberation Party or GLP [Gavin Sundjata SMITH]; National Liberal Party or NLP [Dessaline WALDRON]; Progressive Labor Party or PLP [William Alexander SCOTT]; United Bermuda Party or UBP [Grant GIBBONS]; Political pressure groups and leaders: Bermuda Employer's Union [Eddie SAINTS]; Bermuda Industrial Union or BIU [Derrick BURGESS]; Bermuda Public Services Union or BPSU [Ed BALL]; Bermuda Union of Teachers [Michael CHARLES] International organization participation: Caricom (associate), ICFTU, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UPU, WCO, Egmont Group, Caribbean Financial Action Task Force Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Deputy Chief of Mission Antoinette BOECKER consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, [1] (441) 296-9233 Flag description: red, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Bermudian coat of arms (white and green 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 Bermuda Economy - overview: Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, equal to that of the US. Its economy is primarily based on providing financial services for international business and luxury facilities for tourists. The effects of 11 September 2001 have had both positive and negative ramifications for Bermuda. On the positive side, a number of new reinsurance companies have located on the island, contributing to the expansion of an already robust international business sector. On the negative side, Bermuda's tourism industry - which derives over 80% of its visitors from the US - was severely hit as American tourists chose not to travel. Tourism rebounded somewhat in 2002-03. Most capital equipment and food must be imported. Bermuda's industrial sector is small, although construction continues to be important; the average cost of a house in June 2003 had risen to $976,000. Agriculture is limited, only 6% of the land being arable. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.33 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $36,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1% industry: 10% services: 89% (2002 est.) Population below poverty line: 19% (2000) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (mid-2003 est.) Labor force: 37,470 (2000) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture and fishing 3%, laborers 17%, clerical 22%, professional and technical 17%, administrative and managerial 13%, sales 8%, services 20% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: 5% (2002 est.) Budget: revenues: $671.1 million expenditures: $594.6 million, including capital expenditures of $55 million (FY03/04) Agriculture - products: bananas, vegetables, citrus, flowers; dairy products Industries: tourism, international business, light manufacturing Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 643.7 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 598.6 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 4,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $879 million (2002) Exports - commodities: reexports of pharmaceuticals Exports - partners: France 62%, Norway 13.8%, UK 7.5% (2003) Imports: $5.523 billion (2002) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, chemicals, food and live animals Imports - partners: Kazakhstan 46.7%, France 32.5%, US 8.5% (2003) Debt - external: $160 million (FY99/00) Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: Bermudian dollar (BMD) Currency code: BMD Exchange rates: Bermudian dollar per US dollar - 1.0000 (fixed rate pegged to the US dollar) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Bermuda Telephones - main lines in use: 56,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 37,873 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: good domestic: modern, fully automatic telephone system international: country code - 1-441; 3 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 82,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 4 (2003) Televisions: 66,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bm Internet hosts: 5,161 (2001) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 20 (2000) Internet users: 34,500 (2003) Transportation Bermuda Highways: total: 450 km paved: 450 km note: public roads - 209 km; private roads - 241 km (2002) unpaved: 0 km Ports and harbors: Hamilton, Saint George's, Dockyard Merchant marine: total: 94 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,845,326 GRT/6,501,782 DWT foreign-owned: Croatia 5, Germany 2, Greece 21, Hong Kong 9, Indonesia 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 1, United Kingdom 33, United States 12 registered in other countries: 2 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 25, cargo 4, container 17, liquefied gas 9, passenger 6, petroleum tanker 9, refrigerated cargo 11, roll on/roll off 10, short-sea/passenger 3 Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Bermuda Military branches: Bermuda Regiment Military expenditures - dollar figure: $4.03 million (2001) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.11% (FY00/01) Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Transnational Issues Bermuda Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bhutan Introduction Bhutan Background: In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. Geography Bhutan Location: Southern Asia, between China and India Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 47,000 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 47,000 sq km Area - comparative: about 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) 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide Land use: arable land: 3.09% permanent crops: 0.43% other: 96.48% (2001) Irrigated land: 400 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: violent storms 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 Environment - current issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes People Bhutan Population: 2,185,569 note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 39.3% (male 445,548; female 414,338) 15-64 years: 56.6% (male 637,637; female 600,253) 65 years and over: 4% (male 44,298; female 43,495) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 20.2 years male: 20 years female: 20.3 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.12% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 34.41 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 13.2 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 102.56 deaths/1,000 live births female: 104.89 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 100.35 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 53.99 years male: 54.27 years female: 53.68 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.87 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: less than 100 (1999 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese Ethnic groups: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 42.2% male: 56.2% female: 28.1% (1995 est.) Government Bhutan Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan Government type: monarchy; special treaty relationship with India Capital: Thimphu Administrative divisions: 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang note: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India) National holiday: National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights; note - in 2001 the King commissioned the drafting of a constitution, and in November 2004 presented a draft to the Council of Ministers 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; note - in late 2003 Bhutan's legislature passed a new election law Executive branch: chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Lyonpo Yeshey ZIMBA (since 20 August 2004) cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular interests; members serve three-year terms) elections: local elections last held November 2002 (next to be held NA 2005) election results: NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch) Political parties and leaders: no legal parties Political pressure groups and leaders: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for Democracy (exiled) International organization participation: AsDB, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN; address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 826-1919; FAX [1] (212) 826-2998; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consular jurisdiction in the US consulate(s) general: New York Diplomatic representation from the US: 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 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 Economy Bhutan Economy - overview: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. 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 and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is 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. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector encourages the visits of upscale, environmentally conscientious visitors. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.7 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 7.7% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 45% industry: 10% services: 45% (2002 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (2002 est.) Labor force: NA note: massive lack of skilled labor (1997 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 93%, industry and commerce 2%, services 5% Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: $146 million note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of Bhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.) expenditures: $152 million, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide Industrial production growth rate: 9.3% (1996 est.) Electricity - production: 1.896 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 379.5 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 1.4 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 16 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 1,020 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $154 million f.o.b. (2000 est.) Exports - commodities: electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones, spices Exports - partners: Bangladesh 60.5%, US 11.7%, Malaysia 5.7% (2003) Imports: $196 million c.i.f. (2000 est.) Imports - commodities: fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice Imports - partners: Japan 36.6%, Austria 14.2%, Sweden 8.3%, China 7.5%, Thailand 6%, Bangladesh 6%, Germany 5.5%, Italy 4% (2003) Debt - external: $245 million (2000) Economic aid - recipient: substantial aid from India and other nations Currency: ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR) Currency code: BTN; INR Exchange rates: ngultrum per US dollar - 46.5806 (2003), 48.6103 (2002), 47.1864 (2001), 44.9416 (2000), 43.0554 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Bhutan Telephones - main lines in use: 25,200 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 8,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: domestic telephone service is very poor with few telephones in use international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service is by landline through India; a satellite earth station was planned (1990) Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 37,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 0 (1997) Televisions: 11,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bt Internet hosts: 985 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): NA Internet users: 15,000 (2003) Transportation Bhutan Highways: total: 3,690 km paved: 2,240 km unpaved: 1,450 km (1999 est.) Ports and harbors: none Airports: 2 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Bhutan Military branches: Royal Bhutan Army, Royal Bodyguard, National Militia Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 544,560 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 290,843 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 23,379 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $11.2 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.9% (2003) Transnational Issues Bhutan Disputes - international: approximately 100,000 Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal, 90% of whom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees camps, place decades-long strains on Nepal This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bolivia Introduction Bolivia Background: Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, resolving disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts, and waging an anticorruption campaign. Geography Bolivia Location: Central South America, southwest of Brazil Geographic coordinates: 17 00 S, 65 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 1,098,580 sq km water: 14,190 sq km land: 1,084,390 sq km Area - comparative: 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) 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m Natural resources: tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead, gold, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land: 2.67% permanent crops: 0.19% other: 97.54% (2001) Irrigated land: 1,280 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: flooding in the northeast (March-April) 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection Geography - note: landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805 m), with Peru People Bolivia Population: 8,724,156 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 36.4% (male 1,619,950; female 1,557,883) 15-64 years: 59.1% (male 2,522,086; female 2,631,944) 65 years and over: 4.5% (male 175,193; female 217,100) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 21.1 years male: 20.4 years female: 21.8 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.56% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 24.65 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.77 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -1.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 54.58 deaths/1,000 live births female: 50.75 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 58.23 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.14 years male: 62.54 years female: 67.86 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.08 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 4,900 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 500 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Bolivian(s) adjective: Bolivian Ethnic groups: Quechua 30%, mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian ancestry) 30%, Aymara 25%, white 15% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist) Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 87.2% male: 93.1% female: 81.6% (2003 est.) Government Bolivia Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Bolivia conventional short form: Bolivia local short form: Bolivia local long form: Republica de Bolivia Government type: 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; revised in August 1994 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: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since 17 October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert (since 17 October 2003); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 30 June 2002 (next to be held NA June 2007) election results: as a result of no candidate winning a majority in the 30 June 2002 election, Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamante was chosen president by Congress; Congressional votes - Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamante 84, Evo MORALES 43; note - following the resignation of the elected president on 17 October 2003, Vice President Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert assumed the presidency Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (27 seats; members are elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (130 seats; 68 are directly elected from their districts and 62 are elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms) elections: Chamber of Senators and Chamber of Deputies - last held 30 June 2002 (next to be held NA June 2007) election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNR 11, MAS 8, MIR 5, NFR 2, other 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MNR 36, MAS 27, MIR 26, NFR 25, others 16 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges appointed for 10-year terms by National Congress); District Courts (one in each department); provincial and local courts (to try minor cases) Political parties and leaders: Bolivian Socialist Falange or FSB [Romel PANTOJA]; Civic Solidarity Union or UCS [Johnny FERNANDEZ]; Free Bolivia Movement or MBL [Franz BARRIOS]; Marshal of Ayacucho Institutional Vanguard or VIMA [Freddy ZABALA]; Movement of the Revolutionary Left or MIR [Jaime PAZ Zamora]; Movement Toward Socialism or MAS [Evo MORALES]; Movement Without Fear or MSM [Juan DEL GRANADO]; Nationalist Democratic Action or ADN [Jorge Fernando QUIROGA Ramirez]; Nationalist Revolutionary Movement or MNR [leader NA]; New Republican Force or NFR [Manfred REYES-VILLA]; Pachakuti Indigenous Movement or MIP [Felipe QUISPE]; Socialist Party or PS [Jeres JUSTINIANO] Political pressure groups and leaders: Cocalero Groups; indigenous organizations; labor unions; Sole Confederation of Campesino Workers of Bolivia or CSUTCB [Roman LOAYZA] International organization participation: CAN, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OAS, ONUB, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMIL, UNMISET, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime APARICIO Otero consulate(s): Washington, DC consulate(s) general: Miami, New York, and San Francisco FAX: [1] (202) 328-3712 telephone: [1] (202) 483-4410 chancery: 3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador David N. GREENLEE embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032 telephone: [591] (2) 2430120, 2430251 FAX: [591] (2) 2433900 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 Economy Bolivia Economy - overview: Bolivia, long one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries, made considerable progress in the 1990s toward the development of a market-oriented economy. Successes under President SANCHEZ DE LOZADA (1993-97) included the signing of a free trade agreement with Mexico and becoming an associate member of the Southern Cone Common Market (Mercosur), as well as the privatization of the state airline, telephone company, railroad, electric power company, and oil company. Growth slowed in 1999, in part due to tight government budget policies, which limited needed appropriations for anti-poverty programs, and the fallout from the Asian financial crisis. In 2000, major civil disturbances held down growth to 2.5%. Bolivia's GDP failed to grow in 2001 due to the global slowdown and laggard domestic activity. Growth picked up slightly in 2002, but the first quarter of 2003 saw extensive civil riots and looting and loss of confidence in the government. Bolivia will remain highly dependent on foreign aid unless and until it can develop its substantial natural resources. GDP: purchasing power parity - $21.01 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $2,400 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 15% industry: 33.2% services: 51.9% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 12.4% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 70% (1999 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.3% highest 10%: 32% (1999) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 44.7 (1999) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.3% (2003 est.) Labor force: 4.1 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture NA, industry NA, services NA Unemployment rate: 11.7% note: widespread underemployment (2003) Budget: revenues: $2.346 billion expenditures: $2.957 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2003) Agriculture - products: soybeans, coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes; timber Industries: mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverages, tobacco, handicrafts, clothing Industrial production growth rate: 3.9% (1998) Electricity - production: 3.901 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 3.634 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 3 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 9 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 44,340 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 49,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 458.8 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 4.05 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 1.15 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 2.9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 727.2 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $50 million (2003) Exports: $1.495 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: soybeans, natural gas, zinc, gold, wood (2000) Exports - partners: Brazil 37%, Venezuela 12.9%, Colombia 11.9%, US 11.5%, Peru 5.1% (2003) Imports: $1.505 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, raw materials and semi-manufactures, chemicals, petroleum, food Imports - partners: Brazil 25.2%, Argentina 22.3%, US 12%, Chile 9.3%, Peru 5.8% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $1.096 billion (2003) Debt - external: $5.332 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $588 million (1997) Currency: boliviano (BOB) Currency code: BOB Exchange rates: bolivianos per US dollar - 7.6592 (2003), 7.17 (2002), 6.6069 (2001), 6.1835 (2000), 5.8124 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Bolivia Telephones - main lines in use: 600,100 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,401,500 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: new subscribers face bureaucratic difficulties; most telephones are concentrated in La Paz and other cities; mobile cellular telephone use expanding rapidly domestic: primary trunk system, which is being expanded, employs digital microwave radio relay; some areas are served by fiber-optic cable; mobile cellular systems are being expanded international: country code - 591; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 171, FM 73, shortwave 77 (1999) Radios: 5.25 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 48 (1997) Televisions: 900,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bo Internet hosts: 7,080 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 9 (2000) Internet users: 270,000 (2002) Transportation Bolivia Railways: total: 3,519 km narrow gauge: 3,519 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 53,790 km paved: 3,496 km (including 13 km of expressways) unpaved: 50,294 km (2000 est.) Waterways: 10,000 km (commercially navigable) (2004) Pipelines: gas 4,860 km; liquid petroleum gas 47 km; oil 2,457 km; refined products 1,589 km; unknown (oil/water) 247 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Puerto Aguirre (on the Paraguay/Parana waterway, at the Bolivia/Brazil border); also, Bolivia has free port privileges in maritime ports in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay Merchant marine: total: 56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 413,407 GRT/699,901 DWT by type: bulk 3, cargo 26, chemical tanker 4, container 3, livestock carrier 1, multi-functional large load carrier 1, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea/passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 registered in other countries: 1 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Argentina 1, British Virgin Islands 1, Cambodia 1, China 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 1, Eritrea 1, Germany 2, Greece 1, Hong Kong 1, Indonesia 1, Iran 1, Italy 2, Latvia 2, Panama 3, Romania 1, Russia 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Saudi Arabia 2, Singapore 3, Syria 1, Turkey 1, United Kingdom 1, United States 3, Yemen 2 Airports: 1,067 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 16 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1,049 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 60 914 to 1,523 m: 207 under 914 m: 778 (2004 est.) Military Bolivia Military branches: Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy (Fuerza Naval, includes Marines), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Boliviana) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as 14; one estimate holds that 40% of the armed forces are under the age of 18, with 50% of those under the age of 16; conscript tour of duty - 12 months (2002) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,175,384 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,417,804 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 98,155 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $127 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.6% (2003) Transnational Issues Bolivia Disputes - international: has reactivated its claim to restore the Atacama corridor, ceded to Chile in 1884, to secure sovereign maritime access for Bolivian natural gas Illicit drugs: world's third-largest cultivator of coca (after Colombia and Peru) with an estimated 28,450 hectares under cultivation in June 2003, a 23% increase from June 2002; intermediate coca products and cocaine exported mostly to or through Brazil, Argentina, and Chile to European and US drug markets; eradication and alternative crop programs under the MESA administration have been unable to keep pace with farmers' attempts to increase cultivation; money-laundering activity related to narcotics trade, especially along the borders with Brazil and Paraguay This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bosnia and Herzegovina Introduction Bosnia and Herzegovina Background: Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - 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, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government was charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most government functions. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) was established to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December 2004; their mission was to maintain peace and stability throughout the country. Geography Bosnia and Herzegovina Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea and Croatia Geographic coordinates: 44 00 N, 18 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 51,129 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 51,129 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 1,459 km border countries: Croatia 932 km, Serbia and Montenegro 527 km Coastline: 20 km Maritime claims: No data available 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maglic 2,386 m Natural resources: coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, clay, gypsum, salt, sand, forests, hydropower Land use: arable land: 13.6% permanent crops: 2.96% other: 83.44% (2001) Irrigated land: 20 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes Environment - current issues: air pollution from metallurgical plants; sites for disposing of urban waste are limited; water shortages and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: within Bosnia and Herzegovina's recognized borders, the country is divided into a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation (about 51% of the territory) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska or RS (about 49% of the territory); the region called Herzegovina is contiguous to Croatia and Serbia and Montenegro (Montenegro), and traditionally has been settled by an ethnic Croat majority in the west and an ethnic Serb majority in the east People Bosnia and Herzegovina Population: 4,007,608 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.9% (male 389,062; female 368,721) 15-64 years: 70.6% (male 1,447,725; female 1,379,729) 65 years and over: 10.5% (male 180,801; female 241,570) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 35.9 years male: 35.5 years female: 36.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.45% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 12.56 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 8.33 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 21.88 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.08 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 24.5 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.57 years male: 69.82 years female: 75.51 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.71 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 900 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 100 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s) adjective: Bosnian, Herzegovinian Ethnic groups: Serb 37.1%, Bosniak 48%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6% (2000) note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam Religions: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 14% Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian Literacy: definition: NA total population: NA male: NA female: NA Government Bosnia and Herzegovina Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bosnia and Herzegovina local long form: none former: People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina local short form: Bosna i Hercegovina Government type: emerging federal democratic republic Capital: Sarajevo Administrative divisions: 2 first-order administrative divisions and 1 internationally supervised district* - Brcko district (Brcko Distrikt)*, the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federacija Bosna i Hercegovina) and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska; note - Brcko district is in northeastern Bosnia and is an administrative unit under the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina; the district remains under international supervision Independence: 1 March 1992 (from Yugoslavia; referendum for independence was completed 1 March 1992; independence was declared 3 March 1992) National holiday: National Day, 25 November (1943) Constitution: the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new constitution now in force; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal Executive branch: chief of state: Chairman of the Presidency Borislav PARAVAC (chairman since 28 October 2004; presidency member since 10 April 2003 - Serb) other members of the three-member rotating (every eight months) presidency: Dragan COVIC (since 5 October 2002 - Croat) and Sulejman TIHIC (since 5 October 2002 - Bosniak); note - Mirko SAROVIC resigned 2 April 2003 elections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term; the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or she was the incumbent chairman at the time of the election, but the chairmanship rotates every eight months; election last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA 2006); the chairman of the Council of Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the National House of Representatives head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Adnan TERZIC (since 20 December 2002) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman; approved by the National House of Representatives election results: percent of vote - Mirko SAROVIC with 35.5% of the Serb vote was elected chairman of the collective presidency for the first eight months; Dragan COVIC received 61.5% of the Croat vote; Sulejman TIHIC received 37% of the Bosniak vote note: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Niko LOZANCIC (since 27 January 2003); Vice Presidents Sahbaz DZIHANOVIC (since NA 2003) and Desnica RADIVOJEVIC (since NA 2003); President of the Republika Srpska: Dragan CAVIC (since 28 November 2002) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the National House of Representatives or Predstavnicki Dom (42 seats - elected by proportional representation, 28 seats allocated from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats from the Republika Srpska; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Peoples or Dom Naroda (15 seats - 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives and the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law specifies four-year terms for the state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures election results: National House of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - SDA 21.9%, SDS 14.0%, SBiH 10.5%, SDP 10.4%, SNSD 9.8%, HDZ 9.5%, PDP 4.6%, others 19.3%; seats by party/coalition - SDA 10, SDS 5, SBiH 6, SDP 4, SNSD 3, HDZ 5, PDP 2, others 7; House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by party/coalition - NA elections: National House of Representatives - elections last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held in NA 2006); House of Peoples - last constituted NA January 2003 (next to be constituted in 2007) note: the Bosniak/Croat Federation has a bicameral legislature that consists of a House of Representatives (98 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDA 32, HDZ-BiH 16, SDP 15, SBiH 15, other 20; and a House of Peoples (60 seats - 30 Bosniak, 30 Croat); last constituted December 2002; the Republika Srpska has a National Assembly (83 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); elections last held 5 October 2002 (next to be held in the fall of 2006); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party/coalition - SDS 26, SNSD 19, PDP 9, SDA 6, SRS 4, SPRS 3, DNZ 3, SBiH 4, SDP 3, others 6; as a result of the 2002 constitutional reform process, a 28-member Republika Srpska Council of Peoples (COP) was established in the Republika Srpska National Assembly; each constituent nation and "others" will have eight delegates Judicial branch: BiH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president of the European Court of Human Rights); BiH State Court (consists of nine judges and three divisions - Administrative, Appellate and Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities; note - a War Crimes Chamber may be added at a future date) note: the entities each have a Supreme Court; each entity also has a number of lower courts; there are 10 cantonal courts in the Federation, plus a number of municipal courts; the Republika Srpska has five municipal courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Independent Social Democrats or SNSD [Milorad DODIK]; Bosnian Party or BOSS [Mirnes AJANOVIC]; Civic Democratic Party or GDS [Ibrahim SPAHIC]; Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HDZ-BH [Barisa COLAK]; Croat Christian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina or HKDU [Mijo IVANIC-LONIC]; Croat Party of Rights or HSP [Zdravko HRISTIC]; Croat Peasants Party or HSS [Marko TADIC]; Democratic National Union or DNZ [Fikret ABDIC]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDS [Rasim KADIC]; New Croat Initiative or NHI [Kresimir ZUBAK]; Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina or SBiH [Safet HALILOVIC]; Party of Democratic Action or SDA [Sulejman TIHIC]; Party of Democratic Progress or PDP [Mladen IVANIC]; Serb Democratic Party or SDS [Dragan CAVIC - acting]; Serb Radical Party of the Republika Srpska or SRS-RS [Milanko MIHAJLICA]; Serb Radical Party-Dr. Vojislav Seselj or SRS-VS [Radislav KANJERIC]; Social Democratic Party of BIH or SDP [Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA]; Social Democratic Union or SDU [Miro LAZOVIC]; Socialist Party of Republika Srpska or SPRS [Petar DJOKIC] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: BIS, CE, CEI, EBRD, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, MIGA, MONUC, NAM (guest), OAS (observer), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Igor DAVIDOVIC chancery: 2109 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 FAX: [1] (202) 337-1502 consulate(s) general: New York telephone: [1] (202) 337-1500 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas L. McELHANEY embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar Flag description: a wide medium blue vertical band on the fly side with a yellow isosceles triangle abutting the band and the top of the flag; the remainder of the flag is medium blue with seven full five-pointed white stars and two half stars top and bottom along the hypotenuse of the triangle Economy Bosnia and Herzegovina Economy - overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as the poorest republic in the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture is almost all in private hands, farms are small and inefficient, and the republic traditionally is a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly overstaffed, one reflection of the socialist economic structure of Yugoslavia. TITO had pushed the development of military industries in the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a number of Yugoslavia's defense plants. The interethnic warfare in Bosnia caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995 and unemployment to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made up in 2003-04. National-level statistics are limited. Moreover, official data do not capture the large share of black market activity. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or BAM)- the national currency introduced in 1998 - is now pegged to the euro, and the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has dramatically increased its reserve holdings. Implementation of privatization, however, has been slow, and local entities only reluctantly support national-level institutions. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down. The country receives substantial amounts of reconstruction assistance and humanitarian aid from the international community but will have to prepare for an era of declining assistance. GDP: purchasing power parity - $24.31 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $6,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13% industry: 40.9% services: 46.1% (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: NA (2004 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 0.9% (2003 est.) Labor force: 1.026 million (2001) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture NA, industry NA, services NA Unemployment rate: 40% (2002 est.) Budget: revenues: $3.271 billion expenditures: $3.242 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, fruits, vegetables; livestock Industries: steel, coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, bauxite, vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products, wooden furniture, tank and aircraft assembly, domestic appliances, oil refining (2001) Industrial production growth rate: 5.5% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 9.979 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 8.116 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 2.569 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 1.405 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 20,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 300 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 300 million cu m (2001 est.) Current account balance: $-2.195 billion (2003) Exports: $1.28 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: metals, clothing, wood products Exports - partners: Italy 28.7%, Croatia 18.3%, Germany 17.1%, Austria 9.2%, Slovenia 7.1% (2003) Imports: $4.7 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs Imports - partners: Croatia 24.5%, Slovenia 14.7%, Germany 13.7%, Italy 12.2%, Hungary 7.8%, Austria 6.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $1.796 billion (2003) Debt - external: $3.5 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $650 million (2001 est.) Currency: marka (BAM) Currency code: BAM Exchange rates: marka per US dollar - 1.7329 (2003), 1.7329 (2002), 2.1857 (2001), 2.1244 (2000), 1.8371 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Bosnia and Herzegovina Telephones - main lines in use: 938,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.05 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: telephone and telegraph network needs modernization and expansion; many urban areas are below average as contrasted with services in other former Yugoslav republics domestic: NA international: country code - 387; no satellite earth stations Radio broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 16, shortwave 1 (1998) Radios: 940,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 33 (plus 277 repeaters) (September 1995) Televisions: NA Internet country code: .ba Internet hosts: 6,994 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2000) Internet users: 100,000 (2002) Transportation Bosnia and Herzegovina Railways: total: 1,021 km (795 km electrified) standard gauge: 1,021 km 1.435-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 21,846 km paved: 11,424 km unpaved: 10,422 km (1999 est.) Waterways: Sava River (northern border) open to shipping but use limited because of no agreement with neighboring countries (2004) Ports and harbors: Bosanska Gradiska, Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Samac, and Brcko (all inland waterway ports on the Sava), Orasje Merchant marine: none Airports: 27 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 8 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 3 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 19 under 914 m: 11 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 7 Heliports: 5 (2003 est.) Military Bosnia and Herzegovina Military branches: VF Army (the air and air defense forces are subordinate commands within the Army), VRS Army (the air and air defense forces are subordinate commands within the Army) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; 16 years of age in times of war; 18 years of age for Republika Srpska; 17 years of age for voluntary military service in the Federation and in the Republika Srpska; by law, military obligations cover all healthy men between the ages of 18 and 60, and all women between the ages of 18 and 55; service obligation is 4 months (July 2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,133,847 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 898,451 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 30,130 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $234.3 million (FY02) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 4.5% (FY02) Transnational Issues Bosnia and Herzegovina Disputes - international: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro have delimited most of their boundary, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute; discussions continue with Croatia on problem sections around Kostajnica on the Una River and villages at the base of Mount Pljesevica Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 327,200 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Muslims displaced in 1992-1995 war) (2004) Illicit drugs: minor transit point for marijuana and opiate trafficking routes to Western Europe; remains highly vulnerable to money laundering activity given a primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement and instances of corruption This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Botswana Introduction Botswana Background: Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease. Geography Botswana Location: Southern Africa, north of South Africa Geographic coordinates: 22 00 S, 24 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 600,370 sq km water: 15,000 sq km land: 585,370 sq km Area - comparative: 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) Climate: semiarid; warm winters and hot summers Terrain: predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest Elevation extremes: lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m Natural resources: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver Land use: arable land: 0.65% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 99.34% (2001) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility Environment - current issues: overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country People Botswana Population: 1,561,973 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 39.2% (male 310,282; female 302,452) 15-64 years: 56.2% (male 424,613; female 452,801) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 30,896; female 40,929) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 19.2 years male: 18.5 years female: 19.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -0.89% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 24.71 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 33.63 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 69.98 deaths/1,000 live births female: 68.96 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 70.96 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 30.76 years male: 30.99 years female: 30.53 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.17 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 37.3% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 350,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 33,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria overall degree of risk: high (2004) Nationality: noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Ethnic groups: Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7% Religions: indigenous beliefs 85%, Christian 15% Languages: English (official), Setswana Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 79.8% male: 76.9% female: 82.4% (2003 est.) Government Botswana Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Botswana conventional short form: Botswana former: Bechuanaland Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: Gaborone Administrative divisions: 9 districts and four town councils*; Central, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Northwest, Northeast, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern Independence: 30 September 1966 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day (Botswana 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: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Festus MOGAE (since 1 April 1998) and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term; election last held 16 October 1999 (next to be held NA October 2004); vice president appointed by the president election results: Festus MOGAE elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 54.3% Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (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 members) and the National Assembly (44 seats, 40 members are directly elected by popular vote and 4 are appointed by the majority party; members serve five-year terms) elections: National Assembly elections last held 30 October 2004 (next to be held NA October 2009) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - BDP 44, BNF 12, BCP 1 Judicial branch: High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district) Political parties and leaders: Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Seretse Ian KHAMA]; Botswana National Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Mokgweetsi KGOSIPULA]; Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO] note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats; the BAM parties are: the United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO], the Independence Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO], and the Botswana Progressive Union [D. K. KWELE] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164 telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph HUGGINS embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353982 FAX: [267] 312782 Flag description: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center Economy Botswana Economy - overview: Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest growth rates since independence in 1966. Through fiscal discipline and sound management, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $8,800 in 2003. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for nine-tenths of export earnings. Tourism, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside, the government must deal with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially is 21%, but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. Long-term prospects are overshadowed by the expected leveling off in diamond mining production. GDP: purchasing power parity - $14.2 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 7.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 4% industry: 48.7% (including 36% mining) services: 52% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 23.9% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 47% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.2% (2003 est.) Labor force: 264,000 formal sector employees (2000) Labor force - by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: 40% (official rate is 21%) (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $3.263 billion expenditures: $3.283 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Public debt: 7% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts Industries: diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing; textiles Industrial production growth rate: 7.3% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 409.8 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 1.564 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 1.183 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 16,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $539 million (2003) Exports: $2.544 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles Exports - partners: European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 87%, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 7%, Zimbabwe 4% (2000) Imports: $1.753 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products Imports - partners: Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%, Zimbabwe 4% (2000) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $5.25 billion (2003) Debt - external: $392 million (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $73 million (1995) Currency: pula (BWP) Currency code: BWP Exchange rates: pulas per US dollar - 4.9499 (2003), 6.3278 (2002), 5.8412 (2001), 5.1018 (2000), 4.6244 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Botswana Telephones - main lines in use: 142,400 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 435,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: the system is expanding with the growth of mobile cellular service and participation in regional development domestic: small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations; mobile cellular service is growing fast international: country code - 267; two international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 8, FM 13, shortwave 4 (2001) Radios: 252,720 (2000) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001) Televisions: 31,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bw Internet hosts: 1,920 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 11 (2001) Internet users: 60,000 (2002) Transportation Botswana Railways: total: 888 km narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 10,217 km paved: 5,619 km unpaved: 4,598 km (1999) Ports and harbors: none Airports: 85 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 75 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 54 under 914 m: 18 (2004 est.) Military Botswana Military branches: Botswana Defense Force (including an Air Wing) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service; the official qualifications for determining minimum age are unknown (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 381,801 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 202,176 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 20,651 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $298.9 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.6% (2003) Transnational Issues Botswana Disputes - international: established a commission with Namibia to resolve small residual disputes along the Caprivi Strip, including the Situngu marshlands along the Linyanti River; downstream Botswana residents protest Namibia's planned construction of the Okavango hydroelectric dam at Popavalle (Popa Falls); Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe boundary convergence is not clearly defined or delimited This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bouvet Island Introduction Bouvet Island Background: This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island. Geography Bouvet Island Location: island in the South Atlantic Ocean, southwest of the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) Geographic coordinates: 54 26 S, 3 24 E Map references: Antarctic Region Area: total: 58.5 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 58.5 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 29.6 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 4 nm Climate: antarctic Terrain: volcanic; coast is mostly inaccessible Elevation extremes: lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Olav Peak 935 m Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (93% ice) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: covered by glacial ice; declared a nature reserve People Bouvet Island Population: uninhabited (July 2004 est.) Government Bouvet Island Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Bouvet Island Dependency status: territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo Legal system: the laws of Norway, where applicable, apply Flag description: the flag of Norway is used Economy Bouvet Island Economy - overview: no economic activity; declared a nature reserve Communications Bouvet Island Internet country code: .bv Communications - note: automatic meteorological station Transportation Bouvet Island Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military Bouvet Island Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Norway Transnational Issues Bouvet Island Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Brazil Introduction Brazil Background: Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem. Geography Brazil Location: Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean Geographic coordinates: 10 00 S, 55 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 8,511,965 sq km land: 8,456,510 sq km note: includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo water: 55,455 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US 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: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to edge of the continental margin contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south Terrain: mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and narrow coastal belt Elevation extremes: 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: 6.96% permanent crops: 0.9% other: 92.15% (2001) Irrigated land: 26,560 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south Environment - current issues: deforestation in Amazon Basin destroys the habitat and endangers a multitude of plant and animal species indigenous to the area; there is a lucrative illegal wildlife trade; 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; wetland degradation; severe oil spills Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South American country except Chile and Ecuador People Brazil Population: 184,101,109 note: Brazil took a count in August 2000, which reported a population of 169,799,170; that figure was about 3.3% lower than projections by the US Census Bureau, and is close to the implied underenumeration of 4.6% for the 1991 census; estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 26.6% (male 24,915,902; female 23,966,713) 15-64 years: 67.6% (male 61,739,012; female 62,770,480) 65 years and over: 5.8% (male 4,389,659; female 6,319,343) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 27.4 years male: 26.7 years female: 28.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.11% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 17.25 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 6.14 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 30.66 deaths/1,000 live births female: 26.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 34.47 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.41 years male: 67.45 years female: 75.57 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.97 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.7% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 660,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 15,000 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Brazilian(s) adjective: Brazilian Ethnic groups: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 80% Languages: Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 86.4% male: 86.1% female: 86.6% (2003 est.) Government Brazil Country name: conventional long form: Federative Republic of Brazil conventional short form: Brazil local short form: Brasil local long form: Republica Federativa do Brasil Government type: federative 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; note - military conscripts do not vote Executive branch: chief of state: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1 January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government election results: in runoff election 27 October 2002, Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (PT) was elected with 61.3% of the vote; Jose SERRA (PSDB) 38.7% elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 October 2002 (next to be held 1 October 2006, with a runoff on 29 October 2006 if necessary); runoff election held 27 October 2002 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president head of government: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1 January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress or Congresso Nacional consists of the Federal Senate or Senado Federal (81 seats; three members from each state and federal district elected according to the principle of majority to serve eight-year terms; one-third elected after a four-year period, two-thirds elected after the next four-year period) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara dos Deputados (513 seats; members are elected by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) election results: Federal Senate - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party PMBD 19, PFL 19, PT 14, PSDB 11, PDT 5, PSB 4, PL 3, PTB 3, PPS 1, PSD 1, PP 1; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PT 91, PFL 84, PMDB 74, PSDB 71, PP 49, PL 26, PTB 26, PSB 22, PDT 21, PPS 15, PCdoB 12, PRONA 6, PV 5, other 11; note - many congressmen have changed party affiliation since the most recent election elections: Federal Senate - last held 6 October 2002 for two-thirds of the Senate (next to be held NA October 2006 for one-third of the Senate); Chamber of Deputies - last held 6 October 2002 (next to be held NA October 2006) Judicial branch: Supreme Federal Tribunal (11 ministers are appointed for life by the president and confirmed by the Senate); Higher Tribunal of Justice; Regional Federal Tribunals (judges are appointed for life); note - though appointed "for life," judges, like all federal employees, have a mandatory retirement age of 70 Political parties and leaders: Brazilian Democratic Movement Party or PMDB [Federal Deputy Michel TEMER]; Brazilian Labor Party or PTB [Federal Deputy Roberto JEFFERSON]; Brazilian Social Democracy Party or PSDB [Senator Eduardo AZAREDO]; Brazilian Socialist Party or PSB [Federal Deputy Miguel ARRAES]; Communist Party of Brazil or PCdoB [Renato RABELO]; Democratic Labor Party or PDT [Carlos LUPI]; Green Party or PV [Jose Luiz de Franca PENNA]; Liberal Front Party or PFL [Senator Jorge BORNHAUSEN]; Liberal Party or PL [Federal Deputy Valdemar COSTA Neto]; National Order Reconstruction Party or PRONA [Federal Deputy Dr. Eneas CARNEIRO]; Popular Socialist Party or PPS [Federal Deputy Roberto FREIRE]; Progressive Party or PP [Federal Deputy Pedro CORREA]; Worker's Party or PT [Jose GENOINO]; Social Christian Party or PSC [Vitor Jorge ABDALA NOSSEIS] Political pressure groups and leaders: Landless Worker's Movement; large farmers' associations; labor unions and federations; religious groups including evangelical christian churches and the Catholic Church International organization participation: AfDB, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIK, UNMIL, UNMISET, UNMOVIC, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto ABDENUR FAX: [1] (202) 238-2827 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco chancery: 3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 238-2700 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador John DANILOVICH embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia mailing address: Unit 3500, APO AA 34030 telephone: [55] (61) 312-7000 FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136 consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulate(s): Recife 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) Economy Brazil Economy - overview: Possessing large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing, and service sectors, Brazil's economy outweighs that of all other South American countries and is expanding its presence in world markets. From 2001-03 real wages fell and Brazil's economy grew, on average, only 1.1% per year, as the country absorbed a series of domestic and international economic shocks. That Brazil absorbed these shocks without financial collapse is a tribute to the resiliency of the Brazilian economy and the economic program put in place by former President CARDOSO and strengthened by President Lula DA SILVA. The three pillars of the economic program are a floating exchange rate, an inflation-targeting regime, and tight fiscal policy, which have been reinforced by a series of IMF programs. The currency depreciated sharply in 2001 and 2002, which contributed to a dramatic current account adjustment: in 2003, Brazil ran a record trade surplus and recorded the first current account surplus since 1992. While economic management has been good, there remain important economic vulnerabilities. The most significant are debt-related: the government's largely domestic debt increased steadily from 1994 to 2003, straining government finances, while Brazil's foreign debt (a mix of private and public debt) is large in relation to Brazil's modest (but growing) export base. Another challenge is maintaining economic growth over a period of time to generate employment and make the government debt burden more manageable. GDP: purchasing power parity - $1.375 trillion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -0.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10.2% industry: 38.7% services: 51.2% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 18% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 22% (1998 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 48% (1998) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 60.7 (1998) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14.7% (2003) Labor force: 82.59 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 23%, industry 24%, services 53% Unemployment rate: 12.3% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $147.2 billion expenditures: $172.4 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Public debt: 58.5% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, citrus; beef Industries: textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron ore, tin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, other machinery and equipment Industrial production growth rate: 0.4% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 321.2 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 335.9 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 37.19 billion kWh; note - supplied by Paraguay (2001) Oil - production: 1.561 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 2.199 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 8.507 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 5.95 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 9.59 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 3.64 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 221.7 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $3.52 billion (2003) Exports: $73.28 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: transport equipment, iron ore, soybeans, footwear, coffee, autos Exports - partners: US 23%, Argentina 6.1%, China 6%, Netherlands 5.8%, Germany 4.2% (2003) Imports: $48.25 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery, electrical and transport equipment, chemical products, oil Imports - partners: US 20%, Argentina 9.8%, Germany 8.7%, Japan 5.2%, China 4.4% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $49.3 billion (2003) Debt - external: $214.9 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $30 billion IMF disbursement (2002) Currency: real (BRL) Currency code: BRL Exchange rates: reals per US dollar - 3.0771 (2003), 2.9208 (2002), 2.3577 (2001), 1.8301 (2000), 1.8147 (1999) note: from October 1994 through 14 January 1999, the official rate was determined by a managed float; since 15 January 1999, the official rate floats independently with respect to the US dollar Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Brazil Telephones - main lines in use: 38.81 million (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 46,373,300 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: good working system domestic: extensive microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 64 earth stations international: country code - 55; 3 coaxial submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic Ocean region east), connected by microwave relay system to Mercosur Brazilsat B3 satellite earth station Radio broadcast stations: AM 1,365, FM 296, shortwave 161 (of which 91 are collocated with AM stations) (1999) Radios: 71 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 138 (1997) Televisions: 36.5 million (1997) Internet country code: .br Internet hosts: 3,163,349 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 50 (2000) Internet users: 14.3 million (2002) Transportation Brazil Railways: total: 29,412 km (1,610 km electrified) broad gauge: 4,907 km 1.600-m gauge (942 km electrified) standard gauge: 194 km 1.440-m gauge dual gauge: 396 km 1.000-m and 1.600-m gauges (three rails) (78 km electrified) (2003) narrow gauge: 23,915 km 1.000-m gauge (581 km electrified) Highways: total: 1,724,929 km paved: 94,871 km unpaved: 1,630,058 km (2000) Waterways: 50,000 km (most in areas remote from industry and population) (2004) Pipelines: condensate/gas 244 km; gas 10,739 km; liquid petroleum gas 341 km; oil 5,212 km; refined products 4,755 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Imbituba, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos, Vitoria Merchant marine: total: 151 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,961,431 GRT/4,725,267 DWT by type: bulk 29, cargo 22, chemical tanker 7, combination ore/oil 6, container 12, liquefied gas 12, multi-functional large load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 48, roll on/roll off 8, short-sea/passenger 1 foreign-owned: Chile 2, Germany 7, Monaco 9, Panama 1, Spain 7 registered in other countries: 11 (2004 est.) Airports: 3,803 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 698 over 3,047 m: 7 2,438 to 3,047 m: 23 914 to 1,523 m: 461 under 914 m: 49 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 158 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 3,438 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 78 under 914 m: 1,780 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 1,579 Heliports: 417 (2003 est.) Military Brazil Military branches: Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 19 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 17 years of age for voluntary service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 52,100,042 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 34,799,098 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 1,788,495 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $10,439.4 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.1% (2003) Transnational Issues Brazil Disputes - international: unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and drug trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations; uncontested dispute with Uruguay over certain islands in the Quarai/Cuareim and Invernada boundary streams and the resulting tripoint with Argentina Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis; minor coca cultivation in the Amazon region, used for domestic consumption; government has a large-scale eradication program to control cannabis; important transshipment country for Bolivian, Colombian and Peruvian cocaine headed for Europe and the US; also used by traffickers as a way station for narcotics air transshipments between Peru and Colombia; upsurge in drug-related violence and weapons smuggling; important market for Colombian, Bolivian, and Peruvian cocaine; illicit narcotics proceeds earned in Brazil are often laundered through the financial system; significant illicit financial activity in the Tri-Border Area This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @British Indian Ocean Territory Introduction British Indian Ocean Territory Background: Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration order that had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia. Geography British Indian Ocean Territory Location: archipelago in the Indian Ocean, south of India, about one-half the way from Africa to Indonesia Geographic coordinates: 6 00 S, 71 30 E Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 60 sq km note: includes the entire Chagos Archipelago water: 0 sq km land: 60 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 698 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds Terrain: flat and low (most areas do not exceed four meters in elevation) Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m Natural resources: coconuts, fish, sugarcane Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: NA Geography - 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 British Indian Ocean Territory Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: approximately 1,200 former agricultural workers resident in the Chagos Archipelago, often referred to as Chagossians or Ilois, were relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles in the 1960s and 1970s, in November 2000 they were granted the right of return by a British High Court ruling, though no timetable has been set; in 2001, there were approximately 1,500 UK and US military personnel and 2,000 civilian contractors living on the island of Diego Garcia (July 2004 est.) Government British Indian Ocean Territory Country name: conventional long form: British Indian Ocean Territory conventional short form: none abbreviation: BIOT Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London Legal system: the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Commissioner Tony CROMBIE (since January 2004); Administrator Charles A. HAMILTON (since 2002); note - both reside in the UK elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner and administrator appointed by the monarch cabinet: NA Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: white with six blue wavy horizontal stripes; the flag of the UK is in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the striped section bears a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the outer half of the flag Economy British Indian Ocean Territory Economy - 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. When the Ilois return, they plan to reestablish sugarcane production and fishing. Electricity - production: NA kWh; note - electricity supplied by the US military Electricity - consumption: NA kWh Communications British Indian Ocean Territory Telephones - main lines in use: NA Telephone system: general assessment: separate facilities for military and public needs are available domestic: all commercial telephone services are available, including connection to the Internet international: international telephone service is carried by satellite (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: NA Television broadcast stations: 1 (1997) Televisions: NA Internet country code: .io Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Transportation British Indian Ocean Territory Highways: total: NA km paved: short section of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia unpaved: NA km Ports and harbors: Diego Garcia Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military British Indian Ocean Territory Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK; the US lease on Diego Garcia expires in 2016 Transnational Issues British Indian Ocean Territory Disputes - international: Mauritius and Seychelles claim the Chagos Archipelago and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in Mauritius, but in 2001 were granted UK citizenship and the right to repatriation since eviction in 1965; the UK resists the Chagossians' demand for an immediate return to the islands; repatriation is complicated by the exclusive US military lease of Diego Garcia that restricted access to the largest island in the chain This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @British Virgin Islands Introduction British Virgin Islands Background: First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the islands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency. Geography British Virgin Islands 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: 153 sq km note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the island of Anegada water: 0 sq km land: 153 sq km Area - comparative: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds Terrain: coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Sage 521 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 6.67% other: 73.33% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) Environment - current issues: limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments) Geography - note: strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico People British Virgin Islands Population: 22,187 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21.5% (male 2,402; female 2,361) 15-64 years: 73.5% (male 8,395; female 7,911) 65 years and over: 5% (male 594; female 524) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 30.9 years male: 31.1 years female: 30.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.06% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 14.96 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 4.42 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 10.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.13 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 18.05 deaths/1,000 live births female: 14.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 21.02 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.27 years male: 75.24 years female: 77.36 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.72 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: British Virgin Islander(s) adjective: British Virgin Islander Ethnic groups: black 83%, white, Indian, Asian and mixed Religions: Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 15%), Roman Catholic 10%, none 2%, other 2% (1991) Languages: English (official) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97.8% (1991 est.) male: NA female: NA Government British Virgin Islands Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: British Virgin Islands abbreviation: BVI Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing Government type: NA Capital: Road Town Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of the UK) Independence: none (overseas 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 (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Tom MACAN (since 14 October 2002) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor head of government: Chief Minister Orlando D. SMITH (since 17 June 2003) cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the Legislative Council Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (13 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, one member from each of 9 electoral districts, four at-large members; members serve four-year terms) elections: last held 16 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDP 8, VIP 5 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court); Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary Jurisdiction Political parties and leaders: Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn SMITH]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United Party or UP [Gregory MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) 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) Economy British Virgin Islands Economy - overview: The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism, generating an estimated 45% of the national income. An estimated 350,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 1998. Tourism suffered in 2002 because of the lackluster US economy. In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly 400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. 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 traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the dollar as its currency since 1959. GDP: purchasing power parity - $320 million (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.8% industry: 6.2% services: 92% (1996 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.5% (2002) Labor force: 4,911 (1980) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture NA, industry NA, services NA Unemployment rate: 3% (1995) Budget: revenues: $121.5 million expenditures: $115.5 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1997) Agriculture - products: fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish Industries: tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 38.1 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 35.43 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 420 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $25.3 million (2002) Exports - commodities: rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand Exports - partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Imports: $187 million (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery Imports - partners: Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Debt - external: $36.1 million (1997) Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: US dollar (USD) Currency code: USD Exchange rates: the US dollar is used Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications British Virgin Islands Telephones - main lines in use: 11,700 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 8,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: worldwide telephone service domestic: NA international: country code - 1-284; submarine cable to Bermuda Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 9,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (plus one cable company) (1997) Televisions: 4,000 (1997) Internet country code: .vg Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 16 (2000) Internet users: NA Transportation British Virgin Islands Highways: total: 177 km paved: 177 km unpaved: 0 km (2000) Ports and harbors: Road Town Merchant marine: total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 83,825 GRT/155,909 DWT registered in other countries: 32 (2004 est.) by type: cargo 1, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 1 foreign-owned: Norway 1 Airports: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military British Virgin Islands Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Transnational Issues British Virgin Islands Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial center makes it vulnerable to money laundering This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Brunei Introduction Brunei Background: The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world. Geography Brunei Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and Malaysia Geographic coordinates: 4 30 N, 114 40 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 5,770 sq km water: 500 sq km land: 5,270 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Delaware Land boundaries: total: 381 km border countries: Malaysia 381 km Coastline: 161 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or to median line Climate: tropical; hot, humid, rainy Terrain: flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west Elevation extremes: lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land: 0.57% permanent crops: 0.76% other: 98.67% (2001) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare Environment - current issues: seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia Environment - international agreements: party to: Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - 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 Brunei Population: 365,251 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 29.1% (male 54,243; female 52,013) 15-64 years: 68% (male 131,682; female 116,631) 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 5,035; female 5,647) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 26.7 years male: 27.3 years female: 26 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.95% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 19.33 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 3.4 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 3.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 13.05 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 16.51 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.54 years male: 72.13 years female: 77.09 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.33 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: less than 200 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Bruneian(s) adjective: Bruneian Ethnic groups: Malay 67%, Chinese 15%, indigenous 6%, other 12% Religions: Muslim (official) 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs and other 10% Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 93.9% male: 96.3% female: 91.4% (2002) Government Brunei Country name: conventional long form: Negara Brunei Darussalam conventional short form: Brunei Government type: 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); note - 1 January 1984 was the date of independence from the UK, 23 February 1984 was the date of independence from British protection 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 English common law; for Muslims, Islamic Shari'a law supersedes civil law in a number of areas Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over by the monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also a Religious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises on religious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by the monarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council of Succession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines the succession to the throne if the need arises elections: none; the monarch is hereditary Legislative branch: Legislative Council met on 25 September 2004 for first time in 20 years with 21 members appointed by the Sultan; passed constitutional amendments calling for a 45-seat council with 15 elected members elections: last held in March 1962; date of next election NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court (chief justice and judges are sworn in by the monarch for three-year terms) Political parties and leaders: other parties include Brunei People's Party or PRB (banned in 1962) and Brunei National Democratic Party (registered in May 1965, deregistered by the Brunei Government in 1988) Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: APEC, ARF, ASEAN, C, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pengiran Anak Dato PUTEH telephone: [1] (202) 237-1838 FAX: [1] (202) 885-0560 chancery: 3520 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Gene B. CHRISTY embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507 telephone: [673] (2) 229670 FAX: [673] (2) 225293 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 Economy Brunei Economy - overview: This small, wealthy economy encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for nearly half of GDP. Per capita GDP is far above most other Third World countries, and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic production. The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will undermine internal social cohesion, although it became a more prominent player by serving as chairman for the 2000 APEC (Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum. Plans for the future include upgrading the labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas. GDP: purchasing power parity - $6.5 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $18,600 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 5% industry: 45% services: 50% (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: NA (1992 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): -2% (2002 est.) Labor force: 143,400 note: includes foreign workers and military personnel; temporary residents make up about 40% of labor force (1999 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction 42%, government 48% (1999 est.) Unemployment rate: 10% (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion expenditures: $2.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.35 billion (1997 est.) Agriculture - products: rice, vegetables, fruits, chickens, water buffalo Industries: petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction Industrial production growth rate: 5% (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 2.497 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 2.322 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 217,200 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 13,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 1.255 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 10.35 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 9 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 315 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Exports: $3.439 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: crude oil, natural gas, refined products Exports - partners: Japan 41%, South Korea 11.2%, Thailand 9.4%, Australia 8.4%, US 7.8%, China 6.7%, Singapore 4.5% (2003) Imports: $1.63 billion c.i.f. (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals Imports - partners: Singapore 19.9%, Malaysia 19.8%, US 11.4%, Japan 9.9%, Hong Kong 6.5%, China 4.8%, Australia 4.3%, Thailand 4% (2003) Debt - external: $0 Economic aid - recipient: $4.3 million (1995) Currency: Bruneian dollar (BND) Currency code: BND Exchange rates: Bruneian dollars per US dollar - 1.7422 (2003), 1.7906 (2002), 1.7917 (2001), 1.724 (2000), 1.695 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Brunei Telephones - main lines in use: 90,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 137,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: service throughout the country is excellent; international service is good to East Asia, Europe, and the US domestic: every service available international: country code - 673; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean); digital submarine cable links to Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore (2001) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 329,000 (1998) Television broadcast stations: 2 (1997) Televisions: 201,900 (1998) Internet country code: .bn Internet hosts: 6,409 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: 35,000 (2002) Transportation Brunei Highways: total: 2,525 km paved: 2,525 km unpaved: 0 km (2000) Waterways: 209 km (navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 m) (2004) Pipelines: gas 665 km; oil 439 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, Muara, Seria, Tutong Merchant marine: total: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 465,937 GRT/413,393 DWT by type: liquefied gas 8 foreign-owned: United Kingdom 8 (2004 est.) Airports: 2 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Heliports: 3 (2003 est.) Military Brunei Military branches: Royal Brunei Land Forces, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age (est.) (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 112,630 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: approx. 60,000 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 3,425 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $339.5 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 5.9% (2003) Transnational Issues Brunei Disputes - international: in 2003 Brunei and Malaysia ceased gas and oil exploration in their offshore and deepwater seabeds until negotiations progress to an agreement over allocation of disputed areas; Malaysia's land boundary with Brunei around Limbang is in dispute; Brunei established an exclusive economic fishing zone encompassing Louisa Reef in southern Spratly Islands in 1984 but makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants Illicit drugs: drug trafficking and illegally importing controlled substances are serious offenses in Brunei and carry a mandatory death penalty This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Bulgaria Introduction Bulgaria Background: The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward eventual integration into the EU. The country joined NATO in 2004. Geography Bulgaria Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey Geographic coordinates: 43 00 N, 25 00 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 110,910 sq km water: 360 sq km land: 110,550 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Tennessee Land boundaries: total: 1,808 km border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 km Coastline: 354 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast Elevation extremes: 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: 40.02% permanent crops: 1.92% other: 58.06% (2001) Irrigated land: 8,000 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: earthquakes, landslides 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94 Geography - note: strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia People Bulgaria Population: 7,517,973 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 553,801; female 526,856) 15-64 years: 68.5% (male 2,533,784; female 2,615,968) 65 years and over: 17.1% (male 535,954; female 751,610) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 40.5 years male: 38.4 years female: 42.4 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -0.92% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 9.65 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 14.25 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -4.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 21.31 deaths/1,000 live births female: 17.