The 1992 CIA World Factbook (part 3 of 5)
Pipelines: crude oil 4,383 km; natural gas 1,947 km; petroleum products 443 km (includes liquid petroleum gas 256 km) Ports: Tobruk, Tripoli, Banghazi, Misratah, Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf Merchant marine: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 684,969 GRT/1,209,084 DWT; includes 3 short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 4 roll-on/roll-off, 10 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas Civil air: 59 major transport aircraft Airports: 133 total, 120 usable; 53 with permanent-surface runways; 9 with runways over 3,659 m; 28 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 46 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable, tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations
:Libya Defense Forces
Branches: Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (including Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Command), National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,056,686; 624,027 fit for military service; 50,916 reach military age (17) annually; conscription now being implemented Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, 11.1% of GDP (1987)
:Liechtenstein Geography
Total area: 160 km2 Land area: 160 km2 Comparative area: about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 78 km; Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers Terrain: mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third Natural resources: hydroelectric potential Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 38%; forest and woodland 19%; other 18% Environment: variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation Note: landlocked
:Liechtenstein People
Population: 28,642 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 5 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Liechtensteiner(s); adjective - Liechtenstein Ethnic divisions: Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988) Languages: German (official), Alemannic dialect Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 10 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 19,905, of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria and Switzerland to work each day; industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990) Organized labor: NA
:Liechtenstein Government
Long-form name: Principality of Liechtenstein Type: hereditary constitutional monarchy Capital: Vaduz Administrative divisions: 11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin, Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz Independence: 23 January 1719, Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established Constitution: 5 October 1921 Legal system: local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Assumption Day, 15 August Executive branch: reigning prince, hereditary prince, head of government, deputy head of government Legislative branch: unicameral Diet (Landtag) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases and Superior Court (Obergericht) for civil cases Leaders: Chief of State: Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers 26 August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein (born 11 June 1968) Head of Government: Hans BRUNHART (since 26 April 1978); Deputy Head of Government Dr. Herbert WILLE (since 2 February 1986) Political parties and leaders: Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Otto HASLER; Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP), Emanuel VOGT; Free Electoral List (FW) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Diet: last held on 5 March 1989 (next to be held by March 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) VU 13, FBP 12 Member of: CE, CSCE, EBRD, IAEA, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WIPO Diplomatic representation: in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the US by the Swiss Embassy US: the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but the US Consul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditation at Vaduz Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the hoist side of the blue band
:Liechtenstein Economy
Overview: The prosperous economy is based primarily on small-scale light industry and tourism. Industry accounts for 53% of total employment, the service sector 45% (mostly based on tourism), and agriculture and forestry 2%. The sale of postage stamps to collectors is estimated at $10 million annually. Low business taxes (the maximum tax rate is 20%) and easy incorporation rules have induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies to establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein. Such companies, incorporated solely for tax purposes, provide 30% of state revenues. The economy is tied closely to that of Switzerland in a customs union, and incomes and living standards parallel those of the more prosperous Swiss groups. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $630 million, per capita $22,300; real growth rate NA% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1990) Budget: revenues $259 million; expenditures $292 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1990) Exports: $1.6 billion commodities: small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, pottery partners: EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), EC countries 42.7%, other 36.4% (1990) Imports: $NA commodities: machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 23,000 kW capacity; 150 million kWh produced, 5,340 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food products, precision instruments, tourism Agriculture: livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapes Economic aid: none Currency: Swiss franc, franken, or franco (plural - francs, franken, or franchi); 1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi Exchange rates: Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.5079 (March 1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990), 1.6359 (1989), 1.4633 (1988), 1.4912 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Liechtenstein Communications
Railroads: 18.5 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, electrified; owned, operated, and included in statistics of Austrian Federal Railways Highways: 130.66 km main roads, 192.27 km byroads Civil air: no transport aircraft Airports: none Telecommunications: limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system; 25,400 telephones; linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for international telephone, radio, and TV services
:Liechtenstein Defense Forces
Branches: Police Department Note: defense is responsibility of Switzerland
:Lithuania Geography
Total area: 65,200 km2 Land area: 65,200 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than West Virginia Land boundaries: 1,273 km; Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad) 227 km Coastline: 108 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: NA meter depth Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Exclusive economic zone: NA nm Territorial sea: NA nm Disputes: dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of the Neman River border presently located on the Lithuanian bank and not in midriver as by international standards Climate: maritime; wet, moderate winters Terrain: lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil Natural resources: peat Land use: 49.1% arable land; NA% permanent crops; 22.2% meadows and pastures; 16.3% forest and woodland; 12.4% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA
:Lithuania People
Population: 3,788,542 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Lithuanian(s); adjective - Lithuanian Ethnic divisions: Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Poles 7.7%, Byelorussian 1.5%, other 2.1% Religions: Catholic NA%, Lutheran NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Lithuanian (official), Polish NA%, Russian NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 1,836,000; industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40% (1990) Organized labor: Lithuanian Trade Union Association; Labor Federation of Lithuania; Union of Workers
:Lithuania Government
Long-form name: Republic of Lithuania Type: republic Capital: Vilnius Administrative divisions: none - all rayons are under direct republic jurisdiction Independence: 1918; annexed by the Soviet Union 3 August 1940; restored independence 11 March 1990; and regained indpendence from the USSR 6 September 1991 Constitution: NA; Constitutional Commission has drafted a new constitution that will be sent to Parliament for ratification Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 16 February; Defenders of Freedom Day, 13 January Executive branch: prime minister, Council of Ministers, Government, Legislative branch: unicameral Supreme Council, Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; district and city courts; Procurator General of Lithuania Leaders: Chief of State: Chairman, Supreme Council Vytautas LANDSBERGIS (since March 1990), Deputy Chairmen Bronius KUZMICKAS (since March 1990), Ceslovas STANKEVICIUS (since March 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gediminas VAGNORIUS (since January 1991); Deputy Prime Ministers Algis DOBROVOLSKAS (since January 1991), Vytantas PAKALNISKIS (since January 1991), Zigmas VAISVILA (since January 1991) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party, FNU KATILIUS, chairman; Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania, Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Democratic Party, Sauluis PECELIUNAS, chairman; Lithuanian Green Party, Irena IGNATAVICIENE, chairwoman; Lithuanian Humanism Party, Vytautas KAZLAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Independence Party, Virgilijus CEPAITIS, chairman; Lithuanian Liberty League, Antanas TERLECKAS; Lithuanian Liberals Union, Vytautus RADZVILAS, chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union, Rimantas SMETONA, chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, Aloizas SAKALAS, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held March 1990 (elected by Parliament); results - LANDSBERGIS, BRAZAUSKAS Supreme Council: last held 24 February 1990; results - Sajudis (nationalist movement won a large majority) (90) 63%; seats - (141 total) Other political or pressure groups: Sajudis; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers Union Member of: CSCE, IAEA, ILO, NACC, UN, UNCTAD
:Lithuania Government
Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Stasys LOZORAITIS, Jr.; Embassy at 2622 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-5860, 2639 US: Ambassador Darryl JOHNSON; Embassy at Mykolaicio putino 4, Vilnius; (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone [7] (01-22) 628-049 Flag: yellow, green, and red horizontal stripes
:Lithuania Economy
Overview: Lithuania is striving to become a small, independent, largely privatized economy rather than a segment of a huge, centrally planned economy. Although substantially above average in living standards and technology in the old USSR, Lithuania historically lagged behind Latvia and Estonia in economic development. It is ahead of its Baltic neighbors, however, in implementing market reform. The country has no important natural resources aside from its arable land and strategic location. Industry depends entirely on imported materials that have come from the republics of the former USSR. Lithuania benefits from its ice-free port at Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea and its rail and highway hub at Vilnius, which provides land communication between Eastern Europe and Russia, Latvia, Estonia, and Belarus. Industry produces a small assortment of high-quality products, ranging from complex machine tools to sophisticated consumer electronics. Thanks to nuclear power, Lithuania is presently self-sufficient in electricity, exporting its surplus to Latvia and Belarus; the nuclear facilities inherited from the USSR, however, have come under world scrutiny as seriously deficient in safety standards. Agriculture is efficient compared with most of the former Soviet Union. Lithuania holds first place in per capita consumption of meat, second place for eggs and potatoes, and fourth place for milk and dairy products. Grain must be imported to support the meat and dairy industries. As to economic reforms, Lithuania is pressing ahead with plans to privatize at least 60% of state-owned property (industry, agriculture, and housing) having already sold many small enterprises using a voucher system. Other government priorities include stimulating foreign investment by protecting the property rights of foreign firms and redirecting foreign trade away from Eastern markets to the more competitive Western markets. For the moment, Lithuania will remain highly dependent on Russia for energy, raw materials, grains, and markets for its products. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $NA; per capita NA; real growth rate -13% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 200% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues 4.8 billion rubles; expenditures 4.7 billion rubles (1989 economic survey); note - budget revenues and expenditures are not given for other former Soviet republics; implied deficit from these figures does not have a clear interpretation Exports: 700 million rubles (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: electronics 18%, petroleum products 16%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989) partners: Russia 60%, Ukraine 15%, other former Soviet republics 20%, West 5% Imports: 2.2 billion rubles (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% partners: NA External debt: $650 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -1.3% (1991) Electricity: 5,875,000 kW capacity; 25,500 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1991)
:Lithuania Economy
Industries: employs 25% of the labor force; its shares in the total production of the former USSR are metal-cutting machine tools 6.6%; electric motors 4.6%; television sets 6.2%; refrigerators and freezers 5.4%; other production includes petroleum refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment, electronic components, computers, and amber Agriculture: employs 29% of labor force; sugar, grain, potatoes, sugarbeets, vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, and fish; most developed are the livestock and dairy branches - these depend on imported grain; Lithuania is a net exporter of meat, milk, and eggs Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency but planning early introduction of ``litas'' Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year
:Lithuania Communications
Railroads: 2,010 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 44,200 km total (1990); 35,500 km hard surfaced, 8,700 km earth Inland waterways: 600 km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: maritime - Klaipeda; inland - Kaunas Merchant marine: 66 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 268,854 GRT/315,690 DWT; includes 27 cargo, 24 timber carrier, 1 container, 3 railcar carrier, 11 combination bulk Civil air: NA Airports: NA Telecommunications: better developed than in most other former USSR republics; 22.4 telephones per 100 persons; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 26 FM, 1 SW, 1 LW, 3 TV; landlines or microwave to former USSR republics; leased connection to the Moscow international switch for traffic with other countries; satellite earth stations - (8 channels to Norway)
:Lithuania Defense Forces
Branches: Ground Forces, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), National Guard/Volunteers; Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: NA
:Luxembourg Geography
Total area: 2,586 km Land area: 2,586 km Comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 359 km; Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: modified continental with mild winters, cool summers Terrain: mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain in the southeast Natural resources: iron ore (no longer exploited) Land use: arable land 24%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 21%; other 34% Environment: deforestation Note: landlocked
:Luxembourg People
Population: 392,405 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Luxembourger(s); adjective - Luxembourg Ethnic divisions: Celtic base, with French and German blend; also guest and worker residents from Portugal, Italy, and European countries Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3% Languages: Luxembourgisch, German, French; many also speak English Literacy: 100% (male 100%, female 100%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) Labor force: 177,300; one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly from Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, and FRG; services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988) Organized labor: 100,000 (est.) members of four confederated trade unions
:Luxembourg Government
Long-form name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Luxembourg Administrative divisions: 3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg Independence: 1839 Constitution: 17 October 1868, occasional revisions Legal system: based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day (public celebration of the Grand Duke's birthday), 23 June (1921) Executive branch: grand duke, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes); note - the Council of State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose views are considered by the Chamber of Deputies Judicial branch: Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice) Leaders: Chief of State: Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI (son of Grand Duke Jean, born 16 April 1955) Head of Government: Prime Minister Jacques SANTER (since 21 July 1984); Vice Prime Minister Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984) Political parties and leaders: Christian Social Party (CSV), Jacques SANTER; Socialist Workers Party (LSAP), Jacques POOS; Liberal (DP), Colette FLESCH; Communist (KPL), Andre HOFFMANN; Green Alternative (GAP), Jean HUSS Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: Chamber of Deputies: last held on 18 June 1989 (next to be held by June 1994); results - CSV 31.7%, LSAP 27.2%, DP 16.2%, Greens 8.4%, PAC 7.3%, KPL 5.1%, other 4.1%; seats - (60 total) CSV 22, LSAP 18, DP 11, Greens 4, PAC 4, KPL 1 Other political or pressure groups: group of steel industries representing iron and steel industry, Centrale Paysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian and Socialist labor unions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans and Shopkeepers Federation Member of: ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, EMS, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Alphonse BERNS; Chancery at 2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-4171; there are Luxembourg Consulates General in New York and San Francisco
:Luxembourg Government
US: Ambassador Edward M. ROWELL; Embassy at 22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg City; PSC 11 (mailing address is APO AE 09132-5380); telephone [352] 460123; FAX [352] 461401 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design was based on the flag of France
:Luxembourg Economy
Overview: The stable economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and negligible unemployment. Agriculture is based on small but highly productive family-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by steel, has become increasingly more diversified, particularly toward high-technology firms. During the past decade, growth in the financial sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services, especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy. Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and most financial matters and is also closely connected economically to the Netherlands. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $7.83 billion, per capita $20,200; real growth rate 2.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.7% (1990) Unemployment rate: 1.3% (1990) Budget: revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capital expenditures of NA (1988) Exports: $6.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, other industrial products partners: EC 75%, US 5% Imports: $7.5 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods partners: Belgium 37%, FRG 31%, France 12%, US 2% External debt: $131.6 million (1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate - 0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 1,500,000 kW capacity; 1,163 million kWh produced, 3,170 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum Agriculture: accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principal products - barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattle raising widespread Economic aid: none Currency: Luxembourg franc (plural - francs); 1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 32.462 (January 1992), 34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988), 37.334 (1987); note - the Luxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, which circulates freely in Luxembourg Fiscal year: calendar year
:Luxembourg Communications
Railroads: Luxembourg National Railways (CFL) operates 270 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 162 km double track; 162 km electrified Highways: 5,108 km total; 4,995 km paved, 57 km gravel, 56 km earth; about 80 km limited access divided highway Inland waterways: 37 km; Moselle River Pipelines: petroleum products 48 km Ports: Mertert (river port) Merchant marine: 49 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,592,985 GRT/2,642,249 DWT; includes 3 cargo, 5 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 6 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3 combination ore/oil, 8 liquefied gas, 1 passenger, 8 bulk, 6 combination bulk Civil air: 13 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways less than 1,220 m Telecommunications: highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried cables; 230,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 3 channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable; 1 direct-broadcast satellite earth station; nationwide mobile phone system
:Luxembourg Defense Forces
Branches: Army, National Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 100,994; 83,957 fit for military service; 2,320 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.4% of GDP (1991)
:Macau Geography
Total area: 16 km2 Land area: 16 km2 Comparative area: about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0.34 km; China 0.34 km Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: not known Disputes: none Climate: subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers Terrain: generally flat Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands to the peninsula on mainland Note: 27 km west-southwest of Hong Kong on the southeast coast of China
:Macau People
Population: 473,333 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 78 years male, 84 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Macanese (singular and plural); adjective - Macau Ethnic divisions: Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2% Religions: Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2% (1981) Languages: Portuguese (official); Cantonese is the language of commerce Literacy: 90% (male 93%, female 86%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 180,000 (1986) Organized labor: none
:Macau Government
Long-form name: none Type: overseas territory of Portugal; scheduled to revert to China in 1999 Capital: Macau Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, Macau Independence: none (territory of Portugal); Portugal signed an agreement with China on 13 April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in the joint declaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economic systems and lifestyle for 50 years after transition Constitution: 17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily by Beijing awaiting final approval Legal system: Portuguese civil law system National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June Executive branch: President of Portugal, governor, Consultative Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986) Head of Government: Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center; Group to Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent Group Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 10 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (23 total; 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 by indirect suffrage, and 7 appointed by the governor) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthy pro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January 1967 the Macau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave China veto power over administration Member of: IMO (associate), WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: as Chinese territory under Portuguese administration, Macanese interests in the US are represented by Portugal US: the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong Kong Flag: the flag of Portugal is used
:Macau Economy
Overview: The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile and fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sector has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has provided about two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry represented 36% of GDP in 1991. Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw materials and capital goods. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, per capita $6,900; real growth rate 6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.8% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 2% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $305 million; expenditures $298 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989) Exports: $1.5 billion (1990 est.) commodities: textiles, clothing, toys partners: US 33%, Hong Kong 15%, FRG 12%, France 10% (1987) Imports: $1.8 billion (1990 est.) commodities: raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goods partners: Hong Kong 39%, China 21%, Japan 10% (1987) External debt: $91 million (1985) Industrial production: NA Electricity: 220,000 kW capacity; 520 million kWh produced, 1,165 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourism Agriculture: rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; depends mostly on imports for food requirements Economic aid: none Currency: pataca (plural - patacas); 1 pataca (P) = 100 avos Exchange rates: patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989), 8.044 (1988), 7.993 (1987); note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of 1.03 patacas per Hong Kong dollar Fiscal year: calendar year
:Macau Communications
Highways: 42 km paved Ports: Macau Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: none useable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane station Telecommunications: fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and international services; 52,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 75,000 radio receivers (est.); international high-frequency radio communication facility; access to international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Macau Defense Forces
Manpower availability: males 15-49, 135,923; 76,414 fit for military service Note: defense is responsibility of Portugal
:Macedonia Header
Note: Macedonia has proclaimed independent statehood but has not been formally recognized as a state by the United States.
:Macedonia Geography
Total area: 25,333 km2 Land area: 24,856 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Vermont Land boundaries: 748 km; Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia and Montenegro 221 km Coastline: none - landlocked Disputes: Greece claims republic's name implies territorial claims against Aegean Macedonia Climate: hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall Terrain: territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line Natural resources: chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore, asbestos, sulphur, timber Land use: arable land 5%; permanent crops 5%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 30%; other 40%; includes irrigated NA% Environment: Macedonia suffers from high seismic hazard; air pollution from metallurgical plants Note: major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea
:Macedonia People
Population: 2,174,000 (July 1992), growth rate NA% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Ethnic divisions: Macedonian 67%, Albanian 20%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, other 7% Religions: Eastern Orthodox 59%, Muslim 26%, Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, unknown 10% Languages: Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3% Literacy: 89.1% (male 94.2%, female 83.8%) age 10 and over can read and write (1992 est.) Labor force: 507,324; agriculture 8%, manufacturing and mining 40% (1990) Organized labor: NA
:Macedonia Government
Long-form name: Republic of Macedonia Type: emerging democracy Capital: Skopje Administrative divisions: NA Independence: 20 November 1991 from Yugoslavia Constitution: adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts National holiday: NA Executive branch: presidency, Council of Ministers, prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Judicial Court of the Republic Leaders: Chief of State: President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Nikola KLJUSEV (since March 1991), Deputy Prime Ministers Jovan ANDONOV (since March 1991), Blaze RISTOVSKI (since March 1991), and Bezir ZUTA (since March 1991) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Alliance (SDA; former Communist Party), Branko CRVENKOVSKI, chairman; Party of Democratic Prosperity, (PDP), Nevzat HALILI, chairman; National Democratic Party, Iliaz HALIMI, chairman; Alliance of Reform Forces of Macedonia (MARF), Sojan ANDOV, chairman; Socialist Party, chairman NA; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (IMRO-DPMNU), Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Kiro GLIGOREV won Assembly: last held 11 November 1990 (next to be held NA);results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) IMRO-DPMNU 37, SDA 31, PDP 25, MARF 17, Party of Yugoslavs 1, Socialists 5, others 4 Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: Movement for All Macedonian Action (MAAK), IMRU-Democratic Party, League for Democracy, Albanian Democratic Union-Liberal Party Member of: none Diplomatic representation: has not been formerly recognized by the US Flag: NA
:Macedonia Economy
Overview: Macedonia, although the poorest among the six republics of a disintegrated Yugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its own agricultural and coal resources. As a breakaway republic, however, it will move down toward a bare subsistence level of life unless economic ties are reforged or enlarged with its neighbors Serbia, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. The economy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and its modern machinery and parts. Continued political turmoil, both internally and in the region as a whole, prevents any swift readjustments of trade patterns and economic rules of the game. Inflation in early 1992 was out of control, the result of fracturing trade links, the decline in economic activity, and general uncertainties about the future status of the country; prices rose 38% in March 1992 alone. Macedonia's geographical isolation, technological backwardness, and political instability place it far down the list of countries of interest to Western investors. Recognition of Macedonia by the EC and an internal commitment to economic reform would help to encourage foreign investment over the long run. GDP: $7.1 billion, per capita $3,110; real growth rate -18% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Exports: $578 million (1990) commodities: manufactured goods 40%, machinery and transport equipment 14%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 23%, raw materials 7.6%, food (rice) and live animals 5.7%, beverages and tobacco 4.5%, chemicals 4.7% partners: principally Serbia and the other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, Greece, Albania Imports: $1,112 million (1990) commodities: fuels and lubricants 19%, manufactured goods 18%, machinery and transport equipment 15%, food and live animals 14%, chemicals 11.4%, raw materials 10%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 8.0%, beverages and tobacco 3.5% partners: other former Yugoslav republics, Greece, Albania, Germany, Bulgaria External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate -18% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,600,000 kw capacity; 6,300 million kWh produced, 3,103 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: low levels of technology predominate, such as, oil refining by distillation only; produces basic fuels; mining and manufacturing processes result in the extraction and production of coal as well as metallic chromium, lead, zinc, and ferronickel; light industry produces basic textiles, wood products, and tobacco Agriculture: provides 12% of Macedonia's GDP and meets the basic need for food; principal crops are rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, and millet; also grown are cotton, sesame, mulberry leaves, citrus fruit, and vegetables; Macedonia is one of the seven legal cultivators of the opium poppy for the world pharmaceutical industry, including some exports to the US; agricultural production is highly labor intensive
:Macedonia Economy
Illicit drugs: NA Economic aid: $NA Currency: denar (plural - denars); 1 denar (NA) = 100 NA Exchange rates: denar (NA) per US$1 - 240 (January 1991) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Macedonia Communications
Railroads: NA Highways: 10,591 km total (1991); 5,091 km paved, 1,404 km gravel, 4,096 km earth Inland waterways: NA km Pipelines: none Ports: none - landlocked Airports: 2 main Telecommunications: 125,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 2 FM, 5 (2 relays) TV; 370,000 radios, 325,000 TV; satellite communications ground stations - none
:Macedonia Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 590,613; NA fit for military service; 22,913 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 7.0 billion dinars (est.), NA% of GDP (1992); note - conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results
:Madagascar Geography
Total area: 587,040 km2 Land area: 581,540 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Arizona Land boundaries: none Coastline: 4,828 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France) Climate: tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south Terrain: narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center Natural resources: graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious stones, mica, fish Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 58%; forest and woodland 26%; other 11%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to periodic cyclones; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel
:Madagascar People
Population: 12,596,263 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 93 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malagasy (singular and plural); adjective - Malagasy Ethnic divisions: basic split between highlanders of predominantly Malayo-Indonesian origin (Merina and related Betsileo) on the one hand and coastal tribes, collectively termed the Cotiers, with mixed African, Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry (Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka, Sakalava), on the other; there are also small French, Indian, Creole, and Comoran communities; no current, accurate assessment of tribal numbers is available Religions: indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian about 41%, Muslim 7% Languages: French and Malagasy (official) Literacy: 80% (male 88%, female 73%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,900,000; 90% nonsalaried family workers engaged in subsistence agriculture; 175,000 wage earners - agriculture 26%, domestic service 17%, industry 15%, commerce 14%, construction 11%, services 9%, transportation 6%, other 2%; 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 4% of labor force
:Madagascar Government
Long-form name: Democratic Republic of Madagascar Type: republic Capital: Antananarivo Administrative divisions: 6 provinces (plural - NA, singular - faritanin'); Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, Toliary Independence: 26 June 1960 (from France; formerly Malagasy Republic) Constitution: 21 December 1975; note - a new constitution is to be in place before 1993 Legal system: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 26 June (1960) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note - the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 in preparation for new legislative and presidential elections. In its place, an interim High Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have been established Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle) Leaders: Chief of State: President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975) Head of Government: Prime Minister Guy RASANAMAZY (since 8 August 1991) Political parties and leaders: some 30 political parties now exist in Madagascar, the most important of which are the Advance Guard of the Malagasy Revolution (AREMA), Didier RATSIRAKA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence (AKFM), RAKOTOVAO-ANDRIATIANA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence-Revival (AKFM-R), Pastor Richard ANDRIAMANJATO; Movement for National Unity (VONJY), Dr. Marojama RAZANABAHINY; Malagasy Christian Democratic Union (UDECMA), Norbert ANDRIAMORASATA; Militants for the Establishment of a Proletarian Regime (MFM), Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; National Movement for the Independence of Madagascar (MONIMA), Monja JAONA; National Union for the Defense of Democracy (UNDD), Albert ZAFY Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 12 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1992); results - Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA) 62%, Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA (MFM/MFT) 20%, Dr. Jerome Marojama RAZANABAHINY (VONJY) 15%, Monja JAONA (MONIMA) 3% Popular National Assembly: last held on 28 May 1989 (next to be held 1992); results - AREMA 88.2%, MFM 5.1%, AKFM 3.7%, VONJY 2.2%, other 0.8%; seats - (137 total) AREMA 120, MFM 7, AKFM 5, VONJY 4, MONIMA 1
:Madagascar Government
Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO; Chancery at 2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 265-5525 or 5526; there is a Malagasy Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Howard K. WALKER; Embassy at 14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo (mailing address is B. P. 620, Antananarivo); telephone [261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band of the same width on hoist side
:Madagascar Economy
Overview: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture, including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for over 40% of GDP, employing about 80% of the labor force, and contributing to more than 70% of total export earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural products and textile manufacturing; in 1990 it accounted for only 16% of GDP and employed almost 5% of the labor force. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan that stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased production for exports, and reduced energy imports. After mid-1991, however, output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes and demonstrations for political reform. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $200; real growth rate -3.8% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $390 million; expenditures $525 million, including capital expenditures of $240 million (1990 est.) Exports: $290 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: coffee 45%, vanilla 15%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum products partners: France, Japan, Italy, Germany, US Imports: $436 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer goods 14%, food 13% partners: France, Germany, UK, other EC, US External debt: $4.4 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries, tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries (textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves, cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raising widespread; almost self-sufficient in rice Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for domestic consumption Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million Currency: Malagasy franc (plural - francs); 1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes
:Madagascar Economy
Exchange rates: Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,943.4 (March 1992), 1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989) , 1,407.1 (1988), 1,069.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Madagascar Communications
Railroads: 1,020 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: 40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.) Inland waterways: of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des Pangalanes Ports: Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara Merchant marine: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 59,255 GRT/81,509 DWT; includes 9 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 148 total, 103 usable; 30 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 34 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay, and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36 repeaters) TV
:Madagascar Defense Forces
Branches: Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces, Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential Security Regiment Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,730,713; 1,625,335 fit for military service; 114,687 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Malawi Geography
Total area: 118,480 km2 Land area: 94,080 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: 2,881 km; Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) Climate: tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November) Terrain: narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains Natural resources: limestone; unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite Land use: arable land 25%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 20%; forest and woodland 50%; other 5%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: deforestation Note: landlocked
:Malawi People
Population: 9,605,342 (July 1992), growth rate 1.8% (1992); note - 900,000 Mozambican refugees in Malawi (1990 est.) Birth rate: 52 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -17 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malawian(s); adjective - Malawian Ethnic divisions: Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian, European Religions: Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%; traditional indigenous beliefs are also practiced Languages: English and Chichewa (official); other languages important regionally Literacy: 22% (male 34%, female 12%) age 15 and over can read and write (1966) Labor force: 428,000 wage earners; agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%, construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6% (1986) Organized labor: small minority of wage earners are unionized
:Malawi Government
Long-form name: Republic of Malawi Type: one-party state Capital: Lilongwe Administrative divisions: 24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga, Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza, Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima, Thyolo, Zomba Independence: 6 July 1964 (from UK; formerly Nyasaland) Constitution: 6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1964) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly Judicial branch: High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in as President for Life 6 July 1971) Political parties and leaders: only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrative secretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretary general vacant since 1983 Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971 National Assembly: last held 27-28 May 1987 (next to be held by May 1992); results - MCP is the only party; seats - (133 total, 112 elected) MCP 133 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA; Chancery at 2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 797-1007 US: Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR; Embassy in new capital city development area, address NA (mailing address is P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe); telephone [265] 730-166; FAX [265] 732-282 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag of Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black and red bands
:Malawi Economy
Overview: Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of export revenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improved significantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly based economic adjustment effort by the government. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion, per capita $200; growth rate 4.2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capital expenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $390 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts partners: US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, Germany Imports: $560 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.) commodities: food, petroleum, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation equipment partners: South Africa, Japan, US, UK, Zimbabwe External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988) Electricity: 185,000 kW capacity; 550 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer goods Agriculture: accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock - cattle and goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 million Currency: Malawian kwacha (plural - kwacha); 1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala Exchange rates: Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 2.7200 (January 1992), 2.8033 (1991), 2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Malawi Communications
Railroads: 789 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized soil; 10,520 km earth and improved earth Inland waterways: Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km Ports: Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi) Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 48 total, 43 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT Note: a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira or Nacala railroads, but now most go through South Africa because of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines
:Malawi Defense Forces
Branches: Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,000,406; 1,016,901 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Malaysia Geography
Total area: 329,750 km2 Land area: 328,550 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 2,669 km; Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782, Thailand 506 km Coastline: 4,675 km; Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation, specified boundary in the South China Sea Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore Climate: tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains Natural resources: tin, crude oil, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 10%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 63%; other 24%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to flooding; air and water pollution Note: strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea
:Malaysia People
Population: 18,410,920 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 27 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malaysian(s); adjective - Malaysian Ethnic divisions: Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9% Religions: Peninsular Malaysia - Malays nearly all Muslim, Chinese predominantly Buddhists, Indians predominantly Hindu; Sabah - Muslim 38%, Christian 17%, other 45%; Sarawak - tribal religion 35%, Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5% Languages: Peninsular Malaysia - Malay (official); English, Chinese dialects, Tamil; Sabah - English, Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Mandarin and Hakka dialects predominate among Chinese; Sarawak - English, Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages Literacy: 78% (male 86%, female 70%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 7,258,000 (1991 est.) Organized labor: 640,000; 10% of total labor force (1990)
:Malaysia Government
Long-form name: none Type: Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; constitutional monarchy nominally headed by the paramount ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states - hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing state within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to federal government Capital: Kuala Lumpur Administrative divisions: 13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories* (wilayah-wilayah persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan* Independence: 31 August 1957 (from UK) Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 when Federation of Malaya became Federation of Malaysia Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 31 August (1957) Executive branch: paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (Dewan Negara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26 April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986) Political parties and leaders: Peninsular Malaysia: National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by United Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad; Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S. Samy VELLU Sabah: Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Joseph Pairin KITINGAN; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA
:Malaysia Government
Sarawak: coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak National Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995); results - National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP 20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNO got 71 seats and MCA 18 seats Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed; Chancery at 2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-2700; there are Malaysian Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York US: Ambassador Paul M. CLEVELAND; Embassy at 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur (mailing address is P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur); telephone [60] (3) 248-9011; FAX [60] (3) 242-2207 Flag: fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of the US
:Malaysia Economy
Overview: During the period 1988-91 booming exports helped Malaysia continue to recover from the severe 1985-86 recession. Real output grew by 8.8% in 1989, 10% in 1990, and 8.6% in 1991, helped by vigorous growth in manufacturing output, further increases in foreign direct investment - particularly from Japanese and Taiwanese firms facing higher costs at home - and increased oil production. Malaysia has become the world's third-largest producer of semiconductor devices (after the US and Japan) and the world's largest exporter of semiconductor devices. Inflation has remained low; unemployment has stood at 6% of the labor force; and the government has followed prudent fiscal/monetary policies. The country is not self-sufficient in food, and some of the rural population subsist at the poverty level. Malaysia's high export dependence leaves it vulnerable to a recession in the OECD countries or a fall in world commodity prices. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $48.0 billion, per capita $2,670; real growth rate 8.6% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.8% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $12.2 billion; expenditures $14.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.2 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $35.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: electrical manufactures, crude petroleum, timber, rubber, palm oil, textiles partners: Singapore, US, Japan, EC Imports: $38.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: food, crude oil, consumer goods, intermediate goods, capital equipment, chemicals partners: Japan, US, Singapore, Germany, UK External debt: $21.3 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 18% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP Electricity: 5,600,000 kW capacity; 16,500 million kWh produced, 940 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: Peninsular Malaysia: rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber Sabah: logging, petroleum production Sarawak: agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging Agriculture: Peninsular Malaysia: natural rubber, palm oil, rice Sabah: mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice
:Malaysia Economy
Sarawak: rubber, timber, pepper; there is a deficit of rice in all areas; fish catch of 608,000 metric tons in 1987 Illicit drugs: transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe, and the Third World Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 million Currency: ringgit (plural - ringgits); 1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen Exchange rates: ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6930 (January 1992), 2.7501 (1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988), 2.5196 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Malaysia Communications
Railroads: Peninsular Malaysia: 1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government owned Railroads: Sabah: 136 km 1.000-meter gauge Highways: Peninsular Malaysia: 23,600 km (19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous-surface treatment, and 4,248 km unpaved) Sabah: 3,782 km Sarawak: 1,644 km Inland waterways: Peninsular Malaysia: 3,209 km Sabah: 1,569 km Sarawak: 2,518 km Pipelines: crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km Ports: Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang, Sandakan, Tawau Merchant marine: 167 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,653,633 GRT/2,444,393 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 1 short-sea passenger, 64 cargo, 27 container, 2 vehicle carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 37 petroleum tanker, 5 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 21 bulk Civil air: 53 major transport aircraft Airports: 115 total, 108 usable; 33 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 7 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 18 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good intercity service provided to Peninsular Malaysia mainly by radio relay; adequate intercity radio relay network between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei; international service good; good coverage by radio and television broadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations - 28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic
:Malaysia Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border Scouts Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,728,103; 2,878,574 fit for military service; 179,486 reach military age (21) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Maldives Geography
Total area: 300 km2 Land area: 300 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 644 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 35-310 nm (defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides with maritime boundary with India) Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy, southwest monsoon (June to August) Terrain: flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 meters Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 3%; other 84% Environment: 1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls Note: archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in Indian Ocean
:Maldives People
Population: 234,371 (July 1992), growth rate 3.7% (1992) Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 61 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Maldivian(s); adjective - Maldivian Ethnic divisions: Maldivians are a generally homogenous admixture of Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, Austrolasian, and African Religions: Sunni Muslim Languages: Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic); English spoken by most government officials Literacy: 92% (male 92%, female 92%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985) Labor force: 66,000 (est.); 25% engaged in fishing industry Organized labor: none
:Maldives Government
Long-form name: Republic of Maldives Type: republic Capital: Male Administrative divisions: 19 district (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu, Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa, Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Waavu Independence: 26 July 1965 (from UK) Constitution: 4 June 1964 Legal system: based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 26 July (1965) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis) Judicial branch: High Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978) Political parties and leaders: no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for the past eight centuries Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results - President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected Citizens' Council: last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected) Member of: AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission in New York US: the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there; US Consular Agency, Midhath Hilmy, Male; telephone 2581 Flag: red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag
:Maldives Economy
Overview: The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture is limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10% of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an important source of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism has become one of the most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industry accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to have increased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $174 million, per capita $770 (1988); real growth rate 10.1% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10.7% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues $67 million; expenditures $82 million, including capital expenditures of $45 million (1990 est.) Exports: $52.0 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish 57%, clothing 25% partners: US, UK, Sri Lanka Imports: $128.9 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: consumer goods 54%, intermediate and capital goods 33%, petroleum products 13% partners: Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India External debt: $70 million (December 1989) Industrial production: growth rate -5.0% (1988); accounts for 6% of GDP Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicrafts Agriculture: accounts for almost 30% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more important than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; most staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.) Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 million Currency: rufiyaa (plural - rufiyaa); 1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laaris Exchange rates: rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.234 (January 1992), 10.253 (1991), 9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988), 9.2230 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Maldives Communications
Highways: Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city Ports: Male, Gan Merchant marine: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 37,293 GRT/56,246 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 1 container, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Maldives Defense Forces
Branches: National Security Service (paramilitary police force) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 52,195; 29,162 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.8 million, NA% of GDP (1984 est.)
