← The 2005 CIA World Factbook

The 2005 CIA World Factbook (part 10 of 17)

Part 10 of 17 · United States. Central Intelligence Agency · Public domain text

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The 2005 CIA World Factbook (part 10 of 17)

Kuwait 6.8% (2004 est.)

Kyrgyzstan 6% (2004 est.)

Laos 6% (2004 est.)

Latvia 7.6% (2004 est.)

Lebanon 4% (2004 est.)

Lesotho 3.3% (2004 est.)

Liberia 21.8% (2004 est.)

Libya 4.9% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein 11% (1999 est.)

Lithuania 6.6% (2004 est.)

Luxembourg 2.3% (2004 est.)

Macau 15.6% (2003)

Macedonia 1.3% (2004 est.)

Madagascar 5.5% (2004 est.)

Malawi 4% (2004 est.)

Malaysia 7.1% (2004 est.)

Maldives 2.3% (2002 est.)

Mali 4% (2004 est.)

Malta 1% (2004 est.)

Man, Isle of NA%

Marshall Islands 1% (2001 est.)

Martinique NA%

Mauritania 3% (2004 est.)

Mauritius 4.7% (2004 est.)

Mayotte NA%

Mexico 4.1% (2004 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 1% (2002 est.)

Moldova 6.8% (2004 est.)

Monaco 0.9% (2000 est.)

Mongolia 10.6% according to official estimate (2004 est.)

Montserrat -1% (2002 est.)

Morocco 4.4% (2004 est.)

Mozambique 8.2% (2004 est.)

Namibia 4.8% (2004 est.)

Nauru NA

Nepal 3% (2004 est.)

Netherlands 1.2% (2004 est.)

Netherlands Antilles 0.5% (2003 est.)

New Caledonia NA%

New Zealand 4.8% (2004 est.)

Nicaragua 4% (2004 est.)

Niger 3.5% (2004 est.)

Nigeria 6.2% (2004 est.)

Niue -0.3% (2000 est.)

Norfolk Island NA

Northern Mariana Islands NA

Norway 3.3% (2004 est.)

Oman 1.2% (2004 est.)

Pakistan 6.1% (2004 est.)

Palau 1% (2001 est.)

Panama 6% (2004 est.)

Papua New Guinea 0.9% (2004 est.)

Paraguay 2.8% (2004 est.)

Peru 4.5% (2004 est.)

Philippines 5.9% (2004 est.)

Pitcairn Islands NA

Poland 5.6% (2004 est.)

Portugal 1.1% (2004 est.)

Puerto Rico 2.7% (2004 est.)

Qatar 8.7% (2004 est.)

Reunion 2.5% (2004 est.)

Romania 8.1% (2004 est.)

Russia 6.7% (2004 est.)

Rwanda 0.9% (2004 est.)

Saint Helena NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis -1.9% (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia 3.3% (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0.7% (2002 est.)

Samoa 5% (2002 est.)

San Marino 7.5% (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe 6% (2004 est.)

Saudi Arabia 5% (2004 est.)

Senegal 3.2% (2004 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro 6.5% (2004 est.)

Seychelles 1.5% (2004 est.)

Sierra Leone 6% (2004 est.)

Singapore 8.1% (2004 est.)

Slovakia 5.3% (2004 est.)

Slovenia 3.9% (2004 est.)

Solomon Islands 5.8% (2003 est.)

Somalia 2.8% (2004 est.)

South Africa 3.5% (2004 est.)

Spain 2.6% (2004 est.)

Sri Lanka 5.2% (2004 est.)

Sudan 6.4% (2004 est.)

Suriname 4.2% (2004 est.)

Svalbard NA%

Swaziland 2.5% (2004 est.)

Sweden 3.6% (2004 est.)

Switzerland 1.8% (2004 est.)

Syria 2.3% (2004 est.)

Taiwan 6% (2004 est.)

Tajikistan 10.5% (2004 est.)

Tanzania 5.8% (2004 est.)

Thailand 6.1% (2004 est.)

Togo 3% (2004 est.)

Tokelau NA

Tonga 1.5% (2002 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago 5.7% (2004 est.)

Tunisia 5.1% (2004 est.)

Turkey 8.2% (2004 est.)

Turkmenistan IMF estimate: 7.5% note: official government statistics show 21.4% growth, but these estimates are notoriously unreliable (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands 4.9% (2000 est.)

Tuvalu 3% (2000 est.)

Uganda 5% (2004 est.)

Ukraine 12% (2004 est.)

United Arab Emirates 5.7% (2004 est.)

United Kingdom 3.2% (2004 est.)

United States 4.4% (2004 est.)

Uruguay 10.2% (2004 est.)

Uzbekistan 4.4% (2004 est.)

Vanuatu 1.1% (2003 est.)

Venezuela 16.8% (2004 est.)

Vietnam 7.7% (2004 est.)

Virgin Islands 2% (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna NA%

West Bank 6% (2003 est.)

Western Sahara NA

World 4.9% (2004 est.)

Yemen 1.9% (2004 est.)

Zambia 4.6% (2004 est.)

Zimbabwe -8.2% (2004 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2004 GDP - per capita

Afghanistan purchasing power parity - $800 (2003 est.)

Albania purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2004 est.)

Algeria purchasing power parity - $6,600 (2004 est.)

American Samoa purchasing power parity - $8,000 (2000 est.)

Andorra purchasing power parity - $26,800 (2003 est.)

Angola purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2004 est.)

Anguilla purchasing power parity - $7,500 (2002 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda purchasing power parity - $11,000 (2002 est.)

Argentina purchasing power parity - $12,400 (2004 est.)

Armenia purchasing power parity - $4,600 (2004 est.)

Aruba purchasing power parity - $28,000 (2002 est.)

Australia purchasing power parity - $30,700 (2004 est.)

Austria purchasing power parity - $31,300 (2004 est.)

Azerbaijan purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2004 est.)

Bahamas, The purchasing power parity - $17,700 (2004 est.)

Bahrain purchasing power parity - $19,200 (2004 est.)

Bangladesh purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2004 est.)

Barbados purchasing power parity - $16,400 (2004 est.)

Belarus purchasing power parity - $6,800 (2004 est.)

Belgium purchasing power parity - $30,600 (2004 est.)

Belize purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2004 est.)

Benin purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2004 est.)

Bermuda purchasing power parity - $36,000 (2003 est.)

Bhutan purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2003 est.)

Bolivia purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2004 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina purchasing power parity - $6,500 (2004 est.)

Botswana purchasing power parity - $9,200 (2004 est.)

Brazil purchasing power parity - $8,100 (2004 est.)

British Virgin Islands purchasing power parity - $38,500 (2004 est.)

Brunei purchasing power parity - $23,600 (2003 est.)

Bulgaria purchasing power parity - $8,200 (2004 est.)

Burkina Faso purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2004 est.)

Burma purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2004 est.)

Burundi purchasing power parity - $600 (2004 est.)

Cambodia purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2004 est.)

Cameroon purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

Canada purchasing power parity - $31,500 (2004 est.)

Cape Verde purchasing power parity - $1,400 (2002 est.)

Cayman Islands purchasing power parity - $32,300 (2004 est.)

Central African Republic purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2004 est.)

Chad purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2004 est.)

Chile purchasing power parity - $10,700 (2004 est.)

China purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2004 est.)

Colombia purchasing power parity - $6,600 (2004 est.)

Comoros purchasing power parity - $700 (2002 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the purchasing power parity - $700 (2004 est.)

Congo, Republic of the purchasing power parity - $800 (2004 est.)

Cook Islands purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

Costa Rica purchasing power parity - $9,600 (2004 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2004 est.)

Croatia purchasing power parity - $11,200 (2004 est.)

Cuba purchasing power parity - $3,000 (2004 est.)

Cyprus Republic of Cyprus: purchasing power parity - $20,300 (2004 est.); north Cyprus: purchasing power parity - $7,135 (2004 est.)

Czech Republic purchasing power parity - $16,800 (2004 est.)

Denmark purchasing power parity - $32,200 (2004 est.)

Djibouti purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2002 est.)

Dominica purchasing power parity - $5,500 (2003 est.)

Dominican Republic purchasing power parity - $6,300 (2004 est.)

East Timor purchasing power parity - $400 (2004 est.)

Ecuador purchasing power parity - $3,700 (2004 est.)

Egypt purchasing power parity - $4,200 (2004 est.)

El Salvador purchasing power parity - $4,900 (2004 est.)

Equatorial Guinea purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2002 est.)

Eritrea purchasing power parity - $900 (2004 est.)

Estonia purchasing power parity - $14,300 (2004 est.)

Ethiopia purchasing power parity - $800 (2004 est.)

European Union purchasing power parity - $26,900 (2004 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2002 est.)

Faroe Islands purchasing power parity - $22,000 (2001 est.)

Fiji purchasing power parity - $5,900 (2004 est.)

Finland purchasing power parity - $29,000 (2004 est.)

France purchasing power parity - $28,700 (2004 est.)

French Guiana purchasing power parity - $8,300 (2003 est.)

French Polynesia purchasing power parity - $17,500 (2003 est.)

Gabon purchasing power parity - $5,900 (2004 est.)

Gambia, The purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2004 est.)

Gaza Strip purchasing power parity - $600 (2003 est.)

Georgia purchasing power parity - $3,100 (2004 est.)

Germany purchasing power parity - $28,700 (2004 est.)

Ghana purchasing power parity - $2,300 (2004 est.)

Gibraltar purchasing power parity - $27,900 (2000 est.)

Greece purchasing power parity - $21,300 (2004 est.)

Greenland purchasing power parity - $20,000 (2001 est.)

Grenada purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2002 est.)

Guadeloupe purchasing power parity - $7,900 (2003 est.)

Guam purchasing power parity - $21,000 (2000 est.)

Guatemala purchasing power parity - $4,200 (2004 est.)

Guernsey purchasing power parity - $40,000 (2003 est.)

Guinea purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2004 est.)

Guinea-Bissau purchasing power parity - $700 (2004 est.)

Guyana purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2004 est.)

Haiti purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2004 est.)

Honduras purchasing power parity - $2,800 (2004 est.)

Hong Kong purchasing power parity - $34,200 (2004 est.)

Hungary purchasing power parity - $14,900 (2004 est.)

Iceland purchasing power parity - $31,900 (2004 est.)

India purchasing power parity - $3,100 (2004 est.)

Indonesia purchasing power parity - $3,500 (2004 est.)

Iran purchasing power parity - $7,700 (2004 est.)

Iraq purchasing power parity - $2,100 (2004 est.)

Ireland purchasing power parity - $31,900 (2004 est.)

Israel purchasing power parity - $20,800 (2004 est.)

Italy purchasing power parity - $27,700 (2004 est.)

Jamaica purchasing power parity - $4,100 (2004 est.)

Japan purchasing power parity - $29,400 (2004 est.)

Jersey purchasing power parity - $40,000 (2003 est.)

Jordan purchasing power parity - $4,500 (2004 est.)

Kazakhstan purchasing power parity - $7,800 (2004 est.)

Kenya purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2004 est.)

Kiribati purchasing power parity - $800 (2001 est.)

Korea, North purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2004 est.)

Korea, South purchasing power parity - $19,200 (2004 est.)

Kuwait purchasing power parity - $21,300 (2004 est.)

Kyrgyzstan purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2004 est.)

Laos purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

Latvia purchasing power parity - $11,500 (2004 est.)

Lebanon purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2004 est.)

Lesotho purchasing power parity - $3,200 (2004 est.)

Liberia purchasing power parity - $900 (2004 est.)

Libya purchasing power parity - $6,700 (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein purchasing power parity - $25,000 (1999 est.)

Lithuania purchasing power parity - $12,500 (2004 est.)

Luxembourg purchasing power parity - $58,900 (2004 est.)

Macau purchasing power parity - $19,400 (2003)

Macedonia purchasing power parity - $7,100 (2004 est.)

Madagascar purchasing power parity - $800 (2004 est.)

Malawi purchasing power parity - $600 (2004 est.)

Malaysia purchasing power parity - $9,700 (2004 est.)

Maldives purchasing power parity - $3,900 (2002 est.)

Mali purchasing power parity - $900 (2004 est.)

Malta purchasing power parity - $18,200 (2004 est.)

Man, Isle of purchasing power parity - $28,500 (2003 est.)

Marshall Islands purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2001 est.)

Martinique purchasing power parity - $14,400 (2003 est.)

Mauritania purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2004 est.)

Mauritius purchasing power parity - $12,800 (2004 est.)

Mayotte purchasing power parity - $2,600 (2003 est.)

Mexico purchasing power parity - $9,600 (2004 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of purchasing power parity - $2,000 (2002 est.)

Moldova purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

Monaco purchasing power parity - $27,000 (2000 est.)

Mongolia purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

Montserrat purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2002 est.)

Morocco purchasing power parity - $4,200 (2004 est.)

Mozambique purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2004 est.)

Namibia purchasing power parity - $7,300 (2004 est.)

Nauru purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2001 est.)

Nepal purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2004 est.)

Netherlands purchasing power parity - $29,500 (2004 est.)

Netherlands Antilles purchasing power parity - $11,400 (2003 est.)

New Caledonia purchasing power parity - $15,000 (2003 est.)

New Zealand purchasing power parity - $23,200 (2004 est.)

Nicaragua purchasing power parity - $2,300 (2004 est.)

Niger purchasing power parity - $900 (2004 est.)

Nigeria purchasing power parity - $1,000 (2004 est.)

Niue purchasing power parity - $3,600 (2000 est.)

Norfolk Island purchasing power parity - NA

Northern Mariana Islands purchasing power parity - $12,500 (2000 est.)

Norway purchasing power parity - $40,000 (2004 est.)

Oman purchasing power parity - $13,100 (2004 est.)

Pakistan purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2004 est.)

Palau purchasing power parity - $9,000 (2001 est.)

Panama purchasing power parity - $6,900 (2004 est.)

Papua New Guinea purchasing power parity - $2,200 (2004 est.)

Paraguay purchasing power parity - $4,800 (2004 est.)

Peru purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2004 est.)

Philippines purchasing power parity - $5,000 (2004 est.)

Pitcairn Islands purchasing power parity - NA

Poland purchasing power parity - $12,000 (2004 est.)

Portugal purchasing power parity - $17,900 (2004 est.)

Puerto Rico purchasing power parity - $17,700 (2004 est.)

Qatar purchasing power parity - $23,200 (2004 est.)

Reunion purchasing power parity - $6,000 (2004 est.)

Romania purchasing power parity - $7,700 (2004 est.)

Russia purchasing power parity - $9,800 (2004 est.)

Rwanda purchasing power parity - $1,300 (2004 est.)

Saint Helena purchasing power parity - $2,500 (1998 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2002 est.)

Saint Lucia purchasing power parity - $5,400 (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon purchasing power parity - $7,000 (2001 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2002 est.)

Samoa purchasing power parity - $5,600 (2002 est.)

San Marino purchasing power parity - $34,600 (2001 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe purchasing power parity - $1,200 (2003 est.)

Saudi Arabia purchasing power parity - $12,000 (2004 est.)

Senegal purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2004 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro purchasing power parity - $2,400 (2004 est.)

Seychelles purchasing power parity - $7,800 (2002 est.)

Sierra Leone purchasing power parity - $600 (2004 est.)

Singapore purchasing power parity - $27,800 (2004 est.)

Slovakia purchasing power parity - $14,500 (2004 est.)

Slovenia purchasing power parity - $19,600 (2004 est.)

Solomon Islands purchasing power parity - $1,700 (2002 est.)

Somalia purchasing power parity - $600 (2004 est.)

South Africa purchasing power parity - $11,100 (2004 est.)

Spain purchasing power parity - $23,300 (2004 est.)

Sri Lanka purchasing power parity - $4,000 (2004 est.)

Sudan purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

Suriname purchasing power parity - $4,300 (2004 est.)

Swaziland purchasing power parity - $5,100 (2004 est.)

Sweden purchasing power parity - $28,400 (2004 est.)

Switzerland purchasing power parity - $33,800 (2004 est.)

Syria purchasing power parity - $3,400 (2004 est.)

Taiwan purchasing power parity - $25,300 (2004 est.)

Tajikistan purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2004 est.)

Tanzania purchasing power parity - $700 (2004 est.)

Thailand purchasing power parity - $8,100 (2004 est.)

Togo purchasing power parity - $1,600 (2004 est.)

Tokelau purchasing power parity - $1,000 (1993 est.)

Tonga purchasing power parity - $2,300 (2002 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago purchasing power parity - $10,500 (2004 est.)

Tunisia purchasing power parity - $7,100 (2004 est.)

Turkey purchasing power parity - $7,400 (2004 est.)

Turkmenistan purchasing power parity - $5,700 (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands purchasing power parity - $11,500 (2002 est.)

Tuvalu purchasing power parity - $1,100 (2000 est.)

Uganda purchasing power parity - $1,500 (2004 est.)