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 25.15 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.75 years male: 68.14 years female: 75.59 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.37 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% - note: no country specific models provided (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 346 (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 100 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Bulgarian(s) adjective: Bulgarian Ethnic groups: Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian) (2001) Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, Roman Catholic 1.7%, Jewish 0.1%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 3.4% (1998) Languages: Bulgarian, secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98.6% male: 99.1% female: 98.2% (2003 est.) Government Bulgaria Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Bulgaria conventional short form: Bulgaria Government type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Sofia Administrative divisions: 28 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Khaskovo, Kurdzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofiya, Sofiya-Grad, Stara Zagora, Turgovishte, Varna, Veliko Turnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol Independence: 3 March 1878 (as an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire); 22 September 1908 (complete independence from the Ottoman Empire) National holiday: Liberation Day, 3 March (1878) Constitution: adopted 12 July 1991 Legal system: civil law and criminal law based on Roman law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Georgi PURVANOV (since 22 January 2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002) head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Simeon SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA (since 24 July 2001); Deputy Prime Ministers Nikolay VASILEV (since 24 July 2001), Lidiya SHULEVA (since 24 July 2001), and Plamen PANAYOTOV (since 17 July 2003) cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 11 November and 18 November 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister) nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly election results: Georgi PURVANOV elected president; percent of vote - Georgi PURVANOV 54.13%, Petar STOYANOV 45.87% Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Narodno Sobranie (240 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 17 June 2001 (next to be held NA June 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - NMS2 42.74%, UDF 18.18%, CfB 17.15%, MRF 7.45%; seats by party - NMS2 120, UDF 51, CfB 48, MRF 21; note - seating as of January 2005 - NMS2 98, CfB 49, UtDF 28, MRF 20, UDF 14, New Time 13, BANU 11, independents 7 Judicial branch: Supreme Administrative Court; Supreme Court of Cassation; Constitutional Court (12 justices appointed or elected for nine-year terms); Supreme Judicial Council (consists of the chairmen of the two Supreme Courts, the Chief Prosecutor, and 22 other members; responsible for appointing the justices, prosecutors, and investigating magistrates in the justice system; members of the Supreme Judicial Council elected for five-year terms, 11 elected by the National Assembly and 11 by bodies of the judiciary) Political parties and leaders: Bulgarian Agrarian National Union-People's Union or BANU [Anastasia MOZER]; Bulgarian Socialist Party or BSP [Sergei STANISHEV]; Coalition for Bulgaria or CfB (coalition of parties dominated by BSP) [Sergei STANISHEV]; Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria or DSB [Ivan KOSTOV]; Movement for Rights and Freedoms or MRF [Ahmed DOGAN]; National Movement for Simeon II or NMS2 [Simeon SAXE-COBURG-GOTHA]; New Time [Emil KOSHLUKOV]; Union of Democratic Forces or UDF [Nadezhda MIKHAYLOVA]; Union of Free Democrats or UFD [Stefan SOFIYANSKI]; United Democratic Forces or UtDF (a coalition of center-right parties dominated by DSB) Political pressure groups and leaders: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria or CITUB; Podkrepa Labor Confederation; numerous regional, ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas International organization participation: ACCT, Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EU (applicant), FAO, G- 9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IFC, IFRCS, IHO (pending member), ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIK, UNMIL, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate affiliate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Elena B. POPTODOROVA consulate(s): New York FAX: [1] (202) 234-7973 telephone: [1] (202) 387-0174 chancery: 1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James William PARDEW embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407 mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, Department of State, 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740 telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100 FAX: [359] (2) 937-5230 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) Economy Bulgaria Economy - overview: Bulgaria, a former communist country striving to enter the European Union, has experienced macroeconomic stability and strong growth since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the fall of the then socialist government. As a result, the government became committed to economic reform and responsible fiscal planning. A $300 million stand-by agreement negotiated with the IMF at the end of 2001 has supported government efforts to overcome high rates of poverty and unemployment. GDP: purchasing power parity - $57.13 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $7,600 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 11.4% industry: 30% services: 58.6% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 19.6% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 13.4% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 4.5% highest 10%: 22.8% (1997) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 26.4 (2001) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (2003 est.) Labor force: 3.333 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 26%, industry 31%, services 43% (1998 est.) Unemployment rate: 14.3% (2003) Budget: revenues: $8.121 billion expenditures: $8.121 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 48% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers, sugar beets Industries: electricity, gas and water; food, beverages and tobacco; machinery and equipment, base metals, chemical products, coke, refined petroleum, nuclear fuel Industrial production growth rate: 6.3% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 41.38 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 32.52 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 6.79 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 830 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 603 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 94,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 8.1 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 4 million cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 5.804 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 5.8 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 3.724 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-1.666 billion (2003) Exports: $7.337 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: clothing, footwear, iron and steel, machinery and equipment, fuels Exports - partners: Italy 14.1%, Germany 10.9%, Greece 10.5%, Turkey 9.2%, France 5.1%, US 4.5% (2003) Imports: $9.723 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: fuels, minerals, and raw materials; machinery and equipment; metals and ores; chemicals and plastics; food, textiles Imports - partners: Germany 14.4%, Russia 12.6%, Italy 10.3%, Greece 6.7%, Turkey 6.2%, France 5.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $6.705 billion (2003) Debt - external: $12.05 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: $300 million (2000 est.) Currency: lev (BGL) Currency code: BGN Exchange rates: leva per US dollar - 1.7327 (2003), 2.077 (2002), 2.1847 (2001), 2.1233 (2000), 1.8364 (1999) note: on 5 July 1999, the lev was redenominated; the post-5 July 1999 lev is equal to 1,000 of the pre-5 July 1999 lev Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Bulgaria Telephones - main lines in use: 2,868,200 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 2,597,500 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: extensive but antiquated domestic: more than two-thirds of the lines are residential; telephone service is available in most villages; a fairly modern digital cable trunk line now connects switching centers in most of the regions, the others are connected by digital microwave radio relay international: country code - 359; direct dialing to 58 countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intersputnik (Atlantic Ocean region); 2 Intelsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions) Radio broadcast stations: AM 31, FM 63, shortwave 2 (2001) Radios: 4.51 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 39 (plus 1,242 repeaters) (2001) Televisions: 3.31 million (1997) Internet country code: .bg Internet hosts: 53,421 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 200 (2001) Internet users: 630,000 (2002) Transportation Bulgaria Railways: total: 4,294 km standard gauge: 4,049 km 1.435-m gauge (2,710 km electrified) narrow gauge: 245 km 0.760-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 37,286 km paved: 35,049 km (including 324 km of expressways) unpaved: 2,237 km (2000) Waterways: 470 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 2,425 km; oil 339 km; refined products 156 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Burgas, Lom, Nesebur, Ruse, Varna, Vidin Merchant marine: total: 60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 757,972 GRT/1,115,238 DWT by type: bulk 37, cargo 7, chemical tanker 4, container 2, petroleum tanker 3, rail car carrier 2, roll on/roll off 3, short-sea/passenger 1, specialized tanker 1 registered in other countries: 45 (2004 est.) Airports: 212 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 128 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 19 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 92 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 15 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 85 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 72 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Bulgaria Military branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 9 months (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,829,203 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,530,657 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 52,811 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $356 million (FY02) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.6% (2003) Transnational Issues Bulgaria Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: major European transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and, to a lesser degree, South American cocaine for the European market; limited producer of precursor chemicals; some money laundering of drug-related proceeds through financial institutions This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Burkina Faso Introduction Burkina Faso Background: Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries. Geography Burkina Faso Location: Western Africa, north of Ghana Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 2 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 274,200 sq km water: 400 sq km land: 273,800 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Colorado Land boundaries: total: 3,193 km border countries: Benin 306 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Ghana 549 km, Mali 1,000 km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers Terrain: mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Mouhoun (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: 14.43% permanent crops: 0.19% other: 85.38% (2001) Irrigated land: 250 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: recurring droughts Environment - current issues: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: landlocked savanna cut by the three principal rivers of the Black, Red, and White Voltas People Burkina Faso Population: 13,574,820 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 46% (male 3,135,098; female 3,114,354) 15-64 years: 51.1% (male 3,391,848; female 3,545,115) 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 163,137; female 225,268) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 16.8 years male: 16.4 years female: 17.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.57% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 44.46 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 18.79 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 98.67 deaths/1,000 live births female: 90.39 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 106.7 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 44.2 years male: 42.62 years female: 45.83 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.28 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.2% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 300,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 29,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Burkinabe (singular and plural) adjective: Burkinabe Ethnic groups: Mossi over 40%, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani Religions: indigenous beliefs 40%, Muslim 50%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10% Languages: French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 26.6% male: 36.9% female: 16.6% (2003 est.) Government Burkina Faso Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Burkina Faso former: Upper Volta, Republic of Upper Volta Government type: parliamentary republic Capital: Ouagadougou Administrative divisions: 45 provinces; Bale, Bam, Banwa, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Comoe, Ganzourgou, Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Ioba, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komondjari, Kompienga, Kossi, Koulpelogo, Kouritenga, Kourweogo, Leraba, Loroum, Mouhoun, Namentenga, Nahouri, Nayala, Noumbiel, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie, Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Tuy, Yagha, Yatenga, Ziro, Zondoma, Zoundweogo Independence: 5 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Republic Day, 11 December (1958) Constitution: 2 June 1991 approved by referendum; 11 June 1991 formally adopted; ammended April 2000 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law Suffrage: universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987) head of government: Prime Minister Ernest Paramanga YONLI (since 6 November 2000) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 15 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); in April 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidential term from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005, and allowing the president to be reelected only once; it is unclear whether this amendment will be applied retroactively or not; prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the legislature election results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president with 87.5% percent of the vote Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (111 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: National Assembly election last held 5 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CDP 57, RDA-ADF 17, PDP/PS 10, CFD 5, PAI 5, others 17 Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Appeals Court Political parties and leaders: African Democratic Rally-Alliance for Democracy and Federation or RDA-ADF [Herman YAMEOGO]; Confederation for Federation and Democracy or CFD [Amadou Diemdioda DICKO]; Congress for Democracy and Progress or CDP [Roch Marc-Christian KABORE]; Movement for Tolerance and Progress or MTP [Nayabtigungou Congo KABORE]; Party for African Independence or PAI [Philippe OUEDRAOGO]; Party for Democracy and Progress or PDP [Joseph KI-ZERBO]; Union of Greens for the Development of Burkina Faso or UVDB [Ram OVEDRAGO] Political pressure groups and leaders: Burkinabe General Confederation of Labor or CGTB; Burkinabe Movement for Human Rights or MBDHP; Group of 14 February; National Confederation of Burkinabe Workers or CNTB; National Organization of Free Unions or ONSL; watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OIC, ONUB, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tertius ZONGO FAX: [1] (202) 667-1882 telephone: [1] (202) 332-5577 chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony HOLMES embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4 mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - U. S. Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440 telephone: [226] 306723 FAX: [226] 303890 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 Economy Burkina Faso Economy - overview: One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has few natural resources, a fragile soil, and a highly unequal distribution of income. About 90% of the population is engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture, which is vulnerable to variations in rainfall. Cotton is the key crop. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the African franc currency devaluation in January 1994 the government updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies, and exports and economic growth have increased. Maintenance of macroeconomic progress depends on continued low inflation, reduction in the trade deficit, and reforms designed to encourage private investment. The internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire continues to hurt trade and industrial prospects and deepens the need for international assistance. GDP: purchasing power parity - $14.55 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 39.8% industry: 19.6% services: 40.5% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 29% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 45% (2003 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2% highest 10%: 46.8% (1994) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 48.2 (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (2003 est.) Labor force: 5 million note: a large part of the male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 90% (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: $599.8 million expenditures: $748.8 million NA, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Agriculture - products: cotton, peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold Industrial production growth rate: 14% (2001 est.) Electricity - production: 279.2 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 259.6 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 8,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-341 million (2003) Exports: $293 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: cotton, livestock, gold Exports - partners: Singapore 12.8%, China 11.6%, Thailand 8%, Italy 6.4%, India 6%, Colombia 5.2%, Ghana 5.2%, France 4.8%, Niger 4% (2003) Imports: $633.6 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, petroleum Imports - partners: France 31.2%, Cote d'Ivoire 14.6%, Togo 9%, Belgium 5% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $379 million (2003) Debt - external: $1.3 billion (2000) Economic aid - recipient: $484.1 million (1995) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States Currency code: XOF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Burkina Faso Telephones - main lines in use: 65,400 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 227,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: all services only fair domestic: microwave radio relay, open-wire, and radiotelephone communication stations international: country code - 226; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 17, shortwave 3 (2002) Radios: 394,020 (2000) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002) Televisions: 131,340 (2002) Internet country code: .bf Internet hosts: 442 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002) Internet users: 48,000 (2003) Transportation Burkina Faso Railways: total: 622 km narrow gauge: 622 km 1.000-m gauge note:: another 660 km of this railway extends into Cote D'Ivoire (2003) Highways: total: 12,506 km paved: 2,001 km unpaved: 10,505 km (1999) Ports and harbors: none Airports: 33 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 31 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 17 (2004 est.) Military Burkina Faso Military branches: Army, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 20 years of age for voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 3,047,306 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,552,212 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $52.7 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.6% (2003) Transnational Issues Burkina Faso Disputes - international: two villages are in dispute along the border with Benin; Benin accuses Burkina Faso of moving boundary pillars; Burkina Faso border regions have become a staging area for Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire rebels and an asylum for refugees caught in regional fighting; the Ivoirian Government accuses Burkina Faso of supporting Ivoirian rebels This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Burma Introduction Burma Background: Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886) and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and later as political kingpin. Despite multiparty legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory, the ruling junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in May 2003 and is currently under house arrest. In December 2004, the junta announced it was extending her detention for at least an additional year. Her supporters, as well as all those who promote democracy and improved human rights, are routinely harassed or jailed. Geography Burma 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: 678,500 sq km land: 657,740 sq km water: 20,760 sq km Area - comparative: 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: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm 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 Elevation extremes: 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, hydropower Land use: arable land: 15.19% permanent crops: 0.97% other: 83.84% (2001) Irrigated land: 15,920 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts Environment - current issues: deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes People Burma Population: 42,720,196 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 27.6% (male 6,023,874; female 5,774,055) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 14,317,308; female 14,504,500) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 927,570; female 1,172,889) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 25.7 years male: 25.2 years female: 26.3 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.47% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 18.64 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 12.16 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 68.78 deaths/1,000 live births female: 62.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 74.78 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.01 years male: 54.22 years female: 57.9 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 1.2% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 330,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 20,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, leptospirosis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Burmese (singular and plural) adjective: Burmese Ethnic groups: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5% Religions: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%, animist 1%, other 2% Languages: Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 85.3% male: 89.2% female: 81.4% (2002) Government Burma Country name: conventional long form: Union of Burma conventional short form: Burma local short form: Myanma Naingngandaw former: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma local long form: Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar) note: since 1989 the military authorities in Burma have promoted the name Myanmar as a conventional name for their state; this decision was not approved by any sitting legislature in Burma, and the US Government did not adopt the name, which is a derivative of the Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw Government type: military junta Capital: Rangoon (government refers to the capital as Yangon) Administrative divisions: 7 divisions (taing-myar, singular - taing) and 7 states (pyi ne-myar, singular - pyi ne) : divisions: Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Yangon (Rangoon) : states: Chin State, Kachin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Shan State Independence: 4 January 1948 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947) Constitution: 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national convention convened in 1993 to draft a new constitution but collapsed in 1996; reconvened in 2004 but does not include participation of democratic opposition Legal system: has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) head of government: Prime Minister, Gen SOE WIN (since 19 October 2004) elections: none cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta, so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18 September 1988 under the name State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC); the SPDC oversees the cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral People's Assembly or Pyithu Hluttaw (485 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - NLD 392 (opposition), SNLD 23 (opposition), NUP 10 (pro-government), other 60 elections: last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never allowed by junta to convene Judicial branch: remnants of the British-era legal system are in place, but there is no guarantee of a fair public trial; the judiciary is not independent of the executive Political parties and leaders: National League for Democracy or NLD [AUNG SHWE, chairman, AUNG SAN SUU KYI, general secretary]; National Unity Party or NUP (progovernment) [THA KYAW]; Shan Nationalities League for Democracy or SNLD [KHUN HTUN OO]; and other smaller parties Political pressure groups and leaders: National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma or NCGUB (self-proclaimed government in exile) ["Prime Minister" Dr. SEIN WIN] consists of individuals, some legitimately elected to the People's Assembly in 1990 (the group fled to a border area and joined insurgents in December 1990 to form parallel government in exile); Kachin Independence Army or KIA; Karen National Union or KNU; several Shan factions; United Wa State Army or UWSA; Union Solidarity and Development Association or USDA (progovernment, a social and political organization) [THAN AUNG, general secretary] International organization participation: ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: vacant chancery: 2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: New York (UN) FAX: [1] (202) 332-9046 telephone: [1] (202) 332-9044 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Carmen M. MARTINEZ embassy: 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (GPO 521) mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546 telephone: [95] (1) 379 880, 379 881 FAX: [95] (1) 256 018 Flag description: red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, 14 white five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of rice; the 14 stars represent the 7 administrative divisions and 7 states Economy Burma Economy - overview: Burma is a resource-rich country that suffers from government controls and abject rural poverty. The military regime took steps in the early 1990s to liberalize the economy after decades of failure under the "Burmese Way to Socialism", but those efforts have since stalled. Burma has been unable to achieve monetary or fiscal stability, resulting in an economy that suffers from serious macroeconomic imbalances - including a steep inflation rate and an official exchange rate that overvalues the Burmese kyat by more than 100 times the market rate. In addition, most overseas development assistance ceased after the junta suppressed the democracy movement in 1988 and subsequently ignored the results of the 1990 election. A crisis in the private banking sector in early 2003 followed by economic moves against Burma by the United States, the European Union, and Japan - including a US ban on imports from Burma and a Japanese freeze on new bilateral economic aid - further weakened the Burmese economy. Burma is data poor, and official statistics are often dated and inaccurate. Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because of the size of the black market and border trade - often estimated to be one to two times the official economy. Better relations with foreign countries and relaxed controls at home are needed to promote foreign investment, exports, and tourism. In February 2003, a major banking crisis hit the country's 20 private banks, shutting them down and disrupting the economy. In July and August 2003, the United States imposed a ban on all Burmese imports and a ban on provision of financial services, hampering Burma's ability to obtain foreign exchange. As of January 2004, the largest private banks remained moribund, leaving the private sector with little formal access to credit outside of government contracts. GDP: purchasing power parity - $74.53 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -0.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 57.2% industry: 9.6% services: 33.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 11.8% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 25% (2000 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 32.4% (1998) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 49.7% (2003 est.) Labor force: 22.14 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 70%, industry 7%, services 23% (2001 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.2% (2003) Budget: revenues: $7.9 billion expenditures: $12.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $5.7 billion (FY96/97) Agriculture - products: rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane; hardwood; fish and fish products Industries: agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer; cement Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 6.139 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 5.709 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 18,590 bbl/day (2002 est.) Oil - consumption: 38,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 115 million bbl (1 January 2003) Natural gas - production: 7.35 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 2.15 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 5.2 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 314.4 billion cu m (1 January 2003) Current account balance: $-35 million (2003) Exports: $2.434 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: Clothing, gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice Exports - partners: Thailand 31.5%, US 10.2%, India 9.3%, China 5.8%, Japan 4.8% (2003) Imports: $2.071 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: Fabric, petroleum products, plastics, machinery, transport equipment, construction materials, crude oil; food products Imports - partners: China 31.1%, Singapore 22.3%, Thailand 15.1%, South Korea 6.3%, Malaysia 4.8%, Japan 4.3% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $562 million (2003) Debt - external: $6.011 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $127 million (2001 est.) Currency: kyat (MMK) Currency code: MMK Exchange rates: kyats per US dollar - 6.0764 (2003), 6.5734 (2002), 6.6841 (2001), 6.5167 (2000), 6.2858 (1999) note: these are official exchange rates; unofficial exchange rates ranged in 2003 from 100 kyat/US dollar to nearly 1000 kyat/US dollar Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Burma Telephones - main lines in use: 357,300 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 66,500 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: barely meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and government; international service is fair domestic: NA international: country code - 95; satellite earth station - 2, Intelsat (Indian Ocean), and ShinSat Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1 (2004) Radios: 4.2 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 2 (2004) Televisions: 320,000 (2000) Internet country code: .mm Internet hosts: 3 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 note: as of September 2000, Internet connections were legal only for the government, tourist offices, and a few large businesses (2000) Internet users: 28,000 (2003) Transportation Burma Railways: total: 3,955 km narrow gauge: 3,955 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 28,200 km paved: 3,440 km unpaved: 24,760 km (1996 est.) Waterways: 12,800 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 2,056 km; oil 558 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bhamo, Chauk, Mandalay, Moulmein, Myitkyina, Pathein, Rangoon, Sittwe, Tavoy Merchant marine: total: 31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 384,529 GRT/608,609 DWT foreign-owned: Germany 6, Japan 4 (2004 est.) by type: bulk 8, cargo 18, container 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1 Airports: 79 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 9 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 5 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 69 under 914 m: 31 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 20 over 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Burma Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service for both sexes (May 2002) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 12,450,884 females age 15-49: 12,457,077 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 6,609,995 females age 15-49: 6,595,611 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 441,333 females: 440,914 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $39 million (FY97) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.1% (FY97) Transnational Issues Burma Disputes - international: despite continuing border committee talks, significant differences remain with Thailand over boundary alignment and the handling of ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities; groups in Burma and Thailand express concern over China's construction of 13 hydroelectric dams on the Salween River in Yunnan Province; India seeks cooperation from Burma to keep out Indian Nagaland insurgents Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 600,000 - 1,000,000 (government offensives against ethnic insurgent groups near borders; most IDPs are ethnic Karen, Karenni, Shan, and Mon) (2004) Illicit drugs: world's second largest producer of illicit opium (potential production in 2003 - 484 metric tons, down 23% due to eradication efforts and alternate development; cultivation in 2003 - 47,130 hectares, a 39% decline from 2002); surrender of drug warlord KHUN SA's Mong Tai Army in January 1996 was hailed by Rangoon as a major counternarcotics success, but lack of government will and ability to take on major narcotrafficking groups and lack of serious commitment against money laundering continues to hinder the overall antidrug effort; major source of methamphetamine and heroin for regional consumption; currently under Financial Action Task Force countermeasures due to continued failure to address its inadequate money-laundering controls This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Burundi Introduction Burundi Background: Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only one hundred days in office. Since then, some 200,000 Burundians have perished in widespread, often intense ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. Hundreds of thousands have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries. Burundi troops, seeking to secure their borders, briefly intervened in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1998. A new transitional government, inaugurated on 1 November 2001, signed a power-sharing agreement with the largest rebel faction in December 2003 and set in place a provisional constitution in October 2004. Implementation of the agreement has been problematic, however, as one remaining rebel group refuses to sign on and elections have been repeatedly delayed, clouding prospects for a sustainable peace. Geography Burundi Location: Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo Geographic coordinates: 3 30 S, 30 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 27,830 sq km water: 2,180 sq km land: 25,650 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: total: 974 km border countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo 233 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: equatorial; high plateau with considerable altitude variation (772 m to 2,670 m above sea level); average annual temperature varies with altitude from 23 to 17 degrees centigrade but is generally moderate as the average altitude is about 1,700 m; average annual rainfall is about 150 cm; wet seasons from February to May and September to November, and dry seasons from June to August and December to January Terrain: hilly and mountainous, dropping to a plateau in east, some plains Elevation extremes: lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m highest point: Mount Heha 2,670 m Natural resources: nickel, uranium, rare earth oxides, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet exploited), vanadium, arable land, hydropower Land use: arable land: 35.05% permanent crops: 14.02% other: 50.93% (2001) Irrigated land: 740 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: flooding, landslides, drought 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed; the Kagera, which drains into Lake Victoria, is the most remote headstream of the White Nile People Burundi Population: 6,231,221 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 46.4% (male 1,459,251; female 1,430,332) 15-64 years: 50.9% (male 1,566,274; female 1,607,705) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 66,306; female 101,353) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 16.5 years male: 16.1 years female: 16.8 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.2% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 39.68 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 17.61 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 70.4 deaths/1,000 live births female: 63.45 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 77.15 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 43.36 years male: 42.73 years female: 44 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.9 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 6% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 250,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 25,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Burundian(s) adjective: Burundian Ethnic groups: Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%, Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000 Religions: Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 23%, Muslim 10% Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in the Bujumbura area) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 51.6% male: 58.5% female: 45.2% (2003 est.) Government Burundi Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Burundi conventional short form: Burundi local short form: Burundi local long form: Republika y'u Burundi former: Urundi Government type: republic Capital: Bujumbura Administrative divisions: 16 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi, Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Mwaro, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Constitution: 13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural political system; supplanted on 20 October 2004 by a provisional constitution approved by the parliament, which extended the transition, set ethnic quotas for government positions, and tentatively scheduled elections for February-April 2005 Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult Executive branch: chief of state: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April 2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the second half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on 1 November 2001; Vice President Frederic NGENZEBUHORO (since 11 November 2004) head of government: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April 2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for the second half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on 1 November 2001; Vice President Frederic NGENZEBUHORO (since 11 November 2004) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by president elections: NA; current president assumed power on 30 April 2003 as part of the transitional government established by the 2000 Arusha Accord Legislative branch: bicameral, consists of a National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (expanded from 121 to approximately 140 seats under the transitional government inaugurated 1 November 2001; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and a Senate (54 seats; term length is undefined, the current senators will likely serve out the three-year transition period) elections: last held 29 June 1993 (next was scheduled to be held in 1998, but was suspended by presidential decree in 1996; elections are planned to follow the completion of the three-year transitional government) election results: percent of vote by party - FRODEBU 71.04%, UPRONA 21.4%, other 7.56%; seats by party - FRODEBU 65, UPRONA 16, civilians 27, other parties 13 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal (there are three in separate locations); Tribunals of First Instance (17 at the province level and 123 small local tribunals) Political parties and leaders: the two national, mainstream, governing parties are: Unity for National Progress or UPRONA [Alphonse KADEGE, president]; Burundi Democratic Front or FRODEBU [Jean MINANI, president] note: a multiparty system was introduced after 1998, included are: Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation or ABASA [Terrence NSANZE]; Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development or RADDES [Joseph NZEYIMANA]; Party for National Redress or PARENA [Jean-Baptiste BAGAZA]; People's Reconciliation Party or PRP [Mathias HITIMANA] Political pressure groups and leaders: loosely organized Hutu and Tutsi militias, often affiliated with Hutu and Tutsi extremist parties or subordinate to government security forces International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Antoine NTAMOBWA chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 FAX: [1] (202) 342-2578 telephone: [1] (202) 342-2574 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador James Howard YELLIN embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura telephone: [257] 223454 FAX: [257] 222926 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) Economy Burundi Economy - overview: Burundi is a landlocked, resource-poor country with an underdeveloped manufacturing sector. The economy is predominantly agricultural with roughly 90% of the population dependent on subsistence agriculture. Economic growth depends on coffee and tea exports, which account for 90% of foreign exchange earnings. The ability to pay for imports, therefore, rests primarily on weather conditions and international coffee and tea prices. The Tutsi minority, 14% of the population, dominates the government and the coffee trade at the expense of the Hutu majority, 85% of the population. Since October 1993 an ethnic-based war has resulted in more than 200,000 deaths, forced 800,000 refugees into Tanzania, and displaced 525,000 others internally. Doubts about the prospects for sustainable peace continue to impede development. Only one in two children go to school, and approximately one in ten adults has HIV/AIDS. Food, medicine, and electricity remain in short supply. GDP: purchasing power parity - $3.78 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -1.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $600 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 47.4% industry: 19.3% services: 33.3% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 9.8% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 68% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.8% highest 10%: 32.9% (1998) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 42.5 (1998) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.7% (2003 est.) Labor force: 2.99 million (2002) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 93.6%, industry 2.3%, services 4.1% (2002 est.) Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: $179.4 million expenditures: $209 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, cotton, tea, corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc (tapioca); beef, milk, hides Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing Industrial production growth rate: 18% (2001) Electricity - production: 155.4 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 177.5 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 33 million kWh; note - supplied by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 2,750 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-35 million (2003) Exports: $40 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: coffee, tea, sugar, cotton, hides Exports - partners: Switzerland 31.6%, UK 15.8%, Netherlands 5.3%, Rwanda 5.3% (2003) Imports: $128 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: capital goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs Imports - partners: Kenya 14.6%, Tanzania 11.5%, Uganda 5.7%, France 5.1%, Zambia 5.1%, China 4.5%, India 4.5%, Japan 4.5% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $67.4 million (2003) Debt - external: $1.133 billion (2002) Economic aid - recipient: $92.7 million (2000) Currency: Burundi franc (BIF) Currency code: BIF Exchange rates: Burundi francs per US dollar - 1,082.62 (2003), 930.75 (2002), 830.35 (2001), 720.67 (2000), 563.56 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Burundi Telephones - main lines in use: 23,900 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 64,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: primitive system domestic: sparse system of open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave radio relay international: country code - 257; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001) Radios: 440,000 (2001) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001) Televisions: 25,000 (1997) Internet country code: .bi Internet hosts: 22 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 14,000 (2003) Transportation Burundi Highways: total: 14,480 km paved: 1,028 km unpaved: 13,452 km (1999 est.) Waterways: mainly on Lake Tanganyika (2004) Ports and harbors: Bujumbura Airports: 8 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 3 (2004 est.) Military Burundi Military branches: Army (including Naval Detachment and Air Wing), National Gendarmerie Military manpower - military age and obligation: 16 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,419,755 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 747,400 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 81,862 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $33.3 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 6% (2003) Transnational Issues Burundi Disputes - international: Tutsi, Hutu, and other conflicting ethnic groups, associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces continue fighting in the Great Lakes region, transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda to gain control over populated and natural resource areas; government heads pledge to end conflict, but localized violence continues despite UN peacekeeping efforts Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 60,288 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) IDPs: 140,000 (armed conflict between government and rebels; most IDPs in northern and western Burundi) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cambodia Introduction Cambodia Background: Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, whose Angkor Empire extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Subsequently, attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire ushering in a long period of decline. In 1863, the king of Cambodia placed the country under French protection; it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia became independent within the French Union in 1949 and fully independent in 1953. After a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in April 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all cities and towns; at least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, enforced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, led to a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy and the final elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The July 2003 elections were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. Nation-wide local elections are scheduled for 2007 and national elections for 2008. Geography Cambodia Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 105 00 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 181,040 sq km land: 176,520 sq km water: 4,520 sq km Area - comparative: 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: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m Natural resources: oil and gas, timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential Land use: arable land: 20.96% permanent crops: 0.61% other: 78.43% (2001) Irrigated land: 2,700 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts Environment - current issues: illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because of illegal fishing and overfishing Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap People Cambodia Population: 13,363,421 note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 38.3% (male 2,583,606; female 2,534,460) 15-64 years: 58.6% (male 3,742,178; female 4,095,303) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 149,466; female 258,408) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 19.5 years male: 18.8 years female: 20.4 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.8% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 27.13 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 9.1 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 73.67 deaths/1,000 live births female: 64.