:Mali Geography
Total area: 1,240,000 km2 Land area: 1,220,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 7,243 km; Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Ivory Coast 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild June to November; cool and dry November to February Terrain: mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south, rugged hills in northeast Natural resources: gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium; bauxite, iron ore, manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 7%; other 66%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertification Note: landlocked
:Mali People
Population: 8,641,178 (July 1992), growth rate 2.5% (1992) Birth rate: 52 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 21 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 110 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 43 years male, 47 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Malian(s); adjective - Malian Ethnic divisions: Mande (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole) 50%, Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 5%, other 10% Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1% Languages: French (official); Bambara spoken by about 80% of the population; numerous African languages Literacy: 32% (male 41%, female 24%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,666,000 (1986 est.); agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981); 50% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: National Union of Malian Workers (UNTM) is umbrella organization for over 13 national unions
:Mali Government
Long-form name: Republic of Mali Type: republic; an interim government appointed by the national reform conference has organized a series of democratic elections and is scheduled to hand over power to an elected government on 26 March 1992 Capital: Bamako Administrative divisions: 8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti, Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou Independence: 22 September 1960 (from France; formerly French Sudan) Constitution: 2 June 1974, effective 19 June 1979; amended September 1981 and March 1985; new constitution presented during national reform conference in August 1991; a constitutional referendum is scheduled for 16 January 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960) Executive branch: Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25 members, predominantly civilian Legislative branch: Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Lt. Col. Amadou Toumani TOURE Head of Government: Prime Minister Soumana SAKO (since 2 April 1991) Political parties and leaders: formerly the only party, the Democratic Union of Malian People (UDPM), was disbanded after the coup of 26 March 1991, and the new regime legalized the formation of political parties on 5 April 1991; new political parties are Union of Democratic Forces (UFD), Demba DIALLO; Union for Democracy and Development (UDD), Moussa Bala COULIBALY; Sudanese Union/African Democratic Rally (US-RDA), Mamadou Madeira KEITA; African Party for Solidarity and Justice (ADEMA), Alpha Oumar KONARE; Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Democratic Party for Justice (PDJ), Abdul BA; Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almany SYLLA; Party for the Unity of Malian People (PUPM), Nock AGATTIA; Hisboulah al Islamiya, Hamidou DRAMERA; Union of Progressive Forces (UFP), Yacouba SIDIBE; National Congress of Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Assembly for Justice and Progress, Kady DRAME; Sudanese Progressive Party (PPS), Sekene Mody SISSOKO; numerous small parties formed in 1991; 46 total parties Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held on 9 June 1985 (next to be held March 1992); results - Gen. Moussa TRAORE was reelected without opposition
:Mali Government
National Assembly: last held on 26 June 1988 (next to be held NA 1992); results - UDPM was the only party; seats - (82 total) UDPM 82; note - following the military coup of 26 March 1991, President TRAORE was deposed and the UDPM was disbanded; the 25-member CTSP has instituted a multiparty system, and presidential elections are to be held on 26 March 1992 and legislative elections on 9 February 1992 (new National Assembly to have 116 seats) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed Alhousseyni TOURE; Chancery at 2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 332-2249 or 939-8950 US: Ambassador Herbert D. GELBER; Embassy at Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamako (mailing address is B. P. 34, Bamako); telephone [223] 225470; FAX [233] 22-80-59 Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
:Mali Economy
Overview: Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population live as nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, per capita $265; real growth rate 2.2% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -1.6% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capital expenditures of $178 (1989 est.) Exports: $285 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skins partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe Imports: $513 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.) commodities: textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cereals partners: mostly franc zone and Western Europe External debt: $2.2 billion (1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 19.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms; cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops - millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, and goats Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mali Communications
Railroads: 642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes Highways: about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth, 10,360 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 1,815 km navigable Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 35 total, 27 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radio relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay in progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
:Mali Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Guard, National Police, Surete Nationale Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,701,050; 966,293 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)
:Malta Geography
Total area: 320 km2 Land area: 320 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 140 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs Natural resources: limestone, salt Land use: arable land 38%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 59%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce - increasing reliance on desalination Note: strategic location in central Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily, 290 km north of Libya
:Malta People
Population: 359,231 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Maltese (singular and plural); adjective - Maltese Ethnic divisions: mixture of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English Religions: Roman Catholic 98% Languages: Maltese and English (official) Literacy: 84% (male 86%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985) Labor force: 127,200; government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%, training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990) Organized labor: about 40% of labor force
:Malta Government
Long-form name: Republic of Malta Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Valletta Administrative divisions: none (administration directly from Valletta) Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK) Constitution: 26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974 Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September Executive branch: president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives Judicial branch: Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987) Political parties and leaders: Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results - NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note - additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after adjustment) Member of: C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET; Chancery at 2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 462-3611 or 3612; there is a Maltese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Sally J. NOVETZKE; Embassy at 2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta (mailing address is P. O. Box 535, Valletta); telephone [356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654; FAX same as phone numbers Flag: two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red
:Malta Economy
Overview: Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services. Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy. Manufacturing accounts for about 27% of GDP, with the electronics and textile industries major contributors. In 1990 inflation was held to a low 3.0%. Per capita GDP at $7,000 places Malta in the middle-income range of the world's nations. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, per capita $7,000 (1991 est.); real growth rate 5.5% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: 3.8% (1990) Budget: revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $380 million (1992 plan) Exports: $l.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: clothing, textiles, footwear, ships partners: Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11% Imports: $2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods partners: Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4% External debt: $90 million, medium and long term (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDP Electricity: 328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 2,990 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing, textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP; overall, 20% self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs; generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, pork products; seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic foodstuffs Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48 million Currency: Maltese lira (plural - liri); 1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3257 (March 1992), 0.3004 (1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988), 0.3451 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Malta Communications
Highways: 1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35 km improved and unimproved earth Ports: Valletta, Marsaxlokk Merchant marine: 658 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,003,001 GRT/15,332,287 DWT; includes 3 passenger, 13 short-sea passenger, 241 cargo, 14 container, 2 passenger-cargo, 16 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 1 barge carrier, 15 refrigerated cargo, 11 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil, 2 specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 124 petroleum tanker, 176 bulk, 23 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships, former republics of the USSR own 52 ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Yugoslavia owns 9, Romania owns 4 Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 2,440-3,659 m Telecommunications: automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones; excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarine cable and radio relay between islands; international service by 1 submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Malta Defense Forces
Branches: Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 95,661; 76,267 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Man, Isle of Geography
Total area: 588 km2 Land area: 588 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 113 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time Terrain: hills in north and south bisected by central valley Natural resources: lead, iron ore Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA%; extensive arable land and forests Environment: strong westerly winds prevail Note: located in Irish Sea equidistant from England, Scotland, and Ireland
:Man, Isle of People
Population: 64,068 (July 1992), growth rate 0.1% (1992) Birth rate: 11 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Manxman, Manxwoman; adjective - Manx Ethnic divisions: native Manx of Norse-Celtic descent; British Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends Languages: English, Manx Gaelic Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education ages 5 to 16 Labor force: 25,864 (1981) Organized labor: 22 labor unions patterned along British lines
:Man, Isle of Government
Long-form name: none Type: British crown dependency Capital: Douglas Administrative divisions: none (British crown dependency) Independence: none (British crown dependency) Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act Legal system: English law and local statute National holiday: Tynwald Day, 5 July Executive branch: British monarch, lieutenant governor, prime minister, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and a lower house or House of Keys Judicial branch: High Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990) Head of Government: President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990) Political parties and leaders: there is no party system and members sit as independents Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: House of Keys: last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24 Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency) Flag: red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used ria), in the center; the three legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used
:Man, Isle of Economy
Overview: Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy. The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their shares of GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturing about 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK. GNP: exchange rate conversion - $490 million, per capita $7,573; real growth rate NA% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 1.5% (1988) Budget: revenues $130.4 million; expenditures $114.4 million, including capital expenditures of $18.1 million (FY85 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meat partners: UK Imports: $NA commodities: timber, fertilizers, fish partners: UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,930 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: an important offshore financial center; financial services, light manufacturing, tourism Agriculture: cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry Economic aid: NA Currency: Manx pound (plural - pounds); 1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0. 6102 (1987); the Manx pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Man, Isle of Communications
Railroads: 36 km electric track, 24 km steam track Highways: 640 km motorable roads Ports: Douglas, Ramsey, Peel Merchant marine: 79 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,436,196 GRT/2,479,432 DWT; includes 12 cargo, 7 container, 10 roll-on/roll-off, 30 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 5 liquefied gas, 11 bulk; note - a captive register of the United Kingdom, although not all ships on the register are British owned Airports: 1 total; 1 usable with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV
:Man, Isle of Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Marshall Islands Geography
Total area: 181.3 km2 Land area: 181.3 km2; includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein Comparative area: slightly larger than Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 370.4 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims US territory of Wake Island Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt Terrain: low coral limestone and sand islands Natural resources: phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 60%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 40% Environment: occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30 atolls and 1,152 islands Note: located 3,825 km southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea; Bikini and Eniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range
:Marshall Islands People
Population: 50,004 (July 1992), growth rate 3.9% (1992) Birth rate: 47 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 52 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 61 years male, 64 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Marshallese (singular and plural); adjective - Marshallese Ethnic divisions: almost entirely Micronesian Religions: predominantly Christian, mostly Protestant Languages: English universally spoken and is the official language; two major Marshallese dialects from Malayo-Polynesian family; Japanese Literacy: 93% (male 100%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 4,800 (1986) Organized labor: none
:Marshall Islands Government
Long-form name: Republic of the Marshall Islands Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986 Capital: Majuro Administrative divisions: none Independence: 21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship; formerly the Marshall Islands District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Constitution: 1 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Nitijela (parliament) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Amata KABUA (since 1979) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional) leader Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President Amata KABUA was reelected Parliament: last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total) Member of: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL; Chancery at 2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 234-5414 US: Ambassador William BODDE, Jr.; Embassy at NA address (mailing address is P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379); telephone (011) 692-4011; FAX (011) 692-4012 Flag: blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange (top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small rays on the hoist side above the two stripes
:Marshall Islands Economy
Overview: Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 1987 the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallese budget of $55 million. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $63 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $55 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA (1987 est.) Exports: $2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicrafts partners: NA Imports: $29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, building materials partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore banking (embryonic) Agriculture: coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, copra; pigs, chickens Economic aid: under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide approximately $40 million in aid annually Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
:Marshall Islands Communications
Highways: paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks Ports: Majuro Merchant marine: 32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,347,312 GRT/4,630,172 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 container, 9 petroleum tanker, 18 bulk carrier, 2 combination ore/oil; note - a flag of convenience registry Airports: 17 total, 16 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications system on Kwajalein
:Marshall Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Martinique Geography
Total area: 1,100 km2 Land area: 1,060 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 290 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October) Terrain: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano Natural resources: coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land Land use: arable land 10%; permanent crops 8%; meadows and pastures 30%; forest and woodland 26%; other 26%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an average of one major natural disaster every five years Note: located 625 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea
:Martinique People
Population: 371,803 (July 1992), growth rate 1.4% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Martiniquais (singular and plural); adjective - Martiniquais Ethnic divisions: African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5% Languages: French, Creole patois Literacy: 93% (male 92%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982) Labor force: 100,000; service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%, agriculture 13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3% Organized labor: 11% of labor force
:Martinique Government
Long-form name: Department of Martinique Type: overseas department of France Capital: Fort-de-France Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French legal system National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President of the General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held in October 1988 (next to be held by March 1991); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by party NA Regional Assembly: last held on 16 March 1986 (next to be held by March 1992); results - UDF/RPR coalition 49.8%, PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 41.3%, other 8.9%; seats - (41 total) PPM/FSM/PCM coalition 21, UDF/RPR coalition 20 French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1 French National Assembly: last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1 Communists: 1,000 (est.) Other political or pressure groups: Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution Group (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc Pulvar; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants Member of: FZ, WCL Diplomatic representation: as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are represented in the US by France
:Martinique Government
US: Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON; Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France (mailing address is B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206); telephone [596] 63-13-03 Flag: the flag of France is used
:Martinique Economy
Overview: The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry. Agriculture accounts for about 12% of GDP and the small industrial sector for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. In 1986 per capita GDP was relatively high at $6,000. During 1986 the unemployment rate was 30% and was particularly severe among younger workers. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.0 billion, per capita $6,000; real growth rate NA% (1986) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (1989) Unemployment rate: 30% (1986) Budget: revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1989 est.) Exports: $196 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples partners: France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987) Imports: $1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles, clothing and other consumer goods partners: France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,703 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism Agriculture: including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principal crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, and sugarcane for rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetables Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Martinique Communications
Highways: 1,680 km total; 1,300 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth Ports: Fort-de-France Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways less than 2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interisland radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Martinique Defense Forces
Branches: French Forces, Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 95,235; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Mauritania Geography
Total area: 1,030,700 km2 Land area: 1,030,400 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico Land boundaries: 5,074 km; Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western Sahara 1,561 km Coastline: 754 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with Senegal Climate: desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty Terrain: mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills Natural resources: iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 38%; forest and woodland 5%; other 56%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; desertification; only perennial river is the Senegal
:Mauritania People
Population: 2,059,187 (July 1992), growth rate 3.1% (1992) Birth rate: 48 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 89 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 44 years male, 50 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mauritanian(s); adjective - Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim, nearly 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official); Hasaniya Arabic, Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: 34% (male 47%, female 21%) age 10 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980); agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10%; 53% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 30,000 members claimed by single union, Mauritanian Workers' Union
:Mauritania Government
Long-form name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania Type: republic; military first seized power in bloodless coup 10 July 1978; a palace coup that took place on 12 December 1984 brought President Taya to power; he was elected in 1992 Capital: Nouakchott Administrative divisions: 12 regions(regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza; note - there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) Constitution: currently 12 July 1991; 20 May 1961 Constitution abrogated after coup of 10 July 1978; provisional constitution published 17 December 1980 but abandoned in 1981; constitutional charter published 27 February 1985 after Taya came to power; latest constitution approved after general referendum 12 July 1991 Legal system: based on Islamic law National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Executive branch: president Legislative branch: National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) and Senate Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984) Political parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), coalition of seven opposition factions, three leaders: Mohameden Ould BABAH, Diop Mamadou AMADOU, and Messoud Ould BOULKHEIR; Assembly for Democracy (RDU), Mohamed Ould SIDI BABA; Rally for Democracy and Unity (RDUN), Mohamed Ould Sidi BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Progressive Popular Alliance (APP), Taleb Ould Jiddou Ould Mohamed LAGHDAF; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Moulaye El Hassan Ould JEYID; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN or PAGN), Khattry Ould Taleb JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADI; Union for Planning and Construction (UPC), Mohamed Ould EYAHA; Democratic Justice Party (PJD), Mohamed Abdallahi Ould EL BANE; Party for Liberty, Equality, and Justice (PLEJ), Ba Mamadou ALASSANE; Labor and National Unity Party (PTUN), Ali Bouna Ould OUENINA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held January 1992 (next to be held NA) results: President Col. Maabuya Ould Sid`Ahmed TAYA elected Senate: last held 3 and 10 April 1992 (next to be held April 1998)
:Mauritania Government
National Assembly: last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held NA 1997) Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed Fall OULD AININA; Chancery at 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-5700 US: Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN; Embassy at address NA, Nouakchott (mailing address is B. P. 222, Nouakchott); telephone [222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63; FAX [222] (2) 515-92 Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
:Mauritania Economy
Overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, the droughts, the endemic conflict with Senegal, rising energy costs, and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. But the reform process suffered a major setback following the Gulf war of early 1991. Because of Mauritania's support of Saddam Husayn, bilateral aid from its two top donors, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, was suspended, and multilateral aid was reduced. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, per capita $535; real growth rate 3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $280 million; expenditures $346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.) Exports: $436 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum; unrecorded but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal partners: EC 43%, Japan 27%, USSR 11%, Ivory Coast 3% Imports: $389 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: EC 60%, Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3% External debt: $1.9 billion (1990) Industrial production: growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 20% of GDP Electricity: 190,000 kW capacity; 135 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: fishing, fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Agriculture: accounts for 29% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops - dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large food deficit in years of drought Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277 million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 million
:Mauritania Economy
Currency: ouguiya (plural - ouguiya); 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiya (UM) per US$1 - 79.300 (January 1992), 81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988), 73.878 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mauritania Communications
Railroads: 690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by government mining company Highways: 7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 28 total, 28 usable; 9 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor radio relay links, and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned
:Mauritania Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 436,897; 213,307 fit for military service; conscription law not implemented Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989)
:Mauritius Geography
Total area: 1,860 km2 Land area: 1,850 km2; includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Climate: tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land 54%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 31%; other 7%; includes irrigated 9% Environment: subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs Note: located 900 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean
:Mauritius People
Population: 1,092,130 (July 1992), growth rate 0.8% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mauritian(s); adjective - Mauritian Ethnic divisions: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2% Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%) 28.3%, Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1% Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori Literacy: 82.8 % (male 88.7%, female 77.1%) age 13 and over can read and write (1985 UNESCO estimate) Labor force: 335,000; government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%, other 22%; 43% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 35% of labor force in more than 270 unions
:Mauritius Government
Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Louis Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) Constitution: 12 March 1968 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Veerasamy RINGADOO (since 17 January 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990) Political parties and leaders: government coalition: Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH; Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Paul BERENGER; Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOO opposition: Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN; Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), G. DUVAL Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3 Communists: may be 2,000 sympathizers Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING; Chancery at Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491 or 1492
:Mauritius Government
US: Ambassador Penne Percy KORTH; Embassy at 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis; telephone [230] 208-9763 through 208-9767; FAX [230] 208-9534 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green
:Mauritius Economy
Overview: The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in FY91 was impressive, with 6% real growth and low unemployment. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, per capita $2,300; real growth rate 6.1% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 13.2% (FY91 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $557 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (FY90) Exports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15% Imports: $1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EC, US, South Africa, Japan External debt: $869 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 12.9% (FY87); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 235,000 kW capacity; 425 million kWh produced, 395 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net food importer, especially rice and fish Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54 million Currency: Mauritian rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 15.198 (January 1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988), 12.878 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Mauritius Communications
Highways: 1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth Ports: Port Louis Merchant marine: 9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 94,710 GRT/150,345 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 3 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 5 total, 4 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system with good service utilizing primarily radio relay; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Mauritius Defense Forces
Branches: paramilitary Special Mobile Force, Special Support Unit, National Police Force, National Coast Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 307,237; 157,246 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89)
:Mayotte Geography
Total area: 375 km2 Land area: 375 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to cyclones during rainy season Note: part of Comoro Archipelago; located in the Mozambique Channel about halfway between Africa and Madagascar
:Mayotte People
Population: 86,628 (July 1992), growth rate 3.8% (1992) Birth rate: 50 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 12 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 84 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 59 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mahorais (singular and plural); adjective - Mahoran Religions: Muslim 99%; remainder Christian, mostly Roman Catholic Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA
:Mayotte Government
Long-form name: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Mamoutzou Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: government commissioner Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner, Representative of the French Government Jean-Paul COSTE (since NA 1991); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since NA 1976) Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RMPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union of the Center (UDC) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 9, RPR 6, other 2 French Senate: last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDC 1 Member of: FZ Diplomatic representation: as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used
:Mayotte Economy
Overview: Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island is heavily dependent on French financial assistance. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985) Exports: $4.0 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: ylang-ylang, vanilla partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9% Imports: $21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour partners: France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: NA kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita Industries: newly created lobster and shrimp industry Agriculture: most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla, ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $402 million Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mayotte Communications
Highways: 42 km total; 18 km bituminous Ports: Dzaoudzi Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio communications for links to Comoros and international communications; 450 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
:Mayotte Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Mexico Geography
Total area: 1,972,550 km2 Land area: 1,923,040 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: 4,538 km; Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: natural prolongation of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims Clipperton Island (French possession) Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert Natural resources: crude oil, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land 12%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 39%; forest and woodland 24%; other 24%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast and destructive earthquakes in the center and south; natural water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; deforestation; erosion widespread; desertification; serious air pollution in Mexico City and urban centers along US-Mexico border Note: strategic location on southern border of US
:Mexico People
Population: 92,380,721 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 30 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mexican(s); adjective - Mexican Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6% Languages: Spanish; various Mayan dialects Literacy: 87% (male 90%, female 85%) age 15 and over can read and write (1985 est.) Labor force: 26,100,000 (1988); services 31.4%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 26%, commerce 13.9%, manufacturing 12.8%, construction 9.5%, transportation 4.8%, mining and quarrying 1.3%, electricity 0.3% (1986) Organized labor: 35% of labor force
:Mexico Government
Long-form name: United Mexican States Type: federal republic operating under a centralized government Capital: Mexico Administrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain) Constitution: 5 February 1917 Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988) Political parties and leaders: (recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Genaro BORREGO Estrada; National Action Party (PAN), Luis ALVAREZ; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Carlos Enrique CANTU Rosas Suffrage: universal and compulsory (but not enforced) at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held September 1994); results - Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%, Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note - several of the smaller parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National Democratic Front (FDN) Senate: last held on 18 August 1988 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (64 total) number of seats by party; PRI 61, PRD 2, PAN 1 Chamber of Deputies: last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - PRI 53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats - (500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41, PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12
:Mexico Government
Other political or pressure groups: Roman Catholic Church, Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN), Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO), National Peasant Confederation (CNC), UNE (no expansion), Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT), Mexican Democratic Party (PDM), Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC), Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM), Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX), National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA), Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations (COECE) Member of: AG (observer), CARICOM (observer) CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Gustavo PETRICIOLI Iturbide; Chancery at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006; telephone (202) 728-1600; there are Mexican Consulates General in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Antonio, San Diego, and Consulates in Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Douglas (Arizona), Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Kansas City (Missouri), Laredo, McAllen (Texas), Miami, Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), Philadelphia, Phoenix, Presidio (Texas), Sacramento, St. Louis, St. Paul (Minneapolis), Salt Lake City, San Bernardino, San Jose, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Seattle US: Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE, Jr.; Embassy at Paseo de la Reforma 305, 06500 Mexico, D.F. (mailing address is P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087); telephone [52] (5) 211-0042; FAX [52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373; there are US Consulates General in Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana, and Consulates in Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, and Nuevo Laredo Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band
:Mexico Economy
Overview: Mexico's economy is a mixture of state-owned industrial plants (notably oil), private manufacturing and services, and both large-scale and traditional agriculture. In the 1980s, Mexico experienced severe economic difficulties: the nation accumulated large external debts as world petroleum prices fell; rapid population growth outstripped the domestic food supply; and inflation, unemployment, and pressures to emigrate became more acute. Growth in national output, however, is recovering, rising from 1.4% in 1988 to 4% in 1990 and again in 1991. The US is Mexico's major trading partner, accounting for two-thirds of its exports and imports. After petroleum, border assembly plants and tourism are the largest earners of foreign exchange. The government, in consultation with international economic agencies, is implementing programs to stabilize the economy and foster growth. In 1991 the government began negotiations with the US and Canada on a free trade agreement. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $289 billion, per capita $3,200; real growth rate 4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 18.8% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 14-17% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $41.0 billion; expenditures $47.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.3 billion (1990) Exports: $27.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: crude oil, oil products, coffee, shrimp, engines, motor vehicles, cotton, consumer electronics partners: US 68%, EC 14%, Japan 6% (1990 est.) Imports: $36.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: grain, metal manufactures, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment partners: US 69%, EC 13%, Japan 6% (1990) External debt: $98.4 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP Electricity: 26,150,000 kW capacity; 114,277 million kWh produced, 1,270 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, transportation equipment, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; fish catch of 1.4 million metric tons among top 20 nations (1987) Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of active government eradication program; major supplier to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America
:Mexico Economy
Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $110 million Currency: Mexican peso (plural - pesos); 1 Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 3,068.5 (January 1992), 3,018.4 (1991) 2,940.9 (January 1991), 2,812.6 (1990), 2,461.3 (1989), 2,273.1 (1988), 1,378.2 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mexico Communications
Railroads: 24,500 km total; breakdown NA Highways: 212,000 km total; 65,000 km paved, 30,000 km semipaved or cobblestone, 62,000 km rural roads (improved earth) or roads under construction, 55,000 km unimproved earth roads Inland waterways: 2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canals Pipelines: crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 km Ports: Acapulco, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Veracruz Merchant marine: 58 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 875,239 GRT/1,301,355 DWT; includes 4 short-sea passenger, 3 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 30 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 1 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 4 container Civil air: 186 major transport aircraft Airports: 1,815 total, 1,505 usable; 200 with permanent-surface runways; 3 with runways over 3,659 m; 33 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 284 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed system with extensive radio relay links; privatized in December 1990; connected into Central America Microwave System; 6,410,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 679 AM, no FM, 238 TV, 22 shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; earth stations - 4 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
:Mexico Defense Forces
Branches: National Defense (including Army and Air Force), Navy (including Marines) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 23,023,871; 16,852,513 fit for military service; 1,138,455 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, less than 1% of GDP (1982 budget)
:Micronesia, Federated States of Geography
Total area: 702 km2 Land area: 702 km2; includes Pohnpei, Truk, Yap, and Kosrae Comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 6,112 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons from June to December; four major island groups totaling 607 islands Note: located 5,150 km west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia
:Micronesia, Federated States of People
Population: 114,694 (July 1992), growth rate 3.4% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 12 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 39 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Micronesian(s); adjective - Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese (singular and plural), Yapese (singular and plural) Ethnic divisions: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups Religions: predominantly Christian, divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; other churches include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist, Latter-Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith Languages: English is the official and common language; most indigenous languages fall within the Austronesian language family, the exceptions are the Polynesian languages; major indigenous languages are Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, and Kosrean Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 85%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: NA; two-thirds are government employees; 45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65 Organized labor: NA
:Micronesia, Federated States of Government
Long-form name: Federated States of Micronesia (no short-form name) Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 Capital: Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei); note - a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship; formerly the Kosrae, Pohnpei, Truk, and Yap districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Constitution: 10 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Congress Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991) Political parties and leaders: no formal parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held ll May 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - President Bailey OLTER elected president; Vice-President Jacob NENA Congress: last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) Member of: ESCAP (associate), ICAO, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU; Embassy at 1725 N St., NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 223-4383 US: Ambassador Aurelia BRAZEAL; Embassy at address NA, Kolonia (mailing address is P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941); telephone 691-320-2187; FAX 691-320-2186 Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern
:Micronesia, Federated States of Economy
Overview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the l990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $150 million, per capita $1,500; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.); note - GNP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA Budget: revenues $165 million; expenditures $115 million, including capital expenditures of $20 million (1988) Exports: $2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: copra partners: NA Imports: $67.7 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 18,000 kW capacity; 40 million kWh produced, 380 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls Agriculture: mainly a subsistence economy; copra, black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens Economic aid: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001 Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
:Micronesia, Federated States of Communications
Highways: 39 km of paved roads on major islands; also 187 km stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads Ports: Colonia (Yap), Truk (Kosrae), Okat (Kosrae) Airports: 6 total, 5 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 Telecommunications: telephone network - 960 telephone lines total at Kolonia and Truk; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); 16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Micronesia, Federated States of Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Midway Islands Geography
Total area: 5.2 km2 Land area: 5.2 km2; includes Eastern Island and Sand Island Comparative area: about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 15 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds Terrain: low, nearly level Natural resources: fish and wildlife Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: coral atoll Note: located 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu at the western end of Hawaiian Islands group, about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo; closed to the public
:Midway Islands People
Population: 453 US military personnel (1992)
:Midway Islands Government
Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under command of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii and managed cooperatively by the US Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System; legislation before Congress in 1990 proposed inclusion of territory within the State of Hawaii Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Diplomatic representation: none (territory of the US) Flag: the US flag is used
:Midway Islands Economy
Overview: The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Electricity: supplied by US Military
:Midway Islands Communications
Highways: 32 km total Pipelines: 7.8 km Ports: Sand Island Airports: 3 total; 2 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m
:Midway Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Moldova Geography
Total area: 33,700 km2 Land area: 33,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Hawaii Land boundaries: 1,389 km; Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: potential dispute with Ukraine over former southern Bessarabian areas; northern Bukovina ceded to Ukraine upon Moldova's incorporation into USSR; internal with ethnic Russians in the Trans-Dnestr and Gagauz Muslims in the South Climate: mild winters, warm summers Terrain: rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: NA
:Moldova People
Population: 4,458,435 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 19 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 71 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Moldovan(s); adjective - Moldovan Ethnic divisions: Moldavian (Moldovan) 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13.0%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jews 1.5%, Bulgarian 2.0%, other 1.0% (1989 figures) Religions: Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist only about 1,000 members, other 1.0%; note - almost all churchgoers are ethnic Moldovan; the Slavic population are not churchgoers (1991 figures) Languages: Romanian; (Moldovan official), Russian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 2,095,000; agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures) Organized labor: NA
:Moldova Government
Long-form name: Republic of Moldova Type: republic Capital: Chisinau (Kishinev) Administrative divisions: previously divided into 40 rayons; now to be divided into 7-9 larger districts at some future point Independence: 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union; formerly Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova) Constitution: formulating a new constitution; old constitution is still in effect but has been heavily amended during the past few years Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and CSCE documents National holiday: Independence Day, 27 August 1991 Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet of Ministers Legislative branch: Moldovan Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: Supreme Court (highest civil court in Moldova) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Prime Minister Valeriy MURAVSKY (since 28 May 1991), 1st Deputy Prime Minister Constantin OBOROC (since June 1990); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Constantin TAMPIZA (since June 1990); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Andrei SANGHELI (since June 1990) Chief of State: President Mircea SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990) Head of Legislature: Chairman of the Supreme Soviet (Premier) Valeriy MURAVSKIY (since May 1991); 1st Deputy Prime Minister Ian HADIRCA (since 11 May 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Victor PUSCASU, 21 November 1989; Deputy Prime Minister Mihial PLASICHUK, NA Political parties and leaders: Moldovan Popular Front, Yuriy ROSHKA, chairman (since summer 1990); Unitatea-Yedinstvo Intermovement, V. YAKOVLEV, chairman; Bulgarian Rebirth Society, Ivan ZABUNOV, chairman; Democratic Group, five cochairmen Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 8 December 1991; results - Mircea SNEGUR won 98.17% of vote Moldovan Supreme Soviet: last held 25 February 1990; results - Moldovan Popular Front 33%, Intermovement 34%, Communist Party 32%; seats - (366 total) Popular Front Club 35; Sovereignty Club 35; Club of Independent Deputies 25; Agrarian Club 110; Club Bujak 15; Reality Club 25; Soviet Moldova 80; remaining 41 seats probably belong to Onestr region deputies who usually boycott Moldovan legislative proceedings
:Moldova Government
Other political or pressure groups: United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman; Social Democratic Party of Moldova (SDPM), V. CHIOBATARU, leader; The Ecology Movement of Moldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian Democratic League of Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National Christian Party of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders; The Peoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; The Democratic Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; The Alliance of Working People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president Member of: CSCE, UN Diplomatic representation: Ambassador vacant US: Charge Howard Steers; Interim Chancery at #103 Strada Alexei Mateevich, Kishinev (mailing address is APO AE 09862); telephone 8-011-7-0422-23-28-94 at Hotel Seabeco in Kishinev Flag: same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle carrying a cross in its beak and an olive branch in its claws