Ukraine purchasing power parity - $6,300 (2004 est.)

United Arab Emirates purchasing power parity - $25,200 (2004 est.)

United Kingdom purchasing power parity - $29,600 (2004 est.)

United States purchasing power parity - $40,100 (2004 est.)

Uruguay purchasing power parity - $14,500 (2004 est.)

Uzbekistan purchasing power parity - $1,800 (2004 est.)

Vanuatu purchasing power parity - $2,900 (2003 est.)

Venezuela purchasing power parity - $5,800 (2004 est.)

Vietnam purchasing power parity - $2,700 (2004 est.)

Virgin Islands purchasing power parity - $17,200 (2002 est.)

Wallis and Futuna purchasing power parity - $3,800 (2004 est.)

West Bank purchasing power parity - $800 (2003 est.)

Western Sahara purchasing power parity - NA

World purchasing power parity - $8,800 (2004 est.)

Yemen purchasing power parity - $800 (2004 est.)

Zambia purchasing power parity - $900 (2004 est.)

Zimbabwe purchasing power parity - $1,900 (2004 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2006 Dependency status

Akrotiri overseas territory of UK; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

American Samoa unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Anguilla overseas territory of the UK

Aruba part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986 upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

Ashmore and Cartier Islands territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Baker Island unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Bassas da India possession of France; administered by the Administrateur Superieur of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Bermuda overseas territory of the UK

Bouvet Island territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police from Oslo

British Indian Ocean Territory overseas territory of the UK; administered by a commissioner, resident in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London

British Virgin Islands overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing

Cayman Islands overseas territory of the UK

Christmas Island territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Clipperton Island possession of France; administered by France from French Polynesia by a high commissioner of the Republic

Cocos (Keeling) Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services

Cook Islands self-governing in free association with New Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense, in consultation with the Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Dhekelia overseas territory of UK; administered by an administrator who is also the Commander, British Forces Cyprus

Europa Island possession of France; administered by the Administrateur Superieur of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina

Faroe Islands part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

French Guiana overseas department of France

French Polynesia overseas lands of France; overseas territory of France from 1946-2004

French Southern and Antarctic Lands overseas territory of France since 1955; administered from Paris by Administrateur Superieur Michel CHAMPON (since 20 December 2004), assisted by Secretary General Jean-Yves HERMOSO (since NA)

Gibraltar overseas territory of the UK

Glorioso Islands possession of France; administered by the Administrateur Superieur of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Greenland part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979

Guadeloupe overseas department of France

Guam organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Guernsey British crown dependency

Heard Island and McDonald Islands territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Department of the Environment and Heritage

Hong Kong special administrative region of China

Howland Island unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Jan Mayen territory of Norway; since August 1994, administered from Oslo through the county governor (fylkesmann) of Nordland; however, authority has been delegated to a station commander of the Norwegian Defense Communication Service

Jarvis Island unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Jersey British crown dependency

Johnston Atoll unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Honolulu, HI, by Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Juan de Nova Island possession of France; administered by the Administrateur Superieur of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Kingman Reef unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the US Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior note: on 1 September 2000, the Department of the Interior accepted restoration of its administrative jurisdiction over Kingman Reef from the Department of the Navy; Executive Order 3223 signed 18 January 2001 established Kingman Reef National Wildlife Refuge to be administered by the Director, US Fish and Wildlife Service; this refuge is managed to protect the terrestrial and aquatic wildlife of Kingman Reef out to the 12-nautical-mile territorial sea limit

Macau special administrative region of China

Man, Isle of British crown dependency

Martinique overseas department of France

Mayotte territorial collectivity of France

Midway Islands unincorporated territory of the US; formerly administered from Washington, DC, by the US Navy; on 31 October 1996, through a presidential executive order, the jurisdiction and control of the atoll was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system

Montserrat overseas territory of the UK

Navassa Island unincorporated territory of the US; administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior, from the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Boqueron, Puerto Rico; in September 1996, the Coast Guard ceased operations and maintenance of Navassa Island Light, a 46-meter-tall lighthouse on the southern side of the island; there has also been a private claim advanced against the island

Netherlands Antilles an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954; Dutch Government responsible for defense and foreign affairs

New Caledonia overseas territory of France since 1956

Niue self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1974; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defense; however, these responsibilities confer no rights of control and are only exercised at the request of the Government of Niue

Norfolk Island territory of Australia; Canberra administers Commonwealth responsibilities on Norfolk Island through the Department of Environment, Sport, and Territories

Northern Mariana Islands commonwealth in political union with the US; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs

Palmyra Atoll incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered from Washington, DC, by the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US Department of the Interior; the Office of Insular Affairs of the US Department of the Interior continues to administer nine excluded areas comprising certain tidal and submerged lands within the 12 nm territorial sea or within the lagoon

Pitcairn Islands overseas territory of the UK

Puerto Rico commonwealth associated with the US

Reunion overseas department of France

Saint Helena overseas territory of the UK

Saint Pierre and Miquelon self-governing territorial collectivity of France

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II; Grytviken, formerly a whaling station on South Georgia, is a scientific base

Svalbard territory of Norway; administered by the Polar Department of the Ministry of Justice, through a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9 February 1920) sovereignty was awarded to Norway

Tokelau self-administering territory of New Zealand; note - Tokelauans are drafting a constitution and developing institutions and patterns of self-government as Tokelau moves toward free association with New Zealand

Tromelin Island possession of France; administered by the Administrateur Superieur of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Turks and Caicos Islands overseas territory of the UK

Virgin Islands organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Wake Island unincorporated territory of the US; administered from Washington, DC, by the Department of the Interior; activities on the island are conducted by the US Air Force

Wallis and Futuna overseas territory of France

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2007 Diplomatic representation from the US

Afghanistan chief of mission: Ambassador Zalmay KHALILZAD embassy: The Great Masood Road, Kabul mailing address: 6180 Kabul Place, Dulles, VA 20189-6180 telephone: [00] (2) 230-0436 FAX: [0093] (2) 230-1364

Akrotiri none (overseas territory of the UK)

Albania chief of mission: Ambassador Marcie B. RIES embassy: Rruga Elbasanit, Labinoti #103, Tirana mailing address: U. S. Department of State, 9510 Tirana Place, Dulles, VA 20189-9510 telephone: [355] (4) 247285 FAX: [355] (4) 374957 and [355] (4) 232222

Algeria chief of mission: Ambassador Richard W. ERDMAN embassy: 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers mailing address: B. P. 408, Alger-Gare, 16030 Algiers telephone: [213] (21) 691-425/255/186 FAX: [213] (21) 69-39-79

American Samoa none (territory of the US)

Andorra the US does not have an embassy in Andorra; the US Ambassador to Spain is accredited to Andorra; US interests in Andorra are represented by the Consulate General's office in Barcelona (Spain); mailing address: Paseo Reina Elisenda, 23, 08034 Barcelona, Spain; telephone: [34] (93) 280-2227; FAX: [34] (93) 280-6175

Angola chief of mission: Ambassador Cynthia EFFIRD embassy: number 32 Rua Houari Boumedienne (in the Miramar area of Luanda), Luanda mailing address: international mail: Caixa Postal 6468, Luanda; pouch: American Embassy Luanda, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2550 telephone: [244] (2) 445-481, 447-028, 446-224 FAX: [244] (2) 446-924

Anguilla none (overseas territory of the UK)

Antigua and Barbuda the US does not have an embassy in Antigua and Barbuda (embassy closed 30 June 1994); the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina chief of mission: Ambassador Lino GUTIERREZ embassy: Avenida Colombia 4300, C1425GMN Buenos Aires mailing address: international mail: use street address; APO address: Unit 4334, APO AA 34034 telephone: [54] (11) 5777-4533 FAX: [54] (11) 5777-4240

Armenia chief of mission: Ambassador John M. EVANS embassy: 18 Baghramyan Ave., Yerevan 375019 mailing address: American Embassy Yerevan, Department of State, 7020 Yerevan Place, Washington, DC 20521-7020 telephone: [374](1) 521-611, 520-791, 542-117, 542-132, 524-661, 527-001, 524-840 FAX: [374](1) 520-800

Aruba the US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Netherlands Antilles is accredited to Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands none (territory of Australia)

Australia chief of mission: William A. STANTON, Charge d'Affaires ad interim embassy: Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 mailing address: APO AP 96549 telephone: [61] (02) 6214-5600 FAX: [61] (02) 6214-5970 consulate(s) general: Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Austria chief of mission: Ambassador William Lee LYONS BROWN, Jr. embassy: Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1090, Vienna mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [43] (1) 31339-0, 31375, 31335 FAX: [43] (1) 3100682

Azerbaijan chief of mission: Ambassador Reno L. HARNISH III embassy: 83 Azadlyg Prospecti, Baku AZ1007 mailing address: American Embassy Baku, Department of State, 7050 Baku Place, Washington, DC 20521-7050 telephone: [9] (9412) 98-03-35, 36, 37 FAX: [9] (9412) 656-671

Bahamas, The chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ROOD embassy: 42 Queen Street, Nassau mailing address: local or express mail address: P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau; Department of State, 3370 Nassau Place, Washington, DC 20521-3370 telephone: [1] (242) 322-1181, 328-2206 (after hours) FAX: [1] (242) 356-0222

Bahrain chief of mission: Ambassador William T. MONROE embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama telephone: [973] 1724-2700 FAX: [973] 1725-6242 (consular)

Bangladesh chief of mission: Ambassador Harry K. THOMAS, Jr. embassy: Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka 1212 mailing address: G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1000 telephone: [880] (2) 885-5500 FAX: [880] (2) 882-3744

Barbados chief of mission: Ambassador Mary E. KRAMER embassy: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown; (courier) ALICO Building-Cheapside, Bridgetown mailing address: P. O. Box 302, Bridgetown; CMR 1014, APO AA 34055 telephone: [1] (246) 436-4950 FAX: [1] (246) 429-5246, 429-3379

Belarus chief of mission: Ambassador George A. KROL embassy: 46 Starovilenskaya St., Minsk 220002 mailing address: PSC 78, Box B Minsk, APO 09723 telephone: [375] (17) 210-12-83, 217-7347, 217-7348 FAX: [375] (17) 234-7853

Belgium chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C. KOROLOGOS embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710 telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111 FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725

Belize chief of mission: Ambassador Russell F. FREEMAN embassy: 29 Gabourel Lane, Belize City mailing address: P. O. Box 286, Belize City telephone: [501] 227-7161 through 7163 FAX: [501] 2-30802

Benin chief of mission: Ambassador Wayne NEILL embassy: Rue Caporal Bernard Anani, Cotonou mailing address: 01 B. P. 2012, Cotonou telephone: [229] 30-06-50 FAX: [229] 30-06-70

Bermuda chief of mission: Deputy Chief of Mission Antoinette BOECKER consulate(s) general: Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire DVO3 mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; American Consulate General Hamilton, Department of State, 5300 Hamilton Place, Washington, DC 20520-5300 telephone: [1] (441) 295-1342 FAX: [1] (441) 295-1592, [1] (441) 296-9233

Bhutan the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)

Bolivia chief of mission: Ambassador David N. GREENLEE embassy: Avenida Arce 2780, San Jorge, La Paz mailing address: P. O. Box 425, La Paz; APO AA 34032 telephone: [591] (2) 2430120, 2430251 FAX: [591] (2) 2433900

Bosnia and Herzegovina chief of mission: Ambassador Douglas L. McELHANEY embassy: Alipasina 43, 71000 Sarajevo mailing address: use street address telephone: [387] (33) 445-700 FAX: [387] (33) 659-722 branch office(s): Banja Luka, Mostar

Botswana chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph HUGGINS embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353982 FAX: [267] 312782

Brazil chief of mission: Ambassador John DANILOVICH embassy: Avenida das Nacoes, Quadra 801, Lote 3, Distrito Federal Cep 70403-900, Brasilia mailing address: Unit 3500, APO AA 34030 telephone: [55] (61) 312-7000 FAX: [55] (61) 225-9136 consulate(s) general: Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo consulate(s): Recife

British Indian Ocean Territory none (overseas territory of the UK)

British Virgin Islands none (overseas territory of the UK)

Brunei chief of mission: Ambassador Emil SKODON embassy: Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan mailing address: PSC 470 (BSB), FPO AP 96507 telephone: [673] (2) 229670 FAX: [673] (2) 225293

Bulgaria chief of mission: Ambassador James William PARDEW embassy: 16 Kozyak Street, Sofia 1407 mailing address: American Embassy Sofia, Department of State, 5740 Sofia Place, Washington, DC 20521-5740 telephone: [359] (2) 937-5100 FAX: [359] (2) 937-5230

Burkina Faso chief of mission: Ambassador Anthony HOLMES embassy: 602 Avenue Raoul Follereau, Koulouba, Secteur 4 mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou 01; pouch mail - U. S. Department of State, 2440 Ouagadougou Place, Washington, DC 20521-2440 telephone: [226] 306723 FAX: [226] 303890

Burma chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Carmen M. MARTINEZ embassy: 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon (GPO 521) mailing address: Box B, APO AP 96546 telephone: [95] (1) 379 880, 379 881 FAX: [95] (1) 256 018

Burundi chief of mission: Ambassador James Howard YELLIN embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura mailing address: B. P. 1720, Bujumbura telephone: [257] 223454 FAX: [257] 222926

Cambodia chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph A. MUSSOMELI embassy: 27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh mailing address: Box P, APO AP 96546 telephone: [855] (23) 216-436/438 FAX: [855] (23) 216-437/811

Cameroon chief of mission: Ambassador George McDade STAPLES embassy: Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde mailing address: P. O. Box 817, Yaounde; pouch: American Embassy, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520 telephone: [237] 223-05-12, 222-25-89, 222-17-94, 223-40-14 FAX: [237] 223-07-53 branch office(s): Douala

Canada chief of mission: Ambassador David H. WILKINS embassy: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburgh, NY 13669-0430 telephone: [1] (613) 238-5335, 4470 FAX: [1] (613) 688-3082 consulate(s) general: Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg

Cape Verde chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON embassy: Rua Abilio m. Macedo 81, Praia mailing address: C. P. 201, Praia telephone: [238] 261 56 16, 261 56 17 FAX: [238] 261 13 55

Cayman Islands none (overseas territory of the UK)

Central African Republic chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires James PANOS embassy: Avenue David Dacko, Bangui mailing address: B. P. 924, Bangui telephone: [236] 61 02 00 FAX: [236] 61 44 94 note: the embassy is currently operating with a minimal staff

Chad chief of mission: Ambassador Marc WALL embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: [235] (51) 70-09 FAX: [235] (51) 56-54

Chile chief of mission: Ambassador Craig A. KELLY embassy: Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago mailing address: APO AA 34033 telephone: [56] (2) 232-2600 FAX: [56] (2) 330-3710

China chief of mission: Ambassador Clark T. RANDT, Jr. embassy: Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, 100600 Beijing mailing address: PSC 461, Box 50, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [86] (10) 6532-3831 FAX: [86] (10) 6532-6929 consulate(s) general: Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenyang

Christmas Island none (territory of Australia)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands none (territory of Australia)

Colombia chief of mission: Ambassador William B. WOOD embassy: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831 mailing address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038 telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811 FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Comoros the US does not have an embassy in Comoros; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to Comoros

Congo, Democratic Republic of the chief of mission: Ambassador Aubrey HOOKS embassy: 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa mailing address: Unit 31550, APO AE 09828 telephone: [243] (88) 43608 FAX: [243] (88) 43467

Congo, Republic of the chief of mission: Ambassador Roger A. MEECE embassy: NA mailing address: NA telephone: [243] (88) 43608 note: the embassy is temporarily collocated with the US Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (US Embassy Kinshasa, 310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa)

Cook Islands none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand)

Coral Sea Islands none (territory of Australia)

Costa Rica chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Douglas M. BARNES embassy: Calle 120 Avenida O, Pavas, San Jose mailing address: APO AA 34020 telephone: [506] 220-3939 FAX: [506] 519-2305

Cote d'Ivoire chief of mission: Ambassador Aubrey HOOKS embassy: 5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan mailing address: B. P. 1712, Abidjan 01 telephone: [225] 20 21 09 79 FAX: [225] 20 22 32 59

Croatia chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph FRANK embassy: 2 Thomas Jefferson, 10010 Zagreb mailing address: use street address telephone: [385] (1) 661-2200 FAX: [385] (1) 661-2373

Cuba none; note - the US has an Interests Section in the Swiss Embassy, headed by Principal Officer James C. CASON; address: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada between L and M Streets, Vedado, Havana; telephone: [53] (7) 833-3551 through 3559 (operator assistance required); FAX: [53] (7) 833-3700; protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland

Cyprus chief of mission: Ambassador Michael KLOSSON embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Engomi, 2407 Nicosia mailing address: P. O. Box 24536, 1385 Nikosia telephone: [357] (22) 393939 FAX: [357] (22) 780944