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 82.51 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 58.41 years male: 55.71 years female: 61.23 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.51 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 2.6% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 170,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 15,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Cambodian(s) adjective: Cambodian Ethnic groups: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4% Religions: Theravada Buddhist 95%, other 5% Languages: Khmer (official) 95%, French, English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 69.4% male: 80.8% female: 59.3% (2002) Government Cambodia Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia conventional short form: Cambodia local short form: Kampuchea former: Kingdom of Cambodia, Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia local long form: Preahreacheanacha Kampuchea (phonetic pronunciation) Government type: multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993 Capital: Phnom Penh Administrative divisions: 20 provinces (khaitt, singular and plural) and 4 municipalities (krong, singular and plural) : provinces: Banteay Mean Chey, Batdambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal, Koh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Otdar Mean Chey, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Rotanakir, Siem Reab, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takao : municipalities: Keb, Pailin, Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk (formerly Kompong Som) Independence: 9 November 1953 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 9 November (1953) Constitution: promulgated 21 September 1993 Legal system: primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature, with influences of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing influence of common law in recent years Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004) head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985) and Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992), Norodom SIRIVUDH, SOK AN, LU LAY SRENG, TEA BANH, HOR NAMHONG, NHEK BUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004) elections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council; following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the king cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; in practice named by the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral consists of the National Assembly (123 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Senate (61 seats; two members appointed by the monarch, two elected by the National Assembly, and 57 elected by "functional constituencies"; members serve five-year terms) election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 47%, SRP 22%, FUNCINPEC 21%, other 10%; seats by party - CPP 73, FUNCINPEC 26, SRP 24; Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPP 31, FUNCINPEC 21, SRP 7, other 2 (July 2003) elections: National Assembly - last held 27 July 2003 (next to be held in July 2008); Senate - last held 2 March 1999 (scheduled to be held in 2004 but delayed) Judicial branch: Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower courts) exercises judicial authority Political parties and leaders: Cambodian Pracheachon Party (Cambodian People's Party) or CPP [CHEA SIM]; National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia or FUNCINPEC [Prince NORODOM Ranariddh]; Sam Rangsi Party or SRP [SAM RANGSI] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (subscriber), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW (signatory), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador EK SEREYWATH chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381 telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles Aaron RAY embassy: 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546 telephone: [855] (23) 216-436/438 FAX: [855] (23) 216-437/811 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; only national flag to incorporate a building in its design Economy Cambodia Economy - overview: Cambodia's economy slowed dramatically in 1997-1998 due to the regional economic crisis, civil violence, and political infighting. Foreign investment and tourism fell off. In 1999, the first full year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic reforms. Growth resumed and has remained about 5.0% during 2000-2003. Tourism was Cambodia's fastest growing industry, with arrivals up 34% in 2000 and up another 40% in 2001 before the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. Cambodia expects 1 million foreign tourists in 2004. Economic growth has been largely driven by expansion in the clothing sector and tourism. Clothing exports were fostered by the U.S.-Cambodian Bilateral Textile Agreement signed in 1999. Even given Cambodia's recent growth, the long-term development of the economy after decades of war remains a daunting challenge. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure. Fear of renewed political instability and a dysfunctional legal system coupled with government corruption discourage foreign investment. The Cambodian government continues to work with bilateral and multilateral donors to address the country's many pressing needs. The major economic challenge for Cambodia over the next decade will be fashioning an economic environment in which the private sector can create enough jobs to handle Cambodia's demographic imbalance. About 60% of the population is 20 years or younger; most of these citizens will seek to enter the workforce over the course of the next 10 years. GDP: purchasing power parity - $25.02 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 35% industry: 30% services: 35% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 15.9% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 36% (1997 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.9% highest 10%: 33.8% (1997) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 40.4 (1997) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.7% (2003 est.) Labor force: 7 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 75% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.5% (2000 est.) Budget: revenues: $476.5 million expenditures: $734.8 million, including capital expenditures of $291 million of which 75% was financed by external assistance (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cashews, tapioca Industries: tourism, garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 22% (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 119 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 110.6 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 3,600 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-218.1 million (2003) Exports: $1.616 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: Clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco, footwear Exports - partners: US 58.4%, Germany 10.3%, UK 7.2% (2003) Imports: $2.124 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: petroleum products, cigarettes, gold, construction materials, machinery, motor vehicles, pharmaceutical products Imports - partners: Thailand 26.4%, Hong Kong 14.4%, Singapore 11.8%, China 11.3%, Vietnam 8.3%, Taiwan 8%, South Korea 4.1% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $861.4 million (2003) Debt - external: $2.4 billion (2002 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $548 million pledged in grants and concessional loans for 2001 by international donors (actual disbursement in 2002 was about $500 million) Currency: riel (KHR) Currency code: KHR Exchange rates: riels per US dollar - 3,973.33 (2003), 3,912.08 (2002), 3,916.33 (2001), 3,840.75 (2000), 3,807.83 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Cambodia Telephones - main lines in use: 35,400 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 380,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: adequate landline and/or cellular service in Phnom Penh and other provincial cities; mobile phone coverage is rapidly expanding in rural areas domestic: NA international: country code - 855; adequate but expensive landline and cellular service available to all countries from Phnom Penh and major provincial cities; satellite earth station - 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 17, (2003) Radios: 1.34 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 7 (2003) Televisions: 94,000 (1997) Internet country code: .kh Internet hosts: 818 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: 30,000 (2002) Transportation Cambodia Railways: total: 602 km narrow gauge: 602 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 12,323 km paved: 1,996 km unpaved: 10,327 km (2000 est) Waterways: 2,400 km (mainly on Mekong River) (2004) Ports and harbors: Kampong Som (Sihanoukville), Kampot, Krong Kaoh Kong, Phnom Penh, Sre Ambol, Keo Phoh Port (privately owned) (2003) Merchant marine: total: 467 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,913,910 GRT/2,713,967 DWT registered in other countries: 19 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Algeria 2, Angola 1, Aruba 1, Bahamas 1, Belize 10, British Virgin Islands 7, Bulgaria 1, Canada 4, China 35, Cyprus 14, Egypt 8, Finland 1, France 1, Georgia 1, Germany 1, Gibraltar 1, Greece 9, Honduras 8, Hong Kong 12, Indonesia 2, Iran 1, Italy 2, Japan 1, Jordan 1, North Korea 2, South Korea 31, Lebanon 2, Liberia 7, Malaysia 1, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 11, Netherlands 2, Nigeria 2, Norway 1, Panama 8, Romania 1, Russia 81, Saint Kitts and Nevis 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Samoa 2, Singapore 7, Spain 1, Syria 19, Taiwan 1, Turkey 11 by type: bulk 42, cargo 360, chemical tanker 6, combination bulk 3, container 13, liquefied gas 1, livestock carrier 4, multi-functional large load carrier 1, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 16, refrigerated cargo 13, roll on/roll off 5, short-sea/passenger 2 Airports: 20 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 14 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 11 Heliports: 2 (2003 est.) Military Cambodia Military branches: Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for all males; conscription law passed September 2004; service obligation is 18 months (September 2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 3,402,703 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,899,710 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 170,072 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $112 million (FY01 est.) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3% (FY01 est.) Transnational Issues Cambodia Disputes - international: land boundary disputes persist among Cambodian claims that Thailand and Vietnam moved or destroyed boundary markers; maritime boundary with Vietnam is hampered by dispute over offshore islands; Cambodia periodically accuses Thailand of obstructing access to Preah Vihear temple ruins awarded to Cambodia by ICJ decision in 1962; 2003 anti-Thai riots in Phnom Penh resulted in the destruction of the Thai Embassy, damage to 17 Thai-owned businesses, and disputes over full payment of compensation Illicit drugs: narcotics-related corruption reportedly involving some in the government, military, and police; possible small-scale opium, heroin, and amphetamine production; large producer of cannabis for the international market; vulnerable to money laundering due to its cash-based economy and porous borders This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cameroon Introduction Cameroon Background: The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy. Geography Cameroon Location: Western Africa, bordering the Bight of Biafra, between Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria Geographic coordinates: 6 00 N, 12 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 475,440 sq km water: 6,000 sq km land: 469,440 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total: 4,591 km border countries: Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Republic of the Congo 523 km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km Coastline: 402 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 50 nm 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 Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Fako (on Mount Cameroon) 4,095 m Natural resources: petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land: 12.81% permanent crops: 2.58% other: 84.61% (2001) Irrigated land: 330 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes Environment - current issues: water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching; overfishing Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano People Cameroon Population: 16,063,678 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42% (male 3,416,086; female 3,334,904) 15-64 years: 54.8% (male 4,425,246; female 4,370,329) 65 years and over: 3.2% (male 233,506; female 283,607) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 18.5 years male: 18.3 years female: 18.6 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.97% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 35.08 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 15.34 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 69.18 deaths/1,000 live births female: 65.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 73.16 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.95 years male: 47.1 years female: 48.83 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.55 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 6.9% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 560,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 49,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, yellow fever, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Cameroonian(s) adjective: Cameroonian Ethnic groups: 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 40%, Christian 40%, Muslim 20% Languages: 24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 79% male: 84.7% female: 73.4% (2003 est.) Government Cameroon Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cameroon conventional short form: Cameroon former: French Cameroon Government type: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990) note: preponderance of power remains with the president Capital: Yaounde Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest Independence: 1 January 1960 (from French-administered UN trusteeship) National holiday: Republic Day (National Day), 20 May (1972) Constitution: 20 May 1972 approved by referendum; 2 June 1972 formally adopted; revised January 1996 Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 11 October 2004 (next to be held NA October 2011); prime minister appointed by the president head of government: Prime Minister Ephraim INONI (since 8 Dec 2004) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submitted by the prime minister election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote - Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, Garga Haman ADJI 3.7% Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (180 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - the president can either lengthen or shorten the term of the legislature) elections: last held 23 June 2002 (next to be held NA 2007) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - RDCP 133, SDF 21, UDC 5, other 21 note: the constitution calls for an upper chamber for the legislature, to be called a Senate, but it has yet to be established Judicial branch: Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president); High Court of Justice (consists of 9 judges and 6 substitute judges, elected by the National Assembly) Political parties and leaders: Cameroonian Democratic Union or UDC [Adamou NDAM NJOYA]; Democratic Rally of the Cameroon People or RDCP [Paul BIYA]; Movement for the Defense of the Republic or MDR [Dakole DAISSALA]; Movement for the Liberation and Development of Cameroon or MLDC [leader Marcel YONDO]; Movement for the Youth of Cameroon or MYC [Dieudonne TINA]; National Union for Democracy and Progress or UNDP [Maigari BELLO BOUBA]; Social Democratic Front or SDF [John FRU NDI]; Union of Cameroonian Populations or UPC [Augustin Frederic KODOCK] Political pressure groups and leaders: Southern Cameroon National Council [Ayamba Ette OTUN]; Human Rights Defense Group [Albert MUKONG, president] International organization participation: ABEDA, ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, C, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIK, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA chancery: 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 387-3826 telephone: [1] (202) 265-8790 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador George McDade STAPLES embassy: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520 telephone: [237] 223-05-12, 222-25-89, 222-17-94, 223-40-14 FAX: [237] 223-07-53 branch office(s): Douala 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 Economy Cameroon Economy - overview: Because of its oil resources and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as a top-heavy civil service and a generally unfavorable climate for business enterprise. Since 1990, the government has embarked on various IMF and World Bank programs designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, improve trade, and recapitalize the nation's banks. In June 2000, the government completed an IMF-sponsored, three-year structural adjustment program; however, the IMF is pressing for more reforms, including increased budget transparency, privatization, and poverty reduction programs. International oil and cocoa prices have considerable impact on the economy. GDP: purchasing power parity - $27.75 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.2% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 42.6% industry: 19.8% services: 37.6% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 19.4% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 48% (2000 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.9% highest 10%: 36.6% (1996) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 47.7 (1996) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (2003 est.) Labor force: 6.49 million NA (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 70%, industry and commerce 13%, other 17% Unemployment rate: 30% (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.442 billion expenditures: $1.941 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 57.1% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, root starches; livestock; timber Industries: petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods, textiles, lumber Industrial production growth rate: 4.2% (1999 est.) Electricity - production: 3.613 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 3.36 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 76,650 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 22,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 200 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 55.22 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-564 million (2003) Exports: $1.873 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, lumber, cocoa beans, aluminum, coffee, cotton Exports - partners: Spain 21.9%, Italy 13.4%, France 10.8%, Netherlands 10.6%, US 7.5%, China 4.4% (2003) Imports: $1.959 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery, electrical equipment, transport equipment, fuel, food Imports - partners: France 21.9%, Nigeria 9.5%, Japan 6.8%, US 5.7%, China 4.9%, Germany 4.3% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $634 million (2003) Debt - external: $7.236 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: on 23 January 2001, the Paris Club agreed to reduce Cameroon's debt of $1.3 billion by $900 million; debt relief now totals $1.26 billion Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States Currency code: XAF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Cameroon Telephones - main lines in use: 110,900 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.077 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: available only to business and government domestic: cable, microwave radio relay, and tropospheric scatter international: country code - 237; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); fiber optic submarine cable (SAT-3/WASC) provides connectivity to Europe and Asia Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (2002) Radios: 2.27 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002) Televisions: 450,000 (1997) Internet country code: .cm Internet hosts: 479 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002) Internet users: 60,000 (2002) note: Cameroon also had more than 100 cyber-cafes in 2001 Transportation Cameroon Railways: total: 1,008 km narrow gauge: 1,008 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 34,300 km paved: 4,288 km unpaved: 30,012 km (1999 est.) Waterways: navigation mainly on Benue River; limited during rainy season (2004) Pipelines: gas 90 km; liquid petroleum gas 9 km; oil 1,120 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bonaberi, Douala, Garoua, Kribi, Tiko Merchant marine: total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 169,593 GRT/357,023 DWT by type: petroleum tanker 1 (2004 est.) Airports: 47 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 11 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 36 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 9 (2004 est.) Military Cameroon Military branches: Army, Navy (includes Naval Infantry), Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (1999) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 3,898,944 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,979,151 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 184,054 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $189.2 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.4% (2003) Transnational Issues Cameroon Disputes - international: ICJ ruled in 2002 on the entire Cameroon-Nigeria land and maritime boundary but the parties formed a Joint Border Commission to resolve differences bilaterally and have commenced with demarcation in less-contested sections of the boundary, starting in Lake Chad in the north; the ICF ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, however, implementation of the decision is delayed due to imprecisely defined coordinates, the unresolved Bakasi allocation, and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River; Nigeria initially rejected cession of the Bakasi Peninsula; Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over the lake region, which remains the site of armed clashes among local populations and militias Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 39,261 (Chad), 16,983 (Nigeria), 9,634 (Cote d'Ivoire) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Canada Introduction Canada Background: A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Canada's paramount political problem is meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and education services after a decade of budget cuts. The issue of reconciling Quebec's francophone heritage with the majority anglophone Canadian population has moved to the back burner in recent years; support for separatism abated after the Quebec government's referendum on independence failed to pass in October of 1995. Geography Canada Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US Geographic coordinates: 60 00 N, 95 00 W Map references: North America Area: total: 9,984,670 sq km land: 9,093,507 sq km water: 891,163 sq km Area - comparative: somewhat larger than the US Land boundaries: total: 8,893 km border countries: US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska) Coastline: 202,080 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north Terrain: mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m Natural resources: iron ore, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, diamonds, silver, fish, timber, wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas, hydropower Land use: arable land: 4.96% permanent crops: 0.02% other: 95.02% (2001) Irrigated land: 7,200 sq km (1998 est.) 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 east of the mountains 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 Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; approximately 90% of the population is concentrated within 160 km of the US border People Canada Population: 32,507,874 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 18.2% (male 3,038,800; female 2,890,579) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 11,225,686; female 11,111,941) 65 years and over: 13% (male 1,807,472; female 2,433,396) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 38.2 years male: 37.2 years female: 39.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.92% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 10.91 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.67 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 5.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births female: 4.33 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 5.28 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.96 years male: 76.59 years female: 83.5 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.61 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 56,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,500 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Canadian(s) adjective: Canadian Ethnic groups: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26% Religions: Roman Catholic 46%, Protestant 36%, other 18% note: based on the 1991 census Languages: English 59.3% (official), French 23.2% (official), other 17.5% Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97% (1986 est.) male: NA female: NA Government Canada Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Canada Government type: confederation with parliamentary democracy Capital: Ottawa Administrative divisions: 10 provinces and 3 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Nunavut*, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory* Independence: 1 July 1867 (union of British North American colonies); 11 December 1931 (independence recognized) National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867) Constitution: 17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery of the government was set up in the British North America Act of 1867; 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), represented by Governor General Adrienne CLARKSON (since 7 October 1999) elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for a five-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the House of Commons is automatically designated prime minister by the governor general head of government: Prime Minister Paul MARTIN (since 12 December 2003); Deputy Prime Minister Anne MCLELLAN (since 12 December 2003) cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister from among the members of his own party sitting in Parliament Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (members appointed by the governor general with the advice of the prime minister and serve until reaching 75 years of age; its normal limit is 105 senators) and the House of Commons or Chambre des Communes (308 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve for up to five-year terms) elections: House of Commons - last held 28 June 2004 (next to be held by NA 2009) election results: House of Commons - percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 36.7%, Conservative Party 29.6%, New Democratic Party 15.7%, Bloc Quebecois 12.4%, Greens 4.3%, independents 0.4%, other 0.9%; seats by party - Liberal Party 134, Conservative Party 99, Bloc Quebecois 54, New Democratic Party 19, independent 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Canada (judges are appointed by the prime minister through the governor general); Federal Court of Canada; Federal Court of Appeal; Provincial Courts (these are named variously Court of Appeal, Court of Queens Bench, Superior Court, Supreme Court, and Court of Justice) Political parties and leaders: Bloc Quebecois [Gilles DUCEPPE]; Conservative Party of Canada (a merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party) [Stephen HARPER]; Liberal Party [Paul MARTIN]; New Democratic Party [Jack LAYTON] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, AfDB, APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, C, CDB, CE (observer), EAPC, EBRD, ESA (cooperating state), FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNMOVIC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Michael F. KERGIN chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 FAX: [1] (202) 682-7726 telephone: [1] (202) 682-1740 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, and Seattle consulate(s): Anchorage, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, San Francisco (trade office), and San Jose (trade office) Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Paul CELLUCCI embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburgh, NY 13669-0430 telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470 FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082 consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg Flag description: two vertical bands of red (hoist and fly side, half width), with white square between them; an 11-pointed red maple leaf is centered in the white square; the official colors of Canada are red and white Economy Canada Economy - overview: As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. 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. The 1989 US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (which includes Mexico) touched off a dramatic increase in trade and economic integration with the US. As a result of the close cross-border relationship, the economic sluggishness in the United States in 2001-02 had a negative impact on the Canadian economy. Real growth averaged nearly 3% during 1993-2000, but declined in 2001, with moderate recovery in 2002-03. Unemployment is up, with contraction in the manufacturing and natural resource sectors. Nevertheless, given its great natural resources, skilled labor force, and modern capital plant Canada enjoys solid economic prospects. Solid fiscal management has produced a long-term budget surplus which is substantially reducing the national debt, although public debate continues over how to manage the rising cost of the publicly funded healthcare system. Trade accounts for roughly a third of GDP. Canada enjoys a substantial trade surplus with its principal trading partner, the United States, which absorbs more than 85% of Canadian exports. Roughly 90% of the population lives within 160 kilometers of the US border. GDP: purchasing power parity - $958.7 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $29,800 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 2.2% industry: 29.2% services: 68.6% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 19.5% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.8% highest 10%: 23.8% (1994) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 31.5 (1994) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2003 est.) Labor force: 17.04 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 3%, manufacturing 15%, construction 5%, services 74%, other 3% (2000) Unemployment rate: 7.8% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $348.2 billion expenditures: $342.7 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 77% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: wheat, barley, oilseed, tobacco, fruits, vegetables; dairy products; forest products; fish Industries: transportation equipment, chemicals, processed and unprocessed minerals, food products; wood and paper products; fish products, petroleum and natural gas Industrial production growth rate: 0.2% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 566.3 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 504.4 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 38.4 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 16.11 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 2.738 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 1.703 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: 2.008 million bbl/day (2001) Oil - imports: 1.145 million bbl/day (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 5.112 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 186.8 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 82.25 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 109 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 4.46 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 1.691 trillion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $18.63 billion (2003) Exports: $279.3 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: motor vehicles and parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunications equipment; chemicals, plastics, fertilizers; wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity, aluminum Exports - partners: US 86.6%, Japan 2.1%, UK 1.4% (2003) Imports: $240.4 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and parts, crude oil, chemicals, electricity, durable consumer goods Imports - partners: US 60.6%, China 5.6%, Japan 4.1% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $36.27 billion (2003) Debt - external: $1.9 billion (2000) Economic aid - donor: ODA, $1.3 billion (1999) Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD) Currency code: CAD Exchange rates: Canadian dollars per US dollar - 1.4011 (2003), 1.5693 (2002), 1.5488 (2001), 1.4851 (2000), 1.4857 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Canada Telephones - main lines in use: 19,950,900 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 13,221,800 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: excellent service provided by modern technology domestic: domestic satellite system with about 300 earth stations international: country code - 1-xxx; 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 535, FM 53, shortwave 6 (1998) Radios: 32.3 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 80 (plus many repeaters) (1997) Televisions: 21.5 million (1997) Internet country code: .ca Internet hosts: 3,210,081 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 760 (2000 est.) Internet users: 16.11 million (2002) Transportation Canada Railways: total: 48,909 km standard gauge: 48,909 km 1.435-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 1,408,800 km paved: 497,306 km (including 16,900 km of expressways) unpaved: 911,494 km (2002) Waterways: 631 km note: Saint Lawrence Seaway of 3,769 km, including the Saint Lawrence River of 3,058 km, shared with United States (2003) Pipelines: crude and refined oil 23,564 km; liquid petroleum gas 74,980 km (2003) Ports and harbors: Becancour (Quebec), Churchill, Halifax, Hamilton, Montreal, New Westminster, Prince Rupert, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), St. John's (Newfoundland), Sept Isles, Sydney, Trois-Rivieres, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor Merchant marine: total: 119 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,784,229 GRT/2,657,499 DWT foreign-owned: Germany 3, Hong Kong 2, Monaco 18, United Kingdom 3, United States 2 registered in other countries: 43 (2004 est.) by type: barge carrier 1, bulk 59, cargo 13, chemical tanker 6, combination bulk 2, combination ore/oil 1, passenger 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 18, rail car carrier 1, roll on/roll off 11, short-sea/passenger 3, specialized tanker 1 Airports: 1,357 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 503 over 3,047 m: 18 2,438 to 3,047 m: 15 914 to 1,523 m: 245 under 914 m: 75 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 150 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 823 1,524 to 2,437 m: 67 914 to 1,523 m: 347 under 914 m: 409 (2004 est.) Heliports: 12 (2003 est.) Military Canada Military branches: Canadian Armed Forces: Land Forces Command, Maritime Command, Air Command Military manpower - military age and obligation: 16 years of age for voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 8,417,314 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 7,176,642 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 214,623 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $9,801.7 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.1% (2003) Transnational Issues Canada Disputes - international: managed maritime boundary disputes with the US at Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and around the disputed Machias Seal Island and North Rock; uncontested dispute with Denmark over Hans Island sovereignty in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market and export to US; use of hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors; transit point for heroin and cocaine entering the US market; vulnerable to narcotics money laundering because of its mature financial services sector This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cape Verde Introduction Cape Verde Background: The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Geography Cape Verde Location: Western Africa, group of islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Senegal Geographic coordinates: 16 00 N, 24 00 W Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 4,033 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 4,033 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 965 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines exclusive economic zone: 200 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm territorial sea: 12 nm Climate: temperate; warm, dry summer; precipitation meager and very erratic Terrain: steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island) Natural resources: salt, basalt rock, limestone, kaolin, fish Land use: arable land: 9.68% permanent crops: 0.5% other: 89.82% (2001) Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active Environment - current issues: soil erosion; demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation; desertification; environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles; illegal beach sand extraction; overfishing Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - 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 Cape Verde Population: 415,294 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 40% (male 83,835; female 82,318) 15-64 years: 53.3% (male 106,846; female 114,312) 65 years and over: 6.7% (male 10,580; female 17,403) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 19 years male: 18.2 years female: 19.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.73% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 26.13 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 6.72 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -12.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 49.14 deaths/1,000 live births female: 43.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 54.39 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.14 years male: 66.83 years female: 73.54 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.62 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.04% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 775 (2001) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 225 (as of 2001) Nationality: noun: Cape Verdean(s) adjective: Cape Verdean Ethnic groups: Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1% Religions: Roman Catholic (infused with indigenous beliefs); Protestant (mostly Church of the Nazarene) Languages: Portuguese, Crioulo (a blend of Portuguese and West African words) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 76.6% male: 85.8% female: 69.2% (2003 est.) Government Cape Verde Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cape Verde conventional short form: Cape Verde local short form: Cabo Verde local long form: Republica de Cabo Verde Government type: republic Capital: Praia Administrative divisions: 17 municipalities (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Maio, Mosteiros, Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, Sao Domingos, Sao Filipe, Sao Miguel, 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; underwent a major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially increasing the powers of the president, and a further revision in 1999, to create the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica) Legal system: derived from the legal system of Portugal Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Pedro PIRES (since 22 March 2001) head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1 February 2001) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 11 and 25 February 2001 (next to be held NA February 2006); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly and appointed by the president election results: Pedro PIRES elected president; percent of vote - Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 49.43%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 49.42%; note - the election was won by only twelve votes Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA December 2005) election results: percent of vote by party - PAICV 47.3%, MPD 39.8%, ADM 6%, other 6.9%; seats by party - PAICV 40, MPD 30, ADM 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice or Supremo Tribunal de Justia Political parties and leaders: African Party for Independence of Cape Verde or PAICV [Jose Maria Pereira NEVES, chairman]; Democratic Alliance for Change or ADM [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO] (a coalition of PCD, PTS, and UCID); Democratic Christian Party or PDC [Manuel RODRIGUES, chairman]; Democratic Renovation Party or PRD [Jacinto SANTOS, president]; Movement for Democracy or MPD [Agostinho LOPES, president]; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Dr. Eurico MONTEIRO, president]; Party of Work and Solidarity or PTS [Isaias RODRIGUES, president]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Joao ALEM, president] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO (observer) Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jose BRITO consulate(s) general: Boston FAX: [1] (202) 965-1207 telephone: [1] (202) 965-6820 chancery: 3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON embassy: Rua Abilio m. Macedo 81, Praia mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia telephone: [238] 61 56 16, 61 56 17 FAX: [238] 61 13 55 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 Economy Cape Verde Economy - overview: This island economy suffers from a poor natural resource base, including serious water shortages exacerbated by cycles of long-term drought. The economy is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, tourism, and public services accounting for 72% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, the share of agriculture in GDP in 2001 was only 11%, of which fishing accounted for 1.5%. About 82% 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 foreign aid and remittances from emigrants; remittances supplement GDP by more than 20%. Economic reforms are aimed at developing the private sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy. Prospects for 2004 depend heavily on the maintenance of aid flows, tourism, remittances, and the momentum of the government's development program. GDP: purchasing power parity - $600 million (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 10% industry: 16.5% services: 62.8% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 16.5% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 30% (2000) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (2003) Labor force: NA (1980) Unemployment rate: 21% (2000 est.) Budget: revenues: $252.9 million expenditures: $269.9 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003) Agriculture - products: bananas, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, sugarcane, coffee, peanuts; fish Industries: food and beverages, fish processing, shoes and garments, salt mining, ship repair Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 42.03 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 39.08 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 2,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-106.3 million (2003) Exports: $50.68 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: fuel, shoes, garments, fish, hides Exports - partners: Portugal 31%, France 27.6%, UK 17.2%, US 17.2% (2003) Imports: $315.5 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, industrial products, transport equipment, fuels Imports - partners: Portugal 46.7%, Netherlands 9.1%, Belgium 3.8% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $88.02 million (2003) Debt - external: $325 million (2002) Economic aid - recipient: $136 million (1999) Currency: Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) Currency code: CVE Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVE) per US dollar - 97.703 (2003), 117.168 (2002), 123.228 (2001), 115.877 (2000), 102.7 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Cape Verde Telephones - main lines in use: 71,700 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 53,300 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: effective system, being improved domestic: interisland microwave radio relay system with both analog and digital exchanges; work is in progress on a submarine fiber-optic cable system which is scheduled for completion in 2003 international: country code - 238; 2 coaxial submarine cables; HF radiotelephone to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 0, FM 15 (and 17 repeaters), shortwave 0 (2002) Radios: 100,000 (2002 est.) Television broadcast stations: 1 (and 7 repeaters) (2002) Televisions: 15,000 (2002 est.) Internet country code: .cv Internet hosts: 118 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002) Internet users: 20,400 (2003) Transportation Cape Verde Highways: total: 1,100 km paved: 858 km unpaved: 242 km (1999 est.) Ports and harbors: Mindelo, Praia, Tarrafal Merchant marine: total: 4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 5,395 GRT/6,614 DWT foreign-owned: United Kingdom 1 (2004 est.) by type: cargo 2, chemical tanker 1, passenger/cargo 1 Airports: 7 note: 3 airports are reported to be nonoperational (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 6 over 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Cape Verde Military branches: Army, Coast Guard Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 98,394 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 55,477 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $12.3 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.5% (2003) Transnational Issues Cape Verde Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: used as a transshipment point for illicit drugs moving from Latin America and Asia destined for Western Europe; the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cayman Islands Introduction Cayman Islands Background: The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica since 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent. Geography Cayman Islands 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: 262 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 262 sq km Area - comparative: 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 160 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm 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 Elevation extremes: 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: 3.85% permanent crops: 0% other: 96.15% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hurricanes (July to November) Environment - current issues: no natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchments Geography - note: important location between Cuba and Central America People Cayman Islands Population: 43,103 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 21.4% (male 4,608; female 4,616) 15-64 years: 70.6% (male 14,858; female 15,593) 65 years and over: 8% (male 1,607; female 1,821) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 36.5 years male: 36.2 years female: 36.8 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.71% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 13.11 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 4.76 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 18.