:Moldova Economy
Overview: Moldova, the next-to-smallest of the former Soviet republics in area, is the most densely inhabited. Moldova has a little more than 1% of the population, labor force, capital stock, and output of the former Soviet Union. Living standards have been below average for the European USSR. The country enjoys a favorable climate, and economic development has been primarily based on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Industry accounts for 20% of the labor force, whereas agriculture employs more than one-third. Moldova has no major mineral resources and has depended on the former Soviet republics for coal, oil, gas, steel, most electronic equipment, machine tools, and major consumer durables such as automobiles. Its industrial and agricultural products, in turn, have been exported to the other former Soviet republics. Moldova has freed prices on most goods and has legalized private ownership of property, including agricultural land. Moldova's economic prospects are dimmed by the difficulties of moving toward a market economy and the political problems of redefining ties to the other former Soviet republics and Romania. GDP: NA; per capita NA; real growth rate -12% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 97% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA million; expenditures $NA million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1992) Exports: $400 million rubles (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals (1991) partners: NA Imports: $1.9 billion rubles (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: oil, gas, coal, steel machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and other consumer durables partners: NA External debt: $650 million (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -7% (1991) Electricity: 3,000,000 kW capacity; 13,000 million kWh produced, 2,806 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: key products (with share of total former Soviet output in parentheses where known): agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers (2.7%), washing machines (5.0%), hosiery (2.0%), refined sugar (3.1%), vegetable oil (3.7%), canned food (8.6%), shoes, textiles Agriculture: Moldova's principal economic activity; products (shown in share of total output of the former Soviet republics): Grain (1.6%), sugar beets (2.6%), sunflower seed (4.4%), vegetables (4.4%), fruits and berries (9.7%), grapes (20.1%), meat (1.7%), milk (1.4%), and eggs (1.4%) Illicit drugs: transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe
:Moldova Economy
Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1991), $NA, Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1991), $NA million Currency: as of May 1992, retaining ruble as currency Fiscal year: calendar year
:Moldova Communications
Railroads: 1,150 km (includes NA km electrified) (1990); does not include industrial lines Highways: 20,000 km total (1990); 13,900 km hard-surfaced, 6,100 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: NA Ports: none - landlocked Merchant marine: NA Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA Telecommunications: poorly supplied with telephones; 215,000 unsatisfied applications for telephone installations (31 January 1990); connected to Ukraine by landline and countries beyond the former USSR through the switching center in Moscow
:Moldova Defense Forces
Branches: Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops); Russian Forces (Ground, Navy, Air, and Air Defense) Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
:Monaco Geography
Total area: 1.9 km2 Land area: 1.9 km2 Comparative area: about three times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 4.4 km; France 4.4 km Coastline: 4.1 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: hilly, rugged, rocky Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: almost entirely urban Note: second-smallest independent state in world (after Vatican City)
:Monaco People
Population: 29,965 (July 1992), growth rate 0.9% (1992) Birth rate: 7 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 9 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s); adjective - Monacan or Monegasque Ethnic divisions: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: 4,000 members in 35 unions
:Monaco Government
Long-form name: Principality of Monaco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Monaco Administrative divisions: 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Independence: 1419, rule by the House of Grimaldi Constitution: 17 December 1962 Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 19 November Executive branch: prince, minister of state, Council of Government (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Council (Conseil National) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme) Leaders: Chief of State: Prince RAINIER III (since November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958) Head of Government: Minister of State Jean AUSSEIL (since 16 September 1985) Political parties and leaders: National and Democratic Union (UND), Democratic Union Movement (MUD), Monaco Action, Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM) Suffrage: universal adult at age 25 Elections: National Council: last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held 24 January 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) UND 18 Member of: ACCT, CSCE, IAEA, ICAO, IMF (observer), IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation: Monaco maintains honorary consulates general in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco, and honorary consulates in Dallas, Honolulu, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington US: no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is accredited to Monaco; Consul General R. Susan WOOD; Consulate General at 12 Boulevard Paul Peytral, 13286 Marseille Cedex (mailing address APO AE 09777); telephone [33] (91) 549-200 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red
:Monaco Economy
Overview: Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan suburbs. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $475 million, per capita $16,000; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: full employment (1989) Budget: revenues $424 million; expenditures $376 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France Imports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs union with France External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 10,000 kW standby capacity (1991); power supplied by France Indus Agriculture: NA Economic aid: NA Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.3801 (January 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Monaco Communications
Railroads: 1.6 km 1.435-meter gauge Highways: none; city streets Ports: Monaco Merchant marine: 1 petroleum tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,268 GRT/4,959 DWT Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 1 usable airfield with permanent-surface runways Telecommunications: served by cable into the French communications system; automatic telephone system; 38,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; no communication satellite earth stations
:Monaco Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Mongolia Geography
Total area: 1,565,000 km2 Land area: 1,565,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: 8,114 km; China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges) Terrain: vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in southeast Natural resources: oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 79%; forest and woodland 10%; other 10%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: harsh and rugged Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia
:Mongolia People
Population: 2,305,516 (July 1992), growth rate 2.6% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 47 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mongolian(s); adjective - Mongolian Ethnic divisions: Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2% Religions: predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim (about 4%); previously limited religious activity because of Communist regime Languages: Khalkha Mongol used by over 90% of population; minor languages include Turkic, Russian, and Chinese Literacy: 90% (male NA%, female NA%) (1989 est.) Labor force: NA, but primarily herding/agricultural; over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor Organized labor: 425,000 members of the Central Council of Mongolian Trade Unions (CCMTU) controlled by the government (1984); independent labor organizations now being formed
:Mongolia Government
Long-form name: Mongolia Type: in transition from Communist state to republic Capital: Ulaanbaatar Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud, singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs Independence: 13 March 1921 (from China; formerly Outer Mongolia) Constitution: 12 February 1992 Legal system: blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Mongolian People's Revolution (NAADAM) 11-13 July; observed 13 July Executive branch: premier, deputy premiers, Cabinet, president, vice president Legislative branch: State Great Hural Judicial branch: High Court; serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts, but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts Leaders: Chief of State: President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); Vice President Radnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJ (since 7 September 1990) Head of Government: Premier Dashiyn BYAMBASUREN (since 11 September 1990) Political parties and leaders: ruling party: Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON, general secretary opposition: Social Democratic Party (SDP), BATBAYAR; Mongolian Democratic Association, Ts. ELBEGDORJ, chief coordinator; Mongolian Party of National Progress, GANBOLD other: Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP), BATUUL; Free Labor Party, C. DUL; note - opposition parties were legalized in May 1990; additional parties exist: The Green Party, The Buddhist Party, The Republican Party, Mongolian People's Party, and Mongolian Revival Party; these were formed but may not be officially registered because of low rates of membership Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 3 September 1990 (next to be held NA July 1994); results - Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT elected by the People's Great Hural State Great Hural: first time held June 1992; note - according to the new present Constitution, the two parliamentary bodies are to be combined into a single popularly elected house consisting of 76 members; results - NA
:Mongolia Government
People's Small Hural: last held on 29 July 1990 (next to be held June 1992); results - MPRP 62.3%, MDP 24.5%, SDP 7. 5%, PNP 5.7%; seats - (50 total) MPRP 33, other 17; note - People's Small Hural will not exist after State Great Hural is assembled Communists: MPRP membership 90,000 (1990 est.) Member of: AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-77, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAGIV; Chancery, (202) 983-1962 US: Ambassador Joseph E. LAKE; Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas E. DOWLING; Embassy at Ulaanbaatar, c/o American Embassy Beijing; PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 06521-0002; telephone (800) 29095 and 29639 Flag: a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted
:Mongolia Economy
Overview: Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of unproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock - Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. In recent years extensive mineral resources have been developed with Soviet support. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timber and fishing are also important sectors. In 1991-92 Mongolian leadership is struggling with severe economic dislocations, mainly attributable to the economic crumbling of the USSR, by far Mongolia's leading trade and development partner. Moscow almost certainly cut aid in 1991, and the dissolution of the USSR at yearend 1991 makes prospects for aid quite bleak for 1992. Industry in 1991-92 has been hit hard by energy shortages, mainly due to disruptions in coal production and shortfalls in petroleum imports. The government is moving away from the Soviet-style centrally planned economy through privatization and price reform. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, per capita $900; real growth rate -3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 100% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1991 est.) Budget: deficit of $67 million (1991) Exports: $279 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals partners: USSR 75%, China 10%, Japan 4% Imports: $360 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea partners: USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5% External debt: $16.8 billion (yearend 1990); 98.6% with USSR Industrial production: growth rate -12% (1991 est.) Electricity: 1,238,000 kW capacity; 3,700 million kWh produced, 1,692 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food and beverage, mining (particularly coal) Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of the population; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, but also cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forage
:Mongolia Economy
Economic aid: about $300 million in trade credits and $34 million in grant aid from USSR and other CEMA countries, plus $7.4 million from UNDP (1990); in 1991, $170 million in grants and technical assistance from Western donor countries, including $30 million from World Bank and $30 million from the IMF; over $200 million from donor countries projected in 1992 Currency: tughrik (plural - tughriks); 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos Exchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 7.1 (1991), 5.63 (1990), 3.00 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mongolia Communications
Railroads: 1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1988) Highways: 46,700 km total; 1,000 km hard surface; 45,700 km other surfaces (1988) Inland waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1988) Civil air: 25 major transport aircraft Airports: 81 total, 31 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; fewer than 5 with runways over 3,659 m; fewer than 20 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 63,000 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18 provincial repeaters); repeat of Russian TV; 120,000 TVs; 220,000 radios; at least 1 earth station
:Mongolia Defense Forces
Branches: Mongolian People's Army (includes Border Guards), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 551,548; 359,904 fit for military service; 25,275 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million of GDP (1992 budget)
:Montserrat Geography
Total area: 100 km2 Land area: 100 km2 Comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 40%; other 30% Environment: subject to severe hurricanes from June to November Note: located 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea
:Montserrat People
Population: 12,617 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4 (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Montserratian(s); adjective - Montserratian Ethnic divisions: mostly black with a few Europeans Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations Languages: English Literacy: 97% (male 97%, female 97%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 5,100; community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.) Organized labor: 30% of labor force, three trade unions with 1,500 members (1984 est.)
:Montserrat Government
Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Plymouth Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 January 1960 Legal system: English common law and statute law National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June) Executive branch: monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet), chief minister Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor David TAYLOR (since NA 1990) Head of Government: Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since October 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNE; Independent (IND), Ruby BRAMBLE Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Council: last held on 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1 Member of: CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, OECS, WCL Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross
:Montserrat Economy
Overview: The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounted for 20% of GDP in 1986. Agriculture accounted for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%. The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts sold to the US. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $54.2 million, per capita $4,500 (1988); real growth rate 10% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (1990) Unemployment rate: 3.0% (1987) Budget: revenues $12.1 million; expenditures $14.3 million, including capital expenditures of $3.2 million (1988) Exports: $2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.) commodities: electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle partners: NA Imports: $30 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials partners: NA External debt: $2.05 million (1987) Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: 5,271 kW capacity; 12 million kWh produced, 960 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliances Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions, peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock products Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Montserrat Communications
Highways: 280 km total; about 200 km paved, 80 km gravel and earth Ports: Plymouth Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,036 m Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV
:Montserrat Defense Forces
Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Morocco Geography
Total area: 446,550 km2 Land area: 446,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 2,002 km; Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km Coastline: 1,835 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UN is attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991 Spain controls five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as the islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas Chafarinas Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior Terrain: mostly mountains with rich coastal plains Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt Land use: arable land 18%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 28%; forest and woodland 12%; other 41%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; desertification Note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar
:Morocco People
Population: 26,708,587 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 29 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: - 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 56 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Moroccan(s); adjective - Moroccan Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99.1%, non-Moroccan 0.7%, Jewish 0.2% Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2% Languages: Arabic (official); several Berber dialects; French is often the language of business, government, and diplomacy Literacy: 50% (male 61%, female 38%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 7,400,000; agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985) Organized labor: about 5% of the labor force, mainly in the Union of Moroccan Workers (UMT) and the Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT)
:Morocco Government
Long-form name: Kingdom of Morocco Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Rabat Administrative divisions: 37 provinces and 5 municipalities* (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Fes*, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache, Marrakech, Marrakech*, Meknes, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France) Constitution: 10 March 1972 Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court National holiday: National Day (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne), 3 March (1961) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Azzedine LARAKI (since 30 September 1986) Political parties and leaders: Morocco has 15 political parties; the major ones are Istiqlal, M'Hamed BOUCETTA; Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP); Popular Movement (MP), Secretariat General; National Assembly of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS); Constitutional Union (UC), Maati BOUABID Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: Chamber of Representatives: last held on 14 September 1984 (were scheduled for September 1990, but postponed until NA 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (306 total, 206 elected) CU 83, RNI 61, MP 47, Istiqlal 41, USFP 36, PND 24, other 14 Communists: about 2,000 Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS (observer), NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
:Morocco Government
Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Mohamed BELKHAYAT; Chancery at 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 462-7979; there is a Moroccan Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Frederick VREELAND; Embassy at 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat (mailing address is P. O. Box 120, Rabat, or PSC 74, APO AE 09718; telephone [212] (7) 76-22-65; FAX [212] (7) 76-56-61; there is a US Consulate General in Casablanca Flag: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam
:Morocco Economy
Overview: The economy had recovered moderately in 1990 because of: the resolution of a trade dispute with India over phosphoric acid sales, a rebound in textile sales to the EC, lower prices for food imports, a sharp increase in worker remittances, increased Arab donor aid, and generous debt rescheduling agreements. Economic performance in 1991 was mixed. A record harvest helped real GDP advance by 4.2%, although nonagricultural output grew by less than 1%. Inflation accelerated slightly as easier financial policies triggered rapid credit and monetary growth. Despite recovery of domestic demand, import volume growth slowed while export volume was adversely affected by phosphate marketing difficulties. In January 1992, Morocco reached a new 12-month standby arrangement for $129 million with the IMF. In February 1992, the Paris Club rescheduled $1.4 billion of Morocco's commercial debt. This is thought to be Morocco's last rescheduling. By 1993 the Moroccan authorities hope to be in a position to meet all debt service obligations without additional rescheduling. Servicing this large debt, high unemployment, and Morocco's vulnerability to external economic forces remain severe long-term problems. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $27.3 billion, per capita $1,060; real growth rate 4.2% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8.1% (1991 ) Unemployment rate: 16% (1991) Budget: revenues $7.5 billion; expenditures $7.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.9 billion (1992) Exports: $4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17% partners: EC 58%, India 7%, Japan 5%, USSR 3%, US 2% Imports: $6.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9% partners: EC 53%, US 11%, Canada 4%, Iraq 3%, USSR 3%, Japan 2% External debt: $20 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1989 est.); accounts for an estimated 20% of GDP Electricity: 2,270,000 kW capacity; 8,170 million kWh produced, 310 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism Agriculture: 50% of employment and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olives; fishing catch of 491,000 metric tons in 1987
:Morocco Economy
Illicit drugs: illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; occasional transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe. Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5 billion; $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standby agreement worth $13 million; World Bank, $450 million (1991) Currency: Moroccan dirham (plural - dirhams); 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 8.889 (March 1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988), 8.359 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Morocco Communications
Railroads: 1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 km electrified) Highways: 59,198 km total; 27,740 km paved, 31,458 km gravel, crushed stone, improved earth, and unimproved earth Pipelines: crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 km Ports: Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla Merchant marine: 51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 315,249 GRT/487,479 DWT; includes 10 cargo, 2 container, 12 refrigerated cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 3 petroleum tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 3 short-sea passenger Civil air: 28 major transport aircraft Airports: 75 total, 67 usable; 26 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 13 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 27 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system composed of wire lines, cables, and radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 20 AM, 7 FM, 26 TV and 26 additional rebroadcast sites; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave to Algeria; microwave network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco
:Morocco Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces Manpower availability: males 15-49, 6,604,712; 4,196,449 fit for military service; 293,204 reach military age (18) annually; limited conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 4.2% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Mozambique Geography
Total area: 801,590 km2 Land area: 784,090 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,571 km total; Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km Coastline: 2,470 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical to subtropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west Natural resources: coal, titanium Land use: arable land 4%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 56%; forest and woodland 20%; other 20%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: severe drought and floods occur in south; desertification
:Mozambique People
Population: 15,469,150 (July 1992), growth rate 4.1% (1992); note - 1.5 million Mozambican refugees; 900,000 in Malawi (1991 est.) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 17 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 12 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 134 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 46 years male, 49 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Mozambican(s); adjective - Mozambican Ethnic divisions: majority from indigenous tribal groups; Europeans about 10,000, Euro-Africans 35,000, Indians 15,000 Religions: indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10% Languages: Portuguese (official); many indigenous dialects Literacy: 33% (male 45%, female 21%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA, but 90% engaged in agriculture Organized labor: 225,000 workers belong to a single union, the Mozambique Workers' Organization (OTM)
:Mozambique Government
Long-form name: Republic of Mozambique Type: republic Capital: Maputo Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia Independence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal) Constitution: 30 November 1990 Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica) Judicial branch: People's Courts at all levels Leaders: Chief of State: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mario da Graca MACHUNGO (since 17 July 1986) Political parties and leaders: Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) - formerly a Marxist organization with close ties to the USSR - was the only legal party before 30 November 1990 when the new Constitution went into effect establishing a multiparty system; note - the government plans multiparty elections as early as 1993; 14 parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party of Mozambique (PALMO), the Mozambique National Union (UNAMO), and the Mozambique National Movement (MONAMO) have already emerged Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and Assembly elections Communists: about 200,000 FRELIMO members; note - FRELIMO no longer considers itself a Communist party Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Hipolito PATRICIO; Chancery at Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 293-7146 US: Ambassador Townsend B. FRIEDMAN, Jr.; Embassy at Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193 Maputo (mailing address is P. O. Box 783, Maputo); telephone [258] (1) 49-27-97, 49-01-67, 49-03-50; FAX [258] (1) 49-01-14
:Mozambique Government
Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book
:Mozambique Economy
Overview: One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and transportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, and investment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because of internal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growing foreign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economic reform policy, has resulted in successive years of economic growth since 1985. Agricultural output, nevertheless, is at about only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20-40% of capacity. The economy depends heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat. The continuation of civil strife through 1991 has dimmed chances of foreign investment, and growth was a mere 1%. Living standards, already abysmally low, dropped by 3-4% in both 1990 and 1991. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, per capita $120; real growth rate 1.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40.5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 50% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $369 million; expenditures $860 million, including capital expenditures of $432 million (1989 est.) Exports: $117 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: shrimp 48%, cashews 21%, sugar 10%, copra 3%, citrus 3% partners: US, Western Europe, GDR, Japan Imports: $870 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.), including aid commodities: food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum partners: US, Western Europe, USSR External debt: $4.9 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989 est.) Electricity: 2,270,000 kW capacity; 1,745 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 80% of the labor force, 50% of GDP, and about 90% of exports; cash crops - cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops - cassava, corn, rice, tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890 million Currency: metical (plural - meticais); 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 2,358 (1 May 1992), 1,811.18 (1991), 929.00 (1990), 800.00 (1989), 528.60 (1988), 289.44 (1987)
:Mozambique Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Mozambique Communications
Railroads: 3,288 km total; 3,140 km 1.067-meter gauge; 148 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge; Malawi-Nacala, Malawi-Beira, and Zimbabwe-Maputo lines are subject to closure because of insurgency Highways: 26,498 km total; 4,593 km paved; 829 km gravel, crushed stone, stabilized soil; 21,076 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: about 3,750 km of navigable routes Pipelines: crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 km Ports: Maputo, Beira, Nacala Merchant marine: 5 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 7,806 GRT/12,873 DWT Civil air: 7 major transport aircraft Airports: 195 total, 137 usable; 27 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 26 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay; broadcast stations - 29 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic Indian Ocean INTELSAT
:Mozambique Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guards, Militia Manpower availability: males 15-49, 3,490,554; 2,004,913 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $107 million, 6-7% of GDP (1989)
:Namibia Geography
Total area: 824,290 km2 Land area: 823,290 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Alaska Land boundaries: 3,935 km total; Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 966 km, Zambia 233 km Coastline: 1,489 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; disputed island with Botswana in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay and 12 offshore islands administered by South Africa; Namibia and South Africa have agreed to jointly administer the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to be covered by joint administration arrangements have not been established at this time, and Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty over the entire area; recent dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Sidudu Island in the Linyanti River Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and iron ore Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 64%; forest and woodland 22%; other 13%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: inhospitable with very limited natural water resources; desertification Note: Walvis Bay area is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia
:Namibia People
Population: 1,574,927 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 45 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 9 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 66 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 58 years male, 63 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Namibian(s); adjective - Namibian Ethnic divisions: black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4%; about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% from the Kavangos tribe Religions: predominantly Christian Languages: English is official language; Afrikaans is common language of most of population and about 60% of white population, German 32%, English 7%; several indigenous languages Literacy: 38% (male 45%, female 31%) age 15 and over can read and write (1960) Labor force: 500,000; agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government 7%, mining 6% (1981 est.) Organized labor: 20 trade unions representing about 90,000 workers
:Namibia Government
Long-form name: Republic of Namibia Type: republic Capital: Windhoek Administrative divisions: the former administrative structure of 26 districts has been abolished and 14 temporary regions are still being determined; note - the 26 districts were Bethanien, Boesmanland, Caprivi Oos, Damaraland, Gobabis, Grootfontein, Hereroland Oos, Hereroland Wes, Kaokoland, Karasburg, Karibib, Kavango, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Maltahohe, Mariental, Namaland, Okahandja, Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Outjo, Owambo, Rehoboth, Swakopmund, Tsumeb, Windhoek Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral; House of Review (upper house, to be established with elections in late 1992 by planned new regional authorities); National Assembly (lower house elected by universal suffrage) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990) Political parties and leaders: South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), Dirk MUDGE; United Democratic Front (UDF), Justus GAROEB; Action Christian National (ACN), Kosie PRETORIUS; National Patriotic Front (NPF), Moses KATJIUONGUA; Federal Convention of Namibia (FCN), Hans DIERGAARDT; Namibia National Front (NNF), Vekuii RUKORO Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 16 February 1990 (next to be held March 1995); results - Sam NUJOMA was elected president by the Constituent Assembly (now the National Assembly) National Assembly: last held on 7-11 November 1989 (next to be held by November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 41, DTA 21, UDF 4, ACN 3, NNF 1, FCN 1, NPF 1 Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACP, AfDB, CECA (associate), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, ITU, NAM, SACU, SADCC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, WCL, WFTU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH; Chancery at 1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (mailing address is PO Box 34738, Washington, DC 20043); telephone (202) 986-0540
:Namibia Government
US: Ambassador Genta Hawkins HOLMES; Embassy at Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek (mailing address is P. O. Box 9890, Windhoek 9000, Namibia); telephone [264] (61) 221-601, 222-675, 222-680; FAX [264] (61) 229-792 Flag: a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section, and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders
:Namibia Economy
Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract and process minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium. Alluvial diamond deposits are among the richest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten, and it has substantial resources of coal. More than half the population depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2 billion, per capita $1,400; real growth rate 5.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17% (1991 - Windhoek) Unemployment rate: over 25% (1991) Budget: revenues $864 million; expenditures $1,112 million, including capital expenditures of $144 million (FY 92) Exports: $1,021 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: uranium, diamonds, zinc, copper, cattle, processed fish, karakul skins partners: Switzerland, South Africa, FRG, Japan Imports: $894 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment partners: South Africa, FRG, US, Switzerland External debt: about $250 million; under a 1971 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, Namibia may not be liable for debt incurred during its colonial period Industrial production: growth rate - 6% (1990 est.); accounts for 35% of GDP, including mining Electricity: 490,000 kW capacity; 1,290 million kWh produced, 850 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc, diamond, uranium) Agriculture: mostly subsistence farming; livestock raising major source of cash income; crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled, 1988 catch reaching only 384,000 metric tons; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $47.2 million Currency: South African rand (plural - rand); 1 South African rand (R) = 100 cents Exchange rates: South African rand (R) per US$1 - 2.8809 (March 1992), 2.7653 (1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988), 2.0350 (1987), 2.2685 (1986) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Namibia Communications
Railroads: 2,341 km 1.067-meter gauge, single track Highways: 54,500 km; 4,079 km paved, 2,540 km gravel, 47,881 km earth roads and tracks Ports: Luderitz; primary maritime outlet is Walvis Bay (South Africa) Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: 137 total, 112 usable; 21 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 63 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good urban, fair rural services; radio relay connects major towns, wires extend to other population centers; 62,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 40 FM, 3 TV
:Namibia Defense Forces
Branches: National Defense Force (Army), Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 320,277; 189,997 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 3.4% of GDP (FY 92)
:Nauru Geography
Total area: 21 km2 Land area: 21 km2 Comparative area: about one-tenth the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 30 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February) Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center Natural resources: phosphates Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: only 53 km south of Equator Note: located 500 km north-northeast of Papua New Guinea, Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia
:Nauru People
Population: 9,460 (July 1992), growth rate 1.3% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 41 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nauruan(s); adjective - Nauruan Ethnic divisions: Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8% Religions: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic) Languages: Nauruan, a distinct Pacific Island language (official); English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA
:Nauru Government
Long-form name: Republic of Nauru Type: republic Capital: no capital city as such; government offices in Yaren District Administrative divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren Independence: 31 January 1968 (from UN trusteeship under Australia, New Zealand, and UK); formerly Pleasant Island Constitution: 29 January 1968 Legal system: own Acts of Parliament and British common law National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968) Executive branch: president, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 20 Elections: President: last held 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results - Bernard DOWIYOGO elected by Parliament Parliament: last held on 9 December 1989 (next to be held December 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18 Member of: C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTERPOL, ITU, SPC, SPF, UPU Diplomatic representation: Ambassador-designate Theodore Conrad MOSES resident in Melbourne (Australia); there is a Nauruan Consulate in Agana (Guam) US: the US Ambassador to Australia is accredited to Nauru Flag: blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru
:Nauru Economy
Overview: Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which are expected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World - $10,000 annually. Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, including fresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition. GNP: exchange rate conversion - over $90 million, per capita $10,000; real growth rate NA% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 0% Budget: revenues $69.7 million; expenditures $51.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY86 est.) Exports: $93 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: phosphates partners: Australia, NZ Imports: $73 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery partners: Australia, UK, NZ, Japan External debt: $33.3 million Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 14,000 kW capacity; 50 million kWh produced, 5,430 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: phosphate mining, financial services, coconuts Agriculture: negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food and water Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 million Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2834 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Nauru Communications
Railroads: 3.9 km; used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing facilities on the southwest coast Highways: about 27 km total; 21 km paved, 6 km improved earth Ports: Nauru Merchant marine: 1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,426 GRT/5,750 DWT Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft, one on order Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate local and international radio communications provided via Australian facilities; 1,600 telephones; 4,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Nauru Defense Forces
Branches: no regular armed forces; Directorate of the Nauru Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, NA; NA fit for military service Defense expenditures: $NA - no formal defense structure
:Navassa Island Geography
Total area: 5.2 km2 Land area: 5.2 km2 Comparative area: about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 8 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: claimed by Haiti Climate: marine, tropical Terrain: raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 meters high) Natural resources: guano Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 10%; forest and woodland 0%; other 90% Environment: mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus Note: strategic location between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea; 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo, Cuba
:Navassa Island People
Population: uninhabited; transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island
:Navassa Island Government
Long-form name: none (territory of the US) Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast Guard Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC
:Navassa Island Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Navassa Island Communications
Ports: none; offshore anchorage only
:Navassa Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Nepal Geography
Total area: 140,800 km2 Land area: 136,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Arkansas Land boundaries: 2,926 km total; China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south Terrain: Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty; small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore Land use: arable land 17%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 33%; other 37%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India
:Nepal People
Population: 20,086,455 (July 1992), growth rate 2.4% (1992) Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 90 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 51 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nepalese (singular and plural); adjective - Nepalese Ethnic divisions: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas, as well as many smaller groups Religions: only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu (about 90% of population) and Buddhist groups (about 5% of population); Muslims 3%, other 2% (1981) Languages: Nepali (official); 20 languages divided into numerous dialects Literacy: 26% (male 38%, female 13%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 8,500,000 (1991 est.); agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2%; severe lack of skilled labor Organized labor: Teachers' Union and many other nonofficially recognized unions
:Nepal Government
Long-form name: Kingdom of Nepal Type: parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991 Capital: Kathmandu Administrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti Independence: 1768, unified by Prithyi Narayan Shah Constitution: 9 November 1990 Legal system: based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or National Council and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat) Leaders: Chief of State: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24 February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, son of the King (born 21 June 1971) Head of Government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 29 May 1991) Political parties and leaders: ruling party: Nepali Congress Party (NCP), Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Ganesh Man SINGH, Krishna Prasad BHATTARAI center: the NDP has two factions: National Democratic Party/Chand (NDP/Chand), Lokinra Bahadur CHAND, and National Democratic Party/Thapa (NDP/Thapa), Surya Bahadur THAPA - the two factions announced a merger in late 1991; Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, G. N. Naryan SINGH Communist: Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Man Mohan ADIKHARY; United People's Front (UPF), N. K. PRASAI, Lila Mani POKHAREL; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, leader NA; Rohit Party, N. M. BIJUKCHHE; Democratic Party, leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 12 May 1991 (next to be held May 1996); results - NCP 38%, CPN/UML 28%, NDP/Chand 6%, UPF 5%, NDP/Thapa 5%, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 4%, Rohit 2%, CPN (Democratic) 1%, independents 4%, other 7%; seats - (205 total) NCP 110, CPN/UML 69, UPF 9, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 6, NDP/Chand 3, Rohit 2, CPN (Democratic) 2, NDP/Thapa 1, independents 3; note - the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gives Nepal a multiparty democracy system for the first time in 32 years
:Nepal Government
Communists: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) Other political or pressure groups: numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical Nepalese antimonarchist groups Member of: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Yog Prasad UPADHYAYA; Chancery at 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 667-4550; there is a Nepalese Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Julia Chang BLOCH; Embassy at Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu; telephone [977] (1) 411179 or 412718, 411604, 411613, 413890; FAX [977] (1) 419963 Flag: red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun
:Nepal Economy
Overview: Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 90% of the population and accounting for 60% of GDP. Industrial activity is limited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets has expanded recently and accounted for 87% of foreign exchange earnings in FY89. Apart from agricultural land and forests, the only other exploitable natural resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural production in the late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual population growth of 2.6%. Forty percent or more of the population is undernourished partly because of poor distribution. Since May 1991, the government has been encouraging privatization and foreign investment. It has introduced policies to eliminate many business licenses and registration requirements in order to simplify domestic and foreign investment procedures. Economic prospects for the 1990s remain poor because the economy starts from such a low base. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, per capita $165; real growth rate 3.5% (FY91) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15.0% (December 1991) Unemployment rate: 5%; underemployment estimated at 25-40% (1987) Budget: revenues $294.0 million; expenditures $624.0 million, including capital expenditures of $396 (FY92 est.) Exports: $180 million (f.o.b., FY91) but does not include unrecorded border trade with India commodities: clothing, carpets, leather goods, grain partners: US, India, Germany, UK Imports: $545 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.) commodities: petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10% partners: India, Singapore, Japan, Germany External debt: $2.5 billion (April 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (FY91 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 280,000 kW capacity; 540 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet, cement, and brick production; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP and 90% of work force; farm products - rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient in food, particularly in drought years Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug markets Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2,230 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286 million
:Nepal Economy
Currency: Nepalese rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 42.7 (January 1992), 37.255 (1991), 29.370 (1990), 27.189 (1989), 23.289 (1988), 21.819 (1987) Fiscal year: 16 July - 15 July
:Nepal Communications
Railroads: 52 km (1990), all 0.762-meter narrow gauge; all in Terai close to Indian border; 10 km from Raxaul to Birganj is government owned Highways: 7,080 km total (1990); 2,898 km paved, 1,660 km gravel or crushed stone; also 2,522 km of seasonally motorable tracks Civil air: 5 major and 11 minor transport aircraft Airports: 37 total, 37 usable; 5 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication and broadcast service; international radio communication service is poor; 50,000 telephones (1990); broadcast stations - 88 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Nepal Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,798,984; 2,488,749 fit for military service; 225,873 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 2% of GDP (FY92)
:Netherlands Geography
Total area: 37,330 km2 Land area: 33,920 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey Land boundaries: 1,027 km total; Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km Coastline: 451 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters Terrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, crude oil, fertile soil Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 32%; forest and woodland 9%; other 32%; includes irrigated 16% Environment: 27% of the land area is below sea level and protected from the North Sea by dikes Note: located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, Schelde)
:Netherlands People
Population: 15,112,064 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 13 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women); adjective - Dutch Ethnic divisions: Dutch 96%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 4% (1988) Religions: Roman Catholic 36%, Protestant 27%, other 6%, unaffiliated 31% (1988) Languages: Dutch Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1979 est.) Labor force: 5,300,000; services 50.1%, manufacturing and construction 28.2%, government 15.9%, agriculture 5.8% (1986) Organized labor: 29% of labor force
:Netherlands Government
Long-form name: Kingdom of the Netherlands Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government Administrative divisions: 12 provinces (provincien, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland Independence: 1579 (from Spain) Constitution: 17 February 1983 Dependent areas: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles Legal system: civil law system incorporating French penal theory; judicial review in the Supreme Court of legislation of lower order rather than Acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, vice prime minister, Cabinet, Cabinet of Ministers Legislative branch: bicameral legislature (Staten Generaal) consists of an upper chamber or First Chamber (Eerste Kamer) and a lower chamber or Second Chamber (Tweede Kamer) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (De Hoge Raad) Leaders: Chief of State: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER, Prince of Orange, son of Queen Beatrix (born 27 April 1967) Head of Government: Prime Minister Ruud (Rudolph) F. M. LUBBERS (since 4 November 1982); Vice Prime Minister Wim KOK (since 2 November 1989) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Willem van VELZEN; Labor (PvdA), Wim KOK; Liberal (VVD), Joris VOORHOEVE; Democrats '66 (D'66), Hans van MIERIO; a host of minor parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: First Chamber: last held on 9 June l991 (next to be held 9 June 1995); results - elected by the country's 12 provincial councils; seats - (75 total) percent of seats by party NA Second Chamber: last held on 6 September 1989 (next to be held by September 1993); results - CDA 35.3%, PvdA 31. 9%, VVD 14.6%, D'66 7.9%, other 10.3%; seats - (150 total) CDA 54, PvdA 49, VVD 22, D'66 12, other 13 Communists: about 6,000
:Netherlands Government
Other political or pressure groups: large multinational firms; Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement (comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises; and IKV - Interchurch Peace Council Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, EMS, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Johan Hendrick MEESMAN; Chancery at 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-5300; there are Dutch Consulates General in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco US: Ambassador C. Howard WILKINS, Jr.; Embassy at Lange Voorhout 102, The Hague (mailing address PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715); telephone [31] (70) 310-9209; FAX [31] (70) 361-4688; there is a US Consulate General in Amsterdam Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer
:Netherlands Economy
Overview: This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing industry. An unemployment rate of 6.2% and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most serious economic problems. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $249.6 billion, per capita $16,600; real growth rate 2.2% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.6% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.2% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $98.7 billion; expenditures $110.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $131.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: agricultural products, processed foods and tobacco, natural gas, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing partners: EC 74.9% (FRG 28.3%, Belgium-Luxembourg 14.2%, France 10.7%, UK 10.2%), US 4.7% (1988) Imports: $125.9 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: raw materials and semifinished products, consumer goods, transportation equipment, crude oil, food products partners: EC 63.8% (FRG 26.5%, Belgium-Luxembourg 23.1%, UK 8.1%), US 7.9% (1988) External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate 1.7% (1991 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 22,216,000 kW capacity; 63,570 million kWh produced, 4,300 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, fishing, construction, microelectronics Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; animal production predominates; crops - grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; shortages of grain, fats, and oils Illicit drugs: European producer of illicit amphetamines and other synethic drugs Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $19.4 billion Currency: Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (plural - guilders, gulden, or florins); 1 Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (f.) = 100 cents
:Netherlands Economy
Exchange rates: Netherlands guilders, gulden, or florins (f.) per US$1 - 1.7753 (January 1992), 1.8697 (1991), 1.8209 (1990), 2.1207 (1989), 1.9766 (1988), 2.0257 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Netherlands Communications
Railroads: 3,037 km track (includes 1,871 km electrified and 1,800 km double track); 2,871 km 1.435-meter standard gauge operated by Netherlands Railways (NS); 166 km privately owned Highways: 108,360 km total; 92,525 km paved (including 2,185 km of limited access, divided highways); 15,835 km gravel, crushed stone Inland waterways: 6,340 km, of which 35% is usable by craft of 1,000 metric ton capacity or larger Pipelines: crude oil 418 km; petroleum products 965 km; natural gas 10,230 km Ports: maritime - Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Den Helder, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Ijmuiden, Rotterdam, Scheveningen, Terneuzen, Vlissingen; inland - 29 ports Merchant marine: 345 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,630,962 GRT/3,687,598 DWT; includes 3 short-sea passenger, 191 cargo, 30 refrigerated cargo, 24 container, 12 roll-on/roll-off, 2 livestock carrier, 10 multifunction large-load carrier, 22 oil tanker, 27 chemical tanker, 10 liquefied gas, 2 specialized tanker, 9 bulk, 3 combination bulk; note - many Dutch-owned ships are also registered on the captive Netherlands Antilles register Civil air: 98 major transport aircraft Airports: 28 total, 28 usable; 19 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 11 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 6 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: highly developed, well maintained, and integrated; extensive redundant system of multiconductor cables, supplemented by radio relay links; 9,418,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 (3 relays) AM, 12 (39 repeaters) FM, 8 (7 repeaters) TV; 5 submarine cables; 1 communication satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean antenna) and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system
:Netherlands Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Constabulary Manpower availability: males 15-49, 4,144,477; 3,649,746 fit for military service; 111,952 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $7.2 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1991)
:Netherlands Antilles Geography
Total area: 960 km2 Land area: 960 km2; includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin) Comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 364 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds Terrain: generally hilly, volcanic interiors Natural resources: phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only) Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 92% Environment: Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October Note: consists of two island groups - Curacao and Bonaire are located off the coast of Venezuela, and Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius lie 800 km to the north
:Netherlands Antilles People
Population: 184,325 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 18 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -9 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Netherlands Antillean(s); adjective - Netherlands Antillean Ethnic divisions: mixed African 85%; remainder Carib Indian, European, Latin, and Oriental Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic; Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: Dutch (official); Papiamento, a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect predominates; English widely spoken; Spanish Literacy: 94% (male 94%, female 93%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 89,000; government 65%, industry and commerce 28% (1983) Organized labor: 60-70% of labor force
:Netherlands Antilles Government
Long-form name: none Digraph: political parties are indigenous to each island *** Type: part of the Dutch realm - full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954 Capital: Willemstad Administrative divisions: none (part of the Dutch realm) Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm) Constitution: 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Executive branch: Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: legislature (Staten) Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Jaime SALEH (since October 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS (since 17 May 1988, previously served from September 1984 to November 1985) Political parties and leaders: political parties are indigenous to each island Bonaire: Patriotic Union of Bonaire (UPB), Rudy ELLIS; Democratic Party of Bonaire (PDB), Franklin CRESTIAN Curacao: National People's Party (PNP), Maria LIBERIA-PETERS; New Antilles Movement (MAN), Domenico Felip Don MARTINA; Workers' Liberation Front (FOL), Wilson (Papa) GODETT; Socialist Independent (SI), George HUECK and Nelson MONTE; Democratic Party of Curacao (DP), Augustin DIAZ; Nos Patria, Chin BEHILIA Saba: Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM Saba), Will JOHNSON; Saba Democratic Labor Movement, Vernon HASSELL; Saba Unity Party, Carmen SIMMONDS Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius (DP-St.E), K. Van PUTTEN; Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM); St. Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Ralph BERKEL Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten (DP-St.M), Claude WATHEY; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten (SPA), Vance JAMES Suffrage: universal at age 18
:Netherlands Antilles Government
Elections: Staten: last held on 16 March 1990 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (22 total) PNP 7, FOL-SI 3, UPB 3, MAN 2, DP-St. M 2, DP 1, SPM 1, WIPM 1, DP-St. E 1, Nos Patria 1; note - the government of Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS is a coalition of several parties Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WCL, WMO, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: as an autonomous part of the Netherlands, Netherlands Antillean interests in the US are represented by the Netherlands US: Consul General Sharon P. WILKINSON; Consulate General at Sint Anna Boulevard 19, Willemstad, Curacao (mailing address P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao); telephone [599] (9) 613066; FAX [599] (9) 616489 Flag: white with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band also centered; five white five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten
:Netherlands Antilles Economy
Overview: Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of the economy. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Unlike many Latin American countries, the Netherlands Antilles has avoided large international debt. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with the US being the major supplier. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion, per capita $7,600; real growth rate 1.5% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5% (1990 est.) Unemployment rate: 21% (1991) Budget: revenues $454 million; expenditures $525 million, including capital expenditures of $42 million (1989 est.) Exports: $1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: petroleum products 98% partners: US 40%, Italy 6%, The Bahamas 5% Imports: $1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: crude petroleum 64%, food, manufactures partners: Venezuela 42%, US 18%, Netherlands 6% External debt: $701.2 million (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 125,000 kW capacity; 365 million kWh produced, 1,985 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: tourism (Curacao and Sint Maarten), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao) Agriculture: hampered by poor soils and scarcity of water; chief products - aloes, sorghum, peanuts, fresh vegetables, tropical fruit; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $513 million Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (plural - guilders, gulden, or florins); 1 Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (NAf.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders, gulden, or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.79 (fixed rate since 1989; 1.80 fixed rate 1971-88) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Netherlands Antilles Communications
Highways: 950 km total; 300 km paved, 650 km gravel and earth Ports: Willemstad, Philipsburg, Kralendijk Merchant marine: 80 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 607,010 GRT/695,864 DWT; includes 4 passenger, 27 cargo, 13 refrigerated cargo, 7 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 11 multifunction large-load carrier, 4 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 1 bulk, 1 oil tanker; note - all but a few are foreign owned, mostly in the Netherlands Civil air: 8 major transport aircraft Airports: 7 total, 6 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: generally adequate facilities; extensive interisland radio relay links; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 2 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Netherlands Antilles Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49 49,082; 27,656 fit for military service; 1,673 reach military age (20) annually Note: defense is responsibility of the Netherlands
:New Caledonia Geography
Total area: 19,060 km2 Land area: 18,760 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: none Coastline: 2,254 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 14%; forest and woodland 51%; other 35% Environment: typhoons most frequent from November to March Note: located 1,750 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean
:New Caledonia People
Population: 174,805 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - New Caledonian(s); adjective - New Caledonian Ethnic divisions: Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3.0% Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10% Languages: French; 28 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects Literacy: 91% (male 91%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1976) Labor force: 50,469; foreign workers for plantations and mines from Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia (1980 est.) Organized labor: NA
:New Caledonia Government
Long-form name: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies Type: overseas territory of France since 1956 Capital: Noumea Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and Sud Independence: none (overseas territory of France); note - a referendum on independence will be held in 1998, with a review of the issue in 1992 Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French President, high commissioner, Consultative Committee (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: High Commissioner and President of the Council of Government Alain CHRISTNACHT (since 15 January 1991) Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: Territorial Assembly: last held 11 June 1989 (next to be held 1993); results - RPCR 44.5%, FLNKS 28.5%, FN 7%, CD 5%, UO 4%, other 11%; seats - (54 total) RPCR 27, FLNKS 19, FN 3, other 5; note - election boycotted by FULK French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPCR 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - RPR 83.5%, FN 13.5%, other 3%; seats - (2 total) RPCR 2 Member of: FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO Diplomatic representation: as an overseas territory of France, New Caledonian interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used
:New Caledonia Economy
Overview: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In recent years the economy has suffered because of depressed international demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a negligible amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 25% of imports. GNP: exchange rate conversion - $1.0 billion, per capita $6,000 (1991 est.); real growth rate 2.4% (1988) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.1% (1989) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1989) Budget: revenues $224.0 million; expenditures $211.0 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1985) Exports: $671 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nickel metal 87%, nickel ore partners: France 52.3%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.4% Imports: $764 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: foods, fuels, minerals, machines, electrical equipment partners: France 44.0%, US 10%, Australia 9% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 400,000 kW capacity; 2,200 million kWh produced, 12,790 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: nickel mining Agriculture: large areas devoted to cattle grazing; coffee, corn, wheat, vegetables; 60% self-sufficient in beef Illicit drugs: illicit cannabis cultivation is becoming a principal source of income for some families Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4,185 million Currency: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (plural - francs); 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais duPacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 97.81 (January 1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30 (1988), 109.27 (1987); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: calendar year
:New Caledonia Communications
Highways: 6,340 km total; only about 10% paved (1987) Ports: Noumea, Nepoui, Poro, Thio Civil air: 1 major transport aircraft Airports: 29 total, 27 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 32,578 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:New Caledonia Defense Forces
Branches: Gendarmerie, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 46,388; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:New Zealand Geography
Total area: 268,680 km2 Land area: 268,670 km2; includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands Comparative area: about the size of Colorado Land boundaries: none Coastline: 15,134 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency) Climate: temperate with sharp regional contrasts Terrain: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains Natural resources: natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone Land use: arable land 2%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 53%; forest and woodland 38%; other 7%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe
:New Zealand People
Population: 3,347,369 (July 1992), growth rate 0.7% (1992) Birth rate: 16 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 80 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - New Zealander(s); adjective - New Zealand Ethnic divisions: European 88%, Maori 8.9%, Pacific Islander 2.9%, other 0.2% Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 9% (1986) Languages: English (official), Maori Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970) Labor force: 1,603,500 (June 1991); services 67.4%, manufacturing 19.8%, primary production 9.3% (1987) Organized labor: 681,000 members; 43% of labor force (1986)
:New Zealand Government
Long-form name: none; abbreviated NZ Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Wellington Administrative divisions: 93 counties, 9 districts*, and 3 town districts**; Akaroa, Amuri, Ashburton, Bay of Islands, Bruce, Buller, Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Clifton, Clutha, Cook, Dannevirke, Egmont, Eketahuna, Ellesmere, Eltham, Eyre, Featherston, Franklin, Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Grey, Hauraki Plains, Hawera*, Hawke's Bay, Heathcote, Hikurangi**, Hobson, Hokianga, Horowhenua, Hurunui, Hutt, Inangahua, Inglewood, Kaikoura, Kairanga, Kiwitea, Lake, Mackenzie, Malvern, Manaia**, Manawatu, Mangonui, Maniototo, Marlborough, Masterton, Matamata, Mount Herbert, Ohinemuri, Opotiki, Oroua, Otamatea, Otorohanga*, Oxford, Pahiatua, Paparua, Patea, Piako, Pohangina, Raglan, Rangiora*, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua*, Runanga, Saint Kilda, Silverpeaks, Southland, Stewart Island, Stratford, Strathallan, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel*, Tuapeka, Vincent, Waiapu, Waiheke, Waihemo, Waikato, Waikohu, Waimairi, Waimarino, Waimate, Waimate West, Waimea, Waipa, Waipawa*, Waipukurau*, Wairarapa South, Wairewa, Wairoa, Waitaki, Waitomo*, Waitotara, Wallace, Wanganui, Waverley**, Westland, Whakatane*, Whangarei, Whangaroa, Woodville Independence: 26 September 1907 (from UK) Constitution: no formal, written constitution; consists of various documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments; Constitution Act 1986 was to have come into force 1 January 1987, but has not been enacted Dependent areas: Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau Legal system: based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for Maoris; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty), 6 February (1840) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (commonly called Parliament) Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Catherine TIZARD (since 12 December 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister James BOLGER (since 29 October 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Donald McKINNON (since 2 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: National Party (NP; government), James BOLGER; New Zealand Labor Party (NZLP; opposition), Michael MOORE; NewLabor Party (NLP), Jim ANDERTON; Democratic Party, Dick RYAN; New Zealand Liberal Party, Hanmish MACINTYRE and Gilbert MYLES; Green Party, no official leader; Mana Motuhake, Martin RATA; Socialist Unity Party (SUP; pro-Soviet), Kenneth DOUGLAS; note - the New Labor, Democratic, and Mana Motuhake parties formed a coalition in September 1991; the Green Party joined the coalition in May 1992
:New Zealand Government
Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Representatives: last held on 27 October 1990 (next to be held October 1993); results - NP 49%, NZLP 35%, Green Party 7%, NLP 5%; seats - (97 total) NP 67, NZLP 29, NLP 1 Member of: ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, C, CCC, CP, COCOM, (cooperating country), EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, OECD, PCA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador - Denis Bazely Gordon McLEAN; Chancery at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-4800; there are New Zealand Consulates General in Los Angeles and New York US: Ambassador Della M. NEWMAN; Embassy at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (mailing address is P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001); telephone [64] (4) 722-068; FAX [64] (4) 723-537; there is a US Consulate General in Auckland Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation
:New Zealand Economy
Overview: Since 1984 the government has been reorienting an agrarian economy dependent on a guaranteed British market to an open free market economy that can compete on the global scene. The government has hoped that dynamic growth would boost real incomes, reduce inflationary pressures, and permit the expansion of welfare benefits. The results have been mixed: inflation is down from double-digit levels, but growth has been sluggish and unemployment, always a highly sensitive issue, has exceeded 10% since May 1991. In 1988, GDP fell by 1%, in 1989 grew by a moderate 2.4%, and was flat in 1990-91. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $46.2 billion, per capita $14,000; real growth rate - 0.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.0% (1991) Unemployment rate: 10.7% (September 1991) Budget: revenues $17.6 billion; expenditures $18.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91 est.) Exports: $9.4 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fruit, fish, cheese, manufactures, chemicals, forestry products partners: EC 18.3%, Japan 17.9%, Australia 17.5%, US 13.5%, China 3.6%, South Korea 3.1% Imports: $8.4 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: petroleum, consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial equipment partners: Australia 19.7%, Japan 16.9%, EC 16.9%, US 15.3%, Taiwan 3.0% External debt: $17.4 billion (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 1.9% (1990); accounts for about 20% of GDP Electricity: 7,800,000 kW capacity; 28,000 million kWh produced, 8,500 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP and 10% of the work force; livestock predominates - wool, meat, dairy products all export earners; crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, and vegetables; surplus producer of farm products; fish catch reached a record 503,000 metric tons in 1988 Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $526 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:New Zealand Communications
Railroads: 4,716 km total; all 1.067-meter gauge; 274 km double track; 113 km electrified; over 99% government owned Highways: 92,648 km total; 49,547 km paved, 43,101 km gravel or crushed stone Inland waterways: 1,609 km; of little importance to transportation Pipelines: natural gas 1,000 km; petroleum products 160 km; condensate 150 km Ports: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga Merchant marine: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 182,206 GRT/246,446 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 1 railcar carrier, 4 oil tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 5 bulk Civil air: about 40 major transport aircraft Airports: 118 total, 118 usable; 34 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: excellent international and domestic systems; 2,110,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 64 AM, 2 FM, 14 TV; submarine cables extend to Australia and Fiji; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:New Zealand Defense Forces
Branches: New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 874,703; 739,923 fit for military service; 30,297 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $792 million, 2% of GDP (FY92)
:Nicaragua Geography
Total area: 129,494 km2 Land area: 120,254 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New York State Land boundaries: 1,231 km total; Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km Coastline: 910 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 25 nm security zone (status of claim uncertain) Continental shelf: not specified Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; unresolved maritime boundary in Golfo de Fonseca Climate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Terrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes Natural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish Land use: arable land 9%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 43%; forest and woodland 35%; other 12%; including irrigated 1% Environment: subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasional severe hurricanes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
:Nicaragua People
Population: 3,878,150 (July 1992), growth rate 2.8% (1992) Birth rate: 37 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 57 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 60 years male, 66 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nicaraguan(s); adjective - Nicaraguan Ethnic divisions: mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5% Languages: Spanish (official); English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast Literacy: 57% (male 57%, female 57%) age 15 and over can read and write (1971) Labor force: 1,086,000; service 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986) Organized labor: 35% of labor force
:Nicaragua Government
Long-form name: Republic of Nicaragua Type: republic Capital: Managua Administrative divisions: 9 administrative regions encompassing 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAN), Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAS) Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: January 1987 Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) and municipal courts Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President Virgilio GODOY (since 25 April 1990) Political parties and leaders: ruling coalition: National Opposition Union (UNO) is a 14-party alliance - National Conservative Party (PNC), Silviano MATAMOROS; Conservative Popular Alliance Party (PAPC), Myriam ARGUELLO; National Conservative Action Party (PANC), Hernaldo ZUNIGA; National Democratic Confidence Party (PDCN), Augustin JARQUIN; Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO; Neo-Liberal Party (PALI), Andres ZUNIGA; Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Jose Ernesto SOMARRIBA; National Action Party (PAN), Eduardo RIVAS; Nicaraguan Socialist Party (PSN), Gustavo TABLADA; Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN; Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Guillermo POTOY; Central American Integrationist Party (PIAC), Alejandro PEREZ opposition parties: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS; Democratic Conservative Party of Nicaragua (PCDN), Jose BRENES; Liberal Party of National Unity (PLUIN), Eduardo CORONADO; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Francisco SAMPER; Social Christian Party (PSC), Erick RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Social Conservative Party (PSOC), Fernando AGUERRO; Popular Action Movement - Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Mauricio DIAZ Suffrage: universal at age 16
:Nicaragua Government
Elections: President: last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5% National Assembly: last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results - UNO 53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 51, FSLN 39, PSC 1, MUR 1 Communists: 15,000-20,000 Other political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST), Farm Workers Association (ATC), Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD), National Union of Employees (UNE), National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN), Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN), Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO), and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS), Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A), Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I), and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Ernesto PALAZIO; Chancery at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-6570 US: Ambassador Harry W. SHLAUDEMAN; Embassy at Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua (mailing address is APO AA 34021); telephone [505] (2) 666010 or 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through 34; FAX [505] (2) 666046 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band
:Nicaragua Economy
Overview: Government control of the economy historically has been extensive, although the CHAMORRO government has pledged to greatly reduce intervention. Four private banks have been licensed, and the government has liberalized foreign trade and abolished price controls on most goods. Over 50% of the agricultural and industrial firms remain state owned. Sandinista economic policies and the war had produced a severe economic crisis. The foundation of the economy continues to be the export of agricultural commodities, largely coffee and cotton. Farm production fell by roughly 7% in 1989 and 4% in 1990, and remained about even in 1991. The agricultural sector employs 44% of the work force and accounts for 15% of GDP and 80% of export earnings. Industry, which employs 13% of the work force and contributes about 25% to GDP, showed a drop of 7% in 1989, fell slightly in 1990, and remained flat in 1991; output still is below pre-1979 levels. External debt is one of the highest in the world on a per capita basis. In 1991 the inflation rate was 766%, down sharply from the 13,490% of 1990. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, per capita $425; real growth rate -1.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 766% (1991) Unemployment rate: 13%; underemployment 50% (1991) Budget: revenues $347 million; expenditures $499 million, including capital expenditures of $NA million (1991) Exports: $342 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: coffee, cotton, sugar, bananas, seafood, meat, chemicals partners: OECD 75%, USSR and Eastern Europe 15%, other 10% Imports: $738 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.) commodities: petroleum, food, chemicals, machinery, clothing partners: Latin America 30%, US 25%, EC 20%, USSR and Eastern Europe 10%, other 15% (1990 est.) External debt: $10 billion (December 1991) Industrial production: growth rate NA; accounts for about 25% of GDP Electricity: 423,000 kW capacity; 1,409 million kWh produced, 376 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 44% of work force; cash crops - coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans; variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy; normally self-sufficient in food Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,381 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.5 billion Currency: cordoba (plural - cordobas); 1 cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos
:Nicaragua Economy
Exchange rates: cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 25,000,000 (March 1992), 21,354,000 (1991), 15,655 (1989), 270 (1988), 102.60 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Nicaragua Communications
Railroads: 373 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge, government owned; majority of system not operating; 3 km 1.435-meter gauge line at Puerto Cabezas (does not connect with mainline) Highways: 25,930 km total; 4,000 km paved, 2,170 km gravel or crushed stone, 5,425 km earth or graded earth, 14,335 km unimproved; Pan-American highway 368.5 km Inland waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes Pipelines: crude oil 56 km Ports: Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,161 GRT/2,500 DWT Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft Airports: 228 total, 155 usable; 11 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 12 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into Central American Microwave System; 60,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 45 AM, no FM, 7 TV, 3 shortwave; earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT
:Nicaragua Defense Forces
Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 878,066; 541,090 fit for military service; 42,997 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $70 million, 3.8% of GDP (1991 budget)
:Niger Geography
Total area: 1,267,000 km2 Land area: 1,266,700 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: 5,697 km total; Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north Natural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 2%; other 88%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recurrent drought and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural activities; overgrazing; soil erosion Note: landlocked
:Niger People
Population: 8,052,945 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 58 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 23 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 115 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 42 years male, 45 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 7.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nigerien(s); adjective - Nigerien Ethnic divisions: Hausa 56%; Djerma 22%; Fula 8.5%; Tuareg 8%; Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%; Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%; about 4,000 French expatriates Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians Languages: French (official); Hausa, Djerma Literacy: 28% (male 40%, female 17%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 2,500,000 wage earners (1982); agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%; 51% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: negligible
:Niger Government
Long-form name: Republic of Niger Type: as of November 1991, transition government appointed by national reform conference; scheduled to turn over power to democratically elected government in January 1993 Capital: Niamey Administrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France) Constitution: December 1989 constitution revised November 1991 by National Democratic Reform Conference Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958) Executive branch: president (ceremonial), prime minister (interim), Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Brig. Gen. Ali SAIBOU (since 14 November 1987); ceremonial post since national conference (1991) Head of Government: Interim Prime Minister Amadou CHEIFFOU (since November 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Tanda MAMADOU; Niger Progressive Party - African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Harou KOUKA; Union of Popular Forces for Democracy and Progress (UDFP-SAWABA), Djibo BAKARY; Niger Democratic Union (UDN-SAWABA), Mamoudou PASCAL; Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Andre SALIFOU; Niger Social Democrat Party (PSDN-ALHERI), Mallam Adji WAZIRI; Niger Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS-TARAYA), Issoufou MAHAMADOU; Democratic and Social Convention (CDS-RAHAMA), Mahamane OUSMANE; Union for Democracy and Progress (UDP), Bello TCHIOUSSO; Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS-AMANA), Akoli DAOUEL; Masses Union for Democratic Action (UMAD-AIKI), Belko GARBA; Worker's Liberation Party (PLT), Idi Ango OUMAROU; Convention for Social Rehabilitation (CRS), Abdoul Karim SEYNI; Popular Movement for Democracy in Niger (MPDN), Abdou SANDA; Popular Front for National Liberation (FPLN), Diallo SABO; Republican Party for Freedom and Progress in Niger (PRLPN), Alka ALMOU; other parties forming Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: President: President Ali SAIBOU has been in office since December 1989, but the presidency is now a largely ceremonial position
:Niger Government
National Assembly: last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - MNSD was the only party; seats - (150 total) MNSD 150 (indirectly elected); note - Niger held a national conference from July to November 1991 to decide upon a transitional government and an agenda for multiparty elections Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Chancery at 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-4224 through 4227 US: Ambassador Jennifer C. WARD; Embassy at Avenue des Ambassades, Niamey (mailing address is B. P. 11201, Niamey); telephone [227] 72-26-61 through 64 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band
:Niger Economy
Overview: About 90% of the population is engaged in farming and stock raising, activities that generate almost half the national income. The economy also depends heavily on exploitation of large uranium deposits. Uranium production grew rapidly in the mid-1970s, but tapered off in the early 1980s when world prices declined. France is a major customer, while Germany, Japan, and Spain also make regular purchases. The depressed demand for uranium has contributed to an overall sluggishness in the economy, a severe trade imbalance, and a mounting external debt. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, per capita $300; real growth rate -3.4% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $220 million; expenditures $446 million, including capital expenditures of $190 million (FY89 est.) Exports: $320 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: uranium 75%, livestock products, cowpeas, onions partners: France 65%, Nigeria 11%, Ivory Coast, Italy Imports: $439 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: petroleum products, primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, cereals, foodstuffs partners: France 32%, Ivory Coast 11%, Germany 5%, Italy 4%, Nigeria 4% External debt: $1.8 billion (December 1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1989); accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: 105,000 kW capacity; 230 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium production began in 1971 Agriculture: accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops - cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought years Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,165 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61 million Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (plural - francs); 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 269.01 (January 1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988), 300.54 (1987)
:Niger Economy
Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
:Niger Communications
Highways: 39,970 km total; 3,170 km bituminous, 10,330 km gravel and laterite, 3,470 km earthen, 23,000 km tracks Inland waterways: Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through March Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 29 total, 27 usable; 8 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links concentrated in southwestern area; 14,260 telephones; broadcast stations - 15 AM, 5 FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 3 domestic, with 1 planned
:Niger Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican National Guard, National police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,724,293; 928,177 fit for military service; 83,528 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $27 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989)
:Nigeria Geography
Total area: 923,770 km2 Land area: 910,770 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 4,047 km total; Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km Coastline: 853 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 30 nm Disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission created with Cameroon to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries - has not yet convened Climate: varies - equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Natural resources: crude oil, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas Land use: arable land 31%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 23%; forest and woodland 15%; other 28%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities; desertification; soil degradation, rapid deforestation
:Nigeria People
Population: 126,274,589 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992); note - a new population figure of 88.5 million is in the process of being incorporated into revised Census Bureau figures (April 1992) Birth rate: 46 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 16 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 110 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 48 years male, 50 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Nigerian(s); adjective - Nigerian Ethnic divisions: more than 250 tribal groups; Hausa and Fulani of the north, Yoruba of the southwest, and Ibos of the southeast make up 65% of the population; about 27,000 non-Africans Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: English (official); Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani, and several other languages also widely used Literacy: 51% (male 62%, female 40%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 42,844,000; agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15%; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: 3,520,000 wage earners belong to 42 recognized trade unions, which come under a single national labor federation - the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC)
:Nigeria Government
Long-form name: Federal Republic of Nigeria Type: military government since 31 December 1983 Capital: Abuja; note - on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in Abuja Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK) Constitution: 1 October 1979, amended 9 February 1984, revised 1989 Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960) Executive branch: president of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, Armed Forces Ruling Council, National Council of State, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: National Assembly was dissolved after the military coup of 31 December 1983 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Ibrahim BABANGIDA (since 27 August 1985) Political parties and leaders: two political parties established by the government in 1989 - Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: first presidential elections since the 31 December 1983 coup scheduled for late 1992 National Assembly: first elections since it was dissolved after the 31 December 1983 coup scheduled for 4 July 1992 Communists: the pro-Communist underground consists of a small fraction of the Nigerian left; leftist leaders are prominent in the country's central labor organization but have little influence on the government Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE; Chancery at 2201 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 822-1500; there is a Nigerian Consulate General in New York
:Nigeria Government
US: Ambassador Lannon WALKER; Embassy at 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos (mailing address is P. O. Box 554, Lagos); telephone [234] (1) 610097; FAX [234] (1) 610257; there is a US Consulate General in Kaduna; note - the US Government has requested Nigerian Government permission to open an Embassy Branch Office in Abuja; the US Embassy will remain in Lagos until a later date, when the Branch Office in Abuja will become the Embassy and the Embassy in Lagos will become a Consulate General Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green
:Nigeria Economy
Overview: Although Nigeria is Africa's leading oil-producing country, it remains poor with a $250 per capita GDP. In 1991 massive government spending, much of it to help ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule, ballooned the budget deficit and caused inflation and interest rates to rise. The lack of fiscal discipline forced the IMF to declare Nigeria not in compliance with an 18-month standby facility started in January 1991. Lagos has set ambitious targets for expanding oil production capacity and is offering foreign companies more attractive investment incentives. Government efforts to reduce Nigeria's dependence on oil exports and to sustain noninflationary growth, however, have fallen short because of inadequate new investment funds and endemic corruption. Living standards continue to deteriorate from the higher level of the early 1980s oil boom. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $30 billion, per capita $250; real growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $10 billion; expenditures $10 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $13.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: oil 95%, cocoa, rubber partners: EC 51%, US 32% Imports: $6.9 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: consumer goods, capital equipment, chemicals, raw materials partners: EC, US External debt: $32 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.2% (1990); accounts for 8.5% of GDP Electricity: 4,740,000 kW capacity; 11,280 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steel Agriculture: accounts for 32% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficient small-scale farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food and now an importer; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensively exploited Illicit drugs: illicit heroin and some cocaine trafficking; marijuana cultivation for domestic consumption and export; major transit country for heroin en route from southeast and southwest Asia via Africa to Western Europe and the US; growing transit route for cocaine from South America via West Africa to Western Europe and the US
:Nigeria Economy
Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.0 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billion Currency: naira (plural - naira); 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 10.226 (February 1992), 9.909 (1991), 8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989), 4.5370 (1988), 4.0160 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Nigeria Communications
Railroads: 3,505 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: 107,990 km total 30,019 km paved (mostly bituminous-surface treatment); 25,411 km laterite, gravel, crushed stone, improved earth; 52,560 km unimproved Inland waterways: 8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; natural gas 500 km; petroleum products 3,000 km Ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, Sapele Merchant marine: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 418,046 GRT/664,949 DWT; includes 17 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 7 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 bulk Civil air: 57 major transport aircraft Airports: 76 total, 64 usable; 33 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 15 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 22 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress; radio relay and cable routes; broadcast stations - 35 AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxial submarine cable
:Nigeria Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 28,778,532; 16,451,582 fit for military service; 1,256,440 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 1% of GDP (1990 est.) \
:Niue Geography
Total area: 260 km2 Land area: 260 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 64 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land 61%; permanent crops 4%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 19%; other 12% Environment: subject to typhoons Note: one of world's largest coral islands; located about 460 km east of Tonga
:Niue People
Population: 1,751 (July 1992), growth rate - 6.4% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Niuean(s); adjective - Niuean Ethnic divisions: Polynesian, with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society 75%, Mormon 10%, Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist 5% Languages: Polynesian tongue closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) but compulsory education age 5 to 14 Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.); most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board Organized labor: NA
:Niue Government
Long-form name: none Type: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs Capital: Alofi Administrative divisions: none Independence: became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974 Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act) Legal system: English common law National holiday: Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty), 6 February (1840) Executive branch: British monarch, premier, Cabinet Legislative branch: Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand, High Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand Representative John SPRINGFORD (since 1974) Head of Government: Premier Sir Robert R. REX (since October 1974) Political parties and leaders: Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIAN Suffrage: universal adult at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held on 8 April 1990 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) NIP 1, independents 5 Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF Diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross
:Niue Economy
Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand. GNP: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million, per capita $1,000; real growth rate NA% (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.6% (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $5.5 million; expenditures $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY85 est.) Exports: $175,274 (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia Imports: $3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 1,500 kW capacity; 3 million kWh produced, 1,490 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourist, handicrafts Agriculture: copra, coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62 million Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6886 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Niue Communications
Highways: 123 km all-weather roads, 106 km access and plantation roads Ports: none; offshore anchorage only Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway of 1,650 m Telecommunications: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383 telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV
:Niue Defense Forces
Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand
:Norfolk Island Geography
Total area: 34.6 km2 Land area: 34.6 km2 Comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 25%; forest and woodland 0%; other 75% Environment: subject to typhoons (especially May to July) Note: located 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean
:Norfolk Island People
Population: 2,620 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Norfolk Islander(s); adjective - Norfolk Islander(s) Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutiny; more recently, Australian and New Zealand settlers Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986) Languages: English (official) and Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA
:Norfolk Island Government
Long-form name: Territory of Norfolk Island Type: territory of Australia Capital: Kingston (administrative center), Burnt Pine (commercial center) Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1957 Legal system: wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979; Supreme Court National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator H. B. MACDONALD (since NA 1989), who is appointed by the Governor General of Australia Head of Government: Assembly President and Chief Minister John Terence BROWN (since NA) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Legislative Assembly: last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NA Member of: none Diplomatic representation: none (territory of Australia) Flag: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band
:Norfolk Island Economy
Overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (FY89) Exports: $1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia Palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe Imports: $15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe External debt: NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 7,000 kW capacity; 8 million kWh produced, 3,160 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit, cattle, poultry Economic aid: none Currency: Australian dollar (plural - dollars); 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.3177 (March 1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988), 1.4267 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Norfolk Island Communications
Highways: 80 km of roads, including 53 km paved; remainder are earth formed or coral surfaced Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m (Australian owned) Telecommunications: 1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones (1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV
:Norfolk Island Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia
:Northern Mariana Islands Geography
Total area: 477 km2 Land area: 477 km2; comprises 16 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,482 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to July, rainy season July to October Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters (Mt. Tagpochu on Saipan) Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: active volcanos on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons during the rainy season Note: strategic location 5,635 km west-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines
:Northern Mariana Islands People
Population: 47,168 (July 1992), growth rate 3.0% (1992) Birth rate: 35 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 38 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 66 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: undetermined Ethnic divisions: Chamorro majority; Carolinians and other Micronesians; Spanish, German, Japanese admixtures Religions: Christian with a Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found Languages: English, but Chamorro and Carolinian are also spoken in the home and taught in school Literacy: 96% (male 97%, female 96%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 12,788 local; 18,799 foreign workers (1990 est.) Organized labor: NA
:Northern Mariana Islands Government
Long-form name: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Type: commonwealth in political union with the US and administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: Saipan Administrative divisions: none Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US) Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978) Executive branch: US President; governor, lieutenant governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Commonwealth Court and the Federal District Court Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989) Head of Government: Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); Lieutenant Governor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990) Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Alonzo IGISOMAR; Democratic Party, Felicidad OGUMORO Suffrage: universal at age 18; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Elections: Governor: last held in November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governor Senate: last held on November 1991 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republications 6, Democrats 3 House of Representatives: last held in November 1991 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) Republicans 5, Democrats 10 US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official ``resident representative'' located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA) Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC Diplomatic representation: none Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center
:Northern Mariana Islands Economy
Overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitles the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. Another major source of income is the tourist industry, which employs about 10% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale in nature - mostly handicrafts and fish processing. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $165 million, per capita $3,498; real growth rate NA% (1982); note - GNP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $112.2 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (February 1990) Exports: $153.9 million (1989) commodities: manufactured goods, garments, vegetables, beef, pork partners: NA Imports: $313.7 million, a 43% increase over previous year (1989) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: none Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 25,000 kW capacity; 35 million kWh produced, 740 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts Agriculture: coffee, coconuts, fruits, tobacco, cattle Economic aid: none Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
:Northern Mariana Islands Communications
Highways: 381.5 km total (134.5 km first-grade primary, 55 km secondary, 192 km local) (1991) Ports: Saipan, Rota, Tinian Airports: 6 total, 4 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Northern Mariana Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Norway Geography
Total area: 324,220 km2 Land area: 307,860 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: 2,515 km total; Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km Coastline: 21,925 km; includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 10 nm Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 4 nm Disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan Mayen; maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents Sea Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north Natural resources: crude oil, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 27%; other 70%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: air and water pollution; acid rain; note - strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia
:Norway People
Population: 4,294,876 (July 1992), growth rate 0.5% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 7 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Norwegian(s); adjective - Norwegian Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic) and racial-cultural minority of 20,000 Lapps Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (state church) 87.8%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980) Languages: Norwegian (official); small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities Literacy: 99% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) Labor force: 2,167,000 (September 1990); services 34.7%, commerce 18%, mining and manufacturing 16.6%, banking and financial services 7.5%, transportation and communications 7.2%, construction 7.2%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 6.4% (1989) Organized labor: 66% of labor force (1985)
:Norway Government
Long-form name: Kingdom of Norway Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Oslo Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, OCstfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold Independence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden) Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884 Dependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard Legal system: mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814) Executive branch: monarch, prime minister, State Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Storting) with an Upper Chamber (Lagting) and a Lower Chamber (Odelsting) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Hoiesterett) Leaders: Chief of State: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) Head of Government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Labor, Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND; Conservative, Kaci Kullmann FIVE; Center Party, Anne Enger LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's, Kjell Magne BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Erick SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist, Kare Andre NILSEN; Progress, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Finnmark List, leader NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Storting: last held on 11 September 1989 (next to be held 6 September 1993); results - Labor 34.3%, Conservative 22.2%, Progress 13.0%, Socialist Left 10.1%, Christian People's 8.5%, Center Party 6.6%, Finnmark List 0.3%, other 5%; seats - (165 total) Labor 63, Conservative 37, Progress 22, Socialist Left 17, Christian People's 14, Center Party 11, Finnmark List 1 Communists: 15,500 est.; 5,500 Norwegian Communist Party (NKP); 10,000 Workers Communist Party Marxist-Leninist (AKP-ML, pro-Chinese) Member of: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIIMOG, UNMOGIP, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC
:Norway Government
Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Kjeld VIBE; Chancery at 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 333-6000; there are Norwegian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Miami and New Orleans US: Ambassador Loret Miller RUPPE; Embassy at Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo 2 (mailing address is APO AE 09707); telephone [47] (2) 44-85-50; FAX [47] (2) 43-07-77 Flag: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)
:Norway Economy
Overview: Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state enterprises and extensively subsidizes agricultural, fishing, and other sectors. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps propel public-sector expenditures to slightly more than 50% of the GDP and results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (54%). A small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Although one of the government's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, this situation is not likely to improve for years to come. The government also hopes to reduce unemployment and strengthen and diversify the economy through tax reform and an expansionary 1992 budget. Forecasters predict that economic growth will rise slightly in 1992 because of public-sector expansion and moderate improvements in private investment and demand. Inflation will remain about 3%, while unemployment continues at record levels of over 5% because of the weakness of the economy outside the oil sector. Oslo, a member of the European Free Trade Area, is continuing to deregulate and harmonize with EC regulations to prepare for the European Economic Area (EEA) - which creates a EC/EFTA market with free movement of capital, goods, services, and labor - which takes effect in 1993. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $72.9 billion, per capita $17,100; real growth rate 4.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1991) Unemployment rate: 5.4% (1991, excluding people in job-training programs) Budget: revenues $47.9 billion; expenditures $52.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $34.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 36.5%, natural gas 7.5%, fish 7%, aluminum 6%, ships 6.2%, pulp and paper partners: EC 66.5%, Nordic countries 19.5%, developing countries 7.8%, US 4.6%, Japan 1.9% (1991) Imports: $25.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery, fuels and lubricants, transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, clothing, ships partners: EC 46.8%, Nordic countries 26.1%, developing countries 12.3%, US 7.8%, Japan 4.7% (1991) External debt: $10.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 4.7% (1991) Electricity: 26,735,000 kW capacity; 121,685 million kWh produced, 28,950 kWh per capita (1991)
:Norway Economy
Industries: petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 2.8% of GDP and 6.4% of labor force; among world's top 10 fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; over half of food needs imported; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989 Economic aid: donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion Currency: Norwegian krone (plural - kroner); 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 re Exchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.1956 (January 1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989), 6.5170 (1988), 6.7375 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Norway Communications
Railroads: 4,223 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Norwegian State Railways (NSB) operates 4,219 km (2,450 km electrified and 96 km double track); 4 km other Highways: 79,540 km total; 38,580 km paved; 40,960 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth Inland waterways: 1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximum Pipelines: refined products 53 km Ports: Oslo, Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim Merchant marine: 864 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,978,202 GRT/40,128,177 DWT; includes 12 passenger, 20 short-sea passenger, 118 cargo, 2 passenger-cargo, 19 refrigerated cargo, 16 container, 49 roll-on/roll-off, 22 vehicle carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 180 oil tanker, 93 chemical tanker, 83 liquefied gas, 28 combination ore/oil, 211 bulk, 10 combination bulk; note - the government has created a captive register, the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by Norwegians; the majority of ships (777) under the Norwegian flag are now registered with the NIS Civil air: 76 major transport aircraft Airports: 103 total, 102 usable; 64 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 16 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex services; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 3,102,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 46 AM, 350 private and 143 government FM, 54 (2,100 repeaters) TV; 4 coaxial submarine cables; 3 communications satellite earth stations operating in the EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean), MARISAT, and domestic systems
:Norway Defense Forces
Branches: Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,129,871; 944,290 fit for military service; 33,175 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.8 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1991)
:Oman Geography
Total area: 212,460 km2 Land area: 212,460 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: 1,374 km total; Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km Coastline: 2,092 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: to be defined Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE in far north; there is a proposed treaty with Yemen (which has not yet been formally accepted) to settle the Omani-Yemeni boundary Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Terrain: vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south Natural resources: crude oil, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland NEGL%; other 95%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and duststorms in interior; sparse natural freshwater resources Note: strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling Strait of Hormuz (17% of world's oil production transits this point going from Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea)
:Oman People
Population: 1,587,581 (July 1992), growth rate 3.5% (1992) Birth rate: 41 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Omani(s); adjective - Omani Ethnic divisions: mostly Arab, with small Balochi, Zanzibari, and South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) groups Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%; remainder Sunni Muslim, Shi`a Muslim, some Hindu Languages: Arabic (official); English, Balochi, Urdu, Indian dialects Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: 430,000; agriculture 60% (est.); 58% are non-Omani Organized labor: trade unions are illegal
:Oman Government
Long-form name: Sultanate of Oman Type: absolute monarchy; independent, with residual UK influence Capital: Muscat Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Musqat, Musandam, Zufar Independence: 1650, expulsion of the Portuguese Constitution: none Legal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: National Day, 18 November Executive branch: sultan, Cabinet Legislative branch: National Assembly Judicial branch: none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court system Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Sa`id Al Sa`id (since 23 July 1970) Suffrage: none Elections: elections scheduled for October 1992 Other political or pressure groups: outlawed Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO), based in Yemen Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Awadh bin Badr AL-SHANFARI; Chancery at 2342 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 387-1980 through 1982 US: Ambassador Richard W. BOEHM; Embassy at address NA, Muscat (mailing address is P. O. Box 50202 Madinat Qaboos, Muscat); telephone [968] 698-989; FAX [968] 604-316 Flag: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band
:Oman Economy
Overview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry. Petroleum accounts for more than 90% of export earnings, about 80% of government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate of extraction. Although agriculture employs a majority of the population, urban centers depend on imported food. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $10.6 billion, per capita $6,925 (1990); real growth rate 0.5% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $4.9 billion; expenditures $4.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $825 million (1990) Exports: $5.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: petroleum, reexports, fish, processed copper, fruits and vegetables partners: Japan 35%, South Korea 21%, Singapore 7%, US 6% Imports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b, 1990) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants partners: UK 20%, UAE 20%, Japan 17%, US 7% External debt: $3.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 10% (1989), including petroleum sector Electricity: 1,120,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 3,800 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper Agriculture: accounts for 6% of GDP and 60% of the labor force (including fishing); less than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); not self-sufficient in food; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 million Currency: Omani rial (plural - rials); 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baiza Exchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Oman Communications
Highways: 26,000 km total; 6,000 km paved, 20,000 km motorable track Pipelines: crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 km Ports: Mina' Qabus, Mina' Raysut Merchant marine: 1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWT Civil air: 19 major transport aircraft Airports: 134 total, 127 usable; 6 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 8 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 73 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system of open-wire, microwave, and radio communications stations; limited coaxial cable 50,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, and 8 domestic
:Oman Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 359,394; 204,006 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.73 billion, 16% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Geography
Total area: 458 km2 Land area: 458 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 1,519 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid Terrain: about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs Natural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products; deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons from June to December; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain Note: important location 850 km southeast of the Philippines; includes World War II battleground of Peleliu and world-famous rock islands
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the People
Population: 15,775 (July 1992), growth rate 1.9% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 25 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 73 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Palauan(s); adjective - Palauan Ethnic divisions: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races Religions: predominantly Christian, including Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints; a third of the population observes the Modekngei religion, indigenous to Palau Languages: English is an official language, though Palauan is also official in 13 of Palau's 16 states, and Tobi and Sonsorolese are official in the 3 other states Literacy: 92% (male 93%, female 91%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: NA Organized labor: NA
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Government
Long-form name: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (no short-form name); may change to Republic of Palau after independence; note - Belau, the native form of Palau, is sometimes used Type: UN trusteeship administered by the US; constitutional government signed a Compact of Free Association with the US on 10 January 1986, which was never approved in a series of UN-observed plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is terminated with entry into force of the Compact, Palau remains under US administration as the Palau District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands Capital: Koror; a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern Babelthuap Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi Independence: still part of the US-administered UN trusteeship (the last polity remaining under the trusteeship; the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas have left); administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of Interior Constitution: 1 January 1981 Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979) Executive branch: US president, US vice president, national president, national vice president Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Delegates Judicial branch: Supreme Court, National Court, and Court of Common Pleas Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); represented by the Assistant Secretary for Territorial Affairs, US Department of the Interior, Stella GUERRA (since 21 July 1989) and J. Victor HOBSON Jr., Director (since 16 December 1990) Head of Government: President Ngiratkel ETPISON (since 2 November 1988), Vice-President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 2 November 1988) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Delegates: last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA President: last held on 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - Ngiratkel ETPISON 26.3%, Roman TMETUCHL 25.9%, Thomas REMENGESAU 19.5%, other 28.3%
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Government
Senate: last held 2 November 1988 (next to be held NA November 1992); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total); number of seats by party NA Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer) Diplomatic representation: none US: US Liaison Officer Lloyed W. MOSS; US Liaison Office at Top Side, Neeriyas, Koror (mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Koror, PW 96940); telephone (680) 488-2920; (680) 488-2911 Flag: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Economy
Overview: The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourism provides some foreign exchange, although the remote location of Palau and a shortage of suitable facilities has hindered development. The government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $31.6 million, per capita $2,260; real growth rate NA% (1986); note - GDP numbers reflect US spending Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 20% (1986) Budget: revenues $6.0 million; expenditures NA, including capital expenditures of NA (1986) Exports: $0.5 million (f.o.b., 1986) commodities: NA partners: US, Japan Imports: $27.2 million (c.i.f., 1986) commodities: NA partners: US External debt: about $100 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 16,000 kW capacity; 22 million kWh produced, 1,540 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing and agriculture Agriculture: subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweet potatoes Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2,560 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92 million Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Communications
Highways: 22.3 km paved, some stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads (1991) Ports: Koror Airports: 2 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the US and that will not change when the UN trusteeship terminates if the Compact of Free Association with the US goes into effect
:Pacific Ocean Geography
Total area: 165,384,000 km2 Land area: 165,384,000 km2; includes Arafura Sea, Banda Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Makassar Strait, Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies Comparative area: slightly less than 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world Coastline: 135,663 km Disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land mass back to the ocean Terrain: surface in the northern Pacific dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad, circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; sea ice occurs in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk during winter and reaches maximum northern extent from Antarctica in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches; the world's greatest depth is 10,924 meters in the Marianas Trench Natural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish Environment: endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source Note: the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific from June to December is a hazard to shipping; surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire
:Pacific Ocean Economy
Overview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides cheap sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's total fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of Australia, New Zealand, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings. Industries: fishing, oil and gas production
:Pacific Ocean Communications
Ports: Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan) Telecommunications: several submarine cables with network focused on Guam and Hawaii
:Pakistan Geography
Total area: 803,940 km2 Land area: 778,720 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: 6,774 km total; Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Coastline: 1,046 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: boundary with India; border question (Durand line); water sharing problems with upstream riparian India over the Indus Climate: mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north Terrain: flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Natural resources: land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited crude oil, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 4%; other 64%; includes irrigated 19% Environment: frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August); deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water logging Note: controls Khyber Pass and Malakand Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent
:Pakistan People
Population: 121,664,539 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 43 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 13 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 105 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 56 years male, 57 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.6 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Pakistani(s); adjective - Pakistani Ethnic divisions: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India and their descendents) Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi`a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3% Languages: Urdu and English (both official); total spoken languages - Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9%; English is lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries, but official policies are promoting its gradual replacement by Urdu Literacy: 35% (male 47%, female 21%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 28,900,000; agriculture 54%, mining and manufacturing 13%, services 33%; extensive export of labor (1987 est.) Organized labor: about 10% of industrial work force
:Pakistan Government
Long-form name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan Type: parliamentary with strong executive, federal republic Capital: Islamabad Administrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh; note - the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK; formerly West Pakistan) Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments, 30 December 1985 Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Pakistan Day (proclamation of the republic), 23 March (1956) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or National Assembly Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Islamic (Shari`at) Court Leaders: Chief of State: President GHULAM ISHAQ Khan (since 13 December 1988) Head of Government: Prime Minister Mian Nawaz SHARIF (since 6 November 1990) Political parties and leaders: Islamic Democratic Alliance (Islami Jamuri Ittehad or IJI) - the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) led by Mohammed Khan JUNEJO is the main party in the IJI; Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO; note - in September 1990 the PPP announced the formation of the People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), an electoral alliance including the following four parties - PPP, Solidarity Movement (Tehrik Istiqlal), Movement for the Implementation of Shi`a Jurisprudence (Tehrik-i-Nifaz Fiqh Jafariya or TNFJ), and the PML (Malik faction); Muhajir Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf HUSSAIN; Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Abdul Wali KHAN; Jamiat-ul-Ulema-i-Islam (JUI), Fazlur RAHMAN; Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Mohammad Akbar Khan BUGTI; Pakistan National Party (PNP), Mir Ghaus Bakhsh BIZENJO; Pakistan Khawa Milli Party (PKMP), leader NA; Assembly of Pakistani Clergy (Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Pakistan or JUP), Maulana Shah Ahmed NOORANI; Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), Qazi Hussain AHMED Suffrage: universal at age 21 Elections: President: last held on 12 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - Ghulam Ishaq KHAN was elected by Parliament and the four provincial assemblies
:Pakistan Government
Senate: last held March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1994); seats - (87 total) IJI 57, Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, PPP 5, ANP 5, JWP 4, MQM 3, PNP 2, PKMP 1, JUI 1, independent 1 Elections: National Assembly: last held on 24 October 1990 (next to be held by NA October 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (217 total) IJI 107, PDA 45, MQM 15, ANP 6, JUI 2, JWP 2, PNP 2, PKMP 1, independents 14, religious minorities 10, Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, vacant 1 Communists: the Communist party is officially banned but is allowed to operate openly Other political or pressure groups: military remains dominant political force; ulema (clergy), industrialists, and small merchants also influential Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Abida HUSSAIN; Chancery at 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 939-6200; there is a Pakistani Consulate General in New York US: Ambassador Nicholas PLATT; Embassy at Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad (mailing address is P. O. Box 1048, PSC 1212, Box 2000, Islamabad or APO AE 09812-2000); telephone [92] (51) 826161 through 79; FAX [92] (51) 822004; there are US Consulates General in Karachi and Lahore and a Consulate in Peshawar Flag: green with a vertical white band on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam
:Pakistan Economy
Overview: Pakistan is a poor Third World country faced with the usual problems of rapidly increasing population, sizable government deficits, and heavy dependence on foreign aid. In addition, the economy must support a large military establishment and provide for the needs of 4 million Afghan refugees. A real economic growth rate averaging 5-6% in recent years has enabled the country to cope with these problems. Almost all agriculture and small-scale industry is in private hands. In 1990, Pakistan embarked on a sweeping economic liberalization program to boost foreign and domestic private investment and lower foreign aid dependence. The SHARIF government has denationalized several state-owned firms and has attracted some foreign investment. Pakistan likely will have difficulty raising living standards because of its rapidly expanding population. At the current rate of growth, population would double in 25 years. GNP: exchange rate conversion - $45.4 billion, per capita $380; real growth rate 4.8% (FY91 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.3% (FY91) Unemployment rate: 10% (FY91 est.) Budget: revenues $6.4 billion; expenditures $10 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.6 billion (FY92 est.) Exports: $6.0 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: cotton, textiles, clothing, rice partners: EC 31%, Japan 9%, US 13% (FY90) Imports: $7.9 billion (f.o.b., FY91) commodities: petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation, equipment, vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals partners: EC 21%, US 14%, Japan 13% (FY90) External debt: $20.1 billion (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.7% (FY91); accounts for almost 20% of GNP Electricity: 8,500,000 kW capacity; 35,000 million kWh produced, 300 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing, paper products, shrimp Agriculture: 25% of GNP, over 50% of labor force; world's largest contiguous irrigation system; major crops - cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables; live-stock products - milk, beef, mutton, eggs; self-sufficient in food grain Illicit drugs: illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; government eradication efforts on poppy cultivation of limited success
:Pakistan Economy
Economic aid: (including Bangladesh only before 1972) US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $9.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.2 billion Currency: Pakistani rupee (plural - rupees); 1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 24.980 (March 1992), 23.801 (1991), 21.707 (1990), 20.541 (1989), 18.003 (1988), 17.399 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Pakistan Communications
Railroads: 8,773 km total; 7,718 km broad gauge, 445 km 1-meter gauge, and 610 km less than 1-meter gauge; 1,037 km broad-gauge double track; 286 km electrified; all government owned (1985) Highways: 101,315 km total (1987); 40,155 km paved, 23,000 km gravel, 29,000 km improved earth, and 9,160 km unimproved earth or sand tracks (1985) Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; natural gas 4,044 km; petroleum products 885 km (1987) Ports: Gwadar, Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim Merchant marine: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 334,227 GRT/495,425 DWT; includes 3 passenger-cargo, 24 cargo, 1 petroleum tanker Civil air: 40 major transport aircraft Airports: 112 total, 104 usable; 75 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 31 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international communication service over microwave and INTELSAT satellite; domestic communications poor; 813,000 telephones (1990); broadcast service good; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT
:Pakistan Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard Manpower availability: males 15-49, 27,811,099; 17,064,073 fit for military service; 1,287,041 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, 6% of GNP (1992 budget)
:Palmyra Atoll Geography
Total area: 11.9 km2 Land area: 11.9 km2 Comparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 14.5 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: equatorial, hot, and very rainy Terrain: low, with maximum elevations of about 2 meters Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 100%; other 0% Environment: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall Note: located 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu in the North Pacific Ocean, almost halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa
:Palmyra Atoll People
Population: uninhabited
:Palmyra Atoll Government
Long-form name: none Type: unincorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC
:Palmyra Atoll Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Palmyra Atoll Communications
Ports: the main harbor is West Lagoon, which is entered by a channel on the southwest side of the atoll; both the channel and harbor will accommodate vessels drawing 4 meters of water; much of the road and many causeways built during the war are unserviceable and overgrown Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 1,220-2,439 m
:Palmyra Atoll Defense Forces
Branches: Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Panama Geography
Total area: 78,200 km2 Land area: 75,990 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina Land boundaries: 555 km total; Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km Coastline: 2,490 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp Land use: arable land 6%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 15%; forest and woodland 54%; other 23%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: dense tropical forest in east and northwest Note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean
:Panama People
Population: 2,529,902 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 25 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NEGL migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 17 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 73 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Panamanian(s); adjective - Panamanian Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6% Religions: Roman Catholic over 93%, Protestant 6% Languages: Spanish (official); English as native tongue 14%; many Panamanians bilingual Literacy: 88% (male 88%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 770,472 (1987); government and community services 27.9%; agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.2%; commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16%; manufacturing and mining 10.5%; construction 5.3%; transportation and communications 5.3%; finance, insurance, and real estate 4.2%; Canal Zone 2.4%; shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor Organized labor: 17% of labor force (1986)
:Panama Government
Long-form name: Republic of Panama Type: centralized republic Capital: Panama Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, Veraguas Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821) Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) currently being reorganized Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Guillermo ENDARA (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989); First Vice President Ricardo ARIAS Calderon (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989); Second Vice President Guillermo FORD Boyd (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989) Political parties and leaders: government alliance: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER; opposition parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Ricardo ARIAS Calderon; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD, ex-official government party), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Agrarian Labor Party (PALA), Carlos LOPEZ Guevara; Liberal Party (PL), Roderick ESQUIVEL; Popular Action Party (PAPO); Socialist Workers Party (PST, leftist), Jose CAMBRA; Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT, leftist), Graciela DIXON Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 7 May 1989, annulled but later upheld (next to be held NA May 1994); results - anti-NORIEGA coalition believed to have won about 75% of the total votes cast Legislative Assembly: last held on 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (67 total) progovernment parties: PDC 28, MOLIRENA 16, PA 7, PLA 4
:Panama Government
opposition parties: PRD 10, PALA 1, PL 1; note - the PDC went into opposition after President Guillermo ENDARA ousted the PDC from the coalition government in April 1991 Communists: People's Party (PdP), mainline Communist party, did not obtain the necessary 3% of the total vote in the 1984 election to retain its legal status; about 3,000 members Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National Civic Crusade; National Committee for the Right to Life Member of: AG (associate), CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Jaime FORD; Chancery at 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-1407; the status of the Consulates General and Consulates has not yet been determined US: Ambassador Deane R. HINTON; Embassy at Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5 (mailing address is Box E, APO AA 34002); telephone (507) 27-1777; FAX (507) 27-1964 Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white with a blue five-pointed star in the center (hoist side) and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center
:Panama Economy
Overview: GDP expanded by roughly 9.3% in 1991, following growth of 4.6% in 1990 and a 0.4% contraction in 1989. Delay in coming to terms with the international financial institutions on policies to implement structural reform in Panama generated uncertainty in the private sector and tempered the pace of business expansion in 1991. Public investment was limited as the administration kept the fiscal deficit below 3% of GDP. Unemployment and economic reform are the two major issues the government must face in 1992-93. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $5.0 billion, per capita $2,040; real growth rate 9.3% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 17% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $140 million (1991 est.) Exports: $380 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: bananas 28%, shrimp 14%, sugar 12%, clothing 5%, coffee 4% partners: US 44%, Central America and Caribbean, EC (1991 est.) Imports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: capital goods 13%, crude oil 12%, foodstuffs 10%, consumer goods, chemicals (1990) partners: US 37%, Japan, EC, Central America and Caribbean, Mexico, Venezuela (1989 est.) External debt: $5.4 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.2% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 9.4% of GDP Electricity: 1,135,000 kW capacity; 3,397 million kWh produced, 1,372 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: manufacturing and construction activities, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction material, sugar mills Agriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP (1991 est.), 25% of labor force (1989); crops - bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane; livestock; fishing; importer of food grain, vegetables Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $516 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $582 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4 million Currency: balboa (plural - balboas); 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Panama Communications
Railroads: 238 km total; 78 km 1.524-meter gauge, 160 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 8,530 km total; 2,745 km paved, 3,270 km gravel or crushed stone, 2,515 km improved and unimproved earth Inland waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal Pipelines: crude oil 130 km Ports: Cristobal, Balboa, Puerto de La Bahia de Las Minas Merchant marine: 3,004 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 41,314,623 GRT/73,325,176 DWT; includes 20 passenger, 22 short-sea passenger, 3 passenger-cargo, 1,046 cargo, 205 refrigerated cargo, 175 container, 65 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 111 vehicle carrier, 9 livestock carrier, 4 multifunction large-load carrier, 340 petroleum tanker, 177 chemical tanker, 23 combination ore/oil, 101 liquefied gas, 8 specialized tanker, 659 bulk, 35 combination bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - all but 5 are foreign owned and operated; the top 4 foreign owners are Japan 36%, Greece 8%, Hong Kong 8%, and the US 7%; (China owns at least 128 ships, Vietnam 4, former Yugoslavia 4, Cuba 4, Cyprus 5, and the republics of the former USSR 12) Civil air: 5 major transport aircraft Airports: 112 total, 102 usable; 39 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: domestic and international facilities well developed; connection into Central American Microwave System; 220,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 23 TV; 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT
:Panama Defense Forces
Branches: note - the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) ceased to exist as a military institution shortly after the United States invaded Panama on 20 December 1989; President ENDARA has restructured the forces into a civilian police service under the new name of Panamanian Public Forces (PPF); a Council of Public Security and National Defense under Menalco SOLIS in the office of the president coordinates the activities of the security forces; the Institutional Protection Service under Carlos BARES is attached to the presidency Manpower availability: males 15-49, 661,101; 455,412 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $75.5 million, 1.5% of GDP (1990)
:Papua New Guinea Geography
Total area: 461,690 km2 Land area: 451,710 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: 820 km; Indonesia 820 km Coastline: 5,152 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil potential Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures NEGL%; forest and woodland 71%; other 28% Environment: one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast; some active volcanos; frequent earthquakes Note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia
:Papua New Guinea People
Population: 4,006,509 (July 1992), growth rate 2.3% (1992) Birth rate: 34 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 67 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 55 years male, 56 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.9 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Papua New Guinean(s); adjective - Papua New Guinean Ethnic divisions: predominantly Melanesian and Papuan; some Negrito, Micronesian, and Polynesian Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant sects 10%; indigenous beliefs 34% Languages: 715 indigenous languages; English spoken by 1-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region Literacy: 52% (male 65%, female 38%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: NA Organized labor: more than 50 trade unions, some with fewer than 20 members
:Papua New Guinea Government
Long-form name: Independent State of Papua New Guinea Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Moresby Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain Independence: 16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration) Constitution: 16 September 1975 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, National Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of Assembly) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Paias WINGTI (since 17 July 1992) Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Rabbie NAMALIU; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: National Parliament: last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18 Member of: ACP, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Margaret TAYLOR; Chancery at 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 745-3680 US: Ambassador Robert W. FARRAND; Embassy at Armit Street, Port Moresby (mailing address is P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553); telephone [675] 211-455 or 594, 654; FAX [675] 213-423
:Papua New Guinea Government
Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered
:Papua New Guinea Economy
Overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. Robust growth in 1991 was led by the mining sector; the opening of a large new gold mine featured in the advance. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, per capita $800; real growth rate 9% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.8% (first half 1991) Unemployment rate: 5% (1988) Budget: revenues $1.26 billion; expenditures $1.46 billion, including capital expenditures of $273 million (1992 est.) Exports: $1.14 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: copper ore, gold, coffee, logs, palm oil, cocoa, lobster partners: FRG, Japan, Australia, UK, Spain, US Imports: $1.18 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, food, fuels, chemicals, consumer goods partners: Australia, Singapore, Japan, US, New Zealand, UK External debt: $2.2 billion (April 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 2.4% (1990 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: 397,000 kW capacity; 1,510 million kWh produced, 400 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: copra crushing, oil palm processing, plywood processing, wood chip production, gold, silver, copper, construction, tourism Agriculture: one-third of GDP; livelihood for 85% of population; fertile soils and favorable climate permits cultivating a wide variety of crops; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels; other products - tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork; net importer of food for urban centers Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $40.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $17 million Currency: kina (plural - kina); 1 kina (K) = 100 toea Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 1.0413 (March 1992), 1.0508 (1991), 1.0467 (1990), 1.1685 (1989), 1.1538 (1988), 1.1012 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Papua New Guinea Communications
Railroads: none Highways: 19,200 km total; 640 km paved, 10,960 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized-soil surface, 7,600 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 10,940 km Ports: Anewa Bay, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul Merchant marine: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,102 GRT/16,016 DWT; includes 2 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 combination ore/oil, 1 bulk, 1 container Civil air: about 15 major transport aircraft Airports: 503 total, 460 usable; 18 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 39 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiobroadcast, radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radiocommunication services; submarine cables extend to Australia and Guam; 51,700 telephones (1985); broadcast stations - 31 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV (1987); 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Papua New Guinea Defense Forces
Branches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,013,812; 564,081 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $42 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)
:Paracel Islands Geography
Total area: NA Land area: undetermined Comparative area: undetermined Land boundaries: none Coastline: 518 km Maritime claims: undetermined Disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam Climate: tropical Terrain: undetermined Natural resources: none Land use: arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 100% Environment: subject to typhoons Note: located 400 km east of Vietnam in the South China Sea about one-third of the way between Vietnam and the Philippines
:Paracel Islands People
Population: no permanent inhabitants
:Paracel Islands Government
Long-form name: none
:Paracel Islands Economy
Overview: no economic activity
:Paracel Islands Communications
Ports: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island currently under expansion Airports: 1 on Woody Island
:Paracel Islands Defense Forces
Note: occupied by China
:Paraguay Geography
Total area: 406,750 km2 Land area: 397,300 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: 3,920 km total; Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil (just west of Guaira Falls on the Rio Parana) has not been determined Climate: varies from temperate in east to semiarid in far west Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere Natural resources: iron ore, manganese, limestone, hydropower, timber Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 39%; forest and woodland 35%; other 5%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June) Note: landlocked; buffer between Argentina and Brazil
:Paraguay People
Population: 4,929,446 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 33 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 28 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Paraguayan(s); adjective - Paraguayan Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Spanish and Indian) 95%, white and Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 90%; Mennonite and other Protestant denominations Languages: Spanish (official) and Guarani Literacy: 90% (male 92%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 1,418,000 (1991 est.); agriculture, industry and commerce, services, government (1986) Organized labor: about 2% of labor force
:Paraguay Government
Long-form name: Republic of Paraguay Type: republic Capital: Asuncion Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain) Constitution: 25 August 1967; Constituent Assembly rewrote the Constitution that was promulgated on 20 June 1992 Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811) Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Council of State Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Gen. Andres RODRIGUEZ Pedotti (since 15 May 1989) Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Luis Maria ARGANA, acting president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Juan Manuel BENITEZ Florentin; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jose Angel BURRO; Febrerista Revolutionary Party (PRF), Victor BAREIRO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Hugo RICHER Suffrage: universal and compulsory at age 18 and up to age 60 Elections: President: last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held NA February 1993); results - Gen. RODRIGUEZ 75.8%, Domingo LAINO 19.4% Chamber of Senators: last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held by NA May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (36 total) Colorado Party 24, PLRA 10, PLR 1, PRF 1 Chamber of Deputies: last held on 1 May 1989 (next to be held by NA May 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) Colorado Party 48, PLRA 19, PRF 2, PDC 1, other 2 Communists: Oscar CREYDT faction and Miguel Angel SOLER faction (both illegal); 3,000 to 4,000 (est.) party members and sympathizers in Paraguay, very few are hard core; party beginning to return from exile is small and deeply divided Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers (CUT); Roman Catholic Church
:Paraguay Government
Member of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre MARTINEZ; Chancery at 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 483-6960 through 6962; there are Paraguayan Consulates General in New Orleans and New York, and a Consulate in Houston US: Ambassador Jon D. GLASSMAN; Embassy at 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion (mailing address is C. P. 402, Asuncion, or APO AA 34036-0001); telephone [595] (21) 213-715; FAX [595] (21) 213-728 Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)
:Paraguay Economy
Overview: Agriculture, including forestry, accounts for about 25% of GDP, employs about 45% of the labor force, and provides the bulk of exports. Paraguay has no known significant mineral or petroleum resources but does have a large hydropower potential. Since 1981 economic performance has declined compared with the boom period of 1976-81, when real GDP grew at an average annual rate of nearly 11%. During the period 1982-86 real GDP fell in three of five years, inflation jumped to an annual rate of 32%, and foreign debt rose. Factors responsible for the erratic behavior of the economy were the completion of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam, bad weather for crops, and weak international commodity prices for agricultural exports. In 1987 the economy experienced a minor recovery because of improved weather conditions and stronger international prices for key agricultural exports. The recovery continued through 1990, on the strength of bumper crops in 1988-89. In a major step to increase its economic activity in the region, Paraguay in March 1991 joined the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR), which includes Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. During 1991 the government began to more seriously address its arrearages with international creditors and its domestic fiscal problems. Inflation was cut in third, but the foreign trade deficit widened to more than $1 billion. For the long run, the government must press forward with general market-oriented economic reforms. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $7.0 billion, per capita $1,460; real growth rate 3.0% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 15% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 14% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $487 million (1991) Exports: $642 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: cotton, soybean, timber, vegetable oils, coffee, tung oil, meat products partners: EC 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6% Imports: $1.85 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: capital goods 35%, consumer goods 20%, fuels and lubricants 19%, raw materials 16%, foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco 10% partners: Brazil 30%, EC 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7% External debt: $1.7 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: 5,578,000 kW capacity; 15,447 million kWh produced, 3,219 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, construction Agriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP and 44% of labor force; cash crops - cotton, sugarcane; other crops - corn, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, cassava, fruits, and vegetables; animal products - beef, pork, eggs, milk; surplus producer of timber; self-sufficient in most foods
:Paraguay Economy
Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; important transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion Currency: guarani (plural - guaranies); 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 1,447.5 (March 1992), 1,325.2 (1991), 1,229.8 (1990), 1,056.2 (1989), 550.00 (fixed rate 1986-February 1989), Fiscal year: calendar year
:Paraguay Communications
Railroads: 970 km total; 440 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 60 km 1.000-meter gauge, 470 km various narrow gauge (privately owned) Highways: 21,960 km total; 1,788 km paved, 474 km gravel, and 19,698 km earth Inland waterways: 3,100 km Ports: Asuncion Merchant marine: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,747 GRT/19,865 DWT; includes 11 cargo, 2 petroleum tanker; note - 1 naval cargo ship is sometimes used commercially Civil air: 9 major transport aircraft Airports: 845 total, 716 usable; 7 with permanent-surface runways; 0 with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 66 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: principal center in Asuncion; fair intercity microwave net; 78,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 40 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 7 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Paraguay Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,172,813; 853,129 fit for military service; 49,917 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $84 million, 1.4% of GDP (1988 est.)