Czech Republic chief of mission: Ambassador William J. CABANISS embassy: Trziste 15, 11801 Prague 1 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [420] (2) 5753-0663 FAX: [420] (2) 5753-0583

Denmark chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Sally M. LIGHT embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen mailing address: PSC 73, APO AE 09716 telephone: [45] 35 55 31 44 FAX: [45] 35 43 02 23

Dhekelia none (overseas territory of the UK)

Djibouti chief of mission: Ambassador Marguerita RAGSDALE embassy: Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti mailing address: B. P. 185, Djibouti telephone: [253] 35 39 95 FAX: [253] 35 39 40

Dominica the US does not have an embassy in Dominica; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Dominica

Dominican Republic chief of mission: Ambassador Hans H. HERTELL embassy: corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo mailing address: Unit 5500, APO AA 34041-5500 telephone: [1] (809) 221-2171 FAX: [1] (809) 686-7437

East Timor chief of mission: Ambassador Grover Joseph REES embassy: Avenida de Portugal, Praia dos Conqueiros, Dili mailing address: Department of State, 8250 Dili Place, Washington, DC 20521-8250 telephone: (670) 332-4684 FAX: (670) 331-3206

Ecuador chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie Anne KENNEY embassy: Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quito mailing address: APO AA 34039 telephone: [593] (2) 256-2890 FAX: [593] (2) 250-2052 consulate(s) general: Guayaquil

Egypt chief of mission: Ambassador designate Francis J. RICCIARDONE, Jr embassy: 8 Kamal El Din Salah St., Garden City, Cairo mailing address: Unit 64900, Box 15, APO AE 09839-4900 telephone: [20] (2) 797-3300 FAX: [20] (2) 797-3200

El Salvador chief of mission: Ambassador H. Douglas BARCLAY embassy: Final Boulevard Santa Elena Sur, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad, San Salvador mailing address: Unit 3116, APO AA 34023 telephone: [503] 278-4444 FAX: [503] 278-5522

Equatorial Guinea the US does not have an embassy in Equatorial Guinea (embassy closed September 1995); the US ambassador to Cameroon is accredited to Equatorial Guinea; the US State Department is considering opening a Consulate Agency in Malabo

Eritrea chief of mission: Ambassador Scott H. DELISI embassy: Franklin D. Roosevelt Street, Asmara mailing address: P. O. Box 211, Asmara telephone: [291] (1) 120004 FAX: [291] (1) 127584

Estonia chief of mission: Ambassador Aldona Zofia WOS embassy: Kentmanni 20, 15099 Tallinn mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [372] 668-8100 FAX: [372] 668-8134

Ethiopia chief of mission: Ambassador Aurelia A. BRAZEAL embassy: Entoto Street, Addis Ababa mailing address: P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa telephone: [251] (1) 550666 FAX: [251] (1) 551328

European Union chief of mission: Ambassador Rockwell SCHNABEL embassy: 13 Zinnerstraat/Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels mailing address: same as above telephone: [32] (2) 508-2222 FAX: [32] (2) 512-5720

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

Faroe Islands none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Fiji chief of mission: Ambassador David L. LYON embassy: 31 Loftus Street, Suva mailing address: P. O. Box 218, Suva telephone: [679] 331-4466 FAX: [679] 330-0081

Finland chief of mission: Ambassador Earle I. MACK embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki mailing address: APO AE 09723 telephone: [358] (9) 616250 FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

France chief of mission: Ambassador Howard H. LEACH embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris Cedex 08 mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777 telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22 FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83 consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

French Guiana none (overseas department of France)

French Polynesia none (overseas lands of France)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands none (overseas territory of France)

Gabon chief of mission: Ambassador Barrie R. WALKLEY embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 74 34 92 FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Gambia, The chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph D. STAFFORD, III embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul telephone: [220] 392856, 392858, 391971 FAX: [220] 392475

Georgia chief of mission: Ambassador Richard M. MILES embassy: #25 Atoneli Street, T'bilisi 0105 mailing address: 7060 Tbilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060 telephone: [995] (32) 989-967/68 FAX: [995] (32) 933-759

Germany chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel R. COATS embassy: Neustaedtische Kirchstrasse 4-5, 10117 Berlin; note - a new embassy will be built near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin; ground was broken in October 2004 and completion is scheduled for 2008 mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265 telephone: [49] (030) 8305-0 FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215 consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Ghana chief of mission: Ambassador Mary Carlin YATES embassy: 6th and 10th Lanes, 798/1 Osu, Accra mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra telephone: [233] (21) 775-347, 775-348 FAX: [233] (21) 701-813

Gibraltar none (overseas territory of the UK)

Glorioso Islands none (possession of France)

Greece chief of mission: Ambassador Charles RIES embassy: 91 Vasilissis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108 telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951 FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282 consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Greenland none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Grenada chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's, Grenada, West Indies telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1176 FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Guadeloupe none (overseas department of France)

Guam none (territory of the US)

Guatemala chief of mission: Ambassador John R. HAMILTON embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City mailing address: APO AA 34024 telephone: [502] 2331-1541/55 FAX: [502] 2334-8477

Guernsey none (British crown dependency)

Guinea chief of mission: Ambassador Jackson MCDONALD embassy: Rue Ka 038, Conakry mailing address: B. P. 603, Conakry telephone: [224] 41 15 20, 41 15 21, 41 15 23 FAX: [224] 41 15 22

Guinea-Bissau the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and military-led junta; US embassy Dakar is responsible for covering Guinea-Bissau: telephone - [221] 823-4296; FAX - [221] 822-5903

Guyana chief of mission: Ambassador Roland BULLEN embassy: 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909 FAX: [592] 225-8497

Haiti chief of mission: Ambassador James B. FOLEY embassy: 5 Harry S Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince mailing address: P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince telephone: [509] 222-0354, 222-0269, 222-0200, 222-0327 FAX: [509] 223-1641 or 222-0200 ext 460

Heard Island and McDonald Islands none (territory of Australia)

Holy See (Vatican City) chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant) embassy: Villa Domiziana, Via delle Terme Deciane 26, 00153 Rome mailing address: PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624 telephone: [39] (06) 4674-3428 FAX: [39] (06) 575-8346

Honduras chief of mission: Ambassador Larry Leon PALMER embassy: Avenida La Paz, Apartado Postal No. 3453, Tegucigalpa mailing address: American Embassy, APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa telephone: [504] 238-5114, 236-9320 FAX: [504] 236-9037

Hong Kong chief of mission: Consul General James B. CUNNINGHAM consulate(s) general: 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong mailing address: PSC 461, Box 1, FPO AP 96521-0006 telephone: [852] 2523-9011 FAX: [852] 2524-0860

Hungary chief of mission: Ambassador George Herbert WALKER embassy: Szabadsag ter 12, H-1054 Budapest mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Budapest, 5270 Budapest Place, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5270 telephone: [36] (1) 475-4400 FAX: [36] (1) 475-4764

Iceland chief of mission: Ambassador James I. GADSDEN embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340 telephone: [354] 562-9100 FAX: [354] 562-9118

India chief of mission: Ambassador David C. MULFORD embassy: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [91] (11) 2419-8000 FAX: [91] (11) 2419-0017 consulate(s) general: Chennai (Madras), Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay)

Indonesia chief of mission: Ambassador B. Lynn PASCOE embassy: Jalan 1 Medan Merdeka Selatan 3-5, Jakarta 10110 mailing address: Unit 8129, Box 1, FPO AP 96520 telephone: [62] (21) 3435-9000 FAX: [62] (21) 385-7189 consulate(s) general: Surabaya

Iran none; note - protecting power in Iran is Switzerland

Iraq chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires James F. JEFFREY embassy: Baghdad mailing address: APO AE 09316 telephone: 00-1-240-553-0584 ext. 4354; note - Consular Section FAX: NA

Ireland chief of mission: Ambassador James C. KENNY embassy: 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [353] (1) 668-8777 FAX: [353] (1) 668-9946

Israel chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel C. KURTZER embassy: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv 63903 mailing address: PSC 98, Box 29, APO AE 09830 telephone: [972] (3) 519-7369/7453/7454/7457/7458/7551/7575 FAX: [972] (3) 516-4390 consulate(s) general: Jerusalem; note - an independent US mission, established in 1928, whose members are not accredited to a foreign government

Italy chief of mission: Ambassador Melvin F. SEMBLER embassy: Via Vittorio Veneto 119/A, 00187-Rome mailing address: PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624 telephone: [39] (06) 46741 FAX: [39] (06) 488-2672, 4674-2356 consulate(s) general: Florence, Milan, Naples

Jamaica chief of mission: Ambassador Sue McCourt COBB embassy: Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, 3rd floor, Kingston 5 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [1] (876) 929-4850 through 4859 FAX: [1] (876) 935-6001

Japan chief of mission: Ambassador J. Thomas SCHIEFFER embassy: 10-5 Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 mailing address: Unit 45004, Box 258, APO AP 96337-5004 telephone: [81] (03) 3224-5000 FAX: [81] (03) 3505-1862 consulate(s) general: Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo consulate(s): Fukuoka, Nagoya

Jersey none (British crown dependency)

Jordan chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David M. HALE embassy: Abdoun, Amman mailing address: P. O. Box 354, Amman 11118 Jordan; Unit 70200, Box 5, APO AE 09892-0200 telephone: [962] (6) 592-0101 FAX: [962] (6) 592-4102

Juan de Nova Island none (possession of France)

Kazakhstan chief of mission: Ambassador John M. ORDWAY embassy: 99/97A Fumanova, Samal-2, Almaty, 480099 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [7] (3272) 50-48-02 FAX: [7] (3272) 50-48-84

Kenya chief of mission: Ambassador William M. BELLAMY embassy: US Embassy, United Nations Ave., Gigiri; P. O. Box 606 Village Market Nairobi mailing address: Box 21A, Unit 64100, APO AE 09831 telephone: [254] (20) 537-800 FAX: [254] (20) 537-810

Kiribati the US does not have an embassy in Kiribati; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Korea, North none (Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang represents the US as consular protecting power)

Korea, South chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher R. HILL embassy: 82 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710 mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 15550, APO AP 96205-5550 telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114 FAX: [82] (2) 738-8845

Kuwait chief of mission: Ambassador Richard LEBARON embassy: Bayan, Area 14, Al-Masjed Al-Aqsa Street (near the Bayan palace), Kuwait City mailing address: P. O. Box 77 Safat 13001 Kuwait; or PSC 1280 APO AE 09880-9000 telephone: [965] 539-5307, 5308 FAX: [965] 538-0282

Kyrgyzstan chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen M. YOUNG embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [996] (312) 551-241, (517) 777-217 FAX: [996] (312) 551-264

Laos chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia M. HASLACH embassy: 19 Rue Bartholonie, B. P. 114, Vientiane mailing address: American Embassy, Box V, APO AP 96546 telephone: [856] (21) 212581, 212582, 212585 FAX: [856] (21) 212584

Latvia chief of mission: Ambassador Catherine TODD-BAILEY embassy: 7 Raina Boulevard, Riga LV-1510 mailing address: American Embassy Riga, PSC 78, Box Riga, APO AE 09723 telephone: [371] 703-6200 FAX: [371] 782-0047

Lebanon chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey D. FELTMAN embassy: Awkar, Lebanon mailing address: P. O. Box 70-840, Antelias, Lebanon; PSC 815, Box 2, FPO AE 09836-0002 telephone: [961] (4) 542600, 543600 FAX: [961] (4) 544136

Lesotho chief of mission: Ambassador June Carter PERRY embassy: 254 Kingsway, Maseru West (Consular Section) mailing address: P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100, Lesotho telephone: [266] 22 312666 FAX: [266] 22 310116

Liberia chief of mission: Ambassador John William BLANEY III embassy: 111 United Nations Drive, P. O. Box 10-0098, Mamba Point, 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [231] 226-370 through 226-380 FAX: [231] 226-148

Libya the US suspended all embassy activities in Tripoli in May 1980, resumed embassy activities in February 2004 under the protective power of the US interests section of the Belgian Embassy in Tripoli, then opened a Liaison Office in Tripoli in June 2004

Liechtenstein the US does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but the US Ambassador to Switzerland is also accredited to Liechtenstein

Lithuania chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen D. MULL embassy: 2600 Akmenu 6, Vilnius mailing address: American Embassy, Vilnius, PSC 78, Box V, APO AE 09723 telephone: [370] (5) 266 5500 FAX: [370] (5) 266 5510

Luxembourg chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TERPELUK, Jr. embassy: 22 Boulevard Emmanuel Servais, L-2535 Luxembourg City mailing address: American Embassy Luxembourg, Unit 1410, APO AE 09126-1410 (official mail); American Embassy Luxembourg, PSC 9, Box 9500, APO AE 09123 (personal mail) telephone: [352] 46 01 23 FAX: [352] 46 14 01

Macau the US has no offices in Macau; US interests are monitored by the US Consulate General in Hong Kong

Macedonia chief of mission: Ambassador Lawrence Edward BUTLER embassy: Bul. Ilindenska bb, 1000 Skopje mailing address: American Embassy Skopje, Department of State, 7120 Skopje Place, Washington, DC 20521-7120 (pouch) telephone: [389] 2 311-6180 FAX: [389] 2 311-7103

Madagascar chief of mission: Ambassador Wanda L. NESBITT embassy: 14-16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo 101 mailing address: B. P. 620, Antsahavola, Antananarivo telephone: [261] (20) 22-212-57, 22-212-73, 22-209-56 FAX: [261] (20) 22-345-39

Malawi chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David GILMOUR embassy: Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Road mailing address: P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe 3, Malawi telephone: [265] (1) 773 166 FAX: [265] (1) 770 471

Malaysia chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher J. LAFLEUR embassy: 376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur mailing address: P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur; American Embassy Kuala Lumpur, APO AP 96535-8152 telephone: [60] (3) 2168-5000 FAX: [60] (3) 2142-2207

Maldives the US does not have an embassy in Maldives; the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic visits there

Mali chief of mission: Ambassador Vicki HUDDLESTONE embassy: Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V, Bamako mailing address: B. P. 34, Bamako telephone: [223] (2) 223-833 FAX: [223] (2) 223-712

Malta chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires William GRANT embassy: 3rd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Malta VLT 01 mailing address: P. O. Box 535, Valletta, Malta, CMR01 telephone: [356] 2561 4000 FAX: [356] 21 243229

Man, Isle of none (British crown dependency)

Marshall Islands chief of mission: Ambassador Greta N. MORRIS embassy: Oceanside, Mejen Weto, Long Island, Majuro mailing address: P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379 telephone: [692] 247-4011 FAX: [692] 247-4012

Martinique none (overseas department of France)

Mauritania chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON embassy: 288 Rue Abdallaye (between Presidency building and Spanish Embassy), Nouakchott mailing address: BP 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] 525-2660/525-2663 FAX: [222] 25-25-92

Mauritius chief of mission: Ambassador John PRICE embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: international mail: P. O. Box 544, Port Louis; US mail: American Embassy, Port Louis, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2450 telephone: [230] 202-4400 FAX: [230] 208-9534

Mayotte none (territorial collectivity of France)

Mexico chief of mission: Ambassador Antonio O. GARZA embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, Distrito Federal mailing address: P. O. Box 9000, Brownsville, TX 78520-0900 telephone: [52] (55) 5080-2000 FAX: [52] (55) 5525-5040 consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana consulate(s): Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nogales, Nuevo, Laredo

Micronesia, Federated States of chief of mission: Ambassador Suzanne K. HALE embassy: 101 Upper Pics Road, Kolonia mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941 telephone: [691] 320-2187 FAX: [691] 320-2186

Moldova chief of mission: Ambassador Heather M. HODGES embassy: 103 Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [373] (22) 408-300 FAX: [373] (22) 23-30-44

Monaco the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France) is accredited to Monaco

Mongolia chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela J. SLUTZ embassy: Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, C.P.O. 1021, Ulaanbaatar 13 mailing address: PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [976] (11) 329095 FAX: [976] (11) 320776

Montserrat none (overseas territory of the UK)

Morocco chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas T. RILEY embassy: 2 Avenue de Mohamed El Fassi, Rabat mailing address: PSC 74, Box 021, APO AE 09718 telephone: [212] (37) 76 22 65 FAX: [212] (37) 76 56 61 consulate(s) general: Casablanca

Mozambique chief of mission: Ambassador Helen LA LIME embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda 193, Maputo mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo telephone: [258] (1) 492797 FAX: [258] (1) 490448

Namibia chief of mission: Ambassador Joyce BARR embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen Street, Windhoek mailing address: Private Bag 12029 Ausspannplatz, Windhoek telephone: [264] (61) 221601 FAX: [264] (61) 229792

Nauru the US does not have an embassy in Nauru; the US Ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Nauru

Nepal chief of mission: Ambassador James F. MORIARTY embassy: Panipokhari, Kathmandu mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [977] (1) 411179 FAX: [977] (1) 419963

Netherlands chief of mission: Ambassador Clifford M. SOBEL embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ, The Hague mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715 telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209 FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688 consulate(s) general: Amsterdam