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population note: major destination for Cubans trying to migrate to the US (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 8.41 deaths/1,000 live births female: 7.16 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 9.64 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 79.81 years male: 77.21 years female: 82.45 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Caymanian(s) adjective: Caymanian Ethnic groups: mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20% Religions: United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Church of God, other Protestant, Roman Catholic Languages: English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98% (1970 est.) Government Cayman Islands Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cayman Islands Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK Government type: British crown colony Capital: George Town Administrative divisions: 8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West End, Western Independence: none (overseas 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 (since 6 February 1952); Governor Bruce DINWIDDY (since 29 May 2002) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor is appointed by the monarch; the chief secretary is appointed by the governor head of government: Chief Secretary W. McKeeva BUSH (since NA December 2001) cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor, four members elected by the Legislative Assembly) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (18 seats, three appointed members from the Executive Council and 15 elected by popular vote; members serve four-year terms) elections: last held 8 November 2000 (next to be held 17 November 2004) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - NA Judicial branch: Summary Court; Grand Court; Cayman Islands Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: no national teams (loose groupings of political organizations) were formed for the 2000 elections; United Democratic Party or UDP [leader McKeeva BUSH]; People's Progressive Movement or PPM [leader Kurt TIBBETTS] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: Caricom (associate), CDB, Interpol (subbureau), IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU Diplomatic representation in the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (overseas territory of the UK) Flag description: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Caymanian coat of arms 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 Cayman Islands Economy - overview: With no direct taxation, the islands are a thriving offshore financial center. More than 40,000 companies were registered in the Cayman Islands as of 1998, including almost 600 banks and trust companies; banking assets exceed $500 billion. A stock exchange was opened in 1997. 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 1.2 million in 1997, with 600,000 from the US. 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 - $1.27 billion (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.7% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $35,000 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 1.4% industry: 3.2% services: 95.4% (1994 est.) Population below poverty line: NA (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2002) Labor force: 19,820 (1995) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 1.4%, industry 12.6%, services 86% (1995) Unemployment rate: 4.1% (1997) Budget: revenues: $265.2 million expenditures: $248.9 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1997) Agriculture - products: vegetables, fruit; livestock, turtle farming Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, construction materials, furniture Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 381.9 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 355.2 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $1.2 million (1999) Exports - commodities: turtle products, manufactured consumer goods Exports - partners: mostly US Imports: $457.4 million (1999) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods Imports - partners: US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan Debt - external: $70 million (1996) Economic aid - recipient: NA (1999) Currency: Caymanian dollar (KYD) Currency code: KYD Exchange rates: Caymanian dollars per US dollar - 0.82 (29 October 2001), 0.83 (3 November 1995), 0.85 (22 November 1993) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Cayman Islands Telephones - main lines in use: 38,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 17,000 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: NA international: country code - 1-345; 1 submarine coaxial cable; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998) Radios: 36,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 with cable system Televisions: 7,000 (1997) Internet country code: .ky Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 16 (2000) Internet users: NA Transportation Cayman Islands Highways: total: 785 km paved: 785 km (2000) Ports and harbors: Cayman Brac, George Town Merchant marine: total: 137 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 2,827,837 GRT/4,555,974 DWT registered in other countries: 2 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Germany 9, Greece 25, Hong Kong 3, Italy 14, Norway 4, Singapore 1, Spain 11, Sweden 13, Switzerland 1, United Kingdom 18, United States 43 by type: bulk 27, cargo 7, chemical tanker 36, container 2, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 25, refrigerated cargo 33, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea/passenger 1, specialized tanker 1 Airports: 3 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Cayman Islands Military branches: no regular military forces; Royal Cayman Islands Police Force Military - note: defense is the responsibility of the UK Transnational Issues Cayman Islands Disputes - international: none Illicit drugs: offshore financial center; vulnerable to drug transshipment to the US and Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Central African Republic Introduction Central African Republic Background: The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who has since established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of affiliated and independent candidates will contest the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for February 2005. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist. Geography Central African Republic Location: Central Africa, north of Democratic Republic of the Congo Geographic coordinates: 7 00 N, 21 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 622,984 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 622,984 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Texas Land boundaries: total: 5,203 km border countries: Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none (landlocked) Climate: tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers Terrain: vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and southwest Elevation extremes: lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m Natural resources: diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil, hydropower Land use: arable land: 3.1% permanent crops: 0.14% other: 96.76% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common Environment - current issues: tap water is not potable; poaching has diminished the country's reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges; desertification; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 94 signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa People Central African Republic Population: 3,742,482 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.8% (male 806,506; female 795,639) 15-64 years: 53.8% (male 990,522; female 1,021,491) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 53,860; female 74,464) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 18 years male: 17.7 years female: 18.4 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.56% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 35.55 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 19.99 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 92.15 deaths/1,000 live births female: 84.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 99.09 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 41.36 years male: 39.7 years female: 43.08 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.59 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 13.5% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 260,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 23,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Central African(s) adjective: Central African Ethnic groups: Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2% Religions: indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15% note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority Languages: French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 51% male: 63.3% female: 39.9% (2003 est.) Government Central African Republic Country name: conventional long form: Central African Republic conventional short form: none local long form: Republique Centrafricaine former: Ubangi-Shari, Central African Empire abbreviation: CAR local short form: none Government type: 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, Haute-Kotto, Haut-Mbomou, Kemo, Lobaye, Mambere-Kadei, Mbomou, Nana-Grebizi*, Nana-Mambere, Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha-Mbaere*, Vakaga Independence: 13 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Republic Day, 1 December (1958) Constitution: passed by referendum 5 December 2004 Legal system: based on French law Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Francois BOZIZE (since 15 March 2003 coup) and Vice President Abel GOUMA (since 12 December 2003) elections: NA; municipal, legislative and presidential elections scheduled for December 2004 or January 2005; prime minister appointed by the president head of government: Prime Minister Celestin GAOMBALET (since 12 December 2003) cabinet: Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (109 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms; note - there were 85 seats in the National Assembly before the 1998 election) elections: last held 22-23 November and 13 December 1998 (next to be held NA 2004) election results: percent of vote by party - MLPC 43%, RDC 18%, MDD 9%, FPP 6%, PSD 5%, ADP 4%, PUN 3%, FODEM 2%, PLD 2%, UPR 1%, FC 1%, independents 6%; seats by party - MLPC 47, RDC 20, MDD 8, FPP 7, PSD 6, ADP 5, PUN 3, FODEM 2, PLD 2, UPR 1, FC 1, independents 7 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme; Constitutional Court (3 judges appointed by the president, 3 by the president of the National Assembly, and 3 by fellow judges); Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Inferior Courts Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Democracy and Progress or ADP [Jacques MBOLIEDAS]; Central African Democratic Assembly or RDC [Andre KOLINGBA]; Civic Forum or FC [Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA]; Democratic Forum for Modernity or FODEM [Charles MASSI]; Liberal Democratic Party or PLD [Nestor KOMBO-NAGUEMON]; Movement for Democracy and Development or MDD [David DACKO]; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People or MLPC [the party of deposed president, Ange-Felix PATASSE]; Patriotic Front for Progress or FPP [Abel GOUMBA]; People's Union for the Republic or UPR [Pierre Sammy MAKFOY]; National Unity Party or PUN [Jean-Paul NGOUPANDE]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Enoch LAKOUE] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC (observer), OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Emmanuel TOUABOY chancery: 1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 332-9893 telephone: [1] (202) 483-7800 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui telephone: [236] 61 02 00 FAX: [236] 61 44 94 note: The embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff 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 Economy Central African Republic Economy - 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 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 54%. 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. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization, with GDP likely to contract in 2004. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs. GDP: purchasing power parity - $4.183 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 55% industry: 20% services: 25% (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: NA (1993) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.7% highest 10%: 47.7% (1993) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 61.3 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (2001 est.) Labor force: NA (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: 8% (23% for Bangui) (2001 est.) Budget: revenues: NA expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: cotton, coffee, tobacco, manioc (tapioca), yams, millet, corn, bananas; timber Industries: diamond mining, logging, brewing, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles Industrial production growth rate: 3% (2002) Electricity - production: 106 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 98.63 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 2,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $172 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: diamonds, timber, cotton, coffee, tobacco Exports - partners: Belgium 41.8%, Italy 10.7%, Spain 9.8%, France 7.4%, Indonesia 6.6% (2003) Imports: $136 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals Imports - partners: France 27%, Cameroon 9.2%, US 5.3% (2003) Debt - external: $881.4 million (2000 est.) Economic aid - recipient: ODA $73 million; note - traditional budget subsidies from France (2000 est.) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States Currency code: XAF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Central African Republic Telephones - main lines in use: 9,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 13,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: fair system domestic: network consists principally of microwave radio relay and low-capacity, low-powered radiotelephone communication international: country code - 236; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002) Radios: 283,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001) Televisions: 18,000 (1997) Internet country code: .cf Internet hosts: 6 (2002) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002) Internet users: 5,000 (2002) Transportation Central African Republic Highways: total: 23,810 km paved: 643 km unpaved: 23,167 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 2,800 km (primarily on the Oubangui and Sangha rivers) (2004) Ports and harbors: Bangui, Nola, Salo, Nzinga Airports: 50 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 3 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 47 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 13 (2004 est.) Military Central African Republic Military branches: Central African Armed Forces (FACA): Republican Guard, Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air Force Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 878,980 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 460,469 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $14.5 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.1% (2003) Transnational Issues Central African Republic Disputes - international: internal political instabilities with fighting and violence overlap into Chad and CAR, leaving refugees and rebel groups in both countries; Sudan has pledged to work with CAR to stem violent skirmishes over water and grazing rights among related pastoral populations along the border Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 36,479 (Sudan), 1,864 (Chad), 6,484 (Democratic Republic of the Congo) IDPs: 200,000 (unrest following coup in 2003) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Chad Introduction Chad Background: Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of ethnic warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty presidential elections in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite two peace agreements signed in 2002 and 2003 between the government and the rebels. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of a northern ethnic oligarchy. Geography Chad Location: Central Africa, south of Libya Geographic coordinates: 15 00 N, 19 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 1.284 million sq km water: 24,800 sq km land: 1,259,200 sq km Area - comparative: 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) Climate: tropical in south, desert in north Terrain: broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest, lowlands in south Elevation extremes: lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m Natural resources: petroleum, uranium, natron, kaolin, fish (Lake Chad) Land use: arable land: 2.86% permanent crops: 0.02% other: 97.12% (2001) Irrigated land: 200 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues Environment - current issues: inadequate supplies of potable water; improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution; desertification Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping Geography - note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel People Chad Population: 9,538,544 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,297,490; female 2,269,801) 15-64 years: 49.3% (male 2,245,586; female 2,459,796) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 107,594; female 158,277) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 16 years male: 15.3 years female: 16.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 3% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 46.5 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 16.38 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 94.78 deaths/1,000 live births female: 85.17 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 104.01 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.24 years male: 46.91 years female: 49.63 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.38 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.8% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 200,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 18,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Chadian(s) adjective: Chadian Ethnic groups: 200 distinct groups; in the north and center: Arabs, Gorane (Toubou, Daza, Kreda), Zaghawa, Kanembou, Ouaddai, Baguirmi, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Hausa, Boulala, and Maba, most of whom are Muslim; in the south: Sara (Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye), Moundang, Moussei, Massa, most of whom are Christian or animist; about 1,000 French citizens live in Chad Religions: Muslim 51%, Christian 35%, animist 7%, other 7% Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic total population: 47.5% male: 56% female: 39.3% (2003 est.) Government Chad Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Chad conventional short form: Chad local long form: Republique du Tchad local short form: Tchad Government type: 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 note: instead of 14 prefectures, there may be a new administrative structure of 28 departments (departments, singular - department), and 1 city*; Assongha, Baguirmi, Bahr El Gazal, Bahr Koh, Batha Oriental, Batha Occidental, Biltine, Borkou, Dababa, Ennedi, Guera, Hadjer Lamis, Kabia, Kanem, Lac, Lac Iro, Logone Occidental, Logone Oriental, Mandoul, Mayo-Boneye, Mayo-Dallah, Monts de Lam, N'Djamena*, Ouaddai, Salamat, Sila, Tandjile Oriental, Tandjile Occidental, Tibesti Independence: 11 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 11 August (1960) Constitution: passed by referendum 31 March 1996 Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990) head of government: Prime Minister Pascal YOADIMNADJI (since 3 February 2005) cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister election results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY reelected president; percent of vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 63%, Ngarlegy YORONGAR 16%, Saleh KEBZABO 7% note: government coalition - MPS, UNDR, and URD elections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-year term; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, the two candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a second round of voting; last held 20 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); prime minister appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral according to constitution, consists of a National Assembly (155 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and a Senate (not yet created and size unspecified, members to serve six-year terms, one-third of membership renewable every two years) election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - MPS 110, RDP 12, FAR 9, RNDP 5, URD 5, UNDR 3, others 11 elections: National Assembly - last held 21 April 2002 (next to be held in NA April 2006) Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; Criminal Courts; Magistrate Courts Political parties and leaders: Federation Action for the Republic or FAR [Ngarlejy YORONGAR]; National Rally for Development and Progress or RNDP [Mamadou BISSO]; National Union for Democracy and Renewal or UNDR [Saleh KEBZABO]; Patriotic Salvation Movement or MPS [Mahamat Saleh AHMAT, chairman] (originally in opposition but now the party in power and the party of the president); Rally for Democracy and Progress or RPD [leader NA]; Union for Renewal and Democracy or URD [Gen. Wadal Abdelkader KAMOUGUE]; Viva Rally for Development and Progress or Viva RNDP [Delwa Kassire COUMAKOYE] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, ONUB, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hassaballah Abdelhadi Ahmat SOUBIANE chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 FAX: [1] (202) 265-1937 telephone: [1] (202) 462-4009 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher E. GOLDTHWAIT embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: [235] (51) 70-09 FAX: [235] (51) 56-54 Flag description: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to the flag of Romania; also similar to the flags of Andorra and Moldova, both of which have a national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; design was based on the flag of France Economy Chad Economy - overview: Chad's primarily agricultural economy will continue to be boosted by major oilfield and pipeline projects that began in 2000. Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and stock raising for its livelihood. Cotton, cattle, and gum arabic provide the bulk of Chad's export earnings, but Chad will begin to export oil in 2004. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects. A consortium led by two US companies has been investing $3.7 billion to develop oil reserves estimated at 1 billion barrels in southern Chad. Oil production came on stream in late 2003. GDP: purchasing power parity - $10.67 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 15% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 32.4% industry: 18.8% services: 48.8% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 40.3% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 80% (2001 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (2003 est.) Labor force: NA (2002) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture more than 80% (subsistence farming, herding, and fishing) Unemployment rate: NA (2000) Budget: revenues: $591.2 million expenditures: $680.9 million, including capital expenditures of $146 million (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice, potatoes, manioc (tapioca); cattle, sheep, goats, camels Industries: oil, cotton textiles, meatpacking, beer brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes, construction materials Industrial production growth rate: 5% (1995) Electricity - production: 94.04 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 87.46 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 1,500 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-474 million (2003) Exports: $365 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: cotton, cattle, gum arabic Exports - partners: US 25%, Germany 17%, Portugal 15.9%, France 6.8%, Morocco 4.5% (2003) Imports: $760 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, petroleum products, foodstuffs, textiles Imports - partners: France 28.6%, US 20.7%, Cameroon 14.6%, Netherlands 4.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $191.8 million (2003) Debt - external: $1.1 billion (2000 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $238.3 million; note - $125 million committed by Taiwan (August 1997); $30 million committed by African Development Bank; ODA $150 million (2001 est.) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States Currency code: XAF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Chad Telephones - main lines in use: 11,800 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 65,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: primitive system domestic: fair system of radiotelephone communication stations international: country code - 235; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 5 (2002) Radios: 1.67 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002) Televisions: 10,000 (1997) Internet country code: .td Internet hosts: 8 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2002) Internet users: 15,000 (2002) Transportation Chad Highways: total: 33,400 km paved: 267 km unpaved: 33,133 km (1999 est.) Waterways: Chari and Legone rivers are navigable only in wet season (2002) Pipelines: oil 205 km (2004) Ports and harbors: none Airports: 50 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 7 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 3 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 44 1,524 to 2,437 m: 14 914 to 1,523 m: 20 under 914 m: 10 (2004 est.) Military Chad Military branches: Armed Forces: National Army (ANT), Air Force, and Republican Guard Military manpower - military age and obligation: 20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation; 18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a guardian (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 2,008,825 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 1,051,802 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 91,231 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $55.4 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.1% (2003) Transnational Issues Chad Disputes - international: civil war in Sudan overlaps into Chad as both states step up border patrols, leaving refugees and rebel groups in both countries; Chad serves as an important mediator in the Sudanese civil conflict; Chadian Aozou rebels reside in southern Libya; Lake Chad Commission continues to urge signatories Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to ratify delimitation treaty over lake region; Chad rejects Nigerian request to redemarcate boundary, the site of periodic cross-border incidents Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 200,000 (Sudan), 30,000 (Central African Republic) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Chile Introduction Chile Background: A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation. Geography Chile Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Argentina and Peru Geographic coordinates: 30 00 S, 71 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 756,950 sq km land: 748,800 sq km note: includes Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) and Isla Sala y Gomez water: 8,150 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana Land boundaries: total: 6,171 km border countries: Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km Coastline: 6,435 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200/350 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: temperate; desert in north; Mediterranean in central region; cool and damp in south Terrain: low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m Natural resources: copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum, hydropower Land use: arable land: 2.65% permanent crops: 0.42% other: 96.93% (2001) Irrigated land: 18,000 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis Environment - current issues: widespread deforestation and mining threaten natural resources; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from raw sewage Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - 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 Chile Population: 15,823,957 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 25.8% (male 2,090,165; female 1,996,972) 15-64 years: 66.3% (male 5,235,061; female 5,261,820) 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 515,698; female 724,241) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 29.8 years male: 28.9 years female: 30.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.01% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 15.77 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.71 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 9.05 deaths/1,000 live births female: 8.25 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 9.81 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.38 years male: 73.09 years female: 79.82 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.06 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.3% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 26,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 1,400 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Chilean(s) adjective: Chilean Ethnic groups: white and white-Amerindian 95%, Amerindian 3%, other 2% Religions: Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish negligible Languages: Spanish Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96.2% male: 96.4% female: 96.1% (2003 est.) Government Chile Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Chile conventional short form: Chile local long form: Republica de Chile local short form: Chile Government type: 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 (Santiago), 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, 1993, and 1997 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; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction note: Chile is in the process of completely overhauling its criminal justice system; a new, US-style adversarial system is being gradually implemented throughout the country with the final stage of implementation in the Santiago metropolitan region expected in June 2005 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election results: Ricardo LAGOS Escobar elected president; percent of vote - Ricardo LAGOS Escobar 51.32%, Joaquin LAVIN 48.68% elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term; election last held 12 December 1999, with runoff election held 16 January 2000 (next to be held NA December 2005) Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Senate or Senado (48 seats, 38 elected by popular vote, 9 designated members, and 1 former president who has served a full six-year term and is senator for life); elected members serve eight-year terms (one-half elected every four years) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 20 (PDC 12, PS 5, PPD 3), APC 16 (UDI 9, RN 7), independents 2; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - CPD 62 (PDC 24, PPD 21, PS 11, PRSD 6), UDI 35, RN 22, independent 1 elections: Senate - last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA December 2005); Chamber of Deputies - last held 16 December 2001 (next to be held NA December 2005) Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (judges are appointed by the president and ratified by the Senate from lists of candidates provided by the court itself; the president of the Supreme Court is elected by the 21-member court); Constitutional Tribunal Political parties and leaders: Alliance for Chile ("Alianza") or APC - including RN and UDI; Christian Democratic Party or PDC [Adolfo ZALDIVAR]; Coalition of Parties for Democracy ("Concertacion") or CPD - including PDC, PS, PPD, PRSD; Communist Party or PC [Gladys MARIN]; Independent Democratic Union or UDI [Pablo LONGUEIRA]; National Renewal or RN [Sebastian PINERA]; Party for Democracy or PPD [Victor BARRUETO]; Radical Social Democratic Party or PRSD [Orlando CANTUARIAS]; Socialist Party or PS [Gonzalo MARTNER] Political pressure groups and leaders: revitalized university student federations at all major universities; Roman Catholic Church; United Labor Central or CUT includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations International organization participation: APEC, BIS, FAO, G-15, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Andres BIANCHI chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) FAX: [1] (202) 887-5579 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1746 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Craig A. KELLY embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago mailing address: APO AA 34033 telephone: [56] (2) 232-2600 FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710 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 representing a guide to progress and honor; blue symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes, and red stands for the blood spilled to achieve independence; design was influenced by the US flag Economy Chile Economy - overview: Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade. During the early 1990s, Chile's reputation as a role model for economic reform was strengthened when the democratic government of Patricio AYLWIN - which took over from the military in 1990 - deepened the economic reform initiated by the military government. Growth in real GDP averaged 8% during 1991-97, but fell to half that level in 1998 because of tight monetary policies implemented to keep the current account deficit in check and because of lower export earnings - the latter a product of the global financial crisis. A severe drought exacerbated the recession in 1999, reducing crop yields and causing hydroelectric shortfalls and electricity rationing, and Chile experienced negative economic growth for the first time in more than 15 years. Despite the effects of the recession, Chile maintained its reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. By the end of 1999, exports and economic activity had begun to recover, and growth rebounded to 4.2% in 2000. Growth fell back to 3.1% in 2001 and 2.1% in 2002, largely due to lackluster global growth and the devaluation of the Argentine peso, but recovered to 3.2% in 2003. Unemployment, although declining over the past year, remains stubbornly high, putting pressure on President LAGOS to improve living standards. One bright spot was the signing of a free trade agreement with the US, which took effect on 1 January 2004. In 2004, GDP growth is set to accelerate to more than 4% as copper prices rise, export earnings grow, and foreign direct investment picks up. GDP: purchasing power parity - $154.7 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,900 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6.4% industry: 38.6% services: 55.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 21.2% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 20.6% (2000 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 41% (2000) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 56.7 (2000) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2003 est.) Labor force: 6 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 13.6%, industry 23.4%, services 63% (2003 est.) Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $15.44 billion expenditures: $16.02 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 14.8% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: grapes, apples, pears, onions, wheat, corn, oats, peaches, garlic, asparagus, beans, beef, poultry, wool; fish; timber Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles Industrial production growth rate: 1.5% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 41.66 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 40.13 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 1.386 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 13,640 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 241,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 81.05 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 1.2 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 6.47 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 5.27 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 67.78 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-594 million (2003) Exports: $20.44 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: copper, fish, fruits, paper and pulp, chemicals, wine Exports - partners: US 16.2%, Japan 10.5%, China 8.6%, South Korea 4.7%, Mexico 4.3%, Italy 4.2% (2003) Imports: $17.4 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: consumer goods, chemicals, motor vehicles, fuels, electrical machinery, heavy industrial machinery, food Imports - partners: Argentina 19.4%, US 13%, Brazil 10.4%, China 6.6% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $15.84 billion (2003) Debt - external: $43.15 billion (2003) Economic aid - recipient: ODA, $40 million (2001 est.) Currency: Chilean peso (CLP) Currency code: CLP Exchange rates: Chilean pesos per US dollar - 691.433 (2003), 688.936 (2002), 634.938 (2001), 535.466 (2000), 508.777 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Chile Telephones - main lines in use: 3.467 million (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 6,445,700 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: modern system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities domestic: extensive microwave radio relay links; domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations international: country code - 56; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 180 (eight inactive), FM 64, shortwave 17 (one inactive) (1998) Radios: 5.18 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 63 (plus 121 repeaters) (1997) Televisions: 3.15 million (1997) Internet country code: .cl Internet hosts: 202,429 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 7 (2000) Internet users: 3.575 million (2002) Transportation Chile Railways: total: 6,585 km broad gauge: 2,831 km 1.676-m gauge (1,317 km electrified) narrow gauge: 3,754 km 1.000-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 79,814 km paved: 15,484 km (including 294 km of expressways) unpaved: 64,330 km (2000) Pipelines: gas 2,583 km; gas/lpg 42 km; liquid petroleum gas 539 km; oil 1,003 km; refined products 757 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Antofagasta, Arica, Chanaral, Coquimbo, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, San Antonio, San Vicente, Talcahuano, Valparaiso Merchant marine: total: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 725,216 GRT/954,519 DWT by type: bulk 10, cargo 5, chemical tanker 9, container 3, liquefied gas 1, passenger 3, petroleum tanker 7, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea/passenger 1, vehicle carrier 4 foreign-owned: Argentina 1 registered in other countries: 28 (2004 est.) Airports: 363 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 71 over 3,047 m: 6 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 1,524 to 2,437 m: 21 914 to 1,523 m: 23 under 914 m: 15 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 293 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 4 1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 914 to 1,523 m: 60 under 914 m: 217 (2004 est.) Military Chile Military branches: Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps), Air Force of the Nation, Chilean Carabineros (National Police) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service; all citizens 18-45 are obligated to perform military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy and Air Force (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 4,207,066 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 3,107,454 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 131,283 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $2,839.6 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 4% (2003) Transnational Issues Chile Disputes - international: Bolivia has reactivated its claim to the Atacama corridor ceded to Chile in 1884 to secure sovereign maritime access for Bolivian natural gas; dispute with Peru over the economic zone delimited by the maritime boundary; Beagle Channel islands dispute resolved through Papal mediation in 1984, but armed incidents persist since 1992 oil discovery; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory) partially overlaps Argentine and British claims Illicit drugs: important transshipment country for cocaine destined for Europe and the US; economic prosperity and increasing trade have made Chile more attractive to traffickers seeking to launder drug profits, especially through the Iquique Free Trade Zone, but a new anti-money-laundering law improves controls; imported precursors passed on to Bolivia; domestic cocaine consumption is rising This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @China Introduction China Background: For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight. Geography China Location: Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam Geographic coordinates: 35 00 N, 105 00 E Map references: Asia Area: total: 9,596,960 sq km land: 9,326,410 sq km water: 270,550 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than the US Land boundaries: total: 22,117 km border countries: Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km, Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Mongolia 4,677 km, Nepal 1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest) 40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km regional borders: Hong Kong 30 km, Macau 0.34 km Coastline: 14,500 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin Climate: extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north Terrain: mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills in east Elevation extremes: lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m Natural resources: coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, hydropower potential (world's largest) Land use: arable land: 15.4% other: 83.36% (2001) permanent crops: 1.25% Irrigated land: 525,800 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land subsidence Environment - current issues: air pollution (greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide particulates) from reliance on coal produces acid rain; water shortages, particularly in the north; water pollution from untreated wastes; deforestation; estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification; trade in endangered species Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: world's fourth largest country (after Russia, Canada, and US); Mount Everest on the border with Nepal is the world's tallest peak; People China Population: 1,298,847,624 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 22.3% (male 153,401,051; female 135,812,993) 15-64 years: 70.3% (male 469,328,664; female 443,248,860) 65 years and over: 7.5% (male 46,308,923; female 50,747,133) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 31.8 years male: 31.5 years female: 32.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.57% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 12.98 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 6.92 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 25.28 deaths/1,000 live births female: 29.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 21.84 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.96 years male: 70.4 years female: 73.72 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.69 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 840,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 44,000 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Chinese (singular and plural) adjective: Chinese Ethnic groups: Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1% Religions: Daoist (Taoist), Buddhist, Muslim 1%-2%, Christian 3%-4% note: officially atheist (2002 est.) Languages: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic groups entry) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 90.9% male: 95.1% female: 86.5% (2002) Government China Country name: conventional long form: People's Republic of China conventional short form: China local long form: Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo abbreviation: PRC local short form: Zhong Guo Government type: Communist state Capital: Beijing Administrative divisions: 23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions (zizhiqu, singular and plural), and 4 municipalities (shi, singular and plural) : provinces: Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang : autonomous regions: Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet) note: China considers Taiwan its 23rd province; see separate entries for the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau : municipalities: Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Tianjin Independence: 221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty); 1 January 1912 (Manchu Dynasty replaced by a Republic); 1 October 1949 (People's Republic established) National holiday: Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, 1 October (1949) Constitution: most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 Legal system: a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1 January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003) and Vice President ZENG Qinghong (since 15 March 2003) cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress (NPC) election results: HU Jintao elected president by the Tenth National People's Congress with a total of 2,937 votes (4 delegates voted against him, 4 abstained, and 38 did not vote); ZENG Qinghong elected vice president by the Tenth National People's Congress with a total of 2,578 votes (177 delegates voted against him, 190 abstained, and 38 did not vote); 2 seats were vacant elections: president and vice president elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms; elections last held 15-17 March 2003 (next to be held mid-March 2008); premier nominated by the president, confirmed by the National People's Congress head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003); Vice Premiers HUANG Ju (since 17 March 2003), WU Yi (17 March 2003), ZENG Peiyan (since 17 March 2003), and HUI Liangyu (since 17 March 2003) Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Congress or Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui (2,985 seats; members elected by municipal, regional, and provincial people's congresses to serve five-year terms) elections: last held December 2002-February 2003 (next to be held late 2007-February 2008) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - NA Judicial branch: Supreme People's Court (judges appointed by the National People's Congress); Local Peoples Courts (comprise higher, intermediate and local courts); Special Peoples Courts (primarily military, maritime, and railway transport courts) Political parties and leaders: Chinese Communist Party or CCP [HU Jintao, General Secretary of the Central Committee]; eight registered small parties controlled by CCP Political pressure groups and leaders: no substantial political opposition groups exist, although the government has identified the Falungong spiritual movement and the China Democracy Party as subversive groups International organization participation: AfDB, APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, CDB, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUC, NAM (observer), NSG, OAS (observer), ONUB, OPCW, PCA, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMEE, UNMIL, UNMOVIC, UNOCI, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador YANG Jiechi chancery: 2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 FAX: [1] (202) 328-2582 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco telephone: [1] (202) 328-2500 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Clark T. RANDT, Jr. embassy: Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, 100600 Beijing mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [86] (10) 6532-3831 FAX: [86] (10) 6532-6929 consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenyang Flag description: red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the flag) in the upper hoist-side corner Economy China Economy - overview: In late 1978 the Chinese leadership began moving the economy from a sluggish, inefficient, Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more market-oriented system. Whereas the system operates within a political framework of strict Communist control, the economic influence of non-state organizations and individual citizens has been steadily increasing. The authorities switched to a system of household and village responsibility in agriculture in place of the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale enterprises in services and light manufacturing, and opened the economy to increased foreign trade and investment. The result has been a quadrupling of GDP since 1978. Measured on a purchasing power parity (PPP) basis, China in 2003 stood as the second-largest economy in the world after the US, although in per capita terms the country is still poor. Agriculture and industry have posted major gains especially in coastal areas near Hong Kong, opposite Taiwan, and in Shanghai, where foreign investment has helped spur output of both domestic and export goods. The leadership, however, often has experienced - as a result of its hybrid system - the worst results of socialism (bureaucracy and lassitude) and of capitalism (growing income disparities and rising unemployment). China thus has periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals. The government has struggled to (a) sustain adequate jobs growth for tens of millions of workers laid off from state-owned enterprises, migrants, and new entrants to the work force; (b) reduce corruption and other economic crimes; and (c) keep afloat the large state-owned enterprises, many of which had been shielded from competition by subsidies and had been losing the ability to pay full wages and pensions. From 80 to 120 million surplus rural workers are adrift between the villages and the cities, many subsisting through part-time, low-paying jobs. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is essential to maintaining long-term growth in living standards. Another long-term threat to growth is the deterioration in the environment, notably air pollution, soil erosion, and the steady fall of the water table especially in the north. China continues to lose arable land because of erosion and economic development. Beijing says it will intensify efforts to stimulate growth through spending on infrastructure - such as water supply and power grids - and poverty relief and through rural tax reform. Accession to the World Trade Organization helps strengthen its ability to maintain strong growth rates but at the same time puts additional pressure on the hybrid system of strong political controls and growing market influences. China has benefited from a huge expansion in computer internet use. Foreign investment remains a strong element in China's remarkable economic growth. Growing shortages of electric power and raw materials will hold back the expansion of industrial output in 2004. GDP: purchasing power parity - $6.449 trillion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 9.1% (official data) (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 14.8% industry and construction: 52.9% services: 32.3% (2003) Investment (gross fixed): 43.4% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 10% (2001 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 2.4% highest 10%: 30.4% (1998) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 40 (2001) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.2% (2003 est.) Labor force: 778.1 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 50%, industry 22%, services 28% (2001 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.1% urban unemployment roughly 10%; substantial unemployment and underemployment in rural areas (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $265.8 billion expenditures: $300.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2003) Public debt: 30.1% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, cotton, oilseed, pork, fish Industries: iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles and apparel, petroleum, cement, chemical fertilizers, footwear, toys, food processing, automobiles, consumer electronics, telecommunications Industrial production growth rate: 30.4% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 1.42 trillion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 1.312 trillion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 10.3 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 1.8 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 3.3 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 4.57 million bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: 151,200 bbl/day (2001) Oil - imports: 1.207 million bbl/day (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 26.75 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 30.3 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 27.4 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 1.29 trillion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $31.17 billion (2003) Exports: $436.1 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, footwear, toys and sporting goods, mineral fuels Exports - partners: US 21.1%, Hong Kong 17.4%, Japan 13.6%, South Korea 4.6%, Germany 4% (2003) Imports: $397.4 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, plastics, iron and steel, chemicals Imports - partners: Japan 18%, Taiwan 11.9%, South Korea 10.4%, US 8.2%, Germany 5.9% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $412.7 billion (2003) Debt - external: $197.8 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: yuan (CNY) note:: also referred to as the Renminbi (RMB) Currency code: CNY Exchange rates: yuan per US dollar - 8.277 (2003), 8.277 (2002), 8.2771 (2001), 8.2785 (2000), 8.2783 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications China Telephones - main lines in use: 263 million (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 269 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: domestic and international services are increasingly available for private use; unevenly distributed domestic system serves principal cities, industrial centers, and many towns domestic: interprovincial fiber-optic trunk lines and cellular telephone systems have been installed; a domestic satellite system with 55 earth stations is in place international: country code - 86; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (4 Pacific Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), 1 Intersputnik (Indian Ocean region) and 1 Inmarsat (Pacific and Indian Ocean regions); several international fiber-optic links to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, and Germany (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 369, FM 259, shortwave 45 (1998) Radios: 417 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 3,240 (of which 209 are operated by China Central Television, 31 are provincial TV stations and nearly 3,000 are local city stations) (1997) Televisions: 400 million (1997) Internet country code: .cn Internet hosts: 160,421 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2000) Internet users: 94 million (2004) Transportation China Railways: total: 70,058 km standard gauge: 68,000 km 1.435-m gauge (18,668 km electrified) narrow gauge: 3,600 km 1.000-m and 0.750-m gauge local industrial lines dual gauge: 22,640 km (not included in total) (2003) Highways: total: 1,402,698 km paved: 314,204 km (with at least 16,314 km of expressways) unpaved: 1,088,494 km (2000) Waterways: 121,557 km (2002) Pipelines: gas 15,890 km; oil 14,478 km; refined products 3,280 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Dalian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Huangpu, Lianyungang, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shantou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Xingang, Yantai, Zhanjiang (2001) Merchant marine: total: 1,850 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 18,724,653 GRT/27,749,784 DWT by type: barge carrier 2, bulk 355, cargo 822, chemical tanker 28, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 2, container 165, liquefied gas 28, multi-functional large load carrier 8, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 46, petroleum tanker 272, rail car carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 27, roll on/roll off 25, short-sea/passenger 39, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 4 foreign-owned: Cambodia 1, Greece 2, Hong Kong 12, Japan 1, South Korea 2, Liberia 1, Malaysia 1, Panama 1, Taiwan 2, Tanzania 1 registered in other countries: 790 (2004 est.) Airports: 507 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 332 over 3,047 m: 49 2,438 to 3,047 m: 97 914 to 1,523 m: 22 under 914 m: 35 (2003 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 129 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 175 under 914 m: 66 (2003 est.) over 3,047 m: 23 2,438 to 3,047 m: 10 914 to 1,523 m: 40 1,524 to 2,437 m: 36 Heliports: 15 (2003 est.) Military China Military branches: People's Liberation Army (PLA): comprises ground forces, Navy (including naval infantry and naval aviation), Air Force, and II Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), People's Armed Police Force (internal security troops, nominally a state security body but included by the Chinese as part of the "armed forces" and considered to be an adjunct to the PLA), militia Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service, with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service; 17 years of age for women who meet requirements for specific military jobs (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 379,524,688 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 208,143,352 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 12,494,201 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $60 billion (2003 est.) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.5-5.0% (FY03 est.) Transnational Issues China Disputes - international: involved in complex dispute with Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei over the Spratly Islands; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has eased tensions but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; most of the rugged, militarized boundary with India is in dispute, but the two sides are committed to begin resolution with discussions on the least disputed Middle Sector; Kashmir remains the world's largest and highly militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas), but recent discussion and confidence-building measures among parties are beginning to defuse tensions, India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding lands to China in a 1964 boundary agreement; China and Taiwan continue to assert their claims to the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Tai) with increased media coverage and protest actions; certain islands in Yalu and Tumen rivers are in an uncontested dispute with North Korea and a section of boundary around Mount Paektu is indefinite - China has been attempting to manage illegal migration of North Koreans into northern China; China and Russia in 2004 resolved their last border dispute over islands in the Amur and Argun Rivers, but details on demarcation have not yet been worked-out; boundary delimitation agreements signed in 2002 with Tajikistan cedes 1,000 sq km of Pamir Mountain range to China in return for China's relinquishing claims to 28,000 sq km, but demarcation has not commenced; agreements with Vietnam demarcating maritime boundaries and fisheries cooperation in the Gulf of Tonkin were ratified in June, and demarcation of the land boundary continues; China occupies some of the Paracel Islands also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; in response to groups in Burma and Thailand expressing concern over China's plans to construct 13 hydroelectric dams on the Nu River in Yunnan Province (Salween River in Burma), Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao suspended the project to conduct an environmental impact assessment, a smaller scale version of only 4 dams is now scheduled to move forward Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 299,287 (Vietnam) (2004) Illicit drugs: major transshipment point for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle; growing domestic drug abuse problem; source country for chemical precursors and methamphetamine This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Christmas Island Introduction Christmas Island Background: Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park. Geography Christmas Island Location: Southeastern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia Geographic coordinates: 10 30 S, 105 40 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 135 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 135 sq km Area - comparative: about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 80 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical with a wet and dry season; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds; wet season December to April Terrain: steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Murray Hill 361 m Natural resources: phosphate, beaches Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% note: mainly tropical rainforest; 63% of the island is a national park (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean People Christmas Island Population: 396 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -9% (2004 est.) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: NA (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA (2004 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years female: NA years (2004 est.) male: NA years Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Christmas Islander(s) adjective: Christmas Island Ethnic groups: Chinese 70%, European 20%, Malay 10% note: no indigenous population (2001) Religions: Buddhist 36%, Muslim 25%, Christian 18%, other 21% (1997) Languages: English (official), Chinese, Malay Literacy: NA People - note: The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a population of 1508 as of the 2001 Census Government Christmas Island Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island conventional short form: Christmas Island Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services Government type: NA Capital: The Settlement Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: Australia Day, 26 January (1788) Constitution: NA Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general head of government: Administrator Evan WILLIAMS (since 1 November 2003) elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia Legislative branch: unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9 elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held 3 May 2003 (next to be held NA 2005) Judicial branch: Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court Political parties and leaders: none Political pressure groups and leaders: none International organization participation: none Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: the flag of Australia is used; note - in early 1986, the Christmas Island Assembly held a design competition for an island flag, however, the winning design has never been formally adopted as the official flag of the territory Economy Christmas Island Economy - overview: Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine. In 1991, the mine was reopened. With the support of the government, a $34 million casino opened in 1993. The casino closed in 1998. The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, projected to begin operations in mid-2004 GDP: purchasing power parity - NA GDP - real growth rate: NA GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - NA GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Labor force: NA Labor force - by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues: NA expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: NA Industries: tourism, phosphate extraction (near depletion) Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption: NA kWh Exports: NA Exports - commodities: phosphate Exports - partners: Australia, NZ Imports: NA Imports - commodities: consumer goods Imports - partners: principally Australia Debt - external: NA Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) Currency code: AUD Exchange rates: Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.5419 (2003), 1.9354 (2002), 1.9320 (2001), 1.7173(2000), 1.5497 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Christmas Island Telephones - main lines in use: NA Telephones - mobile cellular: NA Telephone system: general assessment: service provided by the Australian network domestic: only analog mobile telephone service is available international: country code - 61-891; satellite earth stations - one Intelsat earth station provides telephone and telex service (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004) Radios: 1,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: NA Televisions: 600 (1997) Internet country code: .cx Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: NA Transportation Christmas Island Highways: total: 240 km paved: 30 km unpaved: 210 km (2000) Ports and harbors: Flying Fish Cove Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Christmas Island Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia Transnational Issues Christmas Island Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Clipperton Island Introduction Clipperton Island Background: This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935. Geography Clipperton Island Location: Middle America, atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico Geographic coordinates: 10 17 N, 109 13 W Map references: Political Map of the World Area: total: 6 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 6 sq km Area - comparative: about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 11.1 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; humid, average temperature 20-32 degrees C, rains May-October Terrain: coral atoll Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (all coral) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: NA Environment - current issues: NA Geography - note: reef 12 km in circumference People Clipperton Island Population: uninhabited (July 2004 est.) Government Clipperton Island Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Clipperton Island local short form: Ile Clipperton local long form: none former: sometimes called Ile de la Passion Dependency status: possession of France; administered by France from French Polynesia by a high commissioner of the Republic Legal system: the laws of France, where applicable, apply Flag description: the flag of France is used Economy Clipperton Island Economy - overview: Although 115 species of fish have been identified in the territorial waters of Clipperton Island, the only economic activity is tuna fishing. Transportation Clipperton Island Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military Clipperton Island Military - note: defense is the responsibility of France Transnational Issues Clipperton Island Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cocos (Keeling) Islands Introduction Cocos (Keeling) Islands Background: There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island. Geography Cocos (Keeling) Islands Location: Southeastern Asia, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Indonesia, about halfway from Australia to Sri Lanka Geographic coordinates: 12 30 S, 96 50 E Map references: Southeast Asia Area: total: 14 sq km note: includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island water: 0 sq km land: 14 sq km Area - comparative: about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 26 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical with high humidity, moderated by the southeast trade winds for about nine months of the year Terrain: flat, low-lying coral atolls Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: cyclone season is October to April Environment - current issues: fresh water resources are limited to rainwater accumulations in natural underground reservoirs Geography - note: islands are thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation People Cocos (Keeling) Islands Population: 629 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.002% (2004 est.) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA (2004 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Cocos Islander(s) adjective: Cocos Islander Ethnic groups: Europeans, Cocos Malays Religions: Sunni Muslim 80%, other 20% (2002 est.) Languages: Malay (Cocos dialect), English Government Cocos (Keeling) Islands Country name: conventional long form: Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services Government type: NA Capital: West Island Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: Australia Day, 26 January (1788) Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 Legal system: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws Suffrage: NA Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia head of government: Administrator (nonresident) Evan WILLIAMS (since 1 November 2003) cabinet: NA Legislative branch: unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 seats) elections: held every two years with half the members standing for election; last held NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court Political parties and leaders: none Political pressure groups and leaders: none International organization participation: none Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: the flag of Australia is used Economy Cocos (Keeling) Islands Economy - overview: Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry. GDP: purchasing power parity - NA GDP - real growth rate: NA GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - NA GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Labor force: NA Labor force - by occupation: the Cocos Islands Cooperative Society Ltd. employs construction workers, stevedores, and lighterage workers; tourism employs others Unemployment rate: 60% (2000 est.) Budget: revenues: NA expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA Agriculture - products: vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts Industries: copra products and tourism Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: NA kWh Electricity - consumption: NA kWh Exports: NA Exports - commodities: copra Exports - partners: Australia Imports: NA Imports - commodities: foodstuffs Imports - partners: Australia Debt - external: NA Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) Currency code: AUD Exchange rates: Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.5419 (2003), 1.9354 (2002), 1.9320 (2001), 1.7173 (2000), 1.5497 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Communications Cocos (Keeling) Islands Telephones - main lines in use: 287 (1992) Telephones - mobile cellular: note - analog cellular service available Telephone system: general assessment: connected within Australia's telecommunication system domestic: NA international: country code - 61-891; telephone, telex, and facsimile communications with Australia and elsewhere via satellite; 1 satellite earth station of NA type (2002) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2004) Radios: 300 (1992) Television broadcast stations: NA Televisions: NA Internet country code: .cc Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000) Internet users: NA Transportation Cocos (Keeling) Islands Highways: total: 15 km paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (2003) Ports and harbors: none; lagoon anchorage only Airports: 1 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Cocos (Keeling) Islands Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; the territory does have a five-person police force Transnational Issues Cocos (Keeling) Islands Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Colombia Introduction Colombia Background: Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent army of paramilitaries has grown to be several thousand strong in recent years, challenging the insurgents for control of territory and the drug trade, and also the government's ability to exert its dominion over rural areas. While Bogota steps up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders. Geography Colombia Location: Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama Geographic coordinates: 4 00 N, 72 00 W Map references: South America Area: total: 1,138,910 sq km land: 1,038,700 sq km note: includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla Bank water: 100,210 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than three times the size of Montana Land boundaries: total: 6,004 km border countries: Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 1,496 km (est.), Venezuela 2,050 km Coastline: 3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands Terrain: flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern lowland plains Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds, hydropower Land use: arable land: 2.42% other: 95.91% (2001) permanent crops: 1.67% Irrigated land: 8,500 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts Environment - current issues: deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides; air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea People Colombia Population: 42,310,775 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 31% (male 6,644,080; female 6,489,677) 15-64 years: 63.9% (male 13,171,416; female 13,879,115) 65 years and over: 5% (male 940,762; female 1,185,725) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 25.8 years male: 24.9 years female: 26.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.53% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 21.19 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 5.61 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 21.72 deaths/1,000 live births female: 17.61 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 25.69 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.43 years male: 67.58 years female: 75.41 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.59 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.7% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 190,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 3,600 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Colombian(s) adjective: Colombian Ethnic groups: mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 90% Languages: Spanish Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 92.5% male: 92.4% female: 92.6% (2003 est.) Government Colombia Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Colombia conventional short form: Colombia local short form: Colombia local long form: Republica de Colombia Government type: republic; executive branch dominates government structure Capital: Bogota Administrative divisions: 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); Amazonas, Antioquia, Arauca, Atlantico, Distrito Capital de Bogota*, Bolivar, Boyaca, Caldas, Caqueta, Casanare, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia, Guaviare, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y Providencia, Santander, Sucre, Tolima, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes, Vichada Independence: 20 July 1810 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810) Constitution: 5 July 1991 Legal system: based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties - the PL and PSC - and independents elections: president and vice president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 26 May 2002 (next to be held NA May 2006) election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez received 53% of the vote; Vice President Francisco SANTOS was elected on the same ticket Legislative branch: bicameral Congress or Congreso consists of the Senate or Senado (102 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (166 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 10 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2006); House of Representatives - last held 10 March 2002 (next to be held NA March 2006) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PL 28, PSC 13, independents and smaller parties (many aligned with conservatives) 61; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PL 54, PSC 21, independents and other parties 91 Judicial branch: four roughly coequal, supreme judicial organs; Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (highest court of criminal law; judges are selected by their peers from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Council of State (highest court of administrative law; judges are selected from the nominees of the Superior Judicial Council for eight-year terms); Constitutional Court (guards integrity and supremacy of the constitution; rules on constitutionality of laws, amendments to the constitution, and international treaties); Superior Judicial Council (administers and disciplines the civilian judiciary; resolves jurisdictional conflicts arising between other courts; members are elected by three sister courts and Congress for eight-year terms) Political parties and leaders: Conservative Party or PSC [Carlos HOLGUIN Sardi]; Liberal Party or PL [Camilo SANCHEZ]; Colombian Communist Party or PCC [Jaime CAICEDO]; Democratic Pole or PDI [Antonio NAVARRO Wolff] note: Colombia has about 60 formally recognized political parties, most of which do not have a presence in either house of Congress Political pressure groups and leaders: two largest insurgent groups active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or FARC and National Liberation Army or ELN; largest anti-insurgent paramilitary group is United Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC International organization participation: BCIE, CAN, CDB, FAO, G-3, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Luis Alberto MORENO Mejia chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Washington, DC consulate(s): Atlanta FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643 telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador William B. WOOD embassy: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831 mailing address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038 telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811 FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197 Flag description: three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the center Economy Colombia Economy - overview: Colombia's economy suffers from weak domestic and foreign demand, austere government budgets, and serious internal armed conflict, but seems poised for recovery. Other economic problems facing President URIBE range from reforming the pension system to reducing high unemployment. Two of Colombia's leading exports, oil and coffee, face an uncertain future; new exploration is needed to offset declining oil production, while coffee harvests and prices are depressed. On the positive side, several international financial institutions have praised the economic reforms introduced by URIBE, which includes measures designed to reduce the public-sector deficit below 2.5% of GDP in 2004. The government's economic policy and democratic security strategy have engendered a growing sense of confidence in the economy, particularly within the business sector, and GDP growth in 2003 was among the highest in Latin America. GDP: purchasing power parity - $263.2 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 3.7% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $6,300 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 13.7% industry: 32.1% services: 54.2% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 15.9% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 55% (2001) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1% highest 10%: 44% (1999) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 57.1 (1996) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.1% (2003 est.) Labor force: 20.34 million (2003 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 30%, industry 24%, services 46% (1990) Unemployment rate: 14.2% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $24 billion expenditures: $25.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (2004 est.) Public debt: 51.9% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, cut flowers, bananas, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa beans, oilseed, vegetables; forest products; shrimp Industries: textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals, cement; gold, coal, emeralds Industrial production growth rate: 3.5% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 42.99 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 39.81 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 210 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 40 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 614,400 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 252,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 1.8 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 5.7 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 132 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-1.417 billion (2003) Exports: $12.96 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: petroleum, coffee, coal, apparel, bananas, cut flowers Exports - partners: US 47.1%, Ecuador 6%, Venezuela 5.3% (2003) Imports: $13.06 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity Imports - partners: US 29.6%, Brazil 5.5%, Mexico 5.4%, Venezuela 5.2%, China 5%, Japan 4.6%, Germany 4.4% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $10.92 billion (2003) Debt - external: $38.26 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: NA Currency: Colombian peso (COP) Currency code: COP Exchange rates: Colombian pesos per US dollar - 2,877.65 (2003), 2,504.24 (2002), 2,299.63 (2001), 2,087.9 (2000), 1,756.23 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Colombia Telephones - main lines in use: 8,768,100 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 6,186,200 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: modern system in many respects domestic: nationwide microwave radio relay system; domestic satellite system with 41 earth stations; fiber-optic network linking 50 cities international: country code - 57; satellite earth stations - 6 Intelsat, 1 Inmarsat; 3 fully digitalized international switching centers; 8 submarine cables Radio broadcast stations: AM 454, FM 34, shortwave 27 (1999) Radios: 21 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 60 (includes seven low-power stations) (1997) Televisions: 4.59 million (1997) Internet country code: .co Internet hosts: 115,158 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 18 (2000) Internet users: 2,732,200 (2003) Transportation Colombia Railways: total: 3,304 km standard gauge: 150 km 1.435-m gauge narrow gauge: 3,154 km 0.914-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 110,000 km paved: 26,000 km unpaved: 84,000 km (2000) Waterways: 9,187 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 4,360 km; oil 6,134 km; refined products 3,140 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Bahia de Portete, Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Leticia, Puerto Bolivar, San Andres, Santa Marta, Tumaco, Turbo Merchant marine: total: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 35,427 GRT/46,301 DWT by type: bulk 4, cargo 5, container 1, liquefied gas 1, petroleum tanker 2 registered in other countries: 16 (2004 est.) Airports: 980 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 101 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 9 914 to 1,523 m: 39 under 914 m: 12 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 39 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 879 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 34 under 914 m: 572 (2004 est.) 914 to 1,523 m: 272 Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Colombia Military branches: Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Naval Aviation, Marines, and Coast Guard), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 24 months (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 11,252,027 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 7,495,462 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 392,656 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $3.3 billion (FY01) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3.4% (FY01) Transnational Issues Colombia Disputes - international: Nicaragua filed a claim against Honduras in 1999 and against Colombia in 2001 at the ICJ over disputed maritime boundary involving 50,000 sq km in the Caribbean Sea, including the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela; Colombian drug activities penetrate Peruvian border area; the continuing civil disorder in Colombia has created a serious refugee crisis in neighboring states, especially Ecuador Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 2,730,000 - 3,100,000 (conflict between government and FARC; drug wars) (2004) Illicit drugs: illicit producer of coca, opium poppy, and cannabis; world's leading coca cultivator (cultivation of coca in 2002 was 144,450 hectares, a 15% decline since 2001); potential production of opium between 2001 and 2002 declined by 25% to 91 metric tons; potential production of heroin declined to 11.3 metric tons; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine; supplier of about 90% of the cocaine to the US market and the great majority of cocaine to other international drug markets; important supplier of heroin to the US market; active aerial eradication program; a significant portion of non-US narcotics proceeds are either laundered or invested in Colombia through the black market peso exchange This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Comoros Introduction Comoros Background: Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of 2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president was sworn in on 26 May 2002. Geography Comoros Location: Southern Africa, group of islands at the northern mouth of the Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique Geographic coordinates: 12 10 S, 44 15 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 2,170 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 2,170 sq km Area - comparative: slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 340 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical marine; rainy season (November to May) Terrain: volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills Elevation extremes: lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Le Kartala 2,360 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 35.87% permanent crops: 23.32% other: 40.81% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano Environment - current issues: soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel People Comoros Population: 651,901 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 42.8% (male 140,083; female 139,245) 15-64 years: 54.2% (male 174,216; female 179,050) 65 years and over: 3% (male 9,136; female 10,171) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 18.6 years male: 18.3 years female: 18.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.94% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 8.63 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 77.22 deaths/1,000 live births female: 68.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 85.9 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.57 years male: 59.29 years female: 63.91 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.15 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.12% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Comoran(s) adjective: Comoran Ethnic groups: Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava Religions: Sunni Muslim 98%, Roman Catholic 2% Languages: Arabic (official), French (official), Shikomoro (a blend of Swahili and Arabic) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 56.5% male: 63.6% female: 49.3% (2003 est.) Government Comoros Country name: conventional long form: Union of the Comoros conventional short form: Comoros local short form: Comores local long form: Union des Comores Government type: independent republic Capital: Moroni Administrative divisions: 3 islands; Grande Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli (Mwali); note - there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Moutsamoudou Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975) Constitution: 23 December 2001 note: a Transitional National Unity Government (GUNT) was formed on 20 January 2002 following the passing of the new constitution; the GUNT governed until the presidential elections on 14 April 2002 Legal system: French and Sharia (Islamic) law in a new consolidated code Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002); note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; in January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002 presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May 2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and the head of government election results: President AZALI Assoumani elected president with 75% of the vote elections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidency rotates every four years among the elected presidents from the three main islands in the Union; election last held 14 April 2002 (next to be held NA April 2007); prime minister appointed by the president; note - AZALI has not appointed a Prime Minister since he was sworn into office in May 2002 head of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002); note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; in January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002 presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO was appointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May 2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense and Territorial Security; the president is both the chief of state and the head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Union (30 seats; half the deputies are selected by the individual islands' local assemblies and the other half by universal suffrage; deputies serve for five years); note - elections for the former legislature, the Federal Assembly (dissolved in 1999) were held on 1 and 8 December 1996; the next elections for the Assembly of the Union were scheduled to be held on 18 and 25 April 2004 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supremes (two members appointed by the president, two members elected by the Federal Assembly, one elected by the Council of each island, and others are former presidents of the republic) Political parties and leaders: Forces pour l'Action Republicaine or FAR [Col. Abdourazak ABDULHAMID]; Forum pour la Redressement National or FRN (alliance of 12 parties); Front Democratique or FD [Moustoifa Said CHEIKH]; Front National pour la Justice or FNJ (Islamic party in opposition) [Ahmed RACHID]; Movement des Citoyens pour la Republique or MCR [Mahamoud MRADABI]; Mouvement Populaire Anjouanais or MPA (Anjouan separatist movement) [leader NA]; Mouvement pour la Democratie et le Progress or MDP-NGDC [Abbas DJOUSSOUF]; Movement pour le Socialisme et la Democratie or MSD (splinter group of FD) [Abdou SOEFOU]; Parti Comorien pour la Democratie et le Progress or PCDP [Ali MROUDJAE]; Rassemblement National pour le Development or RND (party of the government) [Omar TAMOU, Abdoulhamid AFFRAITANE] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AMF, AU, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS (observer), ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mahmoud M. ABOUD (ambassador to the US and Canada and permanent representative to the UN) chancery: (temporary) care of the Permanent Mission of the Union of the Comoros to the United Nations, 420 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022 telephone: [1] (212) 972-8010 and 223-2711 FAX: [1] (212) 983-4712 and 715-0699 Diplomatic representation from the US: the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Comoros Flag description: four equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), white, red, and blue with a green isosceles triangle based on the hoist; centered within the triangle is a white crescent with the convex side facing the hoist and four white, five-pointed stars placed vertically in a line between the points of the crescent; the horizontal bands and the four stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja, Nzwani, and Mayotte (a territorial collectivity of France, but claimed by Comoros); the crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam Economy Comoros Economy - overview: One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labor force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government - which is hampered by internal political disputes - is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, to privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, to improve health services, to diversify exports, to promote tourism, and to reduce the high population growth rate. Increased foreign support is essential if the goal of 4% annual GDP growth is to be met. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP. GDP: purchasing power parity - $441 million (2002 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 2% (2002 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 40% industry: 4% services: 56% (2001 est.) Population below poverty line: 60% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (2001 est.) Labor force: 144,500 (1996 est.) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 80% Unemployment rate: 20% (1996 est.) Budget: revenues: $27.6 million expenditures: NA, including capital expenditures of NA (2001 est.) Agriculture - products: vanilla, cloves, perfume essences, copra, coconuts, bananas, cassava (tapioca) Industries: tourism, perfume distillation Industrial production growth rate: -2% (1999 est.) Electricity - production: 21.27 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 19.78 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 700 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $28 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, perfume oil, copra Exports - partners: France 46.9%, Germany 18.8%, US 12.5% (2003) Imports: $88 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: rice and other foodstuffs, consumer goods; petroleum products, cement, transport equipment Imports - partners: France 31.6%, Japan 13.7%, South Africa 10.3%, Kenya 5.1%, UAE 5.1%, Thailand 4.3% (2003) Debt - external: $232 million (2000 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $10 million (2001 est.) Currency: Comoran franc (KMF) Currency code: KMF Exchange rates: Comoran francs (KMF) per US dollar - 435.9 (2003), 522.741 (2002), 549.779 (2001), 533.982 (2000), 461.775 (1999) note: prior to January 1999, the official rate was pegged to the French franc at 75 Comoran francs per French franc; since 1 January 1999, the Comoran franc is pegged to the euro at a rate of 491.9677 Comoran francs per euro Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Comoros Telephones - main lines in use: 13,200 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 2,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: sparse system of microwave radio relay and HF radiotelephone communication stations domestic: HF radiotelephone communications and microwave radio relay international: country code - 269; HF radiotelephone communications to Madagascar and Reunion Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001) Radios: 90,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: NA Televisions: 1,000 (1997) Internet country code: .km Internet hosts: 11 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 5,000 (2003) Transportation Comoros Highways: total: 880 km paved: 673 km unpaved: 207 km (1999 est) Ports and harbors: Fomboni, Moroni, Moutsamoudou Merchant marine: total: 62 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 452,801 GRT/681,343 DWT by type: bulk 9, cargo 31, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 1, livestock carrier 1, passenger 4, petroleum tanker 5, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 1, short-sea/passenger 2, specialized tanker 4 foreign-owned: Bahamas 1, Bulgaria 1, Cyprus 1, Greece 7, Honduras 1, India 1, Kenya 1, Lebanon 7, Liberia 1, Marshall Islands 3, Pakistan 4, Panama 2, Russia 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Saudi Arabia 2, Syria 4, Turkey 21, United Kingdom 1, United States 1, Yemen 2 (2004 est.) Airports: 4 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 3 (2004 est.) Military Comoros Military branches: Comoran Security Force Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 154,843 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 91,825 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $6 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 3% (2003) Transnational Issues Comoros Disputes - international: claims French-administered Mayotte This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Congo, Democratic Republic of the Introduction Congo, Democratic Republic of the Background: Since 1997, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC; formerly called Zaire) has been rent by ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow in 1994 of refugees from the fighting in Rwanda and Burundi. The government of former president MOBUTU Sese Seko was toppled by a rebellion led by Laurent KABILA in May 1997; his regime was subsequently challenged by a Rwanda- and Uganda-backed rebellion in August 1998. Troops from Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Chad, and Sudan intervened to support the Kinshasa regime. A cease-fire was signed on 10 July 1999 by the DROC, Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Namibia, Rwanda, and Congolese armed rebel groups, but sporadic fighting continued. KABILA was assassinated on 16 January 2001 and his son Joseph KABILA was named head of state ten days later. In October 2002, the new president was successful in getting occupying Rwandan forces to withdraw from eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and set up a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003; Joseph KABILA remains as president and is joined by four vice presidents from the former government, former rebel camps, and the political opposition. Geography Congo, Democratic Republic of the Location: Central Africa, northeast of Angola Geographic coordinates: 0 00 N, 25 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 2,345,410 sq km water: 77,810 sq km land: 2,267,600 sq km Area - comparative: slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US Land boundaries: total: 10,730 km border countries: Angola 2,511 km (of which 225 km is the boundary of Angola's discontiguous Cabinda Province), Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic 1,577 km, Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Tanzania 459 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia 1,930 km Coastline: 37 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: boundaries with neighbors Climate: tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator - wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of Equator - wet season November to March, dry season April to October Terrain: vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m Natural resources: cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold, silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium, bauxite, iron ore, coal, hydropower, timber Land use: arable land: 2.96% permanent crops: 0.52% other: 96.52% (2001) Irrigated land: 110 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes Environment - current issues: poaching threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; deforestation; refugees responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching; mining of minerals (coltan - a mineral used in creating capacitors, diamonds, and gold) causing environmental damage Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification Geography - note: straddles equator; has very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean; dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands People Congo, Democratic Republic of the Population: 58,317,930 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 48.2% (male 14,122,237; female 14,008,654) 15-64 years: 49.3% (male 14,097,301; female 14,646,285) 65 years and over: 2.5% (male 590,262; female 853,191) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 15.8 years female: 16.2 years (2004 est.) male: 15.4 years Population growth rate: 2.99% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 44.73 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 14.64 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population note: fighting between the Congolese Government and Uganda- and Rwanda-backed Congolese rebels spawned a regional war in DROC in August 1998, which left 1.8 million Congolese internally displaced and caused 300,000 Congolese refugees to flee to surrounding countries (2004 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: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 94.69 deaths/1,000 live births female: 85.95 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 103.18 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.14 years male: 47.06 years female: 51.28 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.62 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.2% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 1.1 million (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 100,000 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, trypanosomiasis, plague, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Ethnic groups: over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba total population: 65.5% male: 76.2% female: 55.1% (2003 est.) Government Congo, Democratic Republic of the Country name: conventional long form: Democratic Republic of the Congo conventional short form: none local short form: none former: Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Congo/Leopoldville, Congo/Kinshasa, Zaire local long form: Republique Democratique du Congo abbreviation: DROC Government type: dictatorship; presumably undergoing a transition to representative government Capital: Kinshasa Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provinces, singular - province) and one city* (ville); Bandundu, Bas-Congo, Equateur, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental, Katanga, Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Orientale, Sud-Kivu Independence: 30 June 1960 (from Belgium) National holiday: Independence Day, 30 June (1960) Constitution: a new constitution was adopted 17 July 2003 Legal system: based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001); note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001); note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to the presidency; the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the president elections: prior to the overthrow of MOBUTU Sese Seko, the president was elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election last held 29 July 1984 (next was scheduled to be held in May 1997); formerly, there was also a prime minister who was elected by the High Council of the Republic; note - a Transitional Government is drafting a new constitution with free elections scheduled to be held in NA 2005 note: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, following the latter's assassination in January 2001, negotiations with rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitional government in July 2003 with free elections scheduled to be held in NA 2005 election results: results of the last election were: MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga reelected president in 1984 without opposition Legislative branch: a 300-member Transitional Constituent Assembly established in August 2000 elections: NA; members of the Transitional Constituent Assembly were appointed by former President Laurent Desire KABILA Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme Political parties and leaders: Democratic Social Christian Party or PDSC [Andre BO-BOLIKO]; Forces for Renovation for Union and Solidarity or FONUS [Joseph OLENGHANKOY]; National Congolese Lumumbist Movement or MNC [Francois LUMUMBA]; Popular Movement of the Revolution or MPR (three factions: MPR-Fait Prive [Catherine NZUZI wa Mbombo]; MPR/Vunduawe [Felix VUNDUAWE]; MPR/Mananga [MANANGA Dintoka Mpholo]); Unified Lumumbast Party or PALU [Antoine GIZENGA]; Union for Democracy and Social Progress or UDPS [Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba]; Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans or UFERI (two factions: UFERI [Lokambo OMOKOKO]; UFERI/OR [Adolph Kishwe MAYA]) Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW (signatory), PCA, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Faida MITIFU FAX: [1] (202) 234-2609 telephone: [1] (202) 234-7690, 7691 chancery: 1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Aubrey HOOKS embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (88) 43608 FAX: [243] (88) 43467 Flag description: light blue with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center and a columnar arrangement of six small yellow five-pointed stars along the hoist side Economy Congo, Democratic Republic of the Economy - overview: The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - has declined drastically since the mid-1980s. The war, which began in August 1998, has dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, has increased external debt, and has resulted in the deaths from war, famine, and disease of perhaps 3.5 million people. Foreign businesses have curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. The war has intensified the impact of such basic problems as an uncertain legal framework, corruption, inflation, and lack of openness in government economic policy and financial operations. Conditions improved in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. Several IMF and World Bank missions have met with the government to help it develop a coherent economic plan, and President KABILA has begun implementing reforms. Much economic activity lies outside the GDP data. Economic stability, aided by international donors, improved in 2003. New mining contracts have been approved, which - combined with high mineral and metal prices - could improve Kinshasa's fiscal position and GDP growth. GDP: purchasing power parity - $40.05 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 6.5% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $700 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 55% industry: 11% services: 34% (2000 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 14% (2003 est.) Labor force: 14.51 million (1993 est.) Labor force - by occupation: NA Unemployment rate: NA (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $269 million expenditures: $244 million, including capital expenditures of $24 million (1996 est.) Agriculture - products: coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber, tea, quinine, cassava (tapioca), palm oil, bananas, root crops, corn, fruits; wood products Industries: mining (diamonds, copper, zinc), mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear, cigarettes, processed foods and beverages), cement Industrial production growth rate: NA Electricity - production: 5.243 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 3.839 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 1.097 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 60 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 24,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 14,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 1.538 billion bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - proved reserves: 104.8 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Exports: $1.417 billion f.o.b. (2002 est.) Exports - commodities: diamonds, copper, crude oil, coffee, cobalt Exports - partners: Belgium 54.9%, US 15.4%, Zimbabwe 11.1%, Finland 4.8% (2003) Imports: $933 million f.o.b. (2002 est.) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment, fuels Imports - partners: South Africa 17%, Belgium 14.9%, France 12.6%, Germany 6.8%, Kenya 5.4%, Netherlands 4% (2003) Debt - external: $11.6 billion (2000 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $195.3 million (1995) Currency: Congolese franc (CDF) Currency code: CDF Exchange rates: Congolese francs per US dollar - NA (2003), 346.485 (2002), 206.617 (2001), 21.82 (2000), 4.02 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Congo, Democratic Republic of the Telephones - main lines in use: 10,000 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: poor domestic: barely adequate wire and microwave radio relay service in and between urban areas; domestic satellite system with 14 earth stations international: country code - 243; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 2 (2001) Radios: 18.03 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 4 (2001) Televisions: 6.478 million (1997) Internet country code: .cd Internet hosts: 153 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2001) Internet users: 50,000 (2002) Transportation Congo, Democratic Republic of the Railways: total: 5,138 km narrow gauge: 3,987 km 1.067-m gauge (858 km electrified); 125 km 1.000-m gauge; 1,026 km 0.600-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 157,000 km (including 30 km of expressways) paved: NA km unpaved: NA km (1999 est.) Waterways: 15,000 km (navigation on the Congo curtailed by fighting) (2004) Pipelines: gas 54 km; oil 71 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Banana, Boma, Bukavu, Bumba, Goma, Kalemie, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Matadi, Mbandaka Merchant marine: none Airports: 230 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 24 over 3,047 m: 4 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 16 914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 206 1,524 to 2,437 m: 17 914 to 1,523 m: 92 under 914 m: 97 (2004 est.) Military Congo, Democratic Republic of the Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 12,706,971 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 6,480,645 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $115.5 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.4% (2003) Transnational Issues Congo, Democratic Republic of the Disputes - international: Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the grip of a civil war, tribal conflict, and rebel gang fighting that has drawn in neighboring states of Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda; in the Great Lakes region and Sudan, heads of the Great Lakes states and UN pledge to end conflict, but unchecked localized violence continues unabated; the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 45,060 (Sudan), 123,714 (Angola), 19,552 (Burundi), 6,626 (Republic of Congo), 19,743 (Rwanda), 18,953 (Uganda) IDPs: 2.33 million (fighting between government forces and rebels since mid-1990s; most IDPs are in eastern provinces) (2004) Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leaves the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a well-developed financial system limits the country's utility as a money-laundering center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Congo, Republic of the Introduction Congo, Republic of the Background: Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but ushered in a period of ethnic unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with significant potential for offshore development. Geography Congo, Republic of the Location: Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Angola and Gabon Geographic coordinates: 1 00 S, 15 00 E Map references: Africa Area: total: 342,000 sq km water: 500 sq km land: 341,500 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Montana Land boundaries: total: 5,504 km border countries: Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 2,410 km, Gabon 1,903 km Coastline: 169 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm Climate: tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October); constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate astride the Equator Terrain: coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin Elevation extremes: lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m Natural resources: petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural gas, hydropower Land use: arable land: 0.51% permanent crops: 0.13% other: 99.36% (2001) Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: seasonal flooding Environment - current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; tap water is not potable; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea Geography - note: about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, or along the railroad between them People Congo, Republic of the Population: 2,998,040 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 37.9% (male 571,224; female 563,723) 15-64 years: 58.5% (male 865,596; female 888,125) 65 years and over: 3.6% (male 45,093; female 64,279) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 20.4 years male: 20 years female: 20.9 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.42% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 28.66 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 14.49 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 93.86 deaths/1,000 live births female: 87.59 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 99.95 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.51 years male: 48.51 years female: 50.55 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.54 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 4.9% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 90,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 9,700 (2003 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Congolese (singular and plural) adjective: Congolese or Congo Ethnic groups: Kongo 48%, Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%, Teke 17%, Europeans and other 3% note: Europeans estimated at 8,500, mostly French, before the 1997 civil war; may be half that in 1998, following the widespread destruction of foreign businesses in 1997 Religions: Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2% Languages: French (official), Lingala and Monokutuba (lingua franca trade languages), many local languages and dialects (of which Kikongo is the most widespread) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 83.8% male: 89.6% female: 78.4% (2003 est.) Government Congo, Republic of the Country name: conventional long form: Republic of the Congo conventional short form: Congo (Brazzaville) local short form: none former: Middle Congo, Congo/Brazzaville, Congo local long form: Republique du Congo Government type: republic Capital: Brazzaville Administrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza, Brazzaville*, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest, Kouilou, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool, Sangha Independence: 15 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 August (1960) Constitution: constitution approved by referendum 20 January 2002 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second seven-year term); election last held 10 March 2002 (next to be held NA 2009) election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percent of vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU 2.7% Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (66 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the National Assembly (137 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: Senate - last held 11 July 2002 (next to be held NA July 2007); National Assembly - last held 27 May and 26 June 2002 (next to be held by NA May 2007) election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FDP 56, other 10; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FDP 83, UDR 6, UPADS 3, other 45 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme Political parties and leaders: the most important of the many parties are the Democratic and Patriotic Forces or FDP (an alliance of Convention for Alternative Democracy, Congolese Labor Party or PCT, Liberal Republican Party, National Union for Democracy and Progress, Patriotic Union for the National Reconstruction, and Union for the National Renewal) [Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president]; Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development or MCDDI [Michel MAMPOUYA]; Pan-African Union for Social Development or UPADS [Martin MBERI]; Rally for Democracy and Social Progress or RDPS [Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president]; Rally for Democracy and the Republic or RDR [Raymond Damasge NGOLLO]; Union for Democracy and Republic or UDR [leader NA]; Union of Democratic Forces or UFD [Sebastian EBAO] Political pressure groups and leaders: Congolese Trade Union Congress or CSC; General Union of Congolese Pupils and Students or UGEEC; Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women or URFC; Union of Congolese Socialist Youth or UJSC International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW (signatory), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOCI, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Serge MOMBOULI FAX: [1] (202) 726-1860 telephone: [1] (202) 726-5500 chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Robin R. SANDERS embassy: NA mailing address: NA telephone: [243] (88) 43608 note: the embassy is temporarily collocated with the US Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (US Embassy Kinshasa, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa) Flag description: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia Economy Congo, Republic of the Economy - overview: The economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, an industrial sector based largely on oil, support services, and a government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay of the economy, providing a major share of government revenues and exports. In the early 1980s, rapidly rising oil revenues enabled the government to finance large-scale development projects with GDP growth averaging 5% annually, one of the highest rates in Africa. The government has mortgaged a substantial portion of its oil earnings, contributing to a shortage of revenues. The 12 January 1994 devaluation of Franc Zone currencies by 50% resulted in inflation of 61% in 1994, but inflation has subsided since. Economic reform efforts continued with the support of international organizations, notably the World Bank and the IMF. The reform program came to a halt in June 1997 when civil war erupted. Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, who returned to power when the war ended in October 1997, publicly expressed interest in moving forward on economic reforms and privatization and in renewing cooperation with international financial institutions. However, economic progress was badly hurt by slumping oil prices and the resumption of armed conflict in December 1998, which worsened the republic's budget deficit. The current administration presides over an uneasy internal peace and faces difficult economic problems of stimulating recovery and reducing poverty. GDP: purchasing power parity - $2.148 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 1.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $700 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6.9% industry: 53.9% services: 39.2% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 31.3% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.4% (2003 est.) Labor force: NA (2000 est.) Unemployment rate: NA (2003) Budget: revenues: $1.025 billion expenditures: $946.8 million, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Agriculture - products: cassava (tapioca), sugar, rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables, coffee, cocoa; forest products Industries: petroleum extraction, cement, lumber, brewing, sugar, palm oil, soap, flour, cigarettes Industrial production growth rate: 0% (2002 est.) Electricity - production: 358.1 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 633 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 300 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 275,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 5,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 93.5 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 495.5 million cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $139.2 million (2003) Exports: $2.293 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: petroleum, lumber, plywood, sugar, cocoa, coffee, diamonds Exports - partners: China 28.6%, Taiwan 19.3%, US 16%, South Korea 12.9% (2003) Imports: $666.9 million f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: capital equipment, construction materials, foodstuffs Imports - partners: France 22.2%, US 6.8%, Italy 6.2%, China 5.1%, Belgium 4.6%, India 4.4% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $44.53 million (2003) Debt - external: $5 billion (2000 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $159.1 million (1995) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XAF); note - responsible authority is the Bank of the Central African States Currency code: XAF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XAF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.98 (2000), 615.7 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Congo, Republic of the Telephones - main lines in use: 7,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 330,000 (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: services barely adequate for government use; key exchanges are in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, and Loubomo; intercity lines frequently out of order domestic: primary network consists of microwave radio relay and coaxial cable international: country code - 242; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 3 (2001) Radios: 341,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (2002) Televisions: 33,000 (1997) Internet country code: .cg Internet hosts: 46 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 1 (2000) Internet users: 15,000 (2003) Transportation Congo, Republic of the Railways: total: 894 km narrow gauge: 894 km 1.067-m gauge (2003) Highways: total: 12,800 km paved: 1,242 km unpaved: 11,558 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 4,385 km (on Congo and Oubanqui rivers) (2004) Pipelines: gas 53 km; oil 646 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Brazzaville, Impfondo, Ouesso, Oyo, Pointe-Noire Airports: 32 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 4 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 28 1,524 to 2,437 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 11 under 914 m: 11 (2004 est.) Military Congo, Republic of the Military branches: Congolese Armed Forces (FAC): Army, Air Force, Navy Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 773,790 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 390,884 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 31,964 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $68.6 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.8% (2003) Transnational Issues Congo, Republic of the Disputes - international: the location of the boundary in the broad Congo River with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is indefinite except in the Pool Malebo/Stanley Pool area Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 60,000 (multiple civil wars since 1992; most IDPs are ethnic Lari) (2004) This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cook Islands Introduction Cook Islands Background: Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems. Geography Cook Islands Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand Geographic coordinates: 21 14 S, 159 46 W Map references: Oceania Area: total: 240 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 240 sq km Area - comparative: 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Te Manga 652 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 17.39% permanent crops: 13.04% other: 69.57% (2001) Irrigated land: NA sq km Natural hazards: typhoons (November to March) Environment - current issues: NA Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: the northern Cook Islands are seven low-lying, sparsely populated, coral atolls; the southern Cook Islands consist of eight elevated, fertile, volcanic isles where most of the populace lives People Cook Islands Population: 21,200 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA (2004 est.) Population growth rate: NA (2004 est.) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: NA (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: NA male: NA female: NA (2004 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: NA years male: NA years female: NA years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: NA HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: NA HIV/AIDS - deaths: NA Nationality: noun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander Ethnic groups: Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and non-European 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9% Religions: Christian (majority of populace are members of the Cook Islands Christian Church) Languages: English (official), Maori Literacy: definition: NA total population: 95% male: NA female: NA Government Cook Islands Country name: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Cook Islands former: Harvey Islands Dependency status: self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense, in consultation with the Cook Islands Government type: self-governing parliamentary democracy Capital: Avarua Administrative divisions: none Independence: none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action) National holiday: Constitution Day, first Monday in August (1965) Constitution: 4 August 1965 Legal system: based on New Zealand law and English common law Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); New Zealand High Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since July 2001), representative of New Zealand elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative is appointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner is appointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually becomes prime minister head of government: Prime Minister Jim MARURAI (since 14 December 2004); Deputy Prime Minister SIR Geoffrey HENRY (since 14 December 2004) cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectively responsible to Parliament Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (25 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: last held 7 September 2004 (next to be held by 2009) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - CIP 10, DAP 9, Demo Tumu 4, independent 1; note - one seat undecided pending by-election note: the House of Ariki (chiefs) advises on traditional matters and maintains considerable influence, but has no legislative powers Judicial branch: High Court Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands People's Party or CIP [Geoffrey HENRY]; Democratic Alliance Party or DAP [Terepai MAOATE]; New Alliance Party or NAP [Norman GEORGE]; Cook Islands National Party or CIN [Teariki HEATHER]; Demo Party Tumu [Robert WOONTON] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACP, AsDB, FAO, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFRCS, IOC, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) Flag description: blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the outer half of the flag Economy Cook Islands Economy - overview: Like many other South Pacific island nations, the Cook Islands' economic development is hindered by the isolation of the country from foreign markets, the limited size of domestic markets, lack of natural resources, periodic devastation from natural disasters, and inadequate infrastructure. Agriculture provides the economic base with major exports made up of copra and citrus fruit. Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit processing, clothing, and handicrafts. Trade deficits are offset by remittances from emigrants and by foreign aid, overwhelmingly from New Zealand. In the 1980s and 1990s, the country lived beyond its means, maintaining a bloated public service and accumulating a large foreign debt. Subsequent reforms, including the sale of state assets, the strengthening of economic management, the encouragement of tourism, and a debt restructuring agreement, have rekindled investment and growth. GDP: purchasing power parity - $105 million (2001 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 7.1% (2001 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 17% industry: 7.8% services: 75.2% (2000 est.) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: NA highest 10%: NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.2% (2000 est.) Labor force: 8,000 (1996) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 29%, industry 15%, services 56% note: shortage of skilled labor (1995) Unemployment rate: 13% (1996) Budget: revenues: $28 million expenditures: $27 million, including capital expenditures of $3.3 million (FY00/01 est.) Agriculture - products: copra, citrus, pineapples, tomatoes, beans, pawpaws, bananas, yams, taro, coffee; pigs, poultry Industries: fruit processing, tourism, fishing, clothing, handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: 1% (2002) Electricity - production: 27.43 million kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 25.51 million kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 0 kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 450 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Exports: $9.1 million (2000) Exports - commodities: copra, papayas, fresh and canned citrus fruit, coffee; fish; pearls and pearl shells; clothing Exports - partners: Australia 34%, Japan 27%, New Zealand 25%, US 8% (2000) Imports: $50.7 million (2000) Imports - commodities: foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber, capital goods Imports - partners: New Zealand 61%, Fiji 19%, US 9%, Australia 6%, Japan 2% (2000) Debt - external: $141 million (1996 est.) Economic aid - recipient: $13.1 million; note - New Zealand continues to furnish the greater part (1995) Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) Currency code: NZD Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.7229 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3776 (2001), 2.1863 (2000), 1.8886 (1999) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March Communications Cook Islands Telephones - main lines in use: 6,200 (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1,500 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialing, Internet, email, fax, and Telex domestic: the individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable international: country code - 682; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004) Radios: 14,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 1 (outer islands receive satellite broadcasts) (2004) Televisions: 4,000 (1997) Internet country code: .ck Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (2000) Internet users: 3,600 (2002) Transportation Cook Islands Highways: total: 320 km paved: 33 km unpaved: 287 km (2000) Ports and harbors: Avarua, Avatiu Merchant marine: total: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,074 GRT/7,520 DWT foreign-owned: Australia 1, United Kingdom 1 (2004 est.) by type: cargo 1, petroleum tanker 1 Airports: 9 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 7 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.) Military Cook Islands Military - note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands and at its request Transnational Issues Cook Islands Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Coral Sea Islands Introduction Coral Sea Islands Background: Scattered over some 1 million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs. Geography Coral Sea Islands Location: Oceania, islands in the Coral Sea, northeast of Australia Geographic coordinates: 18 00 S, 152 00 E Map references: Oceania Area: total: less than 3 sq km note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 780,000 sq km, with the Willis Islets the most important water: 0 sq km land: less than 3 sq km Area - comparative: NA Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 3,095 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 3 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical Terrain: sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays) Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m Natural resources: NEGL Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (mostly grass or scrub cover) (2001) Irrigated land: 0 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: occasional tropical cyclones Environment - current issues: no permanent fresh water resources Geography - note: important nesting area for birds and turtles People Coral Sea Islands Population: no indigenous inhabitants note: there is a staff of three to four at the meteorological station (2004 est.) Government Coral Sea Islands Country name: conventional long form: Coral Sea Islands Territory conventional short form: Coral Sea Islands Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories Legal system: the laws of Australia, where applicable, apply Executive branch: administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia) Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia) Flag description: the flag of Australia is used Economy Coral Sea Islands Economy - overview: no economic activity Communications Coral Sea Islands Communications - note: there are automatic weather stations on many of the isles and reefs relaying data to the mainland Transportation Coral Sea Islands Ports and harbors: none; offshore anchorage only Military Coral Sea Islands Military - note: defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors Transnational Issues Coral Sea Islands Disputes - international: none This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Costa Rica Introduction Costa Rica Background: Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. Geography Costa Rica Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama Geographic coordinates: 10 00 N, 84 00 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 51,100 sq km water: 440 sq km note: includes Isla del Coco land: 50,660 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 639 km border countries: Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km Coastline: 1,290 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm Climate: tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands Terrain: coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes Elevation extremes: lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m Natural resources: hydropower Land use: arable land: 4.41% permanent crops: 5.88% other: 89.71% (2001) Irrigated land: 1,260 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes Environment - current issues: deforestation and land use change, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching and agriculture; soil erosion; coastal marine pollution; fisheries protection; solid waste management; air pollution Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: four volcanoes, two of them active, rise near the capital of San Jose in the center of the country; one of the volcanoes, Irazu, erupted destructively in 1963-65 People Costa Rica Population: 3,956,507 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 29.5% (male 597,332; female 570,008) 15-64 years: 65% (male 1,300,206; female 1,271,010) 65 years and over: 5.5% (male 101,270; female 116,681) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 25.7 years male: 25.2 years female: 26.2 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 1.52% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 18.99 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 4.32 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 0.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 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: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births female: 9.3 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 11.17 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.63 years male: 74.07 years female: 79.33 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.33 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 0.6% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 12,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 900 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Costa Rican(s) adjective: Costa Rican Ethnic groups: white (including mestizo) 94%, black 3%, Amerindian 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 76.3%, Evangelical 13.7%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.3%, other Protestant 0.7%, other 4.8%, none 3.2% Languages: Spanish (official), English Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 96% male: 95.9% female: 96.1% (2003 est.) Government Costa Rica Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Costa Rica conventional short form: Costa Rica local short form: Costa Rica local long form: Republica de Costa Rica Government type: democratic republic Capital: San Jose Administrative divisions: 7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Constitution: 7 November 1949 Legal system: based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); First Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since 8 May 2002); Second Vice President Luis FISHMAN (since 8 May 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); First Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since NA May 2002); Second Vice President Luis FISHMAN (since NA May 2002); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet selected by the president elections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 February 2002; run-off election held 7 April 2002 (next to be held NA February 2006) election results: Abel PACHECO elected president; percent of vote - Abel PACHECO (PUSC) 58%; Rolando ARAYA (PLN) 42% Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly or Asamblea Legislativa (57 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: last held 3 February 2002 (next to be held 3 February 2006) election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - PUSC 19, PLN 17, PAC 14, PML 6, PRC 1; note - seats by party as of January 2005 - PUSC 19, PLN 16, PAC 8, PML 5, PRC 1, Patriotic Union 3, Homeland First 1, Authentic Member from Heredia 1, Democratic National Alliance 1, independent 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Corte Suprema (22 justices are elected for eight-year terms by the Legislative Assembly) Political parties and leaders: Authentic Member from Heredia [Jose SALAS]; Citizen Action Party or PAC [Otton SOLIS]; Costa Rican Renovation Party or PRC [Justo OROZCO]; Democratic Force Party or PFD [Juan Carlos CHAVES Mora]; Democratic National Alliance [Emilia RODRIGUEZ]; General Union Party or PUGEN [Carlos Alberto FERNANDEZ Vega]; Homeland First [Juan Jose VARGAS]; Independent Worker Party or PIO [Jose Alberto CUBERO Carmona]; Libertarian Movement Party or PML [Otto GUEVARA Guth]; National Christian Alliance Party or ANC [Victor GONZALEZ]; National Integration Party or PIN [Walter MUNOZ Cespedes]; National Liberation Party or PLN [Francisco Antonio PACHECO]; National Patriotic Party or PPN [Daniel Enrique REYNOLDS Vargas]; National Rescue Party or PRN [Carlos VARGAS Solano]; Patriotic Union [Humberto ARCE]; Popular Vanguard [Trino BARRANTES Araya]; Social Christian Unity Party or PUSC [Lorena VASQUEZ Badilla] Political pressure groups and leaders: Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers or CATD (Communist Party affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; Confederated Union of Workers or CUT (Communist Party affiliate); Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers or CCTD (Liberation Party affiliate); Federation of Public Service Workers or FTSP; National Association for Economic Development or ANFE; National Association of Educators or ANDE; Rerum Novarum or CTRN (PLN affiliate) [Gilbert Brown] International organization participation: BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tomas DUENAS consulate(s): Austin consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Durham (North Carolina), Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Francisco, St. Paul, and Tampa FAX: [1] (202) 265-4795 telephone: [1] (202) 234-2945 chancery: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Douglas M. BARNES embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose mailing address: APO AA 34020 telephone: [506] 220-3939 FAX: [506] 519-2305 Flag description: five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk on the hoist side of the red band; above the coat of arms a light blue ribbon contains the words, AMERICA CENTRAL, and just below it near the top of the coat of arms is a white ribbon with the words, REPUBLICA COSTA RICA Economy Costa Rica Economy - overview: Costa Rica's basically stable economy depends on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports. Poverty has been substantially reduced over the past 15 years, and a strong social safety net has been put into place. Foreign investors remain attracted by the country's political stability and high education levels, and tourism continues to bring in foreign exchange. Low prices for coffee and bananas have hurt the agricultural sector. The government continues to grapple with its large deficit and massive internal debt. The reduction of inflation remains a difficult problem because of rises in the price of imports, labor market rigidities, and fiscal deficits. Costa Rica recently concluded negotiations to participate in the US - Central American Free Trade Agreement, which, if ratified by the Costa Rican Legislature, would result in economic reforms and an improved investment climate. GDP: purchasing power parity - $35.34 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 5.6% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,100 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8.5% industry: 29.4% services: 62.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 20.2% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 20.6% (2002 est.) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 1.1% highest 10%: 36.8% (2002) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 45.9 (1997) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.4% (2003 est.) Labor force: 1.758 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 20%, industry 22%, services 58% (1999 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.7% (2003 est.) Budget: revenues: $2.313 billion expenditures: $2.851 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 56.1% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber Industries: microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products Industrial production growth rate: 8% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 6.839 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 6.109 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 379 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 128 million kWh (2001) Oil - production: 0 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 37,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Current account balance: $-970 million (2003) Exports: $6.176 billion (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: coffee, bananas, sugar; pineapples; textiles, electronic components, medical equipment Exports - partners: US 14.2%, Guatemala 3%, Nicaragua 2.7% (2003) Imports: $7.057 billion (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum Imports - partners: US 23.2%, Mexico 4.7%, Venezuela 3.2% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $1.836 billion (2003) Debt - external: $5.366 billion (2003 est.) Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC) Currency code: CRC Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones per US dollar - 398.663 (2003), 359.817 (2002), 328.871 (2001), 308.187 (2000), 285.685 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Costa Rica Telephones - main lines in use: 1.132 million (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 528,047 (2002) Telephone system: general assessment: good domestic telephone service in terms of breadth of coverage; restricted cellular telephone service domestic: point-to-point and point-to-multi-point microwave, fiber-optic, and coaxial cable link rural areas; Internet service is available international: country code - 506; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); two submarine cables (1999) Radio broadcast stations: AM 65, FM 51, shortwave 19 (2002) Radios: 980,000 (1997) Television broadcast stations: 20 (plus 43 repeaters) (2002) Televisions: 525,000 (1997) Internet country code: .cr Internet hosts: 10,826 (2003) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 3 (of which only one is legal) (2000) Internet users: 800,000 (2002) Transportation Costa Rica Railways: total: 950 km narrow gauge: 950 km 1.067-m gauge (260 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 35,892 km paved: 7,896 km unpaved: 27,996 km (2000) Waterways: 730 km (seasonally navigable by small craft) (2004) Pipelines: refined products 242 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puerto Limon, Puerto Quepos, Puntarenas Merchant marine: total: 1 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,716 GRT/ DWT by type: passenger 1 registered in other countries: 1 (2004 est.) Airports: 149 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 30 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 18 under 914 m: 8 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 119 914 to 1,523 m: 24 under 914 m: 95 (2004 est.) Military Costa Rica Military branches: no regular military forces; Ministry of Public Security Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age (2004 est.) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,101,887 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 736,007 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 41,709 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $64 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 0.4% (2003) Transnational Issues Costa Rica Disputes - international: legal dispute over navigational rights of Rio San Juan on the border with Nicaragua remains unsolved Illicit drugs: transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis on small, scattered plots; domestic cocaine consumption is rising, particularly crack cocaine This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cote d'Ivoire Introduction Cote d'Ivoire Background: Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. On 25 December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan BEDIE. Junta leader Robert GUEI held elections in late 2000, but excluded prominent opposition leader Alassane OUATTARA, blatantly rigged the polling results, and declared himself winner. Popular protest forced GUEI to step aside and brought runner-up Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for nationality remain unresolved. The central government has yet to exert control over the northern regions and tensions remain high between GBAGBO and rebel leaders. Several thousand French and West African troops remain in Cote d'Ivoire to maintain peace and facilitate the disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation process. Geography Cote d'Ivoire Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia Geographic coordinates: 8 00 N, 5 00 W Map references: Africa Area: total: 322,460 sq km water: 4,460 sq km land: 318,000 sq km Area - comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total: 3,110 km border countries: Burkina Faso 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km, Mali 532 km Coastline: 515 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm continental shelf: 200 nm Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October) Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest Elevation extremes: lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, hydropower Land use: arable land: 9.75% permanent crops: 13.84% other: 76.41% (2001) Irrigated land: 730 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible Environment - current issues: deforestation (most of the country's forests - once the largest in West Africa - have been heavily logged); water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents Environment - international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements Geography - note: most of the inhabitants live along the sandy coastal region; apart from the capital area, the forested interior is sparsely populated People Cote d'Ivoire Population: 17,327,724 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 45.1% (male 3,856,130; female 3,965,930) 15-64 years: 52.6% (male 4,651,921; female 4,468,085) 65 years and over: 2.2% (male 182,995; female 202,663) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 17 years male: 17.4 years female: 16.7 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 2.11% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 39.64 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 18.48 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 97.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 79.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 113.87 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 42.48 years male: 40.27 years female: 44.76 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.42 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: 7% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 570,000 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: 47,000 (2001 est.) Major infectious diseases: typhoid fever, malaria, yellow fever, schistosomiasis overall degree of risk: very high (2004) Nationality: noun: Ivoirian(s) adjective: Ivoirian Ethnic groups: Akan 42.1%, Voltaiques or Gur 17.6%, Northern Mandes 16.5%, Krous 11%, Southern Mandes 10%, other 2.8% (includes 130,000 Lebanese and 14,000 French) (1998) Religions: Christian 20-30%, Muslim 35-40%, indigenous 25-40% (2001) note: the majority of foreigners (migratory workers) are Muslim (70%) and Christian (20%) Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects with Dioula the most widely spoken Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 50.9% male: 57.9% female: 43.6% (2003 est.) Government Cote d'Ivoire Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire conventional short form: Cote d'Ivoire local short form: Cote d'Ivoire former: Ivory Coast local long form: Republique de Cote d'Ivoire Government type: republic; multiparty presidential regime established 1960 Capital: Yamoussoukro; note - although Yamoussoukro has been the official capital since 1983, Abidjan remains the commercial and administrative center; the US, like other countries, maintains its Embassy in Abidjan Administrative divisions: 19 regions; Agneby, Bafing, Bas-Sassandra, Denguele, Dix-Huit Montagnes, Fromager, Haut-Sassandra, Lacs, Lagunes, Marahoue, Moyen-Cavally, Moyen-Comoe, N'zi-Comoe, Savanes, Sud-Bandama, Sud-Comoe, Vallee du Bandama, Worodougou, Zanzan Independence: 7 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 7 August (1960) Constitution: a new constitution was adopted 4 August 2000 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26 October 2000); note - seized power following a popular overthrow of the interim leader Gen. Robert GUEI who had claimed a dubious victory in presidential elections; Gen. GUEI himself had assumed power on 25 December 1999, following a military coup against the government of former President Henri Konan BEDIE head of government: Prime Minister Seydou DIARRA (since 25 January 2003); note - appointed as transitional Prime Minister by President GBAGBO as part of a French brokered peace plan cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 26 October 2000 (next to be held NA 2005); prime minister appointed by the president election results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote - Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other 2.2% Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (225 seats; members are elected in single- and multi-district elections by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: elections last held 10 December 2000 with by-elections on 14 January 2001 (next to be held NA 2005) note: a Senate is scheduled to be created in the next full election in 2005 election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - FPI 96, PDCI-RDA 94, RDR 5, PIT 4, other 2, independents 22, vacant 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consists of four chambers: Judicial Chamber for criminal cases, Audit Chamber for financial cases, Constitutional Chamber for judicial review cases, and Administrative Chamber for civil cases; there is no legal limit to the number of members Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally or PDCI-RDA [Aime Henri Konan BEDIE]; Ivorian Popular Front or FPI [Laurent GBAGBO]; Ivorian Worker's Party or PIT [Francis WODIE]; Rally of the Republicans or RDR [Alassane OUATTARA]; Union for Democracy and Peace or UDPCI [leader NA]; over 20 smaller parties Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pascal Dago KOKORA chancery: 3421 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 FAX: [1] (202) 462-9444 telephone: [1] (202) 797-0300 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Arlene RENDER embassy: 5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01 telephone: [225] 20 21 09 79 FAX: [225] 20 22 32 59 Flag description: three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France Economy Cote d'Ivoire Economy - overview: Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and to weather conditions. Despite government attempts to diversify the economy, it is still heavily dependent on agriculture and related activities, which engage roughly 68% of the population. After several years of lagging performance, the Ivorian economy began a comeback in 1994, due to the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc and improved prices for cocoa and coffee, growth in nontraditional primary exports such as pineapples and rubber, limited trade and banking liberalization, offshore oil and gas discoveries, and generous external financing and debt rescheduling by multilateral lenders and France. Moreover, government adherence to donor-mandated reforms led to a jump in growth to 5% annually during 1996-99. Growth was negative in 2000-03 because of the difficulty of meeting the conditions of international donors, continued low prices of key exports, and severe civil war. Political uncertainty will continue to cloud the economic outlook in 2004, but rising world prices for cocoa will help both the current account and the government balances. GDP: purchasing power parity - $24.51 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: -1.9% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 36.6% industry: 19.9% services: 43.5% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 8.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 37% (1995) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.1% highest 10%: 28.8% (1995) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 36.7 (1995) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.4% (2003 est.) Labor force: 6.64 million 68% agricultural (2003) Unemployment rate: 13% in urban areas (1998) Budget: revenues: $2.339 billion expenditures: $2.749 billion, including capital expenditures of $420 million (2003 est.) Public debt: 82.5% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: coffee, cocoa beans, bananas, palm kernels, corn, rice, manioc (tapioca), sweet potatoes, sugar, cotton, rubber; timber Industries: foodstuffs, beverages; wood products, oil refining, truck and bus assembly, textiles, fertilizer, building materials, electricity Industrial production growth rate: 15% (1998 est.) Electricity - production: 4.605 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 2.983 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 1.3 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 0 kWh (2001) Oil - production: 11,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 32,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 50 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 1.35 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 14.87 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $501 million (2003) Exports: $5.299 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: cocoa, coffee, timber, petroleum, cotton, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, fish Exports - partners: France 19.1%, Netherlands 17.7%, US 7.1%, Spain 5.6% (2003) Imports: $2.781 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: fuel, capital equipment, foodstuffs Imports - partners: France 32.7%, Nigeria 14.4%, UK 7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $2.005 billion (2003) Debt - external: $11.85 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: ODA, $1 billion (1996 est.) Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States Currency code: XOF Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 581.2 (2003), 696.988 (2002), 733.039 (2001), 711.976 (2000), 615.699 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Cote d'Ivoire Telephones - main lines in use: 328,000 (2003) Telephones - mobile cellular: 1.236 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: well developed by African standards but operating well below capacity domestic: open-wire lines and microwave radio relay; 90% digitalized international: country code - 225; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean); 2 submarine cables (June 1999) Radio broadcast stations: AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (1998) Radios: 2.26 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 14 (1999) Televisions: 1.09 million (2000) Internet country code: .ci Internet hosts: 3,795 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 5 (2001) Internet users: 90,000 (2002) Transportation Cote d'Ivoire Railways: total: 660 km narrow gauge: 660 km 1.000-meter gauge note: an additional 622 km of this railroad extends into Burkina Faso (2003) Highways: total: 50,400 km paved: 4,889 km unpaved: 45,511 km (1999 est.) Waterways: 980 km (navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons) (2003) Pipelines: condensate 107 km; gas 223 km; oil 104 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Abidjan, Aboisso, Dabou, San-Pedro Airports: 37 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 7 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 (2004 est.) Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 30 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 15 under 914 m: 8 (2004 est.) Military Cote d'Ivoire Military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard (includes Presidential Guard) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 4,135,309 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 2,164,014 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 204,434 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $173.6 million (2003) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.2% (2003) Transnational Issues Cote d'Ivoire Disputes - international: continuing rebel fighting extends to neighboring states and has kept out foreign workers from nearby countries; the Ivorian Government accuses Burkina Faso and Liberia of supporting Ivorian rebels Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees (country of origin): 71,711 (Liberia) IDPs: 500,000 (2002 coup; most IDPs are in western regions) (2004) Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for local consumption; transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin to Europe and occasionally to the US, and for Latin American cocaine destined for Europe and South Africa; while rampant corruption and inadequate supervision leave the banking system vulnerable to money laundering, the lack of a developed financial system limits the country's utility as a major money-laundering center This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Croatia Introduction Croatia Background: The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. Geography Croatia Location: Southeastern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovenia Geographic coordinates: 45 10 N, 15 30 E Map references: Europe Area: total: 56,542 sq km water: 128 sq km land: 56,414 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total: 2,197 km border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia and Montenegro (north) 241 km, Serbia and Montenegro (south) 25 km, Slovenia 670 km Coastline: 5,835 km (mainland 1,777 km, islands 4,058 km) Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation Climate: Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast Terrain: geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains and highlands near Adriatic coastline and islands Elevation extremes: lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Dinara 1,830 m Natural resources: oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, gypsum, natural asphalt, silica, mica, clays, salt, hydropower Land use: arable land: 26.09% permanent crops: 2.27% other: 71.65% (2001) Irrigated land: 30 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: destructive earthquakes Environment - current issues: air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; landmine removal and reconstruction of infrastructure consequent to 1992-95 civil strife Environment - international agreements: party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol Geography - note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits People Croatia Population: 4,496,869 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 383,729; female 364,287) 15-64 years: 67% (male 1,497,525; female 1,515,956) 65 years and over: 16.4% (male 277,616; female 457,756) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 39.7 years male: 37.7 years female: 41.5 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: -0.02% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 9.51 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 11.3 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: 1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.96 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 7.03 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.14 years male: 70.21 years female: 78.29 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.39 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 200 (2001 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 10 (2001 est.) Nationality: noun: Croat(s), Croatian(s) adjective: Croatian Ethnic groups: Croat 89.6%, Serb 4.5%, Bosniak 0.5%, Hungarian 0.4%, Slovene 0.3%, Czech 0.2%, Roma 0.2%, Albanian 0.1%, Montenegrin 0.1%, others 4.1% (2001) Religions: Roman Catholic 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, others and unknown 6.2% (2001) Languages: Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 98.5% male: 99.4% female: 97.8% (2003 est.) Government Croatia Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Croatia conventional short form: Croatia local short form: Hrvatska former: People's Republic of Croatia, Socialist Republic of Croatia local long form: Republika Hrvatska Government type: presidential/parliamentary democracy Capital: Zagreb Administrative divisions: 20 counties (zupanije, zupanija - singular) and 1 city* (grad - singular); Bjelovarsko-Bilogorska Zupanija, Brodsko-Posavska Zupanija, Dubrovacko-Neretvanska Zupanija, Istarska Zupanija, Karlovacka Zupanija, Koprivnicko-Krizevacka Zupanija, Krapinsko-Zagorska Zupanija, Licko-Senjska Zupanija, Medimurska Zupanija, Osjecko-Baranjska Zupanija, Pozesko-Slavonska Zupanija, Primorsko-Goranska Zupanija, Sibensko-Kninska Zupanija, Sisacko-Moslavacka Zupanija, Splitsko-Dalmatinska Zupanija, Varazdinska Zupanija, Viroviticko-Podravska Zupanija, Vukovarsko-Srijemska Zupanija, Zadarska Zupanija, Zagreb*, Zagrebacka Zupanija Independence: 25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia) National holiday: Statehood Day, 25 June (1991) Constitution: adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed) Executive branch: chief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18 February 2000) head of government: Prime Minister Ivo SANADER (since 9 December 2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Jadranka KOSOR (since 23 December 2003) and Andrija HEBRANG (since 23 December 2003) cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and approved by the parliamentary Assembly elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 16 January 2005 (next to be held January 2010); prime minister nominated by the president in line with the balance of power in the Assembly election results: Stjepan MESIC reelected president; percent of vote - Stjepan MESIC (HNS) 66%, Jadranka KOSOR (HDZ) 34% Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly or Sabor (152 seats; note - one seat was added in the November 2003 parliamentary elections; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms) elections: Assembly - last held 23 November 2003 (next to be held in 2007) note: minority government coalition - HDZ, DC, HSLS, HSU, SDSS election results: Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA%; number of seats by party - HDZ 66, SDP 34, HSS 10, HNS 10, HSP 8, IDS 4, Libra 3, HSU 3, SDSS 3, other 11 Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Constitutional Court; judges for both courts appointed for eight-year terms by the Judicial Council of the Republic, which is elected by the Assembly Political parties and leaders: Croatian Bloc or HB [Ivic PASALIC]; Croatian Christian Democratic Union or HKDU [Anto KOVACEVIC]; Croatian Democratic Union or HDZ [Ivo SANADER]; Croatian Party of Rights or HSP [Anto DJAPIC]; Croatian Peasant Party or HSS [Zlatko TOMCIC]; Croatian Pensioner Party or HSU [Vladimir JORDAN]; Croatian People's Party or HNS [Vesna PUSIC]; Croatian Social Liberal Party or HSLS [Ivan CEHOK]; Croatian True Revival Party or HIP [Miroslav TUDJMAN]; Democratic Centre or DC [Vesna SKARE-OZBOLT]; Independent Democratic Serb Party or SDSS [Vojislav STRANIMIROVIC]; Istrian Democratic Assembly or IDS [Ivan JAKOVCIC]; Liberal Party or LS [Zlatko BENASIC]; Party of Liberal Democrats or Libra [Jozo RADOS]; Social Democratic Party of Croatia or SDP [Ivica RACAN] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ABEDA, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMIL, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Neven JURICA chancery: 2343 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York FAX: [1] (202) 588-8936 telephone: [1] (202) 588-5899 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph FRANK embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson, 10010 Zagreb mailing address: use street address telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200 FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373 Flag description: red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms (red and white checkered) Economy Croatia Economy - overview: Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Republic of Croatia, after Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a per capita output perhaps one-third above the Yugoslav average. The economy emerged from a mild recession in 2000 with tourism, banking, and public investments leading the way. Unemployment remains high, at over 13 percent, with structural factors slowing its decline. While macroeconomic stabilization has largely been achieved, structural reforms lag because of deep resistance on the part of the public and lack of strong support from politicians. Growth, while impressively over 4% for the last several years, has been achieved through high fiscal and current account deficits. The government is gradually reducing a heavy back log of civil cases, many involving land tenure. The EU accession process should accelerate fiscal and structural reform. GDP: purchasing power parity - $47.05 billion (2003 est.) GDP - real growth rate: 4.3% (2003 est.) GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $10,600 (2003 est.) GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 7.9% industry: 30% services: 62.1% (2003 est.) Investment (gross fixed): 27.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: NA Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7% highest 10%: 23.3% (1998) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 29 (1998) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (2003 est.) Labor force: 1.69 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 13.2%, industry 25.4%, services 46.4% (2002) Unemployment rate: 19.5% (2003) Budget: revenues: $12.76 billion expenditures: $14.31 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (2003 est.) Public debt: 69.1% of GDP (2003) Agriculture - products: wheat, corn, sugar beets, sunflower seed, barley, alfalfa, clover, olives, citrus, grapes, soybeans, potatoes; livestock, dairy products Industries: chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig iron and rolled steel products, aluminum, paper, wood products, construction materials, textiles, shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food and beverages; tourism Industrial production growth rate: 3.9% (2003 est.) Electricity - production: 12.12 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - consumption: 14.27 billion kWh (2001) Electricity - exports: 386 million kWh (2001) Electricity - imports: 3.386 billion kWh (2001) Oil - production: 29,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - consumption: 89,000 bbl/day (2001 est.) Oil - exports: NA (2001) Oil - imports: NA (2001) Oil - proved reserves: 93.6 million bbl (1 January 2002) Natural gas - production: 1.76 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - consumption: 2.84 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - exports: 0 cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - imports: 1.08 billion cu m (2001 est.) Natural gas - proved reserves: 34.36 billion cu m (1 January 2002) Current account balance: $-2.039 billion (2003) Exports: $6.355 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Exports - commodities: transport equipment, textiles, chemicals, foodstuffs, fuels Exports - partners: Italy 26.1%, Bosnia and Herzegovina 14.6%, Germany 12%, Slovenia 8.3%, Austria 7.9% (2003) Imports: $12.86 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.) Imports - commodities: machinery, transport and electrical equipment, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, foodstuffs Imports - partners: Italy 17.9%, Germany 15.7%, Slovenia 7.4%, Austria 6.6%, France 5.3%, Russia 4.7% (2003) Reserves of foreign exchange & gold: $8.191 billion (2003) Debt - external: $23.56 billion (2003 est.) Economic aid - recipient: ODA $66 million (2000) Currency: kuna (HRK) Currency code: HRK Exchange rates: kuna per US dollar - 6.7035 (2003), 7.8687 (2002), 8.34 (2001), 8.2766 (2000), 7.1124 (1999) Fiscal year: calendar year Communications Croatia Telephones - main lines in use: 1.825 million (2002) Telephones - mobile cellular: 2.553 million (2003) Telephone system: general assessment: NA domestic: reconstruction plan calls for replacement of all analog circuits with digital and enlarging the network; a backup will be included in the plan for the main trunk international: country code - 385; digital international service is provided through the main switch in Zagreb; Croatia participates in the Trans-Asia-Europe (TEL) fiber-optic project, which consists of two fiber-optic trunk connections with Slovenia and a fiber-optic trunk line from Rijeka to Split and Dubrovnik; Croatia is also investing in ADRIA 1, a joint fiber-optic project with Germany, Albania, and Greece (2000) Radio broadcast stations: AM 16, FM 98, shortwave 5 (1999) Radios: 1.51 million (1997) Television broadcast stations: 36 (plus 321 repeaters) (September 1995) Televisions: 1.22 million (1997) Internet country code: .hr Internet hosts: 29,644 (2004) Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 9 (2000) Internet users: 1.014 million (2003) Transportation Croatia Railways: total: 2,726 km standard gauge: 2,726 km 1.435-m gauge (984 km electrified) (2003) Highways: total: 28,123 km paved: 23,792 km (including 410 km of expressways) unpaved: 4,331 km (2000) Waterways: 785 km (2004) Pipelines: gas 1,340 km; oil 583 km (2004) Ports and harbors: Dubrovnik, Dugi Rat, Omisalj, Ploce, Pula, Rijeka, Sibenik, Split, Vukovar (inland waterway port on Danube), Zadar Merchant marine: total: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 750,579 GRT/1,178,786 DWT by type: bulk 16, cargo 14, chemical tanker 4, combination bulk 5, multi-functional large load carrier 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 4, short-sea/passenger 3 registered in other countries: 44 (2004 est.) foreign-owned: Hong Kong 3, Russia 1 Airports: 68 (2003 est.) Airports - with paved runways: total: 23 over 3,047 m: 2 2,438 to 3,047 m: 6 914 to 1,523 m: 4 under 914 m: 9 (2004 est.) 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 45 1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 914 to 1,523 m: 7 under 914 m: 37 (2004 est.) Heliports: 1 (2003 est.) Military Croatia Military branches: Ground Forces (Hrvatska Vojska, HKoV), Naval Forces (Hrvatska Ratna Mornarica, HRM), Air and Air Defense Forces (Hrvatsko Ratno Zrakoplovstvo i Protuzrakoplovna Obrana, HRZiPZO) Military manpower - military age and obligation: 18 years of age for compulsory military service, with 6-month service obligation; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary service (2004) Military manpower - availability: males age 15-49: 1,100,132 (2004 est.) Military manpower - fit for military service: males age 15-49: 873,994 (2004 est.) Military manpower - reaching military age annually: males: 30,639 (2004 est.) Military expenditures - dollar figure: $520 million (2002 est.) Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 2.39% (2002 est.) Transnational Issues Croatia Disputes - international: discussions continue with Bosnia and Herzegovina over disputed territory around Kostajnica on the Una River and villages at the base of Mount Pljesevica; the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Pirin Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains controversial, has not been ratified, and has been complicated by Croatia's declaration of an ecological-fisheries zone in the Adriatic Sea Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 12,600 (Croats and Serbs displaced in 1992-1995 war) (2004) Illicit drugs: transit point along the Balkan route for Southwest Asian heroin to Western Europe; has been used as a transit point for maritime shipments of South American cocaine bound for Western Europe This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005 ====================================================================== @Cuba Introduction Cuba Background: The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule was severe and exploitative and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. It was US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 that finally overthrew Spanish rule. The subsequent Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence, which was granted in 1902 after a three-year transition period. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule has held the regime together since then. Cuba's Communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country is now slowly recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990, following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba portrays its difficulties as the result of the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border - is a continuing problem. Some 2,500 Cubans attempted the crossing of the Straits of Florida in 2003; the US Coast Guard apprehended about 60% of the individuals. Geography Cuba Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, 150 km south of Key West, Florida Geographic coordinates: 21 30 N, 80 00 W Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total: 110,860 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 110,860 sq km Area - comparative: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total: 29 km border countries: US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 29 km note: Guantanamo Naval Base is leased by the US and thus remains part of Cuba Coastline: 3,735 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy season (May to October) Terrain: mostly flat to rolling plains, with rugged hills and mountains in the southeast Elevation extremes: lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m Natural resources: cobalt, nickel, iron ore, chromium, copper, salt, timber, silica, petroleum, arable land Land use: arable land: 33.05% other: 59.35% (2001) permanent crops: 7.6% Irrigated land: 870 sq km (1998 est.) Natural hazards: the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common Environment - current issues: air and water pollution; biodiversity loss; deforestation Environment - international agreements: party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation Geography - note: largest country in Caribbean and westernmost island of the Greater Antilles People Cuba Population: 11,308,764 (July 2004 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 20% (male 1,163,741; female 1,102,391) 15-64 years: 69.8% (male 3,949,197; female 3,948,196) 65 years and over: 10.1% (male 528,162; female 617,077) (2004 est.) Median age: total: 34.8 years male: 34.2 years female: 35.5 years (2004 est.) Population growth rate: 0.34% (2004 est.) Birth rate: 12.18 births/1,000 population (2004 est.) Death rate: 7.17 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.) Net migration rate: -1.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2004 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 6.45 deaths/1,000 live births female: 5.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2004 est.) male: 7.25 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.04 years male: 74.77 years female: 79.44 years (2004 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.66 children born/woman (2004 est.) HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 3,300 (2003 est.) HIV/AIDS - deaths: less than 200 (2003 est.) Nationality: noun: Cuban(s) adjective: Cuban Ethnic groups: mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1% Religions: nominally 85% Roman Catholic prior to CASTRO assuming power; Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, and Santeria are also represented Languages: Spanish Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write female: 96.9% (2003 est.) male: 97.2% total population: 97% People - note: illicit migration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; some 2,500 Cubans took to the Straits of Florida in 2002; the US Coast Guard interdicted about 60% of these migrants; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US; some 1,500 Cubans arrived overland via the southwest border and direct flights to Miami in 2002 Government Cuba Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Cuba conventional short form: Cuba local short form: Cuba local long form: Republica de Cuba Government type: Communist state Capital: Havana Administrative divisions: 14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality* (municipio especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las Tunas, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara Independence: 20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898 to 1902) National holiday: Independence Day, 10 December (1898); note - 10 December 1898 is the date of independence from Spain, 20 May 1902 is the date of independence from US administration; Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953) Constitution: 24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002 Legal system: based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal theory; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished; president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government elections: president and vice presidents elected by the National Assembly for a term of five years; election last held 6 March 2003 (next to be held in 2008) election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent of legislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president; percent of legislative vote - 100% cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of the Council of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the 31-member Council of State, elected by the Assembly to act on its behalf when it is not in session head of government: President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister from February 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished; president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly of People's Power or Asemblea Nacional del Poder Popular (609 seats, elected directly from slates approved by special candidacy commissions; members serve five-year terms) elections: last held 19 January 2003 (next to be held in NA 2008) election results: percent of vote - PCC 97.6%; seats - PCC 609 Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo Popular (president, vice president, and other judges are elected by the National Assembly) Political parties and leaders: only party - Cuban Communist Party or PCC [Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary] Political pressure groups and leaders: NA International organization participation: ACP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal participation since 1962), OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO Diplomatic representation in the US: none; note - Cuba has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer Dagoberto RODRIGUEZ Barrera; address: Cuban Interests Section, Swiss Embassy, 2630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: [1] (202) 797-8518 Diplomatic representation from the US: none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer James C. CASON; address: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-3700; protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland Flag description: five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white; a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white, five-pointed star in the center; design influenced by the US flag Economy Cuba Economy - overview: The government continues to balance the need for economic loosening against a desire for firm political control. It has undertaken limited reforms to increase enterprise efficiency and alleviate serious shortages of food, consumer goods, and services. A major feature of the economy is the dichotomy between relatively efficient export enclaves and inefficient domestic sectors. The average Cuban's standard of living remains at a lower level than before the depression of the 1990s, which was caused by the loss of Soviet aid and domestic inef