:Peru Geography
Total area: 1,285,220 km2 Land area: 1,280,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Alaska Land boundaries: 6,940 km total; Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km, Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km Coastline: 2,414 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 200 nm Disputes: three sections of the boundary with Ecuador are in dispute Climate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash Land use: arable land 3%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 21%; forest and woodland 55%; other 21%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: subject to earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, mild volcanic activity; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima Note: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia
:Peru People
Population: 22,767,543 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 27 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 59 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 67 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Peruvian(s); adjective - Peruvian Ethnic divisions: Indian 45%; mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%; white 15%; black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3% Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic Languages: Spanish and Quechua (both official), Aymara Literacy: 85% (male 92%, female 29%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 6,800,000 (1986); government and other services 44%, agriculture 37%, industry 19% (1988 est.) Organized labor: about 40% of salaried workers (1983 est.)
:Peru Government
Long-form name: Republic of Peru Type: in transition, President FUJIMORI on 5 April 1992 suspended the constitution and dissolved the legislative and judicial branches Capital: Lima Administrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali; note - the 1979 Constitution and legislation enacted from 1987 to 1990 mandate the creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) intended to function eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been constituted from 23 existing departments - Amazonas (from Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima; because of inadequate funding from the central government, the regions have yet to assume their responsibilities and at the moment coexist with the departmental structure Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain) Constitution: 28 July 1980 (often referred to as the 1979 Constitution because the Constituent Assembly met in 1979, but the Constitution actually took effect the following year); suspended 5 April 1992 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821) Executive branch: president, two vice presidents (vacant as of 19 May 1992), prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados); note - dissolved on 5 April 1992; being reconstituted Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Leaders: Chief of State: President Alberto FUJIMORI (since 28 July 1990); note - slots for first and second Vice Presidents vacant as of 19 May 1992 Head of Government: Prime Minister Oscar DE LA PUENTE Raygada (since 6 April 1992)
:Peru Government
Political parties and leaders: Change 90 (Cambio 90), Alberto FUJIMORI; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Popular Action Party (AP), Eduardo CALMELL del Solar; Liberty Movement (ML), Luis BUSTAMANTE; American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Luis ALVA Castro, Alan GARCIA; National Front of Workers and Peasants (FNTC), Roger CACERES; United Left (IU), leader NA; Independent Moralizing Front (FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega; Socialist Left (IS), leader NA; note - Democratic Front (FREDEMO) was a loosely organized coalition of the PPC, AP, and ML during the 8 April 1990 elections, but the parties no longer maintain a formal alliance Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held on 10 June 1990 (next to be held NA April 1995); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 56.53%, Mario VARGAS Llosa 33.92%, other 9.55% Senate: last held on 8 April 1990; dissolved on 5 April 1992; because of suspension of constitutional role, next election not yet scheduled; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (62 total; 60 elected, 2 ex-presidents who are senators for life) FREDEMO 20, APRA 16, Change 90 14, IU 6, IS 3, FNTC 1; note - as a result of the dissolution of FREDEMO and defections and expulsions from the various parties, the seats have been reallocated: APRA 17, Change 90 13, AP 8, IU 6, PPC 5, ML 4, IS 3, FNTC 1, independents 4, other 1 (January 1992) Chamber of Deputies: last held 8 April 1990 dissolved on 5 April 1992; because of suspension of constitutional role, next election not yet scheduled; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (180 total) FREDEMO 62, APRA 53, Change 90 32, IU 16, IS 4, FNTC 3, other 10; note - as a result of the dissolution of FREDEMO and defections and expulsions from the various parties, the seats have been reallocated: APRA 53, AP 25, Change 90 25, PPC 23, IU 16, ML 7, FIM 3, IS 4, FNTC 3, independents 15, other 4, and 2 currently nonvoting deputies Communists: Peruvian Communist Party-Unity (PCP-U), 2,000; other minor Communist parties Other political or pressure groups: leftist guerrilla groups: Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN; Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY Member of: AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador vacant; Chancery at 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 833-9860 through 9869); Peruvian Consulates General are located in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US: Ambassador Anthony C. E. QUAINTON; Embassy at the corner of Avenida Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Avenida Espana, Lima (mailing address is P. O. Box 1991, Lima 1, or APO AA 34031); telephone [51] (14) 33-8000; FAX [51] (14) 316682 Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath
:Peru Economy
Overview: The Peruvian economy is becoming increasingly market oriented, with a large dose of government ownership remaining in mining, energy, and banking. In the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per capita output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity, but the slide halted late in the year, and output rose 2.4% in 1991. After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September 1991, and, although it faces $14 billion in arrears on its external debt, is working to pay some $1.8 billion of these to the IMF and World Bank by 1993. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $20.6 billion, per capita $920; real growth rate 2.4% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 139% (1991) Unemployment rate: 15.0%; underemployment 65% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $250 million (1991 est.) Exports: $3.3 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: copper, fishmeal, zinc, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton partners: EC 28%, US 22%, Japan 13%, Latin America 12%, former USSR 2% Imports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery, transport equipment, iron and steel semimanufactures, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 32%, Latin America 22%, EC 17%, Switzerland 6%, Japan 3% External debt: $19.4 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.0% (1991 est.); accounts for almost 24% of GDP Electricity: 4,896,000 kW capacity; 15,851 million kWh produced, 709 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabrication Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP, about 35% of labor force; commercial crops - coffee, cotton, sugarcane; other crops - rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains, coca; animal products - poultry, red meats, dairy, wool; not self-sufficient in grain or vegetable oil; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990)
:Peru Economy
Illicit drugs: world's largest coca leaf producer with about 121,000 hectares under cultivation; source of supply for most of the world's coca paste and cocaine base; at least 85% of coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of cocaine base is shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into cocaine for the international drug market Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $577 million Currency: (S/.) nuevo sol (plural - nuevos soles); 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: nuevo sol (S/. per US$1 - 0.960 (March 1992), 0.772 (1991), 0.187 (1990), 2.666 (1989), 0.129 (1988), 0.017 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Peru Communications
Railroads: 1,801 km total; 1,501 km 1.435-meter gauge, 300 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: 69,942 km total; 7,459 km paved, 13,538 km improved, 48,945 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km Lago Titicaca Pipelines: crude oil 800 km, natural gas and natural gas liquids 64 km Ports: Callao, Ilo, Iquitos, Matarani, Talara Merchant marine: 26 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 286,313 GRT/461,233 DWT; includes 14 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 petroleum tanker, 7 bulk; note - in addition, 8 naval tankers and 1 naval cargo are sometimes used commercially Civil air: 44 major transport aircraft Airports: 221 total, 201 usable; 36 with permanent-surface runways; 2 with runways over 3,659 m; 23 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fairly adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave system; 544,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 273 AM, no FM, 140 TV, 144 shortwave; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 12 domestic
:Peru Defense Forces
Branches: Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del Peru), National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,863,227; 3,964,930 fit for military service; 236,484 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $430 million, 2.4% of GDP (1991)
:Philippines Geography
Total area: 300,000 km2 Land area: 298,170 km2 Comparative area: slightly larger than Arizona Land boundaries: none Coastline: 36,289 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Continental shelf: to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth Disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claims Malaysian state of Sabah Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October) Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands Natural resources: timber, crude oil, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper Land use: arable land 26%; permanent crops 11%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 40%; other 19%; includes irrigated 5% Environment: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; subject to landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunami; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
:Philippines People
Population: 67,114,060 (July 1992), growth rate 2.0% (1992) Birth rate: 28 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 53 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 62 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 3.5 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Filipino(s); adjective - Philippine Ethnic divisions: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3% Languages: Pilipino (based on Tagalog) and English; both official Literacy: 90% (male 90%, female 90%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 24,120,000; agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services 18.5%, government 10%, other 9.5% (1989) Organized labor: 3,945 registered unions; total membership 5.7 million (includes 2.8 million members of the National Congress of Farmers Organizations)
:Philippines Government
Long-form name: Republic of the Philippines Type: republic Capital: Manila Administrative divisions: 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur Independence: 4 July 1946 (from US) Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987 Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Independence Day (from Spain), 12 June (1898) Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Kongreso) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: President Corazon C. AQUINO (since 25 February 1986); Vice President Salvador H. LAUREL (since 25 February 1986) Political parties and leaders: Alliance of Philippine Democrats (LDP), Neptali GONZALES and Jose (Peping) COJUANGCO; Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Fidel Valdes RAMOS; Liberal Party, Jovito SALONGA; New Society Movement (KBL), Amelda MARCOS Suffrage: universal at age 15 Elections: President: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998);results - Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of votes, a narrow plurality
:Philippines Government
Senate: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - LDP 66%, NPC 20%, Lakas-NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats - (24 total) LDP 24, NPC 5, Lakas-NUCD 2, Liberal 1 Elections: House of Representatives: last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - LDP 43.5%; Lakas-NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL 3%;seats - (200 total) LDP 87, Lakas-NUCD 51, NPC 47, Liberal 10, KBL 5 Communists: the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) controls about 15,500-16,500 full-time insurgents and is not recognized as a legal party; a second Communist party, Philippine Communist Party (PKP), has quasi-legal status Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Emmanuel PELAEZ; Chancery at 1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 483-1414; there are Philippine Consulates General in Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle US: Ambassador Frank G. WISNER II; Embassy at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila (mailing address is APO AP 96440); telephone [63] (2) 521-7116; FAX [63] (2) 522-4361; there is a US Consulate in Cebu Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star
:Philippines Economy
Overview: Following the recession of 1984-85, the Philippine economy grew on the average of 5.0% per year during 1986-89. It slowed again during the period 1990-91. The agricultural sector together with forestry and fishing, plays an important role in the economy, employing about 45% of the work force and providing almost 30% of GDP. The Philippines is the world's largest exporter of coconuts and coconut products. Manufacturing contributes about 35% of GDP. Major industries include food processing, chemicals, and textiles. GNP: exchange rate conversion - $47 billion, per capita $720; real growth rate 0.1% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17.6% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.0% (1991 est.) Budget: $8.4 billion; expenditures $9.36 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.8 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $8.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: electrical equipment 19%, textiles 16%, minerals and ores 11%, farm products 10%, coconut 10%, chemicals 5%, fish 5%, forest products 4% partners: US 36%, EC 19%, Japan 18%, ESCAP 9%, ASEAN 7% Imports: $12.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: raw materials 53%, capital goods 17%, petroleum products 17% partners: US 25%, Japan 17%, ESCAP 13%, EC 11%, ASEAN 10%, Middle East 10% External debt: $28.9 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate - 5% (1991 est.); accounts for 35% of GNP Electricity: 7,500,000 kW capacity; 31,000 million kWh produced, 470 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing Agriculture: accounts for about one-third of GNP and 45% of labor force; major crops - rice, coconut, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapple, mango; animal products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 2 million metric tons annually Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growers are producing more and better quality cannabis despite government eradication efforts Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1975-89), $123 million Currency: Philippine peso (plural - pesos); 1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavos
:Philippines Economy
Exchange rates: Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 25.810 (March 1992), 27.479 (1991), 24.311 (1990), 21.737 (1989), 21.095 (1988), 20.568 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Philippines Communications
Railroads: 378 km operable on Luzon, 34% government owned (1982) Highways: 156,000 km total (1984); 29,000 km paved; 77,000 km gravel, crushed-stone, or stabilized-soil surface; 50,000 km unimproved earth Inland waterways: 3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vessels Pipelines: petroleum products 357 km Ports: Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, Legaspi, Manila, Subic Bay Merchant marine: 552 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,150,425 GRT/13,624,527 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 11 short-sea passenger, 13 passenger-cargo, 155 cargo, 22 refrigerated cargo, 23 vehicle carrier, 8 livestock carrier, 13 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 8 container, 35 petroleum tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 2 combination ore/oil, 247 bulk, 7 combination bulk; note - many Philippine flag ships are foreign owned and are on the register for the purpose of long-term bare-boat charter back to their original owners who are principally in Japan and Germany Civil air: 53 major transport aircraft Airports: 278 total, 244 usable; 72 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 9 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 53 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate; 872,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 267 AM (including 6 US), 55 FM, 33 TV (including 4 US); submarine cables extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 11 domestic
:Philippines Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 16,719,421; 11,816,366 fit for military service; 698,683 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $915 million, 1.9% of GNP (1991)
:Pitcairn Islands Geography
Total area: 47 km2 Land area: 47 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 51 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 3 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March) Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs Natural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish Land use: arable land NA%; permanent crops NA%; meadows and pastures NA%; forest and woodland NA%; other NA% Environment: subject to typhoons (especially November to March) Note: located in the South Pacific Ocean about halfway between Peru and New Zealand
:Pitcairn Islands People
Population: 52 (July 1992), growth rate 0.0% (1992) Birth rate: NA births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: NA deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: NA migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: NA years male, NA years female (1992) Total fertility rate: NA children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Pitcairn Islander(s); adjective - Pitcairn Islander Ethnic divisions: descendants of Bounty mutineers Religions: Seventh-Day Adventist 100% Languages: English (official); also a Tahitian/English dialect Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) Labor force: NA; no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing Organized labor: NA
:Pitcairn Islands Government
Long-form name: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Adamstown Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964 Legal system: local island by-laws National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June), 10 June 1989 Executive branch: British monarch, governor, island magistrate Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council Judicial branch: Island Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Governor and UK High Commissioner to New Zealand David Joseph MOSS (since NA 1990) Head of Government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Brian YOUNG (since NA 1985) Political parties and leaders: NA Suffrage: universal at age 18 with three years residency Elections: Island Council: last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) number of seats by party NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: SPC Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor
:Pitcairn Islands Economy
Overview: The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $430,440; expenditures $429,983, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY87 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: fruits, vegetables, curios partners: NA Imports: $NA commodities: fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 110 kW capacity; 0.30 million kWh produced, 5,360 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: postage stamp sales, handicrafts Agriculture: based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown; must import grain products Economic aid: none Currency: New Zealand dollar (plural - dollars); 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.8245 (March 1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988), 1.6866 (1987) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Pitcairn Islands Communications
Railroads: none Highways: 6.4 km dirt roads Ports: Bounty Bay Airports: none Telecommunications: 24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; diesel generator provides electricity
:Pitcairn Islands Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Poland Geography
Total area: 312,680 km2 Land area: 304,510 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than New Mexico Land boundaries: 3,321 km total; Belarus 605 km, Czechoslovakia 1,309 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 428 km Coastline: 491 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Terrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border Natural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt Land use: arable land 46%; permanent crops 1%; meadows and pastures 13%; forest and woodland 28%; other 12%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: plain crossed by a few north flowing, meandering streams; severe air and water pollution in south Note: historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain
:Poland People
Population: 38,385,617 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.0 children born/woman(1992) Nationality: noun - Pole(s); adjective - Polish Ethnic divisions: Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belorussian 0.5% (1990 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Russian Orthodox, Protestant, and other 5% Languages: Polish Literacy: 98% (male 99%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1978) Labor force: 17,104,000; industry and construction 36.1%; agriculture 27.3%; trade, transport, and communications 14.8%; government and other 21.8% (1989) Organized labor: trade union pluralism
:Poland Government
Long-form name: Republic of Poland Type: democratic state Capital: Warsaw Administrative divisions: 49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biaa Podlaska, Biaystok, Bielsko, Bydgoszcz, Chem, Ciechanow, Czestochowa, Elblag, Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin, Koszalin, Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, odz, omza, Lublin, Nowy Sacz, Olsztyn, Opole, Ostroteka, Pia, Piotrkow, Pock, Poznan, Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow, Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Supsk, Suwaki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg, Tarnow, Torun, Wabrzych, Warszawa, Wocawek, Wrocaw, Zamosc, Zielona Gora Independence: 11 November 1918, independent republic proclaimed Constitution: Communist-imposed Constitution of 22 July 1952; developing a democratic Constitution Legal system: mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1794) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or Diet (Sejm) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990) Head of Government: Prime Minister Hanna SUCHOCKA (since 10 July 1992) Political parties and leaders: Solidarity Bloc: Democratic Union (UD), Tadeusz MAZOWIECKI; Christian-National Union (ZCHN), Wieslaw CHRZANOWSKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; Liberal-Democratic Congress, Donald TUSK; Peasant Alliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity Trade Union (NSZZ), Marian KRZAKLEWSKI; Solidarity Labor (SP), Ryszard BUGAJ; Christian-Democratic Party (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Democratic-Social Movement (RDS), Zbigniew BUJAK; Kracow Coalition in Solidarity with the President, Mieczyslaw GIL; Solidarity 80, Marian JURCZYK Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI; Beer Lovers' Party (PPPP), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats (CHD), Andrzej OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Western Union (KPN Front), Damian JAKUBOWSKI; RealPolitik (UPR), Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD), Antoni MACKIEWICZ Communist origin or linked: Social Democracy (SDRP, or SLD), Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz; Polish Peasants' Party (PSL), Waldermar PAWLAK; Party X, Stanislaw Tyminski Suffrage: universal at age 18
:Poland Government
Elections: President: first round held 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%, Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3% Senate: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995); results - Solidarity Bloc: UD 21%, NSZZ 11%, ZCHN 9%, PC 9%, Liberal-Democratic Congress 6%, PL 7%, PCHD 3%, other local candidates 11% Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 4%, CHD 1%, MN 1%, local candidates 5% Communist origin or linked: PSL 8%, SLD 4%; seats - (100 total) Solidarity Bloc: UD 21, NSZZ 11, ZCHN 9, Liberal-Democratic Congress 6, PL 7, PCHD 3, other local candidates 11; Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 4, CHD 1, MN 1 local candidates 5 Communist origin or linked: PSL 8, SLD 4 Sejm: last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995); results - Solidarity Bloc: UD 12.31%, ZCHN 8.73%, PL 8.71%, Liberal-Democratic Congress 7.48%, PL 5.46%, NSZZ 5.05%, SP 2.05%, PCHD 1.11% Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 7.50%, PPPP 3.27%, CHD 2.36%, UPR 2.25%, MN 1.70% Communist origin or linked: SLD 11.98%, PSL 8.67%; seats - (460 total) Solidarity Bloc: UD 62, ZCHN 9, PC 44, Liberal-Democratic Congress 37, PL 28, NSZZ 27, SP 4, PCHD 4, RDS 1, Krackow Coalition in Solidarity with the President 1, Piast Agreement 1, Bydgoszcz Peasant List 1, Solidarity 80 1 Non-Communist, Non-Solidarity: KPN 46, PPPP 16, MN 7, CHD 5, Western Union 4, UPR 3, Autonomous Silesia 2, SD 1, Orthodox Election Committee 1, Committee of Women Against Hardships 1, Podhale Union 1, Wielkopolska Group 1, Wielkopolska and Lubuski Inhabitants 1 Communist origin or linked: SLD 60, PSL 48, Party X 3 Communists: 70,000 members in the Communist successor parties (1990) Other political or pressure groups: powerful Roman Catholic Church; Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), a nationalist group; Solidarity (trade union); All Poland Trade Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist program; Clubs of Catholic Intellectuals (KIKs) Member of: BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, CSCE, ECE, FAO, GATT, Hexagonale, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNIDO, UNIIMOG, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Kazimierz DZIEWANOWSKI; Chancery at 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 234-3800 through 3802; there are Polish Consulates General in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York
:Poland Government
US: Ambassador Thomas W. SIMONS, Jr.; Embassy at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsaw (mailing address is American Embassy Warsaw, Box 5010, or APO AE 09213-5010); telephone [48] (2) 628-8298; FAX [48] (2) 628-9326; there is a US Consulate General in Krakow and a Consulate in Poznan Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white
:Poland Economy
Overview: Poland is undergoing a difficult transition from a Soviet-style economy - with state ownership and control of productive assets - to a market economy. On January 1, 1990, the new Solidarity-led government implemented shock therapy by slashing subsidies, decontrolling prices, tightening the money supply, stabilizing the foreign exchange rate, lowering import barriers, and restraining state sector wages. As a result, consumer goods shortages and lines disappeared, and inflation fell from 640% in 1989 to 60% in 1991. Western governments, which hold two-thirds of Poland's $48 billion external debt, pledged in 1991 to forgive half of Poland's official debt by 1994, and the private sector grew, accounting for 22% of industrial production and 40% of nonagricultural output by 1991. Production fell in state enterprises, however, and the unemployment rate climbed steadily from virtually nothing in 1989 to 11.4% in December 1991. Poland fell out of compliance with its IMF program by mid-1991, and talks with commercial creditors stalled. The increase in unemployment and the decline in living standards led to popular discontent and a change in government in January 1991 and again in December. The new government has promised selective industrial intervention, some relaxation in monetary policy, and an improved social safety net, but will be constrained by the decline in output and the growing budget deficit. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $162.7 billion, per capita $4,300; real growth rate -5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.4% (end December 1991) Budget: revenues $19.5 billion; expenditures $22.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $12.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery 23%, metals 17%, chemicals 13%, fuels 11%, food 10% (1991 est.) partners: FRG 25.1%, former USSR 15.3%, UK 7.1%, Switzerland 4.7% (1990) Imports: $12.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery 35%, fuels 20%, chemicals 13%, food 11%, light industry 7% (1991 est.) partners: FRG 20.1%, former USSR 19.8%, Italy 7.5%, Switzerland 6.4% (1990) External debt: $48.5 billion (January 1992); note - Poland's Western government creditors promised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's official debt - currently $33 billion - immediately and to forgive another 20% by 1994, if Poland adheres to its IMF program Industrial production: growth rate -14% (State sector 1991 est.) Electricity: 31,530,000 kW capacity; 136,300 million kWh produced, 3,610 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles
:Poland Economy
Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 27% of labor force; 75% of output from private farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remains low by European standards; leading European producer of rye, rapeseed, and potatoes; wide variety of other crops and livestock; major exporter of pork products; normally self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: illicit producers of opium for domestic consumption and amphetamines for the international market; emerging as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: donor - bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries, $2.2 billion (1954-89); note - the G-24 has pledged $8 billion in grants and credit guarantees to Poland Currency: Zoty (plural - Zotych); 1 Zoty (Z) = 100 groszy Exchange rates: Zotych (z) per US$1 - 13,443 (March 1992), 10,576 (1991), 9,500 (1990), 1,439.18 (1989), 430.55 (1988), 265.08 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Poland Communications
Railroads: 27,041 km total; 24,287 km 1.435-meter gauge, 397 km 1.520-meter gauge, 2,357 km narrow gauge; 8,987 km double track; 11,016 km electrified; government owned (1989) Highways: 299,887 km total; 130,000 km improved hard surface (concrete, asphalt, stone block); 24,000 km unimproved hard surface (crushed stone, gravel); 100,000 km earth; 45,887 km other urban roads (1985) Inland waterways: 3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1989) Pipelines: natural gas 4,500 km, crude oil 1,986 km, petroleum products 360 km (1987) Ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, Swinoujscie; principal inland ports are Gliwice on Kana Gliwice, Wrocaw on the Oder, and Warsaw on the Vistula Merchant marine: 222 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,851,016 GRT/4,019,531 DWT; includes 5 short-sea passenger, 79 cargo, 4 refrigerated cargo, 14 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 12 container, 1 petroleum tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 102 bulk, 1 passenger; Poland owns 1 ship of 6,333 DWT operating under Liberian registry Civil air: 48 major transport aircraft Airports: 160 total, 160 usable; 85 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runway over 3,659 m; 35 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 65 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; cable, open wire and microwave; phone density is 10.5 phones per 100 residents (October 1990); 3.1 million subscribers; exchanges are 86% automatic (February 1990); broadcast stations - 27 AM, 27 FM, 40 (5 Soviet repeaters) TV; 9.6 million TVs; 1 satellite earth station using INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, INMARSAT and Intersputnik
:Poland Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 9,785,823; 7,696,425 fit for military service; 294,191 reach military age (19) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 19.2 trillion zotych, NA% of GDP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results
:Portugal Geography
Total area: 92,080 km2 Land area: 91,640 km2; includes Azores and Madeira Islands Comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana Land boundaries: 1,214 km; Spain 1,214 km Coastline: 1,793 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Indonesia Climate: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Terrain: mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in south Natural resources: fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marble Land use: arable land 32%; permanent crops 6%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 40%; other 16%; includes irrigated 7% Environment: Azores subject to severe earthquakes Note: Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar
:Portugal People
Population: 10,448,509 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 12 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 2 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Portuguese (singular and plural); adjective - Portuguese Ethnic divisions: homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000 Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2% Languages: Portuguese Literacy: 85% (male 89%, female 82%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 4,605,700; services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988) Organized labor: about 55% of the labor force; the Communist-dominated General Confederation of Portuguese Workers - Intersindical (CGTP-IN) represents more than half of the unionized labor force; its main competition, the General Workers Union (UGT), is organized by the Socialists and Social Democrats and represents less than half of unionized labor
:Portugal Government
Long-form name: Portuguese Republic Type: republic Capital: Lisbon Administrative divisions: 18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu Independence: 1140; independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910 Constitution: 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989 Legal system: civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June Executive branch: president, Council of State, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica) Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica) Leaders: Chief of State: President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986) Head of Government: Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Anibal CAVACO Silva; Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), Jorge SAMPAIO; Party of Democratic Renewal (PRD), Herminio MARTINHO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Alvaro CUNHAL; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Andriano MORREIRA (interim); National Solidarity Party, Manuel SERGIO; Center Democratic Party; United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists) Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - Dr. Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, Carlos CARVALHAS 13%, Carlos MARQUES 3% Assembly of the Republic: last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - PSD 50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, Center Democrats 4.4%, National Solidarity Party 1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230 total) PSD 135, PS 72, CDU 17, Center Democrats 5, National Solidarity Party 1 Communists: Portuguese Communist Party claims membership of 200,753 (December 1983)
:Portugal Government
Member of: AfDB, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Joao Eduardo M. PEREIRA BASTOS; Chancery at 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 328-8610; there are Portuguese Consulates General in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, and Consulates in Los Angeles, Newark (New Jersey), New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Providence (Rhode Island) US: Ambassador Everett E. BRIGGS; Embassy at Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon (mailing address is PSC 83, APO AE 09726); telephone [351] (1) 726-6600 or 6659, 8670, 8880; FAX [351] (1) 726-9109; there is a US Consulate in Oporto and Ponta Delgada (Azores) Flag: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line
:Portugal Economy
Overview: Although Portugal has experienced strong growth since joining the EC in 1986 - at least 4% each year through 1990 - it remains one of the poorest members. To prepare for the European single market, the government is restructuring and modernizing the economy and in 1989 embarked on a major privatization program. The global slowdown and tight monetary policies to counter inflation caused growth to slow in 1991, but it is likely to recover in 1992. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $87.3 billion, per capita $8,400; real growth rate 2.7% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.0% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4.0% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $27.0 billion; expenditures $33.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $6.7 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $16.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timber and timber products, resin, machinery, appliances partners: EC 74%, other developed countries 13.2%, US 4.8% Imports: $25.1 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum, textiles partners: EC 69.1%, other developed countries 11.4% less developed countries 15.1%, US 3.9% External debt: $15.0 billion (1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP Electricity: 6,729,000 kW capacity; 16,000 million kWh produced, 1,530 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 6.1% of GDP and about 20% of labor force; small, inefficient farms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy products Illicit drugs: increasingly import gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.2 billion Currency: Portuguese escudo (plural - escudos); 1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavos
:Portugal Economy
Exchange rates: Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 143.09 (March 1992), 144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990), 157.46 (1989), 143.95 (1988), 140.88 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Portugal Communications
Railroads: 3,613 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates 2,858 km 1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km double track), 755 km 1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge) electrified, double track, privately owned Highways: 73,661 km total; 61,599 km surfaced (bituminous, gravel, and crushed stone), including 140 km of limited-access divided highway; 7,962 km improved earth; 4,100 km unimproved earth (motorable tracks) Inland waterways: 820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by shallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacity Pipelines: crude oil 11 km; petroleum products 58 km Ports: Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores), Setubal, Sines Merchant marine: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 738,774 GRT/1,300,787 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 20 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 container, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13 petroleum tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 8 bulk, 2 vehicle carrier; note - Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira (MAR) for Portuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewing benefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently is known to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likely that a majority of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to this subregister in a few years Civil air: 43 major transport aircraft Airports: 65 total, 62 usable; 36 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; 12 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 8 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57 AM, 66 (22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT, domestic satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link to Azores
:Portugal Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal Guard, Public Security Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 2,666,450; 2,166,341 fit for military service; 88,826 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 2.8% of GDP (1991)
:Puerto Rico Geography
Total area: 9,104 km2 Land area: 8,959 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: 501 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 12 nm Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical marine, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast Natural resources: some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore crude oil Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 9%; meadows and pastures 41%; forest and woodland 20%; other 22% Environment: many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north Note: important location between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands group along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean
:Puerto Rico People
Population: 3,776,654 (July 1992), growth rate 1.0% (1992) Birth rate: 17 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 14 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Puerto Rican(s); adjective - Puerto Rican Ethnic divisions: almost entirely Hispanic Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15% Languages: Spanish (official); English is widely understood Literacy: 89% (male 90%, female 88%) age 15 and over can read and write (1980) Labor force: 1,068,000; government 28%, manufacturing 15%, trade 14%, agriculture 3%, other 40% (1990) Organized labor: 115,000 members in 4 unions; the largest is the General Confederation of Puerto Rican Workers with 35,000 members (1983)
:Puerto Rico Government
Long-form name: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Type: commonwealth associated with the US Capital: San Juan Administrative divisions: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Independence: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952 Legal system: based on Spanish civil code National holiday: Constitution Day, 25 July (1952) Executive branch: US president, US vice president, governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President George BUSH (since 20 January 1989); Vice President Dan QUAYLE (since 20 January 1989) Head of Government: Governor Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon (since 2 January 1989) Political parties and leaders: National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Freddy VALENTIN; Popular Democratic Party (PPD), Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon; New Progressive Party (PNP), Carlos ROMERO Barcelo; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP), Juan MARI Bras and Carlos GALLISA; Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), Ruben BERRIOS Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s) unknown; Puerto Rican Renewal Party (PRP, breakaway group from PNP), leader (vacant); Puerto Rico Democratic Party, Richard MACHADO Suffrage: universal at age 18; citizens of Puerto Rico are also US citizens, but do not vote in US presidential elections Elections: Governor: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon (PPD) 48.7%, Baltasar CORRADA Del Rio (PNP) 45.8%, Ruben BERRIOS Martinez (PIP) 5.5% Senate: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) PPD 18, PNP 8, PIP 1 US House of Representatives: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) seats by party NA; note - Puerto Rico elects one nonvoting representative to the US House of Representatives, Jaime B. FUSTER House of Representatives: last held 8 November 1988 (next to be held 3 November 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) PPD 36, PNP 15, PIP 2