Netherlands Antilles chief of mission: Consul General Robert E. SORENSON consulate(s) general: J. B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad AN, Curacao mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao telephone: [599] (9) 4613066 FAX: [599] (9) 4616489

New Caledonia none (overseas territory of France)

New Zealand chief of mission: Ambassador Charles J. SWINDELLS embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, APO AP 96531-1034 telephone: [64] (4) 462-6000 FAX: [64] (4) 499-0490 consulate(s) general: Auckland

Nicaragua chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara Calandra MOORE embassy: Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur, Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] 266-6010 FAX: [505] 266-9074

Niger chief of mission: Ambassador Gail Dennise Thomas MATHIEU embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72 26 61 through 72 26 64 FAX: [227] 73 31 67, 72-31-46

Nigeria chief of mission: Ambassador John CAMPBELL embassy: 7 Mambilla Drive, Abuja mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (9) 523-0916/0906/5857/2235/2205 FAX: [234] (9) 523-0353

Niue none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand)

Norfolk Island none (territory of Australia)

Norway chief of mission: Ambassador John D. ONG embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] (22) 44 85 50 FAX: [47] (22) 44 33 63

Oman chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Lewis BALTIMORE III embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos, Muscat telephone: [968] 24-698989 FAX: [968] 24-699771

Pakistan chief of mission: Ambassador Ryan CROCKER embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200 telephone: [92] (51) 2080-0000 FAX: [92] (51) 2276427 consulate(s): Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar

Palau chief of mission: US ambassador to the Philippines is accredited to Palau embassy: Koror (no street address) mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940 telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990 FAX: [680] 488-2911

Panama chief of mission: Ambassador Linda Ellen WATT embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 37, Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City 5 mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002 telephone: [507] 207-7000 FAX: [507] 227-1964

Papua New Guinea chief of mission: Ambassador Robert W. FITTS embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240 telephone: [675] 321-1455 FAX: [675] 321-3423

Paraguay chief of mission: Ambassador John F. KEANE embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Casilla Postal 402, Asuncion mailing address: Unit 4711, APO AA 34036-0001 telephone: [595] (21) 213-715 FAX: [595] (21) 213-728

Peru chief of mission: Ambassador J. Curtis STRUBLE embassy: Avenida La Encalada, Cuadra 17s/n, Surco, Lima 33 mailing address: P. O. Box 1995, Lima 1; American Embassy (Lima), APO AA 34031-5000 telephone: [51] (1) 434-3000 FAX: [51] (1) 434-3037

Philippines chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Darryl N. JOHNSON (Ambassador-designate Michael MICHALAK) embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000 telephone: [63] (2) 523-6300 FAX: [63] (2) 522-4361

Pitcairn Islands none (overseas territory of the UK)

Poland chief of mission: Ambassador Victor ASHE embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State, 5010 Warsaw Place, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch) telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000 FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688 consulate(s) general: Krakow

Portugal chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Adrienne S. O'NEAL embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon mailing address: Apartado 4258, 1507 Lisboa Codex; PSC 83, APO AE 09726 telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300 FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109 consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Puerto Rico none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Qatar chief of mission: Ambassador Chase UNTERMEYER embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha telephone: [974] 488 4101 FAX: [974] 488 4298

Reunion none (overseas department of France)

Romania chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Jack Dyer CROUCH II embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest mailing address: American Embassy Bucharest, Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch) telephone: [40] (21) 210-4042 FAX: [40] (21) 210-0395 branch office(s): Cluj-Napoca

Russia chief of mission: Ambassador Alexander VERSHBOW embassy: Bolshoy Devyatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721 telephone: [7] (095) 728-5000 FAX: [7] (095) 728-5090 consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Rwanda chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Henderson PATRICK embassy: 337 Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali telephone: [250] 50 56 01 through 03 FAX: [250] 57 2128

Saint Helena none (overseas territory of the UK)

Saint Kitts and Nevis the US does not have an embassy in Saint Kitts and Nevis; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia the US does not have an embassy in Saint Lucia; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Lucia

Saint Pierre and Miquelon none (territorial collectivity of France)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the US does not have an embassy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Samoa chief of mission: US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa embassy: Accident Compensation Board (ACB) Building, 5th Floor, Apia mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Apia telephone: [685] 21631/22696 FAX: [685] 22030

San Marino the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the US Consul General in Florence (Italy) is accredited to San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe the US does not have an embassy in Sao Tome and Principe; the Ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident basis and makes periodic visits to the islands

Saudi Arabia chief of mission: Ambassador James Curtis OBERWETTER embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh mailing address: American Embassy Riyadh, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693 telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800 FAX: [966] (1) 488-3989 consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Senegal chief of mission: Ambassador Richard Alan ROTH embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar telephone: [221] 823-4296 FAX: [221] 822-2991

Serbia and Montenegro chief of mission: Ambassador Michael C. POLT embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070 telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344 FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230 consulate(s): Podgorica note: there is a branch office in Pristina at 30 Nazim Hikmet 38000 Pristina, Kosovo; telephone: [381](38)549-516; FAX: [381](38)549-890

Seychelles the US does not have an embassy in Seychelles; the ambassador to Mauritius is accredited to the Seychelles

Sierra Leone chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas N. HULL embassy: Corner of Walpole and Siaka Stevens Streets, Freetown mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [232] (22) 226481 through 226485 FAX: [232] (22) 225471

Singapore chief of mission: Ambassador Franklin L. LAVIN embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508 mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001 telephone: [65] 6476-9100 FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Slovakia chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Scott N. THAYER embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338 FAX: [421] (2) 5443-0096

Slovenia chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas B. ROBERTSON embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140 telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500 FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Solomon Islands the US does not have an embassy in Solomon Islands (embassy closed July 1993); the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to the Solomon Islands

Somalia the US does not have an embassy in Somalia; US interests are represented by the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya at United Nations Avenue, Gigira, Nairobi; mailing address: Unit 64100, Nairobi; APO AE 09831; telephone: [254] (20) 363-6000; FAX [254] (20) 363-6157

South Africa chief of mission: Ambassador Jendayi E. FRAZER embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001 telephone: [27] (12) 342-1048 FAX: [27] (12) 342-2244 consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Spain chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires J. Robert MANZANARES embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642 telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200 FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303 consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Sri Lanka chief of mission: Ambassador Jeffrey J. LUNSTEAD embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3 mailing address: P. O. Box 106, Colombo telephone: [94] (11) 244-8007 FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345

Sudan chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Gerard M. GALLUCCI embassy: Sharia Abdul Latif Avenue, Khartoum mailing address: P. O. Box 699, Khartoum; APO AE 09829 telephone: [249] (11) 774611 or 774700 FAX: [249] (11) 774137 note: US Consul in Cairo is providing backup service for Khartoum

Suriname chief of mission: Ambassador Marsha E. BARNES embassy: Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129, Paramaribo mailing address: Department of State, 3390 Paramaribo Place, Washington, DC, 20521-3390 telephone: [597] 472900 FAX: [597] 420800

Swaziland chief of mission: Ambassador Lewis LUCKE embassy: Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane telephone: [268] 404-6441 through 404-6445 FAX: [268] 404-5959

Sweden chief of mission: Ambassador M. Teel BIVINS embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds VAG 31, SE-11589 Stockholm mailing address: American Embassy Stockholm, Department of State, 5750 Stockholm Place, Washington, DC 20521-5750 (pouch) telephone: [46] (08) 783 53 00 FAX: [46] (08) 661 19 64

Switzerland chief of mission: Ambassador Pamela P. WILLEFORD embassy: Jubilaumsstrasse 93, CH-3005 Bern mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [41] (031) 357 70 11 FAX: [41] (031) 357 73 44

Syria chief of mission: Ambassador Margaret SCOBEY embassy: Abou Roumaneh, Al-Mansur Street, No. 2, Damascus mailing address: P. O. Box 29, Damascus telephone: [963] (11) 333-1342 FAX: [963] (11) 331-9678

Taiwan none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people on Taiwan are maintained through an unofficial instrumentality - the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) - which has offices in the US and Taiwan; US office at 1700 N. Moore St., Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-1996, telephone: [1] (703) 525-8474, FAX: [1] (703) 841-1385); Taiwan offices at #7 Lane 134, Hsin Yi Road, Section 3, Taipei, Taiwan, telephone: [886] (2) 2162-2000, FAX: [886] (2) 2162-2251; #2 Chung Cheng 3rd Road, 5th Floor, Kao-hsiung, Taiwan, telephone: [886] (7) 238-7744, FAX: [886] (7) 238-5237; and the American Trade Center, Room 3208 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333 Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei, Taiwan 10548, telephone: [886] (2) 2720-1550, FAX: [886] (2) 2757-7162

Tajikistan chief of mission: Ambassador Richard E. HOAGLAND embassy: 10 Pavlova Street, Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734003; note - the embassy in Dushanbe is not yet fully operational; most business is still handled in Almaty at: 531 Sayfullin Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan, telephone 7-3272-58-79-61, FAX 7-3272-58-79-68 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [992] (372) 21-03-48, 21-03-52, 24-15-60 FAX: [992] (372) 21-03-62, 51-00-28

Tanzania chief of mission: Ambassador Robert V. ROYALL embassy: 140 Msese Road, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam mailing address: P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam telephone: [255] (22) 2666-010 through 2666-015 FAX: [255] (22) 2666-701, 2668-501

Thailand chief of mission: Ambassador Ralph L. BOYCE embassy: 120/22 Wireless Road, Bangkok mailing address: APO AP 96546 telephone: [66] (2) 205-4000 FAX: [66] (2) 254-2990, 205-4131 consulate(s) general: Chiang Mai

Togo chief of mission: Ambassador Gregory ENGLE embassy: Angle Rue Kouenou and Rue 15 Beniglato, Lome mailing address: B. P. 852, Lome telephone: [228] 221 29 91 through 221 29 94 FAX: [228] 221 79 52

Tokelau none (territory of New Zealand)

Tonga the US does not have an embassy in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago chief of mission: Ambassador Roy L. AUSTIN embassy: 15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain mailing address: P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain telephone: [1] (868) 622-6372 through 6376, 622-6176 FAX: [1] (868) 628-5462

Tunisia chief of mission: Ambassador William J. HUDSON embassy: Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac Nord de Tunis, 2045 La Goulette, Tunisia mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [216] 71 107-000 FAX: [216] 71 962-115

Turkey chief of mission: Ambassador Eric S. EDELMAN embassy: 110 Ataturk Boulevard, Kavaklidere, 06100 Ankara mailing address: PSC 93, Box 5000, APO AE 09823 telephone: [90] (312) 455-5555 FAX: [90] (312) 467-0019 consulate(s) general: Istanbul consulate(s): Adana; note - there is a Consular Agent in Izmir

Turkmenistan chief of mission: Ambassador Tracey A. JACOBSON embassy: 9 Pushkin (1984) Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 774000 mailing address: 7070 Ashgabat Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-7070 telephone: [9] (9312) 35-00-45 FAX: [9] (9312) 39-26-14

Turks and Caicos Islands none (overseas territory of the UK)

Tuvalu the US does not have an embassy in Tuvalu; the US ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Tuvalu

Uganda chief of mission: Ambassador Jimmy KOLKER embassy: 1577 Ggaba Rd., Kampala mailing address: P. O. Box 7007, Kampala telephone: [256] (41) 234-142 FAX: [256] (41) 258-451

Ukraine chief of mission: Ambassador John E. HERBST embassy: 10 Yuriia Kotsiubynskoho Street, 04053 Kiev mailing address: 5850 Kiev Place, Washington, DC 20521-5850 telephone: [380] (44) 490-4000 FAX: [380] (44) 490-4085

United Arab Emirates chief of mission: Ambassador Michele SISON embassy: Embassies District, Plot 38 Sector W59-02, Street No. 4, Abu Dhabi mailing address: P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi telephone: [971] (2) 414-2200 FAX: [971] (2) 414-2469 consulate(s) general: Dubai

United Kingdom chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires David T. JOHNSON embassy: 24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 1AE mailing address: PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040 telephone: [44] (0) 20 7499-9000 FAX: [44] (0) 20 7629-9124 consulate(s) general: Belfast, Edinburgh

Uruguay chief of mission: Ambassador Martin J. SILVERSTEIN embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200 mailing address: APO AA 34035 telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777 FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Uzbekistan chief of mission: Ambassador Jon PURNELL embassy: 82 Chilanzarskaya, Tashkent 700115 mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [998] (71) 120-5450 FAX: [998] (71) 120-6335

Vanuatu the US does not have an embassy in Vanuatu; the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

Venezuela chief of mission: Ambassador William R. BROWNFIELD embassy: Calle F con Calle Suapure, Urbanizacion Colinas de Valle Arriba, Caracas 1080 mailing address: P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A; APO AA 34037 telephone: [58] (212) 975-9234, 975-6411 FAX: [58] (212) 975-8991

Vietnam chief of mission: Ambassador Michael W. MARINE embassy: 7 Lang Ha Road, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi mailing address: PSC 461, Box 400, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [84] (4) 772-1500 FAX: [84] (4) 772-1510 consulate(s) general: Ho Chi Minh City

Virgin Islands none (territory of the US)

Wallis and Futuna none (overseas territory of France)

Western Sahara none

Yemen chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas C. KRAJESKI embassy: Saawan Street, Sanaa mailing address: P. O. Box 22347, Sanaa telephone: [967] (1) 303-151 through 159 FAX: [967] (1) 303-160/161/162/164/165

Zambia chief of mission: Ambassador Martin George BRENNAN embassy: corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues mailing address: P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka telephone: [260] (1) 250-955 FAX: [260] (1) 252-225

Zimbabwe chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph G. SULLIVAN embassy: 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare mailing address: P. O. Box 3340, Harare telephone: [263] (4) 250-593 and 250-594 FAX: [263] (4) 796488

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2008 Transportation - note

Arctic Ocean sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage (North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal waterways

Atlantic Ocean Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways; significant domestic commercial and recreational use of Intracoastal Waterway on central and south Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico coast of US

Baker Island there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Georgia transportation network is in poor condition resulting from ethnic conflict, criminal activities, and fuel shortages; network lacks maintenance and repair

Howland Island Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; named in memory of famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART

Jarvis Island there is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast

Midway Islands airfield serves as an emergency landing site for commercial aircraft crossing the Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state)

Southern Ocean Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal

Wake Island formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used by US military, some commercial cargo planes, and for emergency landings

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2010 Age structure (%)

Afghanistan 0-14 years: 44.7% (male 6,842,857/female 6,524,485) 15-64 years: 52.9% (male 8,124,077/female 7,713,603) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 353,193/female 370,772) (2005 est.)

Albania 0-14 years: 25.6% (male 476,989/female 434,298) 15-64 years: 65.8% (male 1,199,964/female 1,144,886) 65 years and over: 8.6% (male 141,559/female 165,416) (2005 est.)

Algeria 0-14 years: 29% (male 4,811,086/female 4,626,271) 15-64 years: 66.3% (male 10,861,862/female 10,701,459) 65 years and over: 4.7% (male 719,460/female 811,715) (2005 est.)

American Samoa 0-14 years: 35.7% (male 10,705/female 9,956) 15-64 years: 61.3% (male 18,351/female 17,125) 65 years and over: 3% (male 664/female 1,080) (2005 est.)

Andorra 0-14 years: 14.8% (male 5,471/female 4,995) 15-64 years: 71.5% (male 26,463/female 23,977) 65 years and over: 13.7% (male 4,780/female 4,863) (2005 est.)

Angola 0-14 years: 43.4% (male 2,454,209/female 2,407,083) 15-64 years: 53.7% (male 3,059,339/female 2,955,060) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 139,961/female 175,134) (2005 est.)

Anguilla 0-14 years: 23.2% (male 1,561/female 1,517) 15-64 years: 69.9% (male 4,767/female 4,501) 65 years and over: 6.9% (male 405/female 503) (2005 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda 0-14 years: 27.9% (male 9,767/female 9,427) 15-64 years: 68% (male 23,466/female 23,250) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,085/female 1,727) (2005 est.)

Argentina 0-14 years: 25.6% (male 5,170,721/female 4,938,171) 15-64 years: 63.9% (male 12,626,711/female 12,627,026) 65 years and over: 10.6% (male 1,712,117/female 2,463,197) (2005 est.)

Armenia 0-14 years: 21.6% (male 339,453/female 305,214) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 938,734/female 1,074,240) 65 years and over: 10.9% (male 131,519/female 193,744) (2005 est.)

Aruba 0-14 years: 19.9% (male 7,308/female 6,960) 15-64 years: 68.2% (male 23,736/female 25,068) 65 years and over: 11.9% (male 3,486/female 5,008) (2005 est.)

Australia 0-14 years: 19.8% (male 2,038,809/female 1,943,563) 15-64 years: 67.2% (male 6,815,600/female 6,695,189) 65 years and over: 12.9% (male 1,145,274/female 1,452,002) (2005 est.)