:Puerto Rico Government
Other political or pressure groups: all have engaged in terrorist activities - Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN), Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution, Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros), Armed Forces of Popular Resistance Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, ICFTU, IOC, WCL, WFTU, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Flag: five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag
:Puerto Rico Economy
Overview: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. Important new industries include pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, and processed foods. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island. The economy has largely recovered from the disruptions caused by Hurricane Hugo in September 1989. The tourism infrastructure has been especially hard hit. GNP: purchasing power equivalent - $21.6 billion, per capita $6,600; real growth rate 2.2% (FY90) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (October 1990-91) Unemployment rate: 15.5% (October 1991) Budget: revenues $5.8 billion; expenditures $5.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $258 million (FY89) Exports: NA commodities: pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment, instruments partners: US 87% (FY90) Imports: NA commodities: chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products partners: US 68% (FY90) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 3.8% (FY90) Electricity: 4,149,000 kW capacity; 14,844 million kWh produced, 4,510 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, instruments; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 3% of labor force; crops - sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle, chickens; imports a large share of food needs Economic aid: none Currency: US currency is used Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June
:Puerto Rico Communications
Railroads: 96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; no passenger railroads Highways: 13,762 km paved (1982) Ports: San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Arecibo Airports: 30 total; 24 usable; 19 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 900,000 or 99% of total households have TV; 1,067,787 telephones (1988); broadcast stations - 50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV (1990)
:Puerto Rico Defense Forces
Branches: paramilitary National Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 830,133; NA fit for military service Note: defense is the responsibility of the US
:Qatar Geography
Total area: 11,000 km2 Land area: 11,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: 60 km total; Saudi Arabia 40 km, UAE 20 km Coastline: 563 km Maritime claims: *** No entry for this item *** Continental shelf: not specific Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: location and status of Qatar's southern boundaries with Saudi Arabia and UAE are unresolved; territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Bahrain Climate: desert; hot, dry; humid and sultry in summer Terrain: mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, fish Land use: arable land NEGL%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 0%; other 95% Environment: haze, duststorms, sandstorms common; limited freshwater resources mean increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities Note: strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major crude oil sources
:Qatar People
Population: 484,387 (July 1992), growth rate 3.2% (1992) Birth rate: 21 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 4 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 15 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 24 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 69 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 4.0 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Qatari(s); adjective - Qatari Ethnic divisions: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14% Religions: Muslim 95% Languages: Arabic (official); English is commonly used as second language Literacy: 76% (male 77%, female 72%) age 15 and over can read and write (1986) Labor force: 104,000; 85% non-Qatari in private sector (1983) Organized labor: trade unions are illegal
:Qatar Government
Long-form name: State of Qatar Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Doha Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm Salal Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK) Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970 Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971) Executive branch: amir, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Heir Apparent HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir) Political parties and leaders: none Suffrage: none Elections: Advisory Council: constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total) Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Hamad `Abd al-`Aziz AL-KAWARI, Chancery at Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 338-0111 US: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH; Embassy at 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha (mailing address is P. O. Box 2399, Doha); telephone (0974) 864701 through 864703; FAX (0974) 861669 Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side
:Qatar Economy
Overview: Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for more than 85% of export earnings and roughly 75% of government revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.3 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for about 25 years. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP of about $15,000, comparable to the leading industrial countries. Production and export of natural gas is becoming increasingly important. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $7.4 billion, per capita $15,000; real growth rate NA (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.9% (1988 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $2.1 billion; expenditures $3.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $490 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $3.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: petroleum products 85%, steel, fertilizers partners: Japan 61%, Brazil 9%, UAE 3%, Singapore 3% Imports: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, beverages, animal and vegetable oils, chemicals, machinery and equipment partners: UK 13%, Japan 11%, US 8%, Italy 8% External debt: $1.1 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 0.6% (1987); accounts for 64% of GDP, including oil Electricity: 1,520,000 kW capacity; 4,200 million kWh produced, 8,080 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel, cement Agriculture: farming and grazing on small scale, less than 2% of GDP; commercial fishing increasing in importance; most food imported Economic aid: donor - pledged $2.7 billion in ODA to less developed countries (1979-88) Currency: Qatari riyal (plural - riyals); 1 Qatari riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams Exchange rates: Qatari riyals (QR) per US$1 - 3.6400 riyals (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Qatar Communications
Highways: 1,500 km total; 1,000 km paved, 500 km gravel or natural surface (est.) Pipelines: crude oil 235 km, natural gas 400 km Ports: Doha, Umm Sa'id, Halul Island Merchant marine: 23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 473,042 GRT/716,039 DWT; includes 14 cargo, 5 container, 3 petroleum tanker, 1 refrigerated cargo Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 4 total, 4 usable; 1 with permanent-surface runways; 1 with runways over 3,659 m; none with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: modern system centered in Doha; 110,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT
:Qatar Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Security Manpower availability: males 15-49, 211,812; 112,250 fit for military service; 3,414 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA%, of GDP
:Reunion Geography
Total area: 2,510 km2 Land area: 2,500 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: none Coastline: 201 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land 20%; permanent crops 2%; meadows and pastures 4%; forest and woodland 35%; other 39%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: periodic devastating cyclones Note: located 750 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean
:Reunion People
Population: 626,414 (July 1992), growth rate 2.1% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 77 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Reunionese (singular and plural); adjective - Reunionese Ethnic divisions: most of the population is of intermixed French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, and Indian ancestry Religions: Roman Catholic 94% Languages: French (official); Creole widely used Literacy: 69% (male 67%, female 74%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982) Labor force: NA; agriculture 30%, industry 21%, services 49% (1981); 63% of population of working age (1983) Organized labor: General Confederation of Workers of Reunion (CGTR)
:Reunion Government
Long-form name: Department of Reunion Type: overseas department of France Capital: Saint-Denis Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Executive branch: French president, commissioner of the Republic Legislative branch: General Council, Regional Council Judicial branch: Court of Appeals (Cour d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since July 1991) Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Francois MAS; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Gilbert GERARD; Communist Party of Reunion (PCR), Paul VERGES; France-Reunion Future (FRA), Andre THIEN AH KOON; Socialist Party (PS), Jean-Claude FRUTEAU; Social Democrats (CDS); other small parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held September/October 1988 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) PCR 9, PS 4, UDF 6, other left-wing 2, RPR 4, right-wing 19 Regional Council: last held 16 March 1986 (next to be held NA March 1992); results - RPR/UDF 36.8%, PCR 28.2%, FRA and other right wing 17.3%, PS 14.1%, other 3.6%; seats - (45 total) RPR/UDF 18, PCR 13, FRA and other right wing 8, PS 6 French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (3 total) RPR-UDF 1, PS 1, independent 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held NA June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (5 total) PCR 2, RPR 1, UDF-CDS 1, FRA 1; note - Reunion elects 3 members to the French Senate and 5 members to the French National Assembly who are voting members Communists: Communist party small but has support among sugarcane cutters, the minuscule Popular Movement for the Liberation of Reunion (MPLR), and in the district of Le Port Member of: FZ, WFTU
:Reunion Government
Diplomatic representation: as an overseas department of France, Reunionese interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used
:Reunion Economy
Overview: The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, which recently amounted to one-third of the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than other segments of the population, often approaching European standards, whereas indigenous groups suffer the poverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrates the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from France. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $3.37 billion, per capita $6,000 (1987 est.); real growth rate 9% (1987 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1988) Unemployment rate: 35% (February 1991) Budget: revenues $358 million; expenditures $914 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986) Exports: $166 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: sugar 75%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 4%, lobster 3%, vanilla and tea 1% partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA%; about 25% of GDP Electricity: 245,000 kW capacity; 546 million kWh produced, 965 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: sugar, rum, cigarettes, several small shops producing handicraft items Agriculture: accounts for 30% of labor force; dominant sector of economy; cash crops - sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco; food crops - tropical fruits, vegetables, corn; imports large share of food needs Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $14.8 billion Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.6397 (March 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987)
:Reunion Economy
Fiscal year: calendar year
:Reunion Communications
Highways: 2,800 km total; 2,200 km paved, 600 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized earth Ports: Pointe des Galets Civil air: 3 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: adequate system; modern open-wire and microwave network; principal center Saint-Denis; radiocommunication to Comoros, France, Madagascar; new microwave route to Mauritius; 85,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 13 FM, 1 (18 repeaters) TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Reunion Defense Forces
Branches: French Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie) Manpower availability: males 15-49, 164,974; 85,370 fit for military service; 6,083 reach military age (18) annually Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Romania Geography
Total area: 237,500 km2 Land area: 230,340 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon Land boundaries: 2,508 km total; Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia and Montenegro 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (south) 169 km Coastline: 225 km Maritime claims: Continental shelf: 200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms Terrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps Natural resources: crude oil (reserves being exhausted), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt Land use: arable land 43%; permanent crops 3%; meadows and pastures 19%; forest and woodland 28%; other 7%; includes irrigated 11% Environment: frequent earthquakes most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides; air pollution in south Note: controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and the Ukraine
:Romania People
Population: 23,169,914 (July 1992), growth rate 0.0% (1992) Birth rate: 14 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -3 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 68 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Romanian(s); adjective - Romanian Ethnic divisions: Romanian 89.1%, Hungarian 8.9%, German 0.4%, Ukrainian, Serb, Croat, Russian, Turk, and Gypsy 1.6% Religions: Romanian Orthodox 70%, Roman Catholic 6%, Greek Catholic (Uniate) 3%, Protestant 6%, unaffiliated 15% Languages: Romanian, Hungarian, German Literacy: 96% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write (1970 est.) Labor force: 10,945,700; industry 38%, agriculture 28%, other 34% (1989) Organized labor: until December 1989, a single trade union system organized by the General Confederation of Romanian Trade Unions (UGSR) under control of the Communist Party; since CEAUSESCU'S overthrow, newly created trade and professional trade unions are joining umbrella organizations, including the Organization of Free Trade Unions, Fratia (Brotherhood), and the Alfa Cartel; many other trade unions have been formed
:Romania Government
Long-form name: none Type: republic Capital: Bucharest Administrative divisions: 40 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea Independence: 1881 (from Turkey); republic proclaimed 30 December 1947 Constitution: 8 December 1991 Legal system: former mixture of civil law system and Communist legal theory that increasingly reflected Romanian traditions is being revised National holiday: National Day of Romania, 1 December (1990) Executive branch: *** No entry for this item *** president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or House of Deputies (Adunarea Deputatilor) Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice Leaders: Chief of State: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 June 1990, previously President of Provisional Council of National Unity since 23 December 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister Teodor STOLOJAN (since 2 October 1991) Political parties and leaders: National Salvation Front (FSN), Petre ROMAN; Democratuc National Salvation Front (DNSF), Olivia GHERMAN; Magyar Democratic Union (UDMR), Geza DOMOKOS; National Liberal Party (PNL), Radu CAMPEANU; National Peasants' Christian and Democratic Party (PNTCD), Corneliu COPOSU; Ecology Movement (MER), Toma Gheorghe MAIORESCU; Romanian National Unity Party (PUNR), Radu CEONTEA; there are now more than 100 other parties; note - although the Communist Party has ceased to exist, small proto-Communist parties, notably the Socialist Labor Party, have been formed Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA 1992); results - Ion ILIESCU 85%, Radu CAMPEANU 10.5%, Ion RATIU 3.8% Senate: last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA 1992); results - FSN 67%, other 33%; seats - (118 total) FSN 92, UDMR 12, PNL 9, PUNR 2, PNTCD 1, MER 1, other 1 House of Deputies: last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA 1992); results - FSN 66%, UDMR 7%, PNL 6%, MER 2%, PNTCD 2%, PUNR 2%, other 15%; seats - (387 total) FSN 263, UDMR 29, PNL 29, PNTCD 12, MER 12, PUNR 9, other 33
:Romania Government
Member of: BIS, CCC, CSCE, ECE, FAO, G-9, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBEC, IBRD, ICAO, IFAD, IFC, IIB, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM (guest), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Aurel MUNTEANU; Chancery at 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 232-4747 US: Ambassador John R. DAVIS; Embassy at Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest (mailing address is APO AE 09213-5260); telephone [40] (0) 10-40-40; FAX [40] (0) 12-03-95 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed; now similar to the flags of Andorra and Chad
:Romania Economy
Overview: Industry, which accounts for about one-third of the labor force and generates over half the GDP, suffers from an aging capital plant and persistent shortages of energy. The year 1991 witnessed about a 17% drop in industrial production because of energy and input shortages and labor unrest. In recent years the agricultural sector has had to contend with flooding, mismanagement, shortages of inputs, and disarray caused by the dismantling of cooperatives. A shortage of fuel and equipment in 1991 contributed to a lackluster harvest, a problem compounded by corruption and a poor distribution system. The new government is loosening the tight central controls of CEAUSESCU'S command economy. It has instituted moderate land reforms, with more than one-half of cropland now in private hands, and it has liberalized private agricultural output. Also, the new regime is permitting the establishment of private enterprises, largely in services, handicrafts, and small-scale industry. A law providing for the privatization of large state firms has been passed. Most of the large state firms have been converted into joint-stock companies, but the selling of shares and assets to private owners has been delayed. While the government has halted the old policy of diverting food from domestic consumption to hard currency export markets, supplies remain scarce in some areas. Furthermore, real wages in Romania fell about 20% in 1991, contributing to the unrest which forced the resignation of ROMAN in September. The new government continues to impose price ceilings on key consumer items. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $71.9 billion, per capita $3,100; real growth rate - 12% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 215% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues $19 billion; expenditures $20 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.1 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $4.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment 29.3%, fuels, minerals and metals 32.1%, manufactured consumer goods 18.1%, agricultural materials and forestry products 9.0%, other 11.5% (1989) partners: USSR 27%, Eastern Europe 23%, EC 15%, US 5%, China 4% (1987) Imports: $5.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: fuels, minerals, and metals 56.0%, machinery and equipment 25.5%, agricultural and forestry products 8.6%, manufactured consumer goods 3.4%, other 6.5% (1989) partners: Communist countries 60%, non-Communist countries 40% (1987) External debt: $2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate -17% (1991 est.) Electricity: 22,700,000 kW capacity; 64,200 million kWh produced, 2,760 kWh per capita (1990) Industries: mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, machine building, food processing, petroleum
:Romania Economy
Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 28% of labor force; major wheat and corn producer; other products - sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, milk, eggs, meat, grapes Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: donor - $4.4 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1956-89) Currency: leu (plural - lei); 1 leu (L) = 100 bani Exchange rates: lei (L) per US$1 - 198.00 (March 1992), 76.39 (1991), 22.432 (1990), 14.922 (1989), 14.277 (1988), 14.557 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Romania Communications
Railroads: 11,275 km total; 10,860 km 1.435-meter gauge, 370 km narrow gauge, 45 km broad gauge; 3,411 km electrified, 3,060 km double track; government owned (1987) Highways: 72,799 km total; 35,970 km paved; 27,729 km gravel, crushed stone, and other stabilized surfaces; 9,100 km unsurfaced roads (1985) Inland waterways: 1,724 km (1984) Pipelines: crude oil 2,800 km, petroleum products 1,429 km, natural gas 6,400 km Ports: Constanta, Galati, Braila, Mangalia; inland ports are Giurgiu, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Orsova Merchant marine: 262 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,320,373 GRT/5,207,580 DWT; includes 1 passenger-cargo, 174 cargo, 2 container, 1 rail-car carrier, 9 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13 petroleum tanker, 60 bulk, 2 combination ore/oil Civil air: 59 major transport aircraft Airports: 165 total, 165 usable; 25 with permanent-surface runways; 15 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: poor service; about 2.3 million telephone customers; 89% of phone network is automatic; cable and open wire; trunk network is microwave; present phone density is 9.85 per 100 residents; roughly 3,300 villages with no service (February 1990); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 5 FM, 13 TV (1990); 1 satellite ground station using INTELSAT
:Romania Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Civil Defense Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,799,837; 4,909,642 fit for military service; 184,913 reach military age (20) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - 50 billion lei (unofficial), NA% of GDP (1991); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results
:Russia Geography
Total area: 17,075,200 km2 Land area: 16,995,800 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 1.8 times the size of the US Land boundaries: 20,139 km total; Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 167 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km Coastline: 37,653 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: NA nm Continental shelf: 200-meter depth or to depth of exploitation Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Exclusive fishing zone: NA nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: inherited disputes from former USSR including: sections of the boundary with China, a section of the boundary with Tajikistan; boundary with Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia; Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan Islands and the Habomai island group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, claimed by Japan; maritime dispute with Norway over portion of the Barents Sea; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nation Climate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast Terrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions Natural resources: wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals; timber; note - formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources Land use: NA% arable land; NA% permanent crops; NA% meadows and pastures; NA% forest and woodland; NA% other; includes NA% irrigated Environment: despite its size, only a small percentage of land is arable and much is too far north; permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; catastrophic pollution of land, air, water, including both inland waterways and sea coasts Note: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world
:Russia People
Population: 149,527,479 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 15 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 11 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 31 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.1 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Russian(s); adjective - Russian Ethnic divisions: Estonian NA%, Latvian NA%, Lithuanian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Religions: Russian Orthodox NA%, unknown NA%, none NA%, other NA% Languages: Estonian NA%, Latvian NA%, Lithuanian NA%, Russian NA%, other NA% Literacy: NA% (male NA%, female NA%) age 15 and over can read and write Labor force: 78,682,000 (1989); industry and construction 43.0%, agriculture and forestry 13.0%, transport and communication 7.9%, trade and distribution 7.9%, other 28.2% Organized labor: NA
:Russia Government
Long-form name: Russian Federation Type: federation Capital: Moscow Administrative divisions: 20 autonomous republics (avtomnykh respublik, singular - automnaya respublika); Adygea (Maykop), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatia (Ulan-Ude), Checheno-Ingushetia (Groznyy), Chuvashia (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Gorno-Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Kabardino-Balkaria (Nal`chik), Kalmykia (Elista), Karachay-Cherkessia (Cherkessk), Karelia (Petrozavodsk), Khakassia (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mari El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordvinia (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz; formerly Ordzhonikidze), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tuva (Kyzyl), Udmurtia (Izhevsk), Yakutia (Yakutsk); 49 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Chita, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kamchata (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhegorod (Nizhniy Novgorod; formerly Gor'kiy), Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orel, Orenburg, Penza, Perm', Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara (formerly Kuybyshev), Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver' (formerly Kalinin), Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk, Vladmir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'; 6 krays (krayer, singular - kray); Altay (Barnaul), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Primorskiy (Vladivostok), Stavropol; note - the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg have oblast status; an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses); it is possible that 4 more administrative divisions will be added Independence: 24 August 1991, declared by Supreme Council (from Soviet Union; formerly Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic); 1 December 1991 referendum on independence passed Constitution: a new constitution is in the process of being drafted Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: NA Executive branch: president, vice president, Security Council, President's Administration, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: Congress of People's Deputies, Supreme Soviet Judicial branch: Constitutional Court Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: *** No entry for this item *** President Boris YEL'TSIN (since 12 June 1991), Vice President Aleksandr RUTSKOY (since 12 June 1991), State Secretary Gennadiy BURBULIS (since July 1991); 1st Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Yegor GAYDAR (since March 1992), 2nd Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Aleksandr SHOKHIN (since 7 November 1991)
:Russia Government
Political parties and leaders: Democratic Russia, A. Lev PONOMAREV and Gleb YAKUNIN, cochairmen; Democratic Party of Russia, Nikolay TRAVKIN, chairman; People's Party of Free Russia, Aleksandr RUTSKOY, chairman; Russian Movement for Democratic Reforms, Gavriil POPOV, chairman Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 12 June 1991 (next to be held 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA% Congress of People's Deputies: last held March 1990 (next to be held 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA%; seats - (1,063 total) number of seats by party NA Supreme Soviet: last held May 1990 (next to be held 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA%; seats - (252 total) number of seats by party NA Communists: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CIS, CSCE, ESCAP, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IMF, INTERPOL, IMO, INMARSAT, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZG Diplomatic representation: Ambassador LUKIN; Chancery at 1125 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone (202) 628-7551 US: Ambassador Robert S. STRAUSS; Embassy at Ulitsa Chaykovskogo 19/21/23, Moscow (mailing address is APO AE 09721); telephone [7] (095) 252-2450 through 59; there is a consulate at St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad); future consulates will be in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok Flag: tricolor; three equal bands of white (top), blue, red (bottom)
:Russia Economy
Overview: Russia, one of the world's largest economies, possesses a wealth of natural resources and a diverse industrial base. Within the now-dismantled USSR, it had produced 60% of total output, with 55% of the total labor force and 60% of the total capital stock. Russia depends on its world-class deposits of oil and gas not only for its own needs but also for vital hard currency earnings. Self-sufficient in coal and iron ore, it has a crude steel production capacity of about 95 million tons, second only to Japan. Russia's machine-building sector - 60% of the old USSR's - lags behind world standards of efficiency and quality of product. Other major industrial sectors - chemicals, construction materials, light industry, and food processing - also suffer from quality problems, obsolescent capital equipment, and pollution. Consumer goods have had lower priority, and the product mix has not mirrored household preferences. Furthermore, the transition to a more market-oriented economy has disrupted channels of supply to factories and distribution outlets; substantial imports of foods and medical supplies have helped maintain minimum standards of consumption. Russia inherited 70% of the former USSR's defense production facilities and is experiencing major social problems during conversion of many of these plants to civilian production. Russia produces almost half of the old USSR's farm products, but most warm-climate crops must be imported. Under the old USSR, production of industrial and agricultural goods often was concentrated in a single firm or a single republic. Today, producing units often have lost their major customers and their major sources of supply, and the market institutions and incentives for adjusting to the new political and economic situations are only slowly emerging. Rank-and-file Russians will continue to suffer major deprivations in 1992 and beyond before the country begins to realize its great economic potential. The comprehensive economic reform program enacted in January 1992 faces many economic and political hurdles before it will lead to sustained economic growth. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate - 9% (1991) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 89% (1991) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: NA Exports: $58.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, coal, nonferrous metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures partners: Western Europe, Japan, Eastern Europe Imports: $43.5 billion (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, consumer goods, grain, meat, semifinished metal products partners: Western and Eastern Europe, Japan, Third World countries, Cuba External debt: $40 billion (end of 1991 est.) Industrial production: -8% after adjustment for inflation due to shift to more expensive products, -2% before this adjustment (1991)
:Russia Economy
Electricity: 42,500 MW capacity; 1,100 billion kWh produced, 7,430 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; ship- building; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables Agriculture: grain, meat, milk, vegetables, fruits; because of its northern location Russia does not grow citrus, cotton, tea, and other warm climate products Illicit drugs: illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption; government has active eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $NA; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA; Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million Currency: ruble (plural - rubles); 1 ruble (R) = 100 kopeks Exchange rates: 150 rubles per US$1 (20 July 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations Fiscal year: calendar year
:Russia Communications
Railroads: 87,180 km all 1.520-meter broad gauge (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: 879,100 km total (1990); 652,500 km hard-surfaced, 226,600 km earth Inland waterways: NA km perennially navigable Pipelines: crude oil and petroleum products 68,400 km, natural gas NA km Ports: maritime - St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Arkhangel'sk, Novorossiysk, Vladivostok, Nakhodka, Kholmsk, Korsakov, Magadan, Tiksi, Tuapse, Vanino, Vostochnyy, Vyborg; inland - Astrakhan', Nizhniy Novgorod (Gor'kiy), Kazan', Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Samara (Kuybyshev), Moscow, Rostov, Volgograd Merchant marine: 842 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,151,393 GRT/11,308,812 DWT; includes 494 cargo, 39 container, 2 barge carrier, 3 roll-on/float-off, 69 roll-on/roll-off, 131 petroleum tanker, 53 bulk cargo, 9 chemical tanker, 2 specialized liquid carriers, 17 combination ore/oil, 23 passenger Civil air: NA major transport aircraft Airports: NA total, NA usable; NA with permanent-surface runways; NA with runways over 3,659 m; NA with runways 2,440-3,659 m; NA with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: the telephone system is inadequate for a large industrial country, consisting of about 36 million lines of which only about 3% are switched automatically; as of 31 January 1990, 10.8 million applications for telephones for household use could not be satisfied; telephone density is 11 per 100 persons; international connections are made via satellite, land line, microwave, and outdated submarine cables, and are generally unsatisfactory; the international gateway switch in Moscow handles international traffic for the other former Soviet republics as well as for Russia; broadcast stations - 1,050 AM/FM/SW (reach 98.6% of population), 310 TV (580 repeaters) (reach 98% of population); satellite ground stations - INTELSAT, Intersputnik, INMARSAT, Orbita
:Russia Defense Forces
Branches: Russian defence forces will be comprised of those ground-, air-, and sea-based conventional assets currently on Russian soil and those scheduled to be withdrawn from other countries; strategic forces will remain under CIS control Manpower availability: males 15-49, 36,288,000; 27,216,000 fit for military service; 1,020,341 reach military age (18) annually Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP
:Rwanda Geography
Total area: 26,340 km2 Land area: 24,950 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than Maryland Land boundaries: 893 km total; Burundi 290 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km, Zaire 217 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible Terrain: mostly grassy uplands and hills; mountains in west Natural resources: gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), natural gas, hydropower Land use: arable land 29%; permanent crops 11%; meadows and pastures 18%; forest and woodland 10%; other 32%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: deforestation; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; periodic droughts Note: landlocked
:Rwanda People
Population: 8,206,446 (July 1992), growth rate 3.8% (1992) Birth rate: 52 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 14 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 108 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 51 years male, 55 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 8.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Rwandan(s); adjective - Rwandan Ethnic divisions: Hutu 90%, Tutsi 9%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1% Religions: Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 1%, indigenous beliefs and other 25% Languages: Kinyarwanda, French (official); Kiswahili used in commercial centers Literacy: 50% (male 64%, female 37%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 3,600,000; agriculture 93%, government and services 5%, industry and commerce 2%; 49% of population of working age (1985) Organized labor: NA
:Rwanda Government
Long-form name: Republic of Rwanda Type: republic; presidential system in which military leaders hold key offices; on 31 December 1990, the government announced a National Political Charter to serve as a basis for transition to a presidential/parliamentary political system; the 1978 constitution was replaced in June 1991 via popular referendum by a new constitution creating a multiparty system with a president and prime minister Capital: Kigali Administrative divisions: 10 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture in French; plural - NA, singular - prefegitura in Kinyarwanda); Butare, Byumba, Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Rigali, Ruhengeri Independence: 1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration) Constitution: 18 June 1991 Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National Development Council (Conseil National de Developpement) Judicial branch: Constitutional Court (consists of the Court of Cassation and the Council of State in joint session) Leaders: Chief of State: President Maj. Gen. Juvenal HABYARIMANA (since 5 July 1973) Head of Government: Prime Minister Sylvestre NSANZIMANA (since NA October 1991) Political parties and leaders: Republican Revolutionary Movement for Democracy and Development (MRND), Maj. Gen. Juvenal HABYARIMANA; formerly a one-party state, Rwanda legalized independent parties in mid-1991; since then, at least 10 new political parties have registered; President HABYARIMANA's political movement - the National Revolutionary Movement for Development (MRND) - reorganized itself as a political party and changed its name to the Republican National Movement for Democracy and Development (but kept the same initials - MRND); significant independent parties include: Democratic Republican Movement (MDR), leader NA; Liberal Party (PL), leader NA; Democratic and Socialist Party (PSD), leader NA; note - since October 1990, Rwanda has been involved in a low-intensity conflict with the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPF/RPA); the RPF/RPA is primarily an ethnically based organization Suffrage: universal adult, exact age NA Elections: President: last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - President Maj. Gen. Juvenal HABYARIMANA reelected
:Rwanda Government
National Development Council: last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results - MRND is the only party; seats - (70 total) MRND 70 Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Aloys UWIMANA; Chancery at 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 232-2882 US: Ambassador Robert A. FLATEN; Embassy at Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali (mailing address is B. P. 28, Kigali); telephone [250] 75601 through 75603; FAX [250] 72128 Flag: three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green with a large black letter R centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Guinea, which has a plain yellow band
:Rwanda Economy
Overview: Almost 50% of GDP comes from the agricultural sector; coffee and tea make up 80-90% of total exports. The amount of fertile land is limited, however, and deforestation and soil erosion have created problems. The industrial sector in Rwanda is small, contributing only 17% to GDP. Manufacturing focuses mainly on the processing of agricultural products. The Rwandan economy remains dependent on coffee exports and foreign aid. Weak international prices since 1986 have caused the economy to contract and per capita GDP to decline. A structural adjustment program with the World Bank began in October 1990. An outbreak of insurgency, also in October, has dampened any prospects for economic improvement. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, per capita $300; real growth rate -6.8% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $391 million; expenditures $491 million, including capital expenditures of $225 million (1989 est.) Exports: $111.7 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: coffee 85%, tea, tin, cassiterite, wolframite, pyrethrum partners: Germany, Belgium, Italy, Uganda, UK, France, US Imports: $279.2 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: textiles, foodstuffs, machines and equipment, capital goods, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material partners: US, Belgium, Germany, Kenya, Japan External debt: $911 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1988); accounts for 17% of GDP Electricity: 30,000 kW capacity; 130 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: mining of cassiterite (tin ore) and wolframite (tungsten ore), tin, cement, agricultural processing, small-scale beverage production, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes Agriculture: accounts for almost 50% of GDP and about 90% of the labor force; cash crops - coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums); main food crops - bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; stock raising; self-sufficiency declining; country imports foodstuffs as farm production fails to keep up with a 3.8% annual growth in population Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $128 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.0 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $45 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $58 million; note - in October 1990 Rwanda launched a Structural Adjustment Program with the IMF; since September 1991, the EC has given $46 million and the US $25 million in support of this program Currency: Rwandan franc (plural - francs); 1 Rwandan franc (RF) = 100 centimes
:Rwanda Economy
Exchange rates: Rwandan francs (RF) per US$1 - 121.40 (January 1992), 125.14 (1991), 82.60 (1990), 79.98 (1989), 76.45 (1988), 79.67 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Rwanda Communications
Highways: 4,885 km total; 460 km paved, 1,725 km gravel and/or improved earth, 2,700 km unimproved Inland waterways: Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft Civil air: 2 major transport aircraft Airports: 8 total, 8 usable; 3 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runway 2,440-3,659 m;2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: fair system with low-capacity radio relay system centered on Kigali; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 (7 repeaters) FM, no TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 SYMPHONIE
:Rwanda Defense Forces
Branches: Army (including Air Wing), Gendarmerie Manpower availability: males 15-49, 1,719,936; 876,659 fit for military service; no conscription Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 1.6% of GDP (1988 est.)
:Saint Helena Geography
Total area: 410 km2 Land area: 410 km2; includes Ascension, Gough Island, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island, and Tristan da Cunha Comparative area: slightly more than 2.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 60 km Maritime claims: Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds Terrain: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains Natural resources: fish; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; no minerals Land use: arable land 7%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 7%; forest and woodland 3%; other 83% Environment: very few perennial streams Note: located 1,920 km west of Angola, about two-thirds of the way between South America and Africa; Napoleon Bonaparte's place of exile and burial; the remains were taken to Paris in 1840
:Saint Helena People
Population: 6,698 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 10 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 40 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 72 years male, 76 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Saint Helenian(s); adjective - Saint Helenian Ethnic divisions: NA Religions: Anglican majority; also Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Roman Catholic Languages: English Literacy: 98% (male 97%, female 98%) age 15 and over can read and write (1987) Labor force: NA Organized labor: Saint Helena General Workers' Union, 472 members; crafts 17%, professional and technical 10%, service 10%, management and clerical 9%, farming and fishing 9%, transport 6%, sales 5%, and other 34%
:Saint Helena Government
Long-form name: none Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Jamestown Administrative divisions: 1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha* Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) Constitution: 1 January 1967 Legal system: NA National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June), 10 June 1989 Executive branch: British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government: Governor A. N. HOOLE Political parties and leaders: Saint Helena Labor Party, leader NA; Saint Helena Progressive Party, leader NA; note - both political parties inactive since 1976 Suffrage: NA Elections: Legislative Council: last held October 1984 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) number of seats by party NA Member of: ICFTU Diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship
:Saint Helena Economy
Overview: The economy depends primarily on financial assistance from the UK. The local population earns some income from fishing, the rearing of livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, a large proportion of the work force has left to seek employment overseas. GDP: $NA, per capita $NA; real growth rate NA% Inflation rate (consumer prices): -1.1% (1986) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $3.2 million; expenditures $2.9 million, including capital expenditures of NA (1984) Exports: $23.9 thousand (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: fish (frozen and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), handicrafts partners: South Africa, UK Imports: $2.4 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts partners: UK, South Africa External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 9,800 kW capacity; 10 million kWh produced, 1,390 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fish Agriculture: maize, potatoes, vegetables; timber production being developed; crawfishing on Tristan da Cunha Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $198 million Currency: Saint Helenian pound (plural - pounds); 1 Saint Helenian pound (#S) = 100 pence Exchange rates: Saint Helenian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 0.5799 (March 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987); note - the Saint Helenian pound is at par with the British pound Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
:Saint Helena Communications
Highways: 87 km paved roads, 20 km earth roads on Saint Helena; 80 km paved roads on Ascension; 2.7 km paved roads on Tristan da Cunha Ports: Jamestown (Saint Helena), Georgetown (Ascension) Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runway 2,440-3,659 m on Ascension Telecommunications: 1,500 radio receivers; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 550 telephones in automatic network; HF radio links to Ascension, then into worldwide submarine cable and satellite networks; major coaxial submarine cable relay point between South Africa, Portugal, and UK at Ascension; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations
:Saint Helena Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Geography
Total area: 269 km2 Land area: 269 km2 Comparative area: slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 135 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: subtropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Terrain: volcanic with mountainous interiors Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 22%; permanent crops 17%; meadows and pastures 3%; forest and woodland 17%; other 41% Environment: subject to hurricanes (July to October) Note: located 320 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico
:Saint Kitts and Nevis People
Population: 40,061 (July 1992), growth rate 0.3% (1992) Birth rate: 22 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 10 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -9 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 22 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 63 years male, 69 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Kittsian(s), Nevisian(s); adjective - Kittsian, Nevisian Ethnic divisions: mainly of black African descent Religions: Anglican, other Protestant sects, Roman Catholic Languages: English Literacy: 98% (male 98%, female 98%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 20,000 (1981) Organized labor: 6,700
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Government
Long-form name: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis; formerly Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Basseterre Administrative divisions: 14 parishs; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capisterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capisterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point Independence: 19 September 1983 (from UK) Constitution: 19 September 1983 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir Clement Athelston ARRINDELL (since 19 September 1983, previously Governor General of the Associated State since NA November 1981) Head of Government: Prime Minister Dr. Kennedy Alphonse SIMMONDS (since 19 September 1983, previously Premier of the Associated State since NA February 1980); Deputy Prime Minister Michael Oliver POWELL (since NA) Political parties and leaders: People's Action Movement (PAM), Kennedy SIMMONDS; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS; Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Simeon DANIEL; Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Vance AMORY Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Elections: House of Assembly: last held 21 March 1989 (next to be held by 21 March 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total, 11 elected) PAM 6, SKNLP 2, NRP 2, CCM 1 Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IMF, INTERPOL, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO Diplomatic representation: Minister-Counselor (Deputy Chief of Mission), Charge d'Affaires ad interim Aubrey Eric HART; Chancery at Suite 608, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 833-3550 US: no official presence since the Charge resides in Saint John's (Antigua and Barbuda)
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Government
Flag: divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Economy
Overview: The economy has historically depended on the growing and processing of sugarcane and on remittances from overseas workers. In recent years, tourism and export-oriented manufacturing have assumed larger roles. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $146.6 million, per capita $3,650; real growth rate 2.1% (1990) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (1990) Unemployment rate: 15% (1989) Budget: revenues $38.1 million; expenditures $68 million, including capital expenditures of $31.5 million (1991) Exports: $24.6 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: sugar, clothing, electronics, postage stamps partners: US 53%, UK 22%, Trinidad and Tobago 5%, OECS 5% (1988) Imports: $103.2 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, intermediate manufactures, machinery, fuels partners: US 36%, UK 17%, Trinidad and Tobago 6%, Canada 3%, Japan 3%, OECS 4% (1988) External debt: $26.4 million (1988) Industrial production: growth rate 11.8% (1988 est.); accounts for 17% of GDP Electricity: 15,800 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 1,117 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages Agriculture: cash crop - sugarcane; subsistence crops - rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fishing potential not fully exploited; most food imported Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-88), $10.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $67 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Communications
Railroads: 58 km 0.760-meter gauge on Saint Kitts for sugarcane Highways: 300 km total; 125 km paved, 125 km otherwise improved, 50 km unimproved earth Ports: Basseterre (Saint Kitts), Charlestown (Nevis) Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; none with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good interisland VHF/UHF/SHF radio connections and international link via Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin; 2,400 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV
:Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force, Coast Guard Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Saint Lucia Geography
Total area: 620 km2 Land area: 610 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 158 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to April, rainy season from May to August Terrain: volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys Natural resources: forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential Land use: arable land 8%; permanent crops 20%; meadows and pastures 5%; forest and woodland 13%; other 54%; includes irrigated 2% Environment: subject to hurricanes and volcanic activity; deforestation; soil erosion Note: located 700 km southeast of Puerto Rico
:Saint Lucia People
Population: 151,774 (July 1992), growth rate 1.7% (1992) Birth rate: 26 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -4 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 18 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 70 years male, 75 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Saint Lucian(s); adjective - Saint Lucian Ethnic divisions: African descent 90.3%, mixed 5.5%, East Indian 3.2%, Caucasian 0.8% Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 7%, Anglican 3% Languages: English (official), French patois Literacy: 67% (male 65%, female 69%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1980) Labor force: 43,800; agriculture 43.4%, services 38.9%, industry and commerce 17.7% (1983 est.) Organized labor: 20% of labor force
:Saint Lucia Government
Long-form name: none Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Castries Administrative divisions: 11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort Independence: 22 February 1979 (from UK) Constitution: 22 February 1979 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 22 February (1979) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Assembly Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor General Sir Stanislaus Anthony JAMES (since 10 October 1988) Head of Government: Prime Minister John George Melvin COMPTON (since 3 May 1982) Political parties and leaders: United Workers' Party (UWP), John COMPTON; Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP), Julian HUNTE; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), George ODLUM Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 6 April 1987 (next to be held by 27 April 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) UWP 10, SLP 7 Member of: ACCT (associate), ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel EDMUNDS; Chancery at Suite 309, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 30037; telephone (202) 463-7378 or 7379; there is a Saint Lucian Consulate General in New York US: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados) Flag: blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border
:Saint Lucia Economy
Overview: Since 1983 the economy has shown an impressive average annual growth rate of almost 5% because of strong agricultural and tourist sectors. Saint Lucia also possesses an expanding industrial base supported by foreign investment in manufacturing and other activities, such as in data processing. The economy, however, remains vulnerable because the important agricultural sector is dominated by banana production. Saint Lucia is subject to periodic droughts and/or tropical storms, and its protected market agreement with the UK for bananas may end in 1992. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $295 million, per capita $1,930; real growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.2% (1990) Unemployment rate: 16.0% (1988) Budget: revenues $131 million; expenditures $149 million, including capital expenditures of $71 million (FY90 est.) Exports: $127 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: bananas 54%, clothing 17%, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil partners: UK 51%, CARICOM 20%, US 19%, other 10% Imports: $270 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: manufactured goods 23%, machinery and transportation equipment 27%, food and live animals 18%, chemicals 10%, fuels 6% partners: US 35%, CARICOM 16%, UK 15%, Japan 7%, Canada 4%, other 23% External debt: $54.5 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 3.5% (1990 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: 32,500 kW capacity; 112 million kWh produced, 732 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated boxes, tourism, lime processing, coconut processing Agriculture: accounts for 16% of GDP and 43% of labor force; crops - bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus fruit, root crops, cocoa; imports food for the tourist industry Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $120 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)
:Saint Lucia Communications
Highways: 760 km total; 500 km paved; 260 km otherwise improved Ports: Castries Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 3,659 m; 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 Telecommunications: fully automatic telephone system; 9,500 telephones; direct microwave link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; interisland troposcatter link to Barbados; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (cable)
:Saint Lucia Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Coast Guard Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon Geography
Total area: 242 km2 Land area: 242 km2; includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups Comparative area: slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 120 km Maritime claims: Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France Climate: cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy Terrain: mostly barren rock Natural resources: fish, deepwater ports Land use: arable land 13%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 4%; other 83% Environment: vegetation scanty Note: located 25 km south of Newfoundland, Canada, in the North Atlantic Ocean
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon People
Population: 6,513 (July 1992), growth rate 0.4% (1992) Birth rate: 9 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 1 migrant/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 10 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 75 years male, 78 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women); adjective - French Ethnic divisions: originally Basques and Bretons (French fishermen) Religions: Roman Catholic 98% Languages: French Literacy: 99% (male 99%, female 99%) age 15 and over can read and write (1982) Labor force: 2,850 (1988) Organized labor: Workers' Force trade union
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon Government
Long-form name: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Saint-Pierre Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France); note - has been under French control since 1763 Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law National holiday: National Day, 14 July (Taking of the Bastille) Executive branch: French president, commissioner of the Republic Legislative branch: unicameral General Council Judicial branch: Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Leaders: Chief of State: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) Head of Government: Commissioner of the Republic Jean-Pierre MARQUIE (since February 1989); President of the General Council Marc PLANTEGENET (since NA) Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party (PS); Union for French Democracy (UDF/CDS), Gerard GRIGNON Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: General Council: last held September-October 1988 (next to be held NA September 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (19 total) Socialist and other left-wing parties 13, UDF and right-wing parties 6 French President: last held 8 May 1988 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - (second ballot) Jacques CHIRAC 56%, Francois MITTERRAND 44% French Senate: last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1992); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PS 1 French National Assembly: last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held NA June 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDF/CDS 1; note - Saint Pierre and Miquelon elects 1 member each to the French Senate and the French National Assembly who are voting members Member of: FZ, WFTU Diplomatic representation: as a territorial collectivity of France, local interests are represented in the US by France Flag: the flag of France is used
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon Economy
Overview: The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre has dropped steadily over the years. In March 1989, an agreement between France and Canada set fish quotas for Saint Pierre's trawlers fishing in Canadian and Canadian-claimed waters for three years. The agreement settles a longstanding dispute that had virtually brought fish exports to a halt. The islands are heavily subsidized by France. Imports come primarily from Canada and France. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $60 million, per capita $9,500; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 9.6% (1990) Budget: revenues $18.3 million; expenditures $18.3 million, including capital expenditures of $5.5 million (1989) Exports: $25.5 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish and fish products, fox and mink pelts partners: US 58%, France 17%, UK 11%, Canada, Portugal Imports: $87.2 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials partners: Canada, France, US, Netherlands, UK External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: 10,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 3,970 kWh per capita (1989) Industries: fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism Agriculture: vegetables, cattle, sheep and pigs for local consumption; fish catch, 20,500 metric tons (1989) Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 million Currency: French franc (plural - francs); 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.6397 (March 1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988), 6.0107 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon Communications
Highways: 120 km total; 60 km paved (1985) Ports: Saint Pierre Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways, none with runways over 2,439 m; 1 with runway 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: 3,601 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 FM, no TV; radio communication with most countries in the world; 1 earth station in French domestic satellite system
:Saint Pierre and Miquelon Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Geography
Total area: 340 km2 Land area: 340 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 84 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November) Terrain: volcanic, mountainous; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land 38%; permanent crops 12%; meadows and pastures 6%; forest and woodland 41%; other 3%; includes irrigated 3% Environment: subject to hurricanes; Soufriere volcano is a constant threat Note: some islands of the Grenadines group are administered by Grenada
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines People
Population: 115,339 (July 1992), growth rate 1.1% (1992) Birth rate: 23 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 5 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: -7 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 19 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 71 years male, 74 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 2.4 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s); adjectives - Saint Vincentian or Vincentian Ethnic divisions: mainly of black African descent; remainder mixed, with some white, East Indian, Carib Indian Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: English, some French patois Literacy: 96% (male 96%, female 96%) age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) Labor force: 67,000 (1984 est.) Organized labor: 10% of labor force
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Government
Long-form name: none Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Kingstown Administrative divisions: 6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick Independence: 27 October 1979 (from UK) Constitution: 27 October 1979 Legal system: based on English common law National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1979) Executive branch: British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General David JACK (since 29 September 1989) Head of Government: Prime Minister James F. MITCHELL (since 30 July 1984) Political parties and leaders: New Democratic Party (NDP), James (Son) MITCHELL; Saint Vincent Labor Party (SVLP), Vincent BEACHE; United People's Movement (UPM), Adrian SAUNDERS; Movement for National Unity (MNU), Ralph GONSALVES; National Reform Party (NRP), Joel MIGUEL Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: House of Assembly: last held 16 May 1989 (next to be held NA July 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total; 15 elected representatives and 6 appointed senators) NDP 15 Member of: ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Kingsley LAYNE; 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20036; telephone NA US: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados) Flag: three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern *** No entry for this item ***
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Economy
Overview: Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of the economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist industry, is also important. The economy continues to have a high unemployment rate of 30% because of an overdependence on the weather-plagued banana crop as a major export earner. Government progress toward diversifying into new industries has been relatively unsuccessful. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $146 million, per capita $1,300; real growth rate 5.9% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.0% (1990) Unemployment rate: 30% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $62 million; expenditures $67 million, including capital expenditures of $21 million (FY90 est.) Exports: $75 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch, tennis racquets, flour partners: UK 43%, CARICOM 37%, US 15% Imports: $130 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels partners: US 42%, CARICOM 19%, UK 15% External debt: $50.9 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate 0% (1989); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: 16,594 kW capacity; 64 million kWh produced, 560 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: food processing (sugar, flour), cement, furniture, clothing, starch, sheet metal, beverage Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP and 60% of labor force; provides bulk of exports; products - bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, hogs, goats; small fish catch used locally Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $11 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $81 million Currency: East Caribbean dollar (plural - dollars); 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: calendar year (as of January 1991); previously 1 July - 30 June
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Communications
Highways: about 1,000 km total; 300 km paved; 400 km improved; 300 km unimproved Ports: Kingstown Merchant marine: 407 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,388,427 GRT/5,511,325 DWT; includes 3 passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 222 cargo, 22 container, 19 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 24 petroleum tanker, 7 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 73 bulk, 13 combination bulk, 2 vehicle carrier, 1 livestock carrier, 1 specialized tanker; note - China owns 3 ships; a flag of convenience registry Civil air: no major transport aircraft Airports: 6 total, 6 usable; 4 with permanent-surface runways; none with runways over 2,439 m; 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: islandwide fully automatic telephone system; 6,500 telephones; VHF/UHF interisland links from Saint Vincent to Barbados and the Grenadines; new SHF links to Grenada and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV (cable)
:Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Defense Forces
Branches: Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard Manpower availability: NA Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:San Marino Geography
Total area: 60 km2 Land area: 60 km2 Comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 39 km; Italy 39 km Coastline: none - landlocked Maritime claims: none - landlocked Disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers Terrain: rugged mountains Natural resources: building stones Land use: arable land 17%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 0%; forest and woodland 0%; other 83% Environment: dominated by the Appenines Note: landlocked; world's smallest republic; enclave of Italy
:San Marino People
Population: 23,404 (July 1992), growth rate 0.6% (1992) Birth rate: 8 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 5 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 8 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 79 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 1.3 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Sanmarinese (singular and plural); adjective - Sanmarinese Ethnic divisions: Sanmarinese, Italian Religions: Roman Catholic Languages: Italian Literacy: 96% (male 96%, female 95%) age 14 and over can read and write (1976) Labor force: about 4,300 Organized labor: Democratic Federation of Sanmarinese Workers (affiliated with ICFTU) has about 1,800 members; Communist-dominated General Federation of Labor, 1,400 members
:San Marino Government
Long-form name: Republic of San Marino Type: republic Capital: San Marino Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle Independence: 301 AD (by tradition) Constitution: 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution Legal system: based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic, 3 September Executive branch: two captains regent, Congress of State (cabinet); real executive power is wielded by the secretary of state for foreign affairs and the secretary of state for internal affairs Legislative branch: unicameral Great and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale) Judicial branch: Council of Twelve (Consiglio dei XII) Leaders: Co-Chiefs of State: Captain Regent Edda CETCOLI and Captain Regent Marino RICCARDI (since 1 October 1991) Head of Government: Secretary of State Gabriele GATTI (since July 1986) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Party (DCS), Piermarino MENICUCCI; San Marino Democratic Progressive Party (PPDS) formerly San Marino Communist Party (PCS), Gilberto GHIOTTI; San Marino Socialist Party (PSS), Remy GIACOMINI; Unitary Socialst Party (PSU); Democratic Movement (MD), Emilio Della BALDA; San Marino Social Democratic Party (PSDS), Augusto CASALI; San Marino Republican Party (PRS), Cristoforo BUSCARINI Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: Great and General Council: last held 29 May 1988 (next to be held by NA May 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) DCS 27, PCS 18, PSU 8, PSS 7 Communists: about 300 members Member of: CE, CSCE, ICAO, ICFTU, ILO, IMF (observer), IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM (guest), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WTO Diplomatic representation: San Marino maintains honorary Consulates General in Washington and New York and an honorary Consulate in Detroit
:San Marino Government
US: no mission in San Marino, but the Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San Marino; Consulate General at Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38, 50123 Firenze, Italy (mailing address is APO AE 09613; telephone [39] (55) 239-8276 through 8279 and 217-605; FAX [39] (55) 284-088 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word Flag: AS (Liberty)
:San Marino Economy
Overview: More than 2 million tourists visit each year, contributing about 60% to GDP. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is another important income producer. The manufacturing sector employs nearly 40% of the labor force and agriculture less than 4%. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to northern Italy. GDP: purchasing power equivalent - $400 million, per capita $17,000; real growth rate NA% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1990) Unemployment rate: 6.5% (1985) Budget: revenues $99.2 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1983) Exports: *** No entry for this item *** trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodity trade consists primarily of exchanging building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, and ceramics for a wide variety of consumer manufactures Imports: see External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: supplied by Italy Industries: wine, olive oil, cement, leather, textile, tourism Agriculture: employs less than 4% of labor force; products - wheat, grapes, corn, olives, meat, cheese, hides; small numbers of cattle, pigs, horses; depends on Italy for food imports Economic aid: NA Currency: Italian lira (plural - lire); 1 Italian lira (Lit) = 100 centesimi; also mints its own coins Exchange rates: Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,248.4 (March 1992), 1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1,372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988), 1,296.1 (1987) Fiscal year: calendar year
:San Marino Communications
Highways: 104 km Telecommunications: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system; 11,700 telephones; broadcast services from Italy; microwave and cable links into Italian networks; no communication satellite facilities
:San Marino Defense Forces
Branches: public security or police force of less than 50 people Manpower availability: all fit men ages 16-60 constitute a militia that can serve as an army Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Sao Tome and Principe Geography
Total area: 960 km2 Land area: 960 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: none Coastline: 209 km Maritime claims: (measured from claimed archipelagic baselines) Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May) Terrain: volcanic, mountainous Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops 20%; meadows and pastures 1%; forest and woodland 75%; other 3% Environment: deforestation; soil erosion Note: located south of Nigeria and west of Gabon near the Equator in the North Atlantic Ocean
:Sao Tome and Principe People
Population: 132,338 (July 1992), growth rate 2.9% (1992) Birth rate: 38 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 58 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 64 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 5.2 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Sao Tomean(s); adjective - Sao Tomean Ethnic divisions: mestico, angolares (descendents of Angolan slaves), forros (descendents of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), and Europeans (primarily Portuguese) Religions: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: Portuguese (official) Literacy: 57% (male 73%, female 42%) age 15 and over can read and write (1981) Labor force: 21,096 (1981); most of population engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; labor shortages on plantations and of skilled workers; 56% of population of working age (1983) Organized labor: NA
:Sao Tome and Principe Government
Long-form name: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe Type: republic Capital: Sao Tome Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao Tome Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal) Constitution: 5 November 1975, approved 15 December 1982 Legal system: based on Portuguese law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975) Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet) Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Assembleia Popular Nacional) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Leaders: Chief of State: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991) Head of Government: Prime Minister Noberto COSTA ALEGRE (since 16 May 1992) Political parties and leaders: Party for Democratic Convergence-Reflection Group (PCD-GR), Prime Minister Daniel Lima Dos Santos DAIO, secretary general; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP), Carlos da GRACA; Christian Democratic Front (FDC), Alphonse Dos SANTOS; Democratic Opposition Coalition (CODO), leader NA; other small parties Suffrage: universal at age 18 Elections: President: last held 3 March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Miguel TROVOADA was elected without opposition in Sao Tome's first multiparty presidential election National People's Assembly: last held 20 January 1991 (next to be held NA January 1996); results - PCD-GR 54.4%, MLSTP 30.5%, CODO 5.2%, FDC 1.5%, other 8.3%; seats - (55 total) PCD-GR 33, MLSTP 21, CODO 1; note - this was the first multiparty election in Sao Tome and Principe Member of: ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Joaquim Rafael BRANCO; Chancery (temporary) at 801 Second Avenue, Suite 603, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 697-4211 US: Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands
:Sao Tome and Principe Government
Flag: three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
:Sao Tome and Principe Economy
Overview: The economy has remained dependent on cocoa since the country gained independence nearly 15 years ago. Since then, however, cocoa production has gradually deteriorated because of drought and mismanagement, so that by 1987 output had fallen to less than 50% of its former levels. As a result, a shortage of cocoa for export has created a serious balance-of-payments problem. Production of less important crops, such as coffee, copra, and palm kernels, has also declined. The value of imports generally exceeds that of exports by a ratio of 4:1. The emphasis on cocoa production at the expense of other food crops has meant that Sao Tome has to import 90% of food needs. It also has to import all fuels and most manufactured goods. Over the years, Sao Tome has been unable to service its external debt, which amounts to roughly 80% of export earnings. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also implemented a Five-Year Plan covering 1986-90 to restructure the economy and reschedule external debt service payments in cooperation with the International Development Association and Western lenders. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $46.0 million, per capita $400; real growth rate 1.5% (1989) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 36% (1989) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues $10.2 million; expenditures $36.8 million, including capital expenditures of $22.5 million (1989) Exports: $4.4 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: cocoa 85%, copra, coffee, palm oil partners: FRG, GDR, Netherlands, China Imports: $21.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.) commodities: machinery and electrical equipment 54%, food products 23%, other 23% partners: Portugal, GDR, Angola, China External debt: $147 million (1990 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.1% (1986) Electricity: 5,000 kW capacity; 10 million kWh produced, 80 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: light construction, shirts, soap, beer, fisheries, shrimp processing Agriculture: dominant sector of economy, primary source of exports; cash crops - cocoa (85%), coconuts, palm kernels, coffee; food products - bananas, papaya, beans, poultry, fish; not self-sufficient in food grain and meat Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $8 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $89 million Currency: dobra (plural - dobras); 1 dobra (Db) = 100 centimos
:Sao Tome and Principe Economy
Exchange rates: dobras (Db) per US$1 - 260.0 (November 1991), 122.48 (December 1988), 72.827 (1987), 36.993 (1986) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Sao Tome and Principe Communications
Highways: 300 km (two-thirds are paved); roads on Principe are mostly unpaved and in need of repair Ports: Sao Tome, Santo Antonio Civil air: 10 major transport aircraft Airports: 2 total, 2 usable; 2 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: minimal system; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station
:Sao Tome and Principe Defense Forces
Branches: Army, Navy, National Police Manpower availability: males 15-49, 30,188; 15,918 fit for military service Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
:Saudi Arabia Geography
Total area: 1,945,000 km2 Land area: 1,945,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US Land boundaries: 4,532 km total; Iraq 808 km, Jordan 742 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 40 km, UAE 586 km, Yemen 1,458 km Coastline: 2,510 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 18 nm Continental shelf: not specific Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: no defined boundaries with Yemen; location and status of Saudi Arabia's boundaries with Qatar and UAE are unresolved; Kuwaiti ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim Islands is disputed by Saudi Arabia Climate: harsh, dry desert with great extremes of temperature Terrain: mostly uninhabited, sandy desert Natural resources: crude oil, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper Land use: arable land 1%; permanent crops NEGL%; meadows and pastures 39%; forest and woodland 1%; other 59%; includes irrigated NEGL% Environment: no perennial rivers or permanent water bodies; developing extensive coastal seawater desalination facilities; desertification Note: extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal
:Saudi Arabia People
Population: 17,050,934 (July 1992), growth rate 3.3% (1992); note - the population figure is based on growth since the last official Saudi census of 1974 that reported a total of 7 million persons and included foreign workers; estimates from other sources may be 15-30% lower Birth rate: 39 births/1,000 population (1992) Death rate: 6 deaths/1,000 population (1992) Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1,000 population (1992) Infant mortality rate: 59 deaths/1,000 live births (1992) Life expectancy at birth: 65 years male, 68 years female (1992) Total fertility rate: 6.7 children born/woman (1992) Nationality: noun - Saudi(s); adjective - Saudi or Saudi Arabian Ethnic divisions: Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Arabic Literacy: 62% (male 73%, female 48%) age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) Labor force: 5,000,000; about 60% are foreign workers; government 34%, industry and oil 28%, services 22%, and agriculture 16% Organized labor: trade unions are illegal
:Saudi Arabia Government
Long-form name: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Type: monarchy Capital: Riyadh Administrative divisions: 14 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah, Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Al Qurayyat, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah, `Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk Independence: 23 September 1932 (unification) Constitution: none; governed according to Shari`a (Islamic law) Legal system: based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction National holiday: Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932) Executive branch: monarch and prime minister, crown prince and deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers Legislative branch: none Judicial branch: Supreme Council of Justice Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government: King and Prime Minister FAHD bin `Abd al-`Aziz Al Sa`ud (since 13 June 1982); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister `ABDALLAH bin `Abd al-`Aziz Al Sa`ud (half-brother to the King, appointed heir to the throne 13 June 1982) Suffrage: none Elections: none Member of: ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation: Ambassador BANDAR Bin Sultan; Chancery at 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037; telephone (202) 342-3800; there are Saudi Arabian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, and New York US: Ambassador Charles W. FREEMAN, Jr.; Embassy at Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh (mailing address is American Embassy, Unit 61307, Riyadh; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693; or APO AE 09803-1307); telephone [966] (1) 488-3800; Telex 406866; there are US Consulates General in Dhahran and Jiddah (Jeddah) Flag: green with large white Arabic script (that may be translated as There is no God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God) above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); green is the traditional color of Islam
:Saudi Arabia Economy
Overview: The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 70% of budget revenues, 37% of GDP, and almost all export earnings. Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves of petroleum in the world, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. For the 1990s the government intends to encourage private economic activity and to foster the gradual process of turning Saudi Arabia into a modern industrial state that retains traditional Islamic values. GDP: exchange rate conversion - $104 billion, per capita $5,800; real growth rate 1.5% (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: 0% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues $40.3 billion; expenditures $48.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $44.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 85% partners: US 22%, Japan 22%, Singapore 7%, France 6% Imports: $21.5 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: manufactured goods, transportation equipment, construction materials, processed food products partners: US 16%, UK 14%, Japan 14%, FRG 7% External debt: $18.9 billion (December 1989 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -1.1% (1989 est.); accounts for 37% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: 30,000,000 kW capacity; 60,000 million kWh produced, 3,300 kWh per capita (1991) Industries: crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, cement, small steel-rolling mill, construction, fertilizer, plastic Agriculture: accounts for about 10% of GDP, 16% of labor force; fastest growing economic sector; subsidized by government; products - wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus fruit, mutton, chickens, eggs, milk; approaching self-sufficiency in food Economic aid: donor - pledged $64.7 billion in bilateral aid (1979-89) Currency: Saudi riyal (plural - riyals); 1 Saudi riyal (SR) = 100 halalas Exchange rates: Saudi riyals (SR) per US$1 - 3.7450 (fixed rate since late 1986), 3.7033 (1986) Fiscal year: calendar year
:Saudi Arabia Communications
Railroads: 886 km 1.435-meter standard gauge Highways: 74,000 km total; 35,000 km paved, 39,000 km gravel and improved earth Pipelines: crude oil 6,400 km, petroleum products 150 km, natural gas 2,200 km, includes natural gas liquids 1,600 km Ports: Jiddah, Ad Dammam, Ras Tanura, Jizan, Al Jubayl, Yanbu al Bahr, Yanbu al Sinaiyah Merchant marine: 8l ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 884,470 GRT/1,254,882 DWT; includes 1 passenger, 7 short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 14 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 container, 6 refrigerated cargo, 5 livestock carrier, 24 petroleum tanker, 7 chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 1 specialized tanker, 1 bulk Civil air: 104 major transport aircraft available Airports: 211 total, 191 usable; 70 with permanent-surface runways; 14 with runways over 3,659 m; 37 with runways 2,440-3,659 m; 105 with runways 1,220-2,439 m Telecommunications: good system with extensive microwave and coaxial and fiber optic cable systems; 1,624,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 43 AM, 13 FM, 80 TV; radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; submarine cable to Djibouti, Egypt and Bahrain; earth stations - 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, 1 INMARSAT
:Saudi Arabia Defense Forces
Branches: Land Force (Army), Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, National Guard, Coast Guard, Frontier Forces, Special Security Force, Public Security Force Manpower availability: males 15-49, 5,619,147; 3,118,261 fit for military service; 133,314 reach military age (17) annually Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $14.5 billion, 13% of GDP (1992 budget)
:Senegal Geography
Total area: 196,190 km2 Land area: 192,000 km2 Comparative area: slightly smaller than South Dakota Land boundaries: 2,640 km total; The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km Coastline: 531 km Maritime claims: Contiguous zone: 24 nm Continental shelf: edge of continental margin or 200 nm Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm Territorial sea: 12 nm Disputes: short section of the boundary with The Gambia is indefinite; the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 12 November 1991 rendered its decision on the Guinea-Bissau/ Senegal maritime boundary in favor of Senegal - that decision has been rejected by Guinea-Bissau; boundary with Mauritania Climate: tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (December to April) has strong southeast winds; dry season (May to November) dominated by hot, dry harmattan wind Terrain: generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast Natural resources: fish, phosphates, iron ore Land use: arable land 27%; permanent crops 0%; meadows and pastures 30%; forest and woodland 31%; other 12%; includes irrigated 1% Environment: lowlands seasonally flooded; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification Note: The Gambia is almost an enclave
:Senegal People