Austria 0-14 years: 15.6% (male 656,058/female 624,574) 15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,790,673/female 2,756,612) 65 years and over: 16.6% (male 543,626/female 813,148) (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan 0-14 years: 26.4% (male 1,063,731/female 1,028,684) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 2,533,762/female 2,665,381) 65 years and over: 7.8% (male 245,758/female 374,658) (2005 est.)

Bahamas, The 0-14 years: 27.9% (male 42,142/female 42,096) 15-64 years: 65.9% (male 97,865/female 101,047) 65 years and over: 6.2% (male 7,616/female 11,024) (2005 est.)

Bahrain 0-14 years: 27.8% (male 96,807/female 94,863) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 275,792/female 197,424) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 12,078/female 11,381) (2005 est.)

Bangladesh 0-14 years: 33.1% (male 24,590,207/female 23,162,420) 15-64 years: 63.5% (male 46,764,824/female 44,868,733) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 2,650,683/female 2,282,761) (2005 est.)

Barbados 0-14 years: 20.6% (male 28,813/female 28,634) 15-64 years: 70.6% (male 96,590/female 100,622) 65 years and over: 8.8% (male 9,432/female 15,163) (2005 est.)

Belarus 0-14 years: 16% (male 839,292/female 804,738) 15-64 years: 69.5% (male 3,481,432/female 3,672,991) 65 years and over: 14.6% (male 498,717/female 1,003,313) (2005 est.)

Belgium 0-14 years: 16.9% (male 892,995/female 855,177) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 3,435,282/female 3,373,917) 65 years and over: 17.4% (male 745,178/female 1,061,839) (2005 est.)

Belize 0-14 years: 40.1% (male 57,114/female 54,877) 15-64 years: 56.4% (male 79,694/female 77,881) 65 years and over: 3.5% (male 4,768/female 5,123) (2005 est.)

Benin 0-14 years: 46.5% (male 1,752,243/female 1,719,458) 15-64 years: 51.2% (male 1,868,630/female 1,948,610) 65 years and over: 2.3% (male 70,367/female 100,717) (2005 est.)

Bermuda 0-14 years: 18.9% (male 6,177/female 6,154) 15-64 years: 69.2% (male 22,422/female 22,828) 65 years and over: 11.9% (male 3,378/female 4,406) (2005 est.)

Bhutan 0-14 years: 39.1% (male 452,213/female 420,675) 15-64 years: 56.9% (male 654,109/female 615,431) 65 years and over: 4% (male 45,281/female 44,582) (2005 est.)

Bolivia 0-14 years: 35.7% (male 1,613,049/female 1,551,023) 15-64 years: 59.8% (male 2,591,328/female 2,701,892) 65 years and over: 4.5% (male 178,486/female 222,092) (2005 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-14 years: 18.3% (male 378,784/female 358,784) 15-64 years: 70.7% (male 1,458,405/female 1,388,793) 65 years and over: 10.9% (male 188,741/female 251,969) (2005 est.)

Botswana 0-14 years: 38.8% (male 322,916/female 312,735) 15-64 years: 57.5% (male 455,183/female 487,236) 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 23,914/female 38,131) (2005 est.)

Brazil 0-14 years: 26.1% (male 24,789,495/female 23,842,715) 15-64 years: 67.9% (male 62,669,392/female 63,719,631) 65 years and over: 6% (male 4,549,552/female 6,542,009) (2005 est.)

British Virgin Islands 0-14 years: 21% (male 2,400/female 2,358) 15-64 years: 73.9% (male 8,607/female 8,115) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 614/female 549) (2005 est.)

Brunei 0-14 years: 28.6% (male 54,342/female 52,084) 15-64 years: 68.4% (male 134,908/female 119,814) 65 years and over: 3% (male 5,301/female 5,912) (2005 est.)

Bulgaria 0-14 years: 14.1% (male 539,005/female 512,762) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 2,516,368/female 2,599,524) 65 years and over: 17.2% (male 531,008/female 751,682) (2005 est.)

Burkina Faso 0-14 years: 46% (male 3,213,436/female 3,193,253) 15-64 years: 51.2% (male 3,487,201/female 3,635,673) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 164,418/female 231,332) (2005 est.)

Burma 0-14 years: 27.2% (male 5,967,487/female 5,717,795) 15-64 years: 67.8% (male 14,448,887/female 14,641,419) 65 years and over: 5% (male 939,092/female 1,194,784) (2005 est.)

Burundi 0-14 years: 46% (male 1,479,941/female 1,450,808) 15-64 years: 51.3% (male 1,617,864/female 1,653,331) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 66,199/female 102,466) (2005 est.)

Cambodia 0-14 years: 37.3% (male 2,559,734/female 2,510,235) 15-64 years: 59.7% (male 3,887,642/female 4,232,313) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 150,862/female 266,283) (2005 est.)

Cameroon 0-14 years: 41.7% (male 3,457,180/female 3,375,668) 15-64 years: 55% (male 4,537,281/female 4,477,163) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 239,634/female 293,079) (2005 est.)

Canada 0-14 years: 17.9% (male 3,016,032/female 2,869,244) 15-64 years: 68.9% (male 11,357,425/female 11,244,356) 65 years and over: 13.2% (male 1,842,496/female 2,475,488) (2005 est.)

Cape Verde 0-14 years: 39% (male 82,249/female 80,752) 15-64 years: 54.3% (male 110,119/female 116,816) 65 years and over: 6.8% (male 10,599/female 17,689) (2005 est.)

Cayman Islands 0-14 years: 21.1% (male 4,658/female 4,662) 15-64 years: 70.8% (male 15,284/female 16,050) 65 years and over: 8.2% (male 1,699/female 1,917) (2005 est.)

Central African Republic 0-14 years: 42.5% (male 813,596/female 802,728) 15-64 years: 54% (male 1,010,696/female 1,041,903) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 54,345/female 76,629) (2005 est.)

Chad 0-14 years: 47.9% (male 2,365,277/female 2,337,388) 15-64 years: 49.4% (male 2,323,110/female 2,528,086) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 109,535/female 163,023) (2005 est.)

Chile 0-14 years: 25.2% (male 2,062,735/female 1,970,913) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 5,320,870/female 5,342,771) 65 years and over: 8% (male 534,737/female 748,886) (2005 est.)

China 0-14 years: 21.4% (male 148,134,928/female 131,045,415) 15-64 years: 71% (male 477,182,072/female 450,664,933) 65 years and over: 7.6% (male 47,400,282/female 51,886,182) (2005 est.)

Christmas Island 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Colombia 0-14 years: 30.7% (male 6,670,950/female 6,516,371) 15-64 years: 64.2% (male 13,424,433/female 14,142,825) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 968,127/female 1,231,573) (2005 est.)

Comoros 0-14 years: 42.8% (male 144,075/female 143,175) 15-64 years: 54.2% (male 179,541/female 184,488) 65 years and over: 3% (male 9,407/female 10,561) (2005 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0-14 years: 48.1% (male 14,513,779/female 14,396,952) 15-64 years: 49.4% (male 14,579,101/female 15,121,297) 65 years and over: 2.5% (male 597,776/female 876,099) (2005 est.)

Congo, Republic of the 0-14 years: 37.3% (male 571,011/female 563,414) 15-64 years: 59% (male 886,297/female 907,348) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 45,799/female 65,257) (2005 est.)

Cook Islands 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Costa Rica 0-14 years: 28.9% (male 593,540/female 566,361) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,330,481/female 1,300,664) 65 years and over: 5.6% (male 104,564/female 120,563) (2005 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire 0-14 years: 41% (male 3,490,536/female 3,596,208) 15-64 years: 56.3% (male 4,920,726/female 4,820,326) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 231,514/female 238,730) (2005 est.)

Croatia 0-14 years: 16.4% (male 378,615/female 359,231) 15-64 years: 67% (male 1,497,355/female 1,514,993) 65 years and over: 16.6% (male 283,460/female 462,250) (2005 est.)

Cuba 0-14 years: 19.6% (male 1,139,644/female 1,079,412) 15-64 years: 70.1% (male 3,977,110/female 3,975,818) 65 years and over: 10.4% (male 540,720/female 633,966) (2005 est.)

Cyprus 0-14 years: 20.9% (male 83,256/female 79,701) 15-64 years: 67.7% (male 267,446/female 260,846) 65 years and over: 11.4% (male 38,766/female 50,118) (2005 est.)

Czech Republic 0-14 years: 14.7% (male 773,028/female 731,833) 15-64 years: 71.1% (male 3,651,018/female 3,627,006) 65 years and over: 14.2% (male 565,374/female 892,879) (2005 est.)

Denmark 0-14 years: 18.8% (male 524,250/female 497,683) 15-64 years: 66.1% (male 1,811,787/female 1,780,907) 65 years and over: 15.1% (male 349,458/female 468,250) (2005 est.)

Djibouti 0-14 years: 43.3% (male 103,516/female 102,860) 15-64 years: 53.5% (male 133,168/female 121,823) 65 years and over: 3.2% (male 7,748/female 7,588) (2005 est.)

Dominica 0-14 years: 26.7% (male 9,328/female 9,125) 15-64 years: 65.4% (male 23,225/female 21,900) 65 years and over: 7.9% (male 2,193/female 3,258) (2005 est.)

Dominican Republic 0-14 years: 32.9% (male 1,505,964/female 1,438,809) 15-64 years: 61.7% (male 2,815,544/female 2,703,012) 65 years and over: 5.4% (male 226,372/female 260,333) (2005 est.)

East Timor 0-14 years: 37.1% (male 196,108/female 189,753) 15-64 years: 59.9% (male 318,173/female 305,479) 65 years and over: 3% (male 15,353/female 16,014) (2005 est.)

Ecuador 0-14 years: 33.5% (male 2,282,252/female 2,195,942) 15-64 years: 61.5% (male 4,094,146/female 4,130,096) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 310,336/female 350,821) (2005 est.)

Egypt 0-14 years: 33% (male 13,106,043/female 12,483,899) 15-64 years: 62.6% (male 24,531,266/female 23,972,216) 65 years and over: 4.4% (male 1,457,097/female 1,955,235) (2005 est.)

El Salvador 0-14 years: 36.5% (male 1,250,901/female 1,198,589) 15-64 years: 58.3% (male 1,860,084/female 2,051,140) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 153,133/female 191,085) (2005 est.)

Equatorial Guinea 0-14 years: 41.7% (male 112,326/female 111,244) 15-64 years: 54.5% (male 140,568/female 151,500) 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 8,900/female 11,343) (2005 est.)

Eritrea 0-14 years: 44.8% (male 1,023,898/female 1,019,389) 15-64 years: 51.9% (male 1,170,823/female 1,194,741) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 74,312/female 78,436) (2005 est.)

Estonia 0-14 years: 15.5% (male 106,300/female 100,446) 15-64 years: 67.7% (male 429,843/female 472,034) 65 years and over: 16.8% (male 74,037/female 150,233) (2005 est.)

Ethiopia 0-14 years: 43.9% (male 16,082,504/female 15,999,602) 15-64 years: 53.4% (male 19,452,737/female 19,525,746) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 905,648/female 1,087,049) (2005 est.)

European Union 0-14 years: 16.03% (male 37,608,010/female 35,632,351) 15-64 years: 67.17% (male 154,439,536/female 152,479,619) 65 years and over: 16.81% (male 31,515,921/female 45,277,821) (2005 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA (2005 est.)

Faroe Islands 0-14 years: 21.3% (male 4,997/female 4,999) 15-64 years: 64.9% (male 16,120/female 14,360) 65 years and over: 13.8% (male 2,923/female 3,563) (2005 est.)

Fiji 0-14 years: 31.4% (male 143,066/female 137,346) 15-64 years: 64.5% (male 288,434/female 287,720) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 16,797/female 19,991) (2005 est.)

Finland 0-14 years: 17.3% (male 460,977/female 443,859) 15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,764,874/female 1,723,385) 65 years and over: 15.9% (male 328,952/female 501,395) (2005 est.)

France 0-14 years: 18.4% (male 5,717,761/female 5,440,060) 15-64 years: 65.2% (male 19,784,749/female 19,752,432) 65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,084,193/female 5,876,983) (2005 est.)

French Guiana 0-14 years: 29.3% (male 29,262/female 27,947) 15-64 years: 64.7% (male 67,895/female 58,534) 65 years and over: 6.1% (male 6,038/female 5,830) (2005 est.)

French Polynesia 0-14 years: 26.7% (male 36,947/female 35,403) 15-64 years: 67.4% (male 94,710/female 87,546) 65 years and over: 5.9% (male 8,018/female 7,861) (2005 est.)

Gabon 0-14 years: 42.1% (male 293,668/female 291,816) 15-64 years: 53.8% (male 372,134/female 374,850) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 23,551/female 33,182) (2005 est.)

Gambia, The 0-14 years: 44.5% (male 356,079/female 352,894) 15-64 years: 52.8% (male 416,809/female 424,429) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 22,111/female 20,934) (2005 est.)

Gaza Strip 0-14 years: 48.5% (male 342,186/female 325,899) 15-64 years: 48.8% (male 342,927/female 329,354) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 15,036/female 20,887) (2005 est.)

Georgia 0-14 years: 18% (male 444,779/female 398,162) 15-64 years: 65.9% (male 1,480,557/female 1,603,743) 65 years and over: 16% (male 300,859/female 449,301) (2005 est.)

Germany 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 6,078,885/female 5,766,065) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 28,006,268/female 27,003,958) 65 years and over: 18.9% (male 6,359,776/female 9,216,438) (2005 est.)

Ghana 0-14 years: 37.1% (male 3,946,326/female 3,862,390) 15-64 years: 59.1% (male 6,203,035/female 6,235,107) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 366,472/female 416,523) (2005 est.)

Gibraltar 0-14 years: 17.8% (male 2,529/female 2,426) 15-64 years: 66% (male 9,442/female 8,970) 65 years and over: 16.2% (male 2,008/female 2,509) (2005 est.)

Greece 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 791,227/female 744,178) 15-64 years: 66.8% (male 3,561,689/female 3,564,675) 65 years and over: 18.8% (male 884,497/female 1,122,088) (2005 est.)

Greenland 0-14 years: 25% (male 7,216/female 6,888) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 20,897/female 17,823) 65 years and over: 6.3% (male 1,672/female 1,879) (2005 est.)

Grenada 0-14 years: 33.9% (male 15,329/female 14,997) 15-64 years: 62.7% (male 29,711/female 26,436) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 1,431/female 1,598) (2005 est.)

Guadeloupe 0-14 years: 24% (male 55,072/female 52,677) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 148,880/female 151,238) 65 years and over: 9.1% (male 17,032/female 23,814) (2005 est.)

Guam 0-14 years: 29.4% (male 25,645/female 23,887) 15-64 years: 64.1% (male 55,115/female 52,935) 65 years and over: 6.5% (male 5,157/female 5,825) (2005 est.)

Guatemala 0-14 years: 42.4% (male 3,185,037/female 3,033,947) 15-64 years: 54.2% (male 4,019,052/female 3,928,984) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 226,745/female 261,424) (2005 est.)

Guernsey 0-14 years: 15.4% (male 5,084/female 4,937) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 21,611/female 22,002) 65 years and over: 17.8% (male 4,882/female 6,712) (2005 est.)

Guinea 0-14 years: 44.4% (male 2,123,207/female 2,079,475) 15-64 years: 52.4% (male 2,478,820/female 2,486,300) 65 years and over: 3.2% (male 131,130/female 168,934) (2005 est.)

Guinea-Bissau 0-14 years: 41.5% (male 293,280/female 294,483) 15-64 years: 55.5% (male 376,719/female 409,402) 65 years and over: 3% (male 17,865/female 24,278) (2005 est.)

Guyana 0-14 years: 26.4% (male 103,054/female 99,279) 15-64 years: 68.5% (male 263,953/female 260,000) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 16,801/female 22,196) (2005 est.)

Haiti 0-14 years: 42.6% (male 1,741,622/female 1,721,436) 15-64 years: 53.9% (male 2,137,225/female 2,242,639) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 124,383/female 154,317) (2005 est.)

Honduras 0-14 years: 40.8% (male 1,452,646/female 1,393,271) 15-64 years: 55.5% (male 1,921,432/female 1,948,656) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 122,146/female 137,053) (2005 est.)

Hong Kong 0-14 years: 13.8% (male 498,771/female 454,252) 15-64 years: 73.5% (male 2,479,656/female 2,591,170) 65 years and over: 12.7% (male 404,308/female 470,529) (2005 est.)

Hungary 0-14 years: 15.8% (male 813,203/female 769,687) 15-64 years: 69.1% (male 3,405,559/female 3,511,141) 65 years and over: 15.1% (male 547,323/female 959,922) (2005 est.)

Iceland 0-14 years: 22.1% (male 33,302/female 32,257) 15-64 years: 66.2% (male 99,513/female 96,886) 65 years and over: 11.7% (male 15,723/female 19,056) (2005 est.)

India 0-14 years: 31.2% (male 173,634,432/female 163,932,475) 15-64 years: 63.9% (male 356,932,082/female 333,283,590) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 26,542,025/female 25,939,784) (2005 est.)

Indonesia 0-14 years: 29.1% (male 35,823,456/female 34,590,631) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 79,447,560/female 79,449,399) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 5,526,389/female 7,136,444) (2005 est.)

Iran 0-14 years: 27.1% (male 9,465,475/female 8,973,828) 15-64 years: 68% (male 23,556,970/female 22,701,065) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 1,637,512/female 1,683,010) (2005 est.)

Iraq 0-14 years: 40% (male 5,293,709/female 5,130,826) 15-64 years: 57% (male 7,530,619/female 7,338,109) 65 years and over: 3% (male 367,832/female 413,811) (2005 est.)

Ireland 0-14 years: 20.9% (male 434,225/female 406,730) 15-64 years: 67.5% (male 1,358,086/female 1,354,148) 65 years and over: 11.5% (male 203,614/female 258,873) (2005 est.)

Israel 0-14 years: 26.5% (male 851,415/female 812,095) 15-64 years: 63.7% (male 2,010,888/female 1,986,256) 65 years and over: 9.8% (male 264,708/female 351,521) (2005 est.)

Italy 0-14 years: 13.9% (male 4,166,213/female 3,919,288) 15-64 years: 66.7% (male 19,554,416/female 19,174,629) 65 years and over: 19.4% (male 4,698,441/female 6,590,046) (2005 est.)

Jamaica 0-14 years: 27.5% (male 385,099/female 367,398) 15-64 years: 65.6% (male 897,953/female 893,509) 65 years and over: 6.9% (male 83,632/female 104,241) (2005 est.)

Japan 0-14 years: 14.3% (male 9,328,584/female 8,866,772) 15-64 years: 66.2% (male 42,462,533/female 41,942,835) 65 years and over: 19.5% (male 10,435,284/female 14,381,236) (2005 est.)

Jersey 0-14 years: 17.5% (male 8,222/female 7,658) 15-64 years: 67% (male 30,296/female 30,561) 65 years and over: 15.5% (male 6,176/female 7,899) (2005 est.)

Jordan 0-14 years: 34.5% (male 1,015,084/female 973,220) 15-64 years: 61.7% (male 1,897,643/female 1,656,570) 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 106,168/female 111,047) (2005 est.)

Kazakhstan 0-14 years: 23.7% (male 1,834,535/female 1,758,988) 15-64 years: 68.4% (male 5,075,243/female 5,312,536) 65 years and over: 7.9% (male 424,341/female 780,201) (2005 est.)

Kenya 0-14 years: 42.5% (male 7,252,075/female 7,124,034) 15-64 years: 55.2% (male 9,378,428/female 9,295,471) 65 years and over: 2.3% (male 356,116/female 423,466) (2005 est.)

Kiribati 0-14 years: 38.9% (male 20,342/female 19,806) 15-64 years: 57.7% (male 29,362/female 30,136) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 1,477/female 1,969) (2005 est.)

Korea, North 0-14 years: 24.2% (male 2,816,844/female 2,735,478) 15-64 years: 67.9% (male 7,668,581/female 7,883,267) 65 years and over: 7.9% (male 625,819/female 1,182,188) (2005 est.)

Korea, South 0-14 years: 19.4% (male 4,952,177/female 4,450,821) 15-64 years: 72% (male 17,715,267/female 17,147,808) 65 years and over: 8.6% (male 1,670,971/female 2,485,600) (2005 est.)

Kuwait 0-14 years: 27.2% (male 323,382/female 311,700) 15-64 years: 70.1% (male 1,045,589/female 591,243) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 40,439/female 23,295) (2005 est.)

Kyrgyzstan 0-14 years: 31.6% (male 827,751/female 796,029) 15-64 years: 62.3% (male 1,571,476/female 1,632,506) 65 years and over: 6.2% (male 123,992/female 194,527) (2005 est.)

Laos 0-14 years: 41.6% (male 1,300,094/female 1,289,227) 15-64 years: 55.2% (male 1,693,494/female 1,737,196) 65 years and over: 3.2% (male 88,744/female 108,386) (2005 est.)

Latvia 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 169,284/female 161,648) 15-64 years: 69.4% (male 770,839/female 819,309) 65 years and over: 16.1% (male 120,306/female 248,851) (2005 est.)

Lebanon 0-14 years: 26.7% (male 520,270/female 499,609) 15-64 years: 66.4% (male 1,216,738/female 1,324,031) 65 years and over: 6.9% (male 120,176/female 145,194) (2005 est.)

Lesotho 0-14 years: 36.9% (male 346,930/female 342,459) 15-64 years: 57.6% (male 526,642/female 548,096) 65 years and over: 5.5% (male 42,003/female 60,905) (2005 est.)

Liberia 0-14 years: 43.6% (male 765,662/female 751,134) 15-64 years: 52.8% (male 896,206/female 940,985) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 64,547/female 63,677) (2005 est.)

Libya 0-14 years: 33.9% (male 997,364/female 955,272) 15-64 years: 62% (male 1,842,775/female 1,729,235) 65 years and over: 4.2% (male 117,967/female 122,950) (2005 est.)

Liechtenstein 0-14 years: 17.6% (male 2,938/female 3,009) 15-64 years: 70.4% (male 11,795/female 11,927) 65 years and over: 12% (male 1,685/female 2,363) (2005 est.)

Lithuania 0-14 years: 16.1% (male 297,271/female 282,269) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 1,206,731/female 1,264,359) 65 years and over: 15.2% (male 186,979/female 359,008) (2005 est.)

Luxembourg 0-14 years: 18.9% (male 45,768/female 42,980) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 157,453/female 153,927) 65 years and over: 14.6% (male 27,573/female 40,870) (2005 est.)

Macau 0-14 years: 17% (male 39,564/female 36,947) 15-64 years: 75.1% (male 160,957/female 176,386) 65 years and over: 7.9% (male 14,713/female 20,631) (2005 est.)

Macedonia 0-14 years: 20.5% (male 217,057/female 202,465) 15-64 years: 68.7% (male 707,489/female 697,150) 65 years and over: 10.8% (male 97,117/female 123,984) (2005 est.)

Madagascar 0-14 years: 44.8% (male 4,051,832/female 4,038,837) 15-64 years: 52.1% (male 4,657,346/female 4,745,971) 65 years and over: 3% (male 247,146/female 299,209) (2005 est.)

Malawi 0-14 years: 46.9% (male 2,877,568/female 2,823,296) 15-64 years: 50.4% (male 3,041,352/female 3,081,762) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 132,175/female 202,771) (2005 est.)

Malaysia 0-14 years: 33% (male 4,067,006/female 3,837,758) 15-64 years: 62.4% (male 7,488,367/female 7,447,047) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 490,334/female 622,624) (2005 est.)

Maldives 0-14 years: 43.9% (male 78,794/female 74,505) 15-64 years: 53% (male 94,488/female 90,624) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 5,339/female 5,356) (2005 est.)

Mali 0-14 years: 47.1% (male 2,910,944/female 2,876,010) 15-64 years: 50% (male 2,955,496/female 3,185,666) 65 years and over: 3% (male 165,867/female 197,546) (2005 est.)

Malta 0-14 years: 17.6% (male 36,056/female 34,097) 15-64 years: 68.8% (male 138,537/female 135,666) 65 years and over: 13.6% (male 23,184/female 30,994) (2005 est.)

Man, Isle of 0-14 years: 17.4% (male 6,681/female 6,365) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 24,693/female 24,482) 65 years and over: 17.1% (male 5,163/female 7,665) (2005 est.)

Marshall Islands 0-14 years: 38.2% (male 11,488/female 11,071) 15-64 years: 59.1% (male 17,887/female 17,023) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 771/female 831) (2005 est.)

Martinique 0-14 years: 22.4% (male 49,112/female 47,697) 15-64 years: 67.2% (male 145,531/female 145,250) 65 years and over: 10.5% (male 20,423/female 24,887) (2005 est.)

Mauritania 0-14 years: 45.8% (male 707,728/female 704,616) 15-64 years: 52% (male 792,589/female 813,763) 65 years and over: 2.2% (male 27,560/female 40,603) (2005 est.)

Mauritius 0-14 years: 24.4% (male 151,043/female 148,847) 15-64 years: 69.1% (male 424,472/female 425,974) 65 years and over: 6.5% (male 31,506/female 48,760) (2005 est.)

Mayotte 0-14 years: 46.2% (male 44,926/female 44,521) 15-64 years: 52.1% (male 54,713/female 46,156) 65 years and over: 1.7% (male 1,666/female 1,651) (2005 est.)

Mexico 0-14 years: 31.1% (male 16,844,400/female 16,159,511) 15-64 years: 63.3% (male 32,521,043/female 34,704,093) 65 years and over: 5.6% (male 2,715,010/female 3,258,846) (2005 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of 0-14 years: 37.1% (male 20,439/female 19,674) 15-64 years: 59.8% (male 32,382/female 32,313) 65 years and over: 3% (male 1,461/female 1,836) (2005 est.)

Moldova 0-14 years: 20.2% (male 459,452/female 442,725) 15-64 years: 69.5% (male 1,489,813/female 1,606,202) 65 years and over: 10.3% (male 169,038/female 288,191) (2005 est.)

Monaco 0-14 years: 15.5% (male 2,563/female 2,445) 15-64 years: 62.1% (male 9,909/female 10,217) 65 years and over: 22.4% (male 2,972/female 4,303) (2005 est.)

Mongolia 0-14 years: 28.7% (male 407,547/female 392,440) 15-64 years: 67.7% (male 943,418/female 945,063) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 44,413/female 58,391) (2005 est.)

Montserrat 0-14 years: 23.3% (male 1,109/female 1,072) 15-64 years: 65.6% (male 2,923/female 3,201) 65 years and over: 11.1% (male 536/female 500) (2005 est.)

Morocco 0-14 years: 32.1% (male 5,349,247/female 5,150,497) 15-64 years: 63% (male 10,259,808/female 10,346,608) 65 years and over: 4.9% (male 708,921/female 910,766) (2005 est.)

Mozambique 0-14 years: 43.1% (male 4,206,654/female 4,157,898) 15-64 years: 54.1% (male 5,088,250/female 5,416,573) 65 years and over: 2.8% (male 224,682/female 312,646) (2005 est.)

Namibia 0-14 years: 38.7% (male 396,247/female 389,543) 15-64 years: 57.7% (male 586,900/female 584,779) 65 years and over: 3.6% (male 33,524/female 39,699) (2005 est.)

Nauru 0-14 years: 37.5% (male 2,511/female 2,379) 15-64 years: 60.6% (male 3,895/female 4,012) 65 years and over: 1.9% (male 132/female 119) (2005 est.)

Nepal 0-14 years: 39% (male 5,575,157/female 5,221,794) 15-64 years: 57.3% (male 8,137,410/female 7,720,691) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 499,039/female 522,456) (2005 est.)

Netherlands 0-14 years: 18.1% (male 1,523,316/female 1,453,232) 15-64 years: 67.8% (male 5,627,007/female 5,491,802) 65 years and over: 14.1% (male 974,037/female 1,338,097) (2005 est.)

Netherlands Antilles 0-14 years: 24.2% (male 27,302/female 26,002) 15-64 years: 67.3% (male 70,838/female 77,148) 65 years and over: 8.5% (male 7,673/female 10,995) (2005 est.)

New Caledonia 0-14 years: 29% (male 32,030/female 30,714) 15-64 years: 64.6% (male 70,294/female 69,506) 65 years and over: 6.4% (male 6,513/female 7,437) (2005 est.)

New Zealand 0-14 years: 21.4% (male 441,836/female 421,065) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 1,356,095/female 1,343,728) 65 years and over: 11.7% (male 206,650/female 266,087) (2005 est.)

Nicaragua 0-14 years: 37.2% (male 1,036,487/female 999,226) 15-64 years: 59.7% (male 1,623,065/female 1,638,017) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 73,935/female 94,370) (2005 est.)

Niger 0-14 years: 47.3% (male 2,811,539/female 2,704,498) 15-64 years: 50.6% (male 2,890,119/female 3,009,281) 65 years and over: 2.1% (male 130,953/female 119,547) (2005 est.)

Nigeria 0-14 years: 42.3% (male 27,466,766/female 27,045,092) 15-64 years: 54.6% (male 35,770,593/female 34,559,414) 65 years and over: 3.1% (male 1,874,157/female 2,055,966) (2005 est.)

Niue 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Norfolk Island 0-14 years: 20.2% 15-64 years: 63.9% 65 years and over: 15.9% (2005 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands 0-14 years: 19.9% (male 8,332/female 7,646) 15-64 years: 78.5% (male 26,121/female 36,982) 65 years and over: 1.6% (male 646/female 635) (2005 est.)

Norway 0-14 years: 19.5% (male 459,418/female 437,734) 15-64 years: 65.7% (male 1,531,249/female 1,484,656) 65 years and over: 14.8% (male 286,343/female 393,641) (2005 est.)

Oman 0-14 years: 42.6% (male 652,028/female 626,698) 15-64 years: 54.9% (male 978,183/female 668,814) 65 years and over: 2.5% (male 41,366/female 34,494) (2005 est.)

Pakistan 0-14 years: 39.6% (male 33,104,311/female 31,244,297) 15-64 years: 56.3% (male 46,759,333/female 44,685,828) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 3,189,122/female 3,437,055) (2005 est.)

Palau 0-14 years: 26.4% (male 2,768/female 2,601) 15-64 years: 69% (male 7,565/female 6,436) 65 years and over: 4.6% (male 443/female 490) (2005 est.)

Panama 0-14 years: 29.8% (male 460,840/female 443,359) 15-64 years: 63.9% (male 984,558/female 956,748) 65 years and over: 6.4% (male 91,383/female 102,262) (2005 est.)

Papua New Guinea 0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,072,910/female 1,037,635) 15-64 years: 58.1% (male 1,662,166/female 1,559,685) 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 99,777/female 113,095) (2005 est.)

Paraguay 0-14 years: 37.9% (male 1,223,479/female 1,184,134) 15-64 years: 57.3% (male 1,825,473/female 1,809,810) 65 years and over: 4.8% (male 140,935/female 164,053) (2005 est.)

Peru 0-14 years: 31.5% (male 4,479,278/female 4,323,356) 15-64 years: 63.3% (male 8,891,785/female 8,776,343) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 685,179/female 769,687) (2005 est.)

Philippines 0-14 years: 35.4% (male 15,869,636/female 15,255,588) 15-64 years: 60.6% (male 26,503,785/female 26,722,511) 65 years and over: 4% (male 1,523,213/female 1,982,740) (2005 est.)

Pitcairn Islands 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Poland 0-14 years: 16.7% (male 3,319,176/female 3,150,859) 15-64 years: 70.3% (male 13,506,153/female 13,638,265) 65 years and over: 13% (male 1,912,431/female 3,108,260) (2005 est.)

Portugal 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 916,234/female 839,935) 15-64 years: 66.3% (male 3,468,844/female 3,538,779) 65 years and over: 17.1% (male 744,787/female 1,057,633) (2005 est.)

Puerto Rico 0-14 years: 22% (male 441,594/female 421,986) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 1,228,583/female 1,337,066) 65 years and over: 12.4% (male 211,283/female 276,120) (2005 est.)

Qatar 0-14 years: 23.7% (male 104,453/female 100,295) 15-64 years: 72.9% (male 437,118/female 191,830) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 21,599/female 7,756) (2005 est.)

Reunion 0-14 years: 30.4% (male 120,698/female 115,108) 15-64 years: 63.6% (male 243,668/female 250,143) 65 years and over: 6.1% (male 19,234/female 28,097) (2005 est.)

Romania 0-14 years: 15.9% (male 1,818,488/female 1,727,598) 15-64 years: 69.5% (male 7,726,903/female 7,801,441) 65 years and over: 14.6% (male 1,342,827/female 1,912,720) (2005 est.)

Russia 0-14 years: 14.6% (male 10,704,617/female 10,173,313) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 49,429,716/female 52,799,740) 65 years and over: 14.2% (male 6,405,027/female 13,907,896) (2005 est.)

Rwanda 0-14 years: 41.9% (male 1,777,178/female 1,762,252) 15-64 years: 55.5% (male 2,328,686/female 2,356,572) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 87,155/female 128,977) (2005 est.)

Saint Helena 0-14 years: 18.8% (male 715/female 691) 15-64 years: 71.3% (male 2,745/female 2,575) 65 years and over: 9.8% (male 330/female 404) (2005 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis 0-14 years: 28% (male 5,586/female 5,330) 15-64 years: 63.7% (male 12,424/female 12,403) 65 years and over: 8.3% (male 1,328/female 1,887) (2005 est.)

Saint Lucia 0-14 years: 30.3% (male 25,937/female 24,391) 15-64 years: 64.6% (male 52,813/female 54,544) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 3,172/female 5,455) (2005 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0-14 years: 24% (male 861/female 825) 15-64 years: 65.3% (male 2,330/female 2,251) 65 years and over: 10.6% (male 335/female 410) (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 0-14 years: 27.1% (male 16,208/female 15,621) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 40,287/female 37,883) 65 years and over: 6.4% (male 3,280/female 4,255) (2005 est.)

Samoa 0-14 years: 27.2% (male 24,517/female 23,660) 15-64 years: 66.4% (male 73,495/female 44,208) 65 years and over: 6.4% (male 5,204/female 6,203) (2005 est.)

San Marino 0-14 years: 16.7% (male 2,482/female 2,328) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 9,255/female 9,943) 65 years and over: 16.9% (male 2,106/female 2,766) (2005 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe 0-14 years: 47.6% (male 45,145/female 44,007) 15-64 years: 48.6% (male 43,996/female 47,011) 65 years and over: 3.9% (male 3,333/female 3,918) (2005 est.)

Saudi Arabia 0-14 years: 38.2% (male 5,149,960/female 4,952,138) 15-64 years: 59.4% (male 8,992,348/female 6,698,633) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 334,694/female 289,826) (2005 est.)

Senegal 0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,404,461/female 2,360,167) 15-64 years: 54.1% (male 2,901,689/female 3,122,854) 65 years and over: 3% (male 161,173/female 176,488) (2005 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro 0-14 years: 18.1% (male 1,014,443/female 943,702) 15-64 years: 66.9% (male 3,610,646/female 3,632,365) 65 years and over: 15% (male 699,446/female 928,573) (2005 est.)

Seychelles 0-14 years: 26.4% (male 10,839/female 10,601) 15-64 years: 67.4% (male 26,709/female 28,025) 65 years and over: 6.2% (male 1,622/female 3,392) (2005 est.)

Sierra Leone 0-14 years: 44.7% (male 1,318,508/female 1,371,164) 15-64 years: 52% (male 1,494,068/female 1,637,276) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 93,047/female 103,580) (2005 est.)

Singapore 0-14 years: 16% (male 366,971/female 342,295) 15-64 years: 75.9% (male 1,639,842/female 1,719,829) 65 years and over: 8.1% (male 157,636/female 199,147) (2005 est.)

Slovakia 0-14 years: 17.1% (male 475,263/female 453,340) 15-64 years: 71% (male 1,919,222/female 1,939,097) 65 years and over: 11.9% (male 241,610/female 402,831) (2005 est.)

Slovenia 0-14 years: 14% (male 145,016/female 137,012) 15-64 years: 70.6% (male 715,629/female 704,079) 65 years and over: 15.4% (male 118,298/female 191,036) (2005 est.)

Solomon Islands 0-14 years: 41.9% (male 114,860/female 110,404) 15-64 years: 54.9% (male 149,400/female 145,970) 65 years and over: 3.2% (male 8,371/female 9,027) (2005 est.)

Somalia 0-14 years: 44.5% (male 1,918,209/female 1,905,974) 15-64 years: 52.9% (male 2,278,406/female 2,263,602) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 96,256/female 129,182) (2005 est.)

South Africa 0-14 years: 30.3% (male 6,760,137/female 6,682,013) 15-64 years: 64.5% (male 13,860,727/female 14,750,496) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 893,360/female 1,397,403) (2005 est.)

Spain 0-14 years: 14.4% (male 2,994,124/female 2,815,456) 15-64 years: 68% (male 13,762,281/female 13,664,762) 65 years and over: 17.6% (male 2,965,859/female 4,138,980) (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka 0-14 years: 24.5% (male 2,508,384/female 2,397,986) 15-64 years: 68.4% (male 6,658,765/female 7,059,468) 65 years and over: 7.2% (male 670,813/female 769,360) (2005 est.)

Sudan 0-14 years: 43.2% (male 8,865,331/female 8,488,982) 15-64 years: 54.5% (male 10,952,566/female 10,930,218) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 513,679/female 436,710) (2005 est.)

Suriname 0-14 years: 29.6% (male 66,537/female 63,182) 15-64 years: 64.2% (male 144,285/female 136,942) 65 years and over: 6.2% (male 12,092/female 15,106) (2005 est.)

Svalbard 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

Swaziland 0-14 years: 40.6% (male 240,643/female 235,895) 15-64 years: 55.6% (male 327,661/female 325,400) 65 years and over: 3.8% (male 19,273/female 25,028) (2005 est.)

Sweden 0-14 years: 17.1% (male 791,215/female 747,621) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 2,990,436/female 2,904,873) 65 years and over: 17.4% (male 677,161/female 890,468) (2005 est.)

Switzerland 0-14 years: 16.6% (male 643,497/female 597,565) 15-64 years: 68% (male 2,570,544/female 2,522,365) 65 years and over: 15.4% (male 472,769/female 682,630) (2005 est.)

Syria 0-14 years: 37.4% (male 3,556,795/female 3,350,267) 15-64 years: 59.3% (male 5,601,971/female 5,333,799) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 288,868/female 317,052) (2005 est.)

Taiwan 0-14 years: 19.7% (male 2,349,077/female 2,156,755) 15-64 years: 70.7% (male 8,205,933/female 7,980,056) 65 years and over: 9.6% (male 1,107,708/female 1,094,855) (2005 est.)

Tajikistan 0-14 years: 38.5% (male 1,390,220/female 1,368,268) 15-64 years: 56.7% (male 2,022,764/female 2,040,524) 65 years and over: 4.8% (male 150,372/female 191,358) (2005 est.)

Tanzania 0-14 years: 44% (male 8,100,216/female 8,074,171) 15-64 years: 53.4% (male 9,665,957/female 9,963,772) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 418,080/female 544,160) (2005 est.)

Thailand 0-14 years: 23.9% (male 7,988,529/female 7,633,405) 15-64 years: 68.6% (male 22,195,625/female 22,731,767) 65 years and over: 7.5% (male 2,251,112/female 2,643,933) (2005 est.)

Togo 0-14 years: 43.2% (male 1,232,759/female 1,224,060) 15-64 years: 54.2% (male 1,505,737/female 1,571,201) 65 years and over: 2.6% (male 60,799/female 86,963) (2005 est.)

Tokelau 0-14 years: 42% 15-64 years: 53% 65 years and over: 5% (2005 est.)

Tonga 0-14 years: 36.2% (male 20,738/female 19,907) 15-64 years: 59.7% (male 33,226/female 33,853) 65 years and over: 4.2% (male 2,031/female 2,667) (2005 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago 0-14 years: 20.7% (male 115,594/female 109,665) 15-64 years: 71% (male 403,301/female 369,664) 65 years and over: 8.3% (male 40,638/female 49,782) (2005 est.)

Tunisia 0-14 years: 25.3% (male 1,316,308/female 1,234,309) 15-64 years: 68.1% (male 3,437,880/female 3,418,591) 65 years and over: 6.6% (male 321,287/female 346,576) (2005 est.)

Turkey 0-14 years: 26% (male 9,232,439/female 8,897,135) 15-64 years: 67.3% (male 23,806,367/female 23,053,536) 65 years and over: 6.7% (male 2,140,242/female 2,530,840) (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan 0-14 years: 35.7% (male 909,113/female 860,128) 15-64 years: 60.2% (male 1,462,198/female 1,516,836) 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 78,119/female 125,687) (2005 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands 0-14 years: 32.5% (male 3,396/female 3,277) 15-64 years: 63.8% (male 6,900/female 6,220) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 342/female 421) (2005 est.)

Tuvalu 0-14 years: 30.8% (male 1,823/female 1,756) 15-64 years: 64.2% (male 3,620/female 3,847) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 229/female 361) (2005 est.)

Uganda 0-14 years: 50.1% (male 6,875,663/female 6,784,378) 15-64 years: 47.7% (male 6,511,867/female 6,494,859) 65 years and over: 2.2% (male 263,790/female 338,925) (2005 est.)

Ukraine 0-14 years: 15.6% (male 3,783,725/female 3,619,754) 15-64 years: 68.8% (male 15,619,989/female 16,992,628) 65 years and over: 15.6% (male 2,497,851/female 4,911,389) (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates 0-14 years: 25.3% (male 331,269; female 317,977) 15-64 years: 71.1% (male 1,115,826; female 707,058) 65 years and over: 3.6% (male 66,404; female 24,678) (2005 est.)

United Kingdom 0-14 years: 17.7% (male 5,490,592/female 5,229,691) 15-64 years: 66.5% (male 20,329,272/female 19,855,862) 65 years and over: 15.8% (male 4,063,357/female 5,472,683) (2005 est.)

United States 0-14 years: 20.6% (male 31,095,725/female 29,703,997) 15-64 years: 67% (male 98,914,382/female 99,324,126) 65 years and over: 12.4% (male 15,298,676/female 21,397,228) (2005 est.)

Uruguay 0-14 years: 23.2% (male 403,041/female 389,427) 15-64 years: 63.6% (male 1,076,960/female 1,095,833) 65 years and over: 13.2% (male 183,877/female 266,782) (2005 est.)

Uzbekistan 0-14 years: 33.5% (male 4,575,443/female 4,408,146) 15-64 years: 61.7% (male 8,201,993/female 8,371,933) 65 years and over: 4.8% (male 528,334/female 765,346) (2005 est.)

Vanuatu 0-14 years: 33.3% (male 35,039/female 33,553) 15-64 years: 63.1% (male 66,311/female 63,502) 65 years and over: 3.6% (male 3,878/female 3,471) (2005 est.)

Venezuela 0-14 years: 29.9% (male 3,909,876/female 3,667,958) 15-64 years: 65% (male 8,287,255/female 8,209,599) 65 years and over: 5.1% (male 590,236/female 710,357) (2005 est.)

Vietnam 0-14 years: 27.9% (male 12,065,777/female 11,212,299) 15-64 years: 66.4% (male 27,406,456/female 28,024,250) 65 years and over: 5.8% (male 1,889,585/female 2,937,209) (2005 est.)

Virgin Islands 0-14 years: 23.1% (male 12,676/female 12,421) 15-64 years: 66.2% (male 34,069/female 37,918) 65 years and over: 10.7% (male 5,125/female 6,499) (2005 est.)

Wallis and Futuna 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

West Bank 0-14 years: 43.4% (male 530,197/female 504,794) 15-64 years: 53.2% (male 649,610/female 619,335) 65 years and over: 3.4% (male 34,803/female 46,876) (2005 est.)

Western Sahara 0-14 years: NA 15-64 years: NA 65 years and over: NA

World 0-14 years: 27.8% (male 919,726,623; female 870,468,158) 15-64 years: 64.9% (male 2,117,230,183; female 2,066,864,970) 65 years and over: 7.3% (male 207,903,775; female 263,627,270) note: some countries do not maintain age structure information, thus a slight discrepancy exists between the total world population and the total for world age structure (2005 est.)

Yemen 0-14 years: 46.5% (male 4,905,831/female 4,727,177) 15-64 years: 50.8% (male 5,364,711/female 5,172,811) 65 years and over: 2.7% (male 274,166/female 282,367) (2005 est.)

Zambia 0-14 years: 46.5% (male 2,626,911/female 2,609,857) 15-64 years: 51.1% (male 2,848,402/female 2,904,376) 65 years and over: 2.4% (male 118,043/female 154,206) (2005 est.)

Zimbabwe 0-14 years: 39.2% (male 2,522,609/female 2,474,131) 15-64 years: 57.1% (male 3,686,354/female 3,592,662) 65 years and over: 3.7% (male 235,478/female 235,756) (2005 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2011 Geographic coordinates

Afghanistan 33 00 N, 65 00 E

Akrotiri 34 37 N, 32 58 E

Albania 41 00 N, 20 00 E

Algeria 28 00 N, 3 00 E

American Samoa 14 20 S, 170 00 W

Andorra 42 30 N, 1 30 E

Angola 12 30 S, 18 30 E

Anguilla 18 15 N, 63 10 W

Antarctica 90 00 S, 0 00 E

Antigua and Barbuda 17 03 N, 61 48 W

Arctic Ocean 90 00 N, 0 00 E

Argentina 34 00 S, 64 00 W

Armenia 40 00 N, 45 00 E

Aruba 12 30 N, 69 58 W

Ashmore and Cartier Islands 12 14 S, 123 05 E

Atlantic Ocean 0 00 N, 25 00 W

Australia 27 00 S, 133 00 E

Austria 47 20 N, 13 20 E

Azerbaijan 40 30 N, 47 30 E

Bahamas, The 24 15 N, 76 00 W

Bahrain 26 00 N, 50 33 E

Baker Island 0 13 N, 176 31 W

Bangladesh 24 00 N, 90 00 E

Barbados 13 10 N, 59 32 W

Bassas da India 21 30 S, 39 50 E

Belarus 53 00 N, 28 00 E

Belgium 50 50 N, 4 00 E

Belize 17 15 N, 88 45 W

Benin 9 30 N, 2 15 E

Bermuda 32 20 N, 64 45 W

Bhutan 27 30 N, 90 30 E

Bolivia 17 00 S, 65 00 W

Bosnia and Herzegovina 44 00 N, 18 00 E

Botswana 22 00 S, 24 00 E

Bouvet Island 54 26 S, 3 24 E

Brazil 10 00 S, 55 00 W

British Indian Ocean Territory 6 00 S, 71 30 E

British Virgin Islands 18 30 N, 64 30 W

Brunei 4 30 N, 114 40 E

Bulgaria 43 00 N, 25 00 E

Burkina Faso 13 00 N, 2 00 W

Burma 22 00 N, 98 00 E

Burundi 3 30 S, 30 00 E

Cambodia 13 00 N, 105 00 E

Cameroon 6 00 N, 12 00 E

Canada 60 00 N, 95 00 W

Cape Verde 16 00 N, 24 00 W

Cayman Islands 19 30 N, 80 30 W

Central African Republic 7 00 N, 21 00 E

Chad 15 00 N, 19 00 E

Chile 30 00 S, 71 00 W

China 35 00 N, 105 00 E

Christmas Island 10 30 S, 105 40 E

Clipperton Island 10 17 N, 109 13 W

Cocos (Keeling) Islands 12 30 S, 96 50 E

Colombia 4 00 N, 72 00 W

Comoros 12 10 S, 44 15 E

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 0 00 N, 25 00 E

Congo, Republic of the 1 00 S, 15 00 E

Cook Islands 21 14 S, 159 46 W

Coral Sea Islands 18 00 S, 152 00 E

Costa Rica 10 00 N, 84 00 W

Cote d'Ivoire 8 00 N, 5 00 W

Croatia 45 10 N, 15 30 E

Cuba 21 30 N, 80 00 W

Cyprus 35 00 N, 33 00 E

Czech Republic 49 45 N, 15 30 E

Denmark 56 00 N, 10 00 E

Dhekelia 34 59 N, 33 45 E

Djibouti 11 30 N, 43 00 E

Dominica 15 25 N, 61 20 W

Dominican Republic 19 00 N, 70 40 W

East Timor 8 50 S, 125 55 E

Ecuador 2 00 S, 77 30 W

Egypt 27 00 N, 30 00 E

El Salvador 13 50 N, 88 55 W

Equatorial Guinea 2 00 N, 10 00 E

Eritrea 15 00 N, 39 00 E

Estonia 59 00 N, 26 00 E

Ethiopia 8 00 N, 38 00 E

Europa Island 22 20 S, 40 22 E

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 51 45 S, 59 00 W

Faroe Islands 62 00 N, 7 00 W

Fiji 18 00 S, 175 00 E

Finland 64 00 N, 26 00 E

France 46 00 N, 2 00 E

French Guiana 4 00 N, 53 00 W

French Polynesia 15 00 S, 140 00 W

French Southern and Antarctic Lands 43 00 S, 67 00 E

Gabon 1 00 S, 11 45 E

Gambia, The 13 28 N, 16 34 W

Gaza Strip 31 25 N, 34 20 E

Georgia 42 00 N, 43 30 E

Germany 51 00 N, 9 00 E

Ghana 8 00 N, 2 00 W

Gibraltar 36 8 N, 5 21 W

Glorioso Islands 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Greece 39 00 N, 22 00 E

Greenland 72 00 N, 40 00 W

Grenada 12 07 N, 61 40 W

Guadeloupe 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Guam 13 28 N, 144 47 E

Guatemala 15 30 N, 90 15 W

Guernsey 49 28 N, 2 35 W

Guinea 11 00 N, 10 00 W

Guinea-Bissau 12 00 N, 15 00 W

Guyana 5 00 N, 59 00 W

Haiti 19 00 N, 72 25 W

Heard Island and McDonald Islands 53 06 S, 72 31 E

Holy See (Vatican City) 41 54 N, 12 27 E

Honduras 15 00 N, 86 30 W

Hong Kong 22 15 N, 114 10 E

Howland Island 0 48 N, 176 38 W

Hungary 47 00 N, 20 00 E

Iceland 65 00 N, 18 00 W

India 20 00 N, 77 00 E

Indian Ocean 20 00 S, 80 00 E

Indonesia 5 00 S, 120 00 E

Iran 32 00 N, 53 00 E

Iraq 33 00 N, 44 00 E

Ireland 53 00 N, 8 00 W

Israel 31 30 N, 34 45 E

Italy 42 50 N, 12 50 E

Jamaica 18 15 N, 77 30 W

Jan Mayen 71 00 N, 8 00 W

Japan 36 00 N, 138 00 E

Jarvis Island 0 22 S, 160 03 W

Jersey 49 15 N, 2 10 W

Johnston Atoll 16 45 N, 169 31 W

Jordan 31 00 N, 36 00 E

Juan de Nova Island 17 03 S, 42 45 E

Kazakhstan 48 00 N, 68 00 E

Kenya 1 00 N, 38 00 E

Kingman Reef 6 24 N, 162 24 W

Kiribati 1 25 N, 173 00 E

Korea, North 40 00 N, 127 00 E

Korea, South 37 00 N, 127 30 E

Kuwait 29 30 N, 45 45 E

Kyrgyzstan 41 00 N, 75 00 E

Laos 18 00 N, 105 00 E

Latvia 57 00 N, 25 00 E

Lebanon 33 50 N, 35 50 E

Lesotho 29 30 S, 28 30 E

Liberia 6 30 N, 9 30 W

Libya 25 00 N, 17 00 E

Liechtenstein 47 16 N, 9 32 E

Lithuania 56 00 N, 24 00 E

Luxembourg 49 45 N, 6 10 E

Macau 22 10 N, 113 33 E

Macedonia 41 50 N, 22 00 E

Madagascar 20 00 S, 47 00 E

Malawi 13 30 S, 34 00 E

Malaysia 2 30 N, 112 30 E

Maldives 3 15 N, 73 00 E

Mali 17 00 N, 4 00 W

Malta 35 50 N, 14 35 E

Man, Isle of 54 15 N, 4 30 W

Marshall Islands 9 00 N, 168 00 E

Martinique 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Mauritania 20 00 N, 12 00 W

Mauritius 20 17 S, 57 33 E

Mayotte 12 50 S, 45 10 E

Mexico 23 00 N, 102 00 W

Micronesia, Federated States of 6 55 N, 158 15 E

Midway Islands 28 13 N, 177 22 W

Moldova 47 00 N, 29 00 E

Monaco 43 44 N, 7 24 E

Mongolia 46 00 N, 105 00 E

Montserrat 16 45 N, 62 12 W

Morocco 32 00 N, 5 00 W

Mozambique 18 15 S, 35 00 E

Namibia 22 00 S, 17 00 E

Nauru 0 32 S, 166 55 E

Navassa Island 18 25 N, 75 02 W

Nepal 28 00 N, 84 00 E

Netherlands 52 30 N, 5 45 E

Netherlands Antilles 12 15 N, 68 45 W

New Caledonia 21 30 S, 165 30 E

New Zealand 41 00 S, 174 00 E

Nicaragua 13 00 N, 85 00 W

Niger 16 00 N, 8 00 E

Nigeria 10 00 N, 8 00 E

Niue 19 02 S, 169 52 W

Norfolk Island 29 02 S, 167 57 E

Northern Mariana Islands 15 12 N, 145 45 E

Norway 62 00 N, 10 00 E

Oman 21 00 N, 57 00 E

Pacific Ocean 0 00 N, 160 00 W

Pakistan 30 00 N, 70 00 E

Palau 7 30 N, 134 30 E

Palmyra Atoll 5 52 N, 162 06 W

Panama 9 00 N, 80 00 W

Papua New Guinea 6 00 S, 147 00 E

Paracel Islands 16 30 N, 112 00 E

Paraguay 23 00 S, 58 00 W

Peru 10 00 S, 76 00 W

Philippines 13 00 N, 122 00 E

Pitcairn Islands 25 04 S, 130 06 W

Poland 52 00 N, 20 00 E

Portugal 39 30 N, 8 00 W

Puerto Rico 18 15 N, 66 30 W

Qatar 25 30 N, 51 15 E

Reunion 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Romania 46 00 N, 25 00 E

Russia 60 00 N, 100 00 E

Rwanda 2 00 S, 30 00 E

Saint Helena 15 56 S, 5 42 W

Saint Kitts and Nevis 17 20 N, 62 45 W

Saint Lucia 13 53 N, 60 68 W

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 46 50 N, 56 20 W

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13 15 N, 61 12 W

Samoa 13 35 S, 172 20 W

San Marino 43 46 N, 12 25 E

Sao Tome and Principe 1 00 N, 7 00 E

Saudi Arabia 25 00 N, 45 00 E

Senegal 14 00 N, 14 00 W

Serbia and Montenegro 44 00 N, 21 00 E

Seychelles 4 35 S, 55 40 E

Sierra Leone 8 30 N, 11 30 W

Singapore 1 22 N, 103 48 E

Slovakia 48 40 N, 19 30 E

Slovenia 46 07 N, 14 49 E

Solomon Islands 8 00 S, 159 00 E

Somalia 10 00 N, 49 00 E

South Africa 29 00 S, 24 00 E

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 54 30 S, 37 00 W

Southern Ocean 65 00 S, 0 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Spain 40 00 N, 4 00 W

Spratly Islands 8 38 N, 111 55 E

Sri Lanka 7 00 N, 81 00 E

Sudan 15 00 N, 30 00 E

Suriname 4 00 N, 56 00 W

Svalbard 78 00 N, 20 00 E

Swaziland 26 30 S, 31 30 E

Sweden 62 00 N, 15 00 E

Switzerland 47 00 N, 8 00 E

Syria 35 00 N, 38 00 E

Taiwan 23 30 N, 121 00 E

Tajikistan 39 00 N, 71 00 E

Tanzania 6 00 S, 35 00 E

Thailand 15 00 N, 100 00 E

Togo 8 00 N, 1 10 E

Tokelau 9 00 S, 172 00 W

Tonga 20 00 S, 175 00 W

Trinidad and Tobago 11 00 N, 61 00 W

Tromelin Island 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Tunisia 34 00 N, 9 00 E

Turkey 39 00 N, 35 00 E

Turkmenistan 40 00 N, 60 00 E

Turks and Caicos Islands 21 45 N, 71 35 W

Tuvalu 8 00 S, 178 00 E

Uganda 1 00 N, 32 00 E

Ukraine 49 00 N, 32 00 E

United Arab Emirates 24 00 N, 54 00 E

United Kingdom 54 00 N, 2 00 W

United States 38 00 N, 97 00 W

Uruguay 33 00 S, 56 00 W

Uzbekistan 41 00 N, 64 00 E

Vanuatu 16 00 S, 167 00 E

Venezuela 8 00 N, 66 00 W

Vietnam 16 00 N, 106 00 E

Virgin Islands 18 20 N, 64 50 W

Wake Island 19 17 N, 166 36 E

Wallis and Futuna 13 18 S, 176 12 W

West Bank 32 00 N, 35 15 E

Western Sahara 24 30 N, 13 00 W

Yemen 15 00 N, 48 00 E

Zambia 15 00 S, 30 00 E

Zimbabwe 20 00 S, 30 00 E

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2012 GDP - composition by sector (%)

Afghanistan agriculture: 60% industry: 20% services: 20% (1990 est.)

Albania agriculture: 46.2% industry: 25.4% services: 28.4% (2004 est.)

Algeria agriculture: 10.3% industry: 57.4% services: 32.3% (2004 est.)

American Samoa agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Andorra agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Angola agriculture: 8% industry: 67% services: 25% (2001 est.)

Anguilla agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78% (2002 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda agriculture: 3.9% industry: 19.2% services: 76.8% (2002)

Argentina agriculture: 10.6% industry: 35.9% services: 53.5% (2004 est.)

Armenia agriculture: 22.9% industry: 36.1% services: 41.1% (2004 est.)

Aruba agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Australia agriculture: 3.4% industry: 28.2% services: 68.4% (2004 est.)

Austria agriculture: 2.3% industry: 30.8% services: 66.9% (2004 est.)

Azerbaijan agriculture: 14.1% industry: 45.7% services: 40.2% (2002 est.)

Bahamas, The agriculture: 3% industry: 7% services: 90% (2001 est.)

Bahrain agriculture: 0.7% industry: 41% services: 58.4% (2004 est.)

Bangladesh agriculture: 21.2% industry: 27.1% services: 51.7% (2004 est.)

Barbados agriculture: 6% industry: 16% services: 78% (2000 est.)

Belarus agriculture: 11% industry: 36.4% services: 52.6% (2004 est.)

Belgium agriculture: 1.3% industry: 25.7% services: 73% (2004 est.)

Belize agriculture: 17.7% industry: 15% services: 67.3% (2003 est.)

Benin agriculture: 36.3% industry: 14.3% services: 49.4% (2004 est.)

Bermuda agriculture: 1% industry: 10% services: 89% (2002 est.)

Bhutan agriculture: 45% industry: 10% services: 45% (2002 est.)

Bolivia agriculture: 13% industry: 28% services: 59% (2004 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina agriculture: 14.2% industry: 30.8% services: 55% (2002)

Botswana agriculture: 4% industry: 44% (including 36% mining) services: 52% (2003 est.)

Brazil agriculture: 10.1% industry: 38.6% services: 51.3% (2004 est.)

British Virgin Islands agriculture: 1.8% industry: 6.2% services: 92% (1996 est.)

Brunei agriculture: 5% industry: 45% services: 50% (2001 est.)

Bulgaria agriculture: 11.5% industry: 30.1% services: 58.4% (2004 est.)

Burkina Faso agriculture: 39.5% industry: 19.3% services: 41.3% (2004 est.)

Burma agriculture: 56.6% industry: 8.8% services: 34.5% (2004 est.)

Burundi agriculture: 48.1% industry: 19% services: 32.9% (2004 est.)

Cambodia agriculture: 35% industry: 30% services: 35% (2004 est.)

Cameroon agriculture: 43.7% industry: 20.1% services: 36.2% (2004 est.)

Canada agriculture: 2.3% industry: 26.4% services: 71.3% (2004 est.)

Cape Verde agriculture: 12.1% industry: 21.9% services: 66% (2004 est.)

Cayman Islands agriculture: 1.4% industry: 3.2% services: 95.4% (1994 est.)

Central African Republic agriculture: 55% industry: 20% services: 25% (2001 est.)

Chad agriculture: 22.6% industry: 35.6% services: 41.7% (2004 est.)

Chile agriculture: 6.3% industry: 38.2% services: 55.5% (2004 est.)

China agriculture: 13.8% industry and construction: 52.9% services: 33.3% (2004 est.)

Christmas Island agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Colombia agriculture: 13.4% industry: 32.1% services: 54.5% (2004 est.)

Comoros agriculture: 40% industry: 4% services: 56% (2001 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the agriculture: 55% industry: 11% services: 34% (2000 est.)

Congo, Republic of the agriculture: 7.4% industry: 52% services: 40.6% (2004 est.)

Cook Islands agriculture: 17% industry: 7.8% services: 75.2% (2000 est.)

Costa Rica agriculture: 8.5% industry: 29.7% services: 61.8% (2004 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire agriculture: 27.8% industry: 19.4% services: 52.8% (2004 est.)

Croatia agriculture: 8.2% industry: 30.1% services: 61.7% (2004 est.)

Cuba agriculture: 6.6% industry: 25.5% services: 67.9% (2004 est.)

Cyprus Republic of Cyprus: agriculture 4.1%; industry 19.9%; services 76% north Cyprus: agriculture 10.6%; industry 20.5%; services 68.9% (2004)

Czech Republic agriculture: 3.4% industry: 39.3% services: 57.3% (2004 est.)

Denmark agriculture: 2.2% industry: 25.5% services: 72.3% (2004 est.)

Djibouti agriculture: 3.5% industry: 15.8% services: 80.7% (2001 est.)

Dominica agriculture: 18% industry: 24% services: 58% (2002 est.)

Dominican Republic agriculture: 10.7% industry: 31.5% services: 57.8% (2003)

East Timor agriculture: 25.4% industry: 17.2% services: 57.4% (2001)

Ecuador agriculture: 8.7% industry: 30.5% services: 60.9% (2004 est.)

Egypt agriculture: 17.2% industry: 33% services: 49.8% (2004 est.)

El Salvador agriculture: 9.2% industry: 31.1% services: 59.7% (2004 est.)

Equatorial Guinea agriculture: 3% industry: 95.7% services: 1.3% (2004 est.)

Eritrea agriculture: 12.4% industry: 25.9% services: 61.7% (2004 est.)

Estonia agriculture: 4.1% industry: 28.9% services: 67% (2004 est.)

Ethiopia agriculture: 47% industry: 12.4% services: 40.6% (2004 est.)

European Union agriculture: 2.2% industry: 28.3% services: 69.4% (2004 est.)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Faroe Islands agriculture: 27% industry: 11% services: 62% (1999)

Fiji agriculture: 16.6% industry: 22.4% services: 61% (2001 est.)

Finland agriculture: 3.3% industry: 30.2% services: 66.5% (2004 est.)

France agriculture: 2.7% industry: 24.3% services: 73% (2004 est.)

French Guiana agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% (2001 est.)

French Polynesia agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78% (2002)

Gabon agriculture: 7.4% industry: 46.7% services: 45.9% (2004 est.)

Gambia, The agriculture: 26.8% industry: 14.5% services: 58.7% (2004 est.)

Gaza Strip agriculture: 9% industry: 28% services: 63% (includes West Bank) (2002 est.)

Georgia agriculture: 20.5% industry: 22.6% services: 56.9% (2004 est.)

Germany agriculture: 1% industry: 31% services: 68% (2002 est.)

Ghana agriculture: 34.3% industry: 24.2% services: 41.4% (2004 est.)

Gibraltar agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA% (2002 est.)

Greece agriculture: 7% industry: 22% services: 71% (2004 est.)

Greenland agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Grenada agriculture: 7.7% industry: 23.9% services: 68.4% (2000)

Guadeloupe agriculture: 15% industry: 17% services: 68% (1997 est.)

Guam agriculture: 7% industry: 15% services: 78% (2002 est.)

Guatemala agriculture: 22.7% industry: 19.5% services: 57.9% (2004 est.)

Guernsey agriculture: 3% industry: 10% services: 87% (2000)

Guinea agriculture: 25% industry: 38.2% services: 36.8% (2004 est.)

Guinea-Bissau agriculture: 62% industry: 12% services: 26% (1999 est.)

Guyana agriculture: 38.3% industry: 19.9% services: 41.8% (2004 est.)

Haiti agriculture: 30% industry: 20% services: 50% (2001 est.)

Honduras agriculture: 12.7% industry: 32.1% services: 55.3% (2004 est.)

Hong Kong agriculture: 0.1% industry: 11.3% services: 88.6% (2004 est.)

Hungary agriculture: 3.3% industry: 31.4% services: 65.3% (2004 est.)

Iceland agriculture: 11.2% industry: 9.6% services: 79.2% (2004 est.)

India agriculture: 23.6% industry: 28.4% services: 48% (2002 est.)

Indonesia agriculture: 14.6% industry: 45% services: 40.4% (2004 est.)

Iran agriculture: 11.2% industry: 40.9% services: 48.7% (2004 est.)

Iraq agriculture: 13.6% industry: 58.6% services: 27.8% (2004 est.)

Ireland agriculture: 5% industry: 46% services: 49% (2002 est.)

Israel agriculture: 2.8% industry: 37.7% services: 59.5% (2003 est.)

Italy agriculture: 2.3% industry: 28.8% services: 68.9% (2004 est.)

Jamaica agriculture: 6.1% industry: 32.7% services: 61.3% (2004 est.)

Japan agriculture: 1.3% industry: 24.7% services: 74.1% (2004 est.)

Jersey agriculture: 5% industry: 2% services: 93% (1996)

Jordan agriculture: 2.4% industry: 26% services: 71.5% (2004 est.)

Kazakhstan agriculture: 7.4% industry: 37.8% services: 54.8% (2004 est.)

Kenya agriculture: 19.3% industry: 18.5% services: 62.4% (2004 est.)

Kiribati agriculture: 30% industry: 7% services: 63% (1998 est.)

Korea, North agriculture: 30.2% industry: 33.8% services: 36% (2002 est.)

Korea, South agriculture: 3.2% industry: 40.4% services: 56.3% (2004 est.)

Kuwait agriculture: 0.4% industry: 60.5% services: 39.1% (2004 est.)

Kyrgyzstan agriculture: 38.5% industry: 22.8% services: 38.7% (2004 est.)

Laos agriculture: 49.5% industry: 27.5% services: 23% (2004 est.)

Latvia agriculture: 4.4% industry: 24.8% services: 70.8% (2004 est.)

Lebanon agriculture: 12% industry: 21% services: 67% (2000)

Lesotho agriculture: 15.2% industry: 43.9% services: 40.9% (2004 est.)

Liberia agriculture: 76.9% industry: 5.4% services: 17.7% (2002 est.)

Libya agriculture: 8.7% industry: 45.7% services: 45.6% (2004 est.)

Liechtenstein agriculture: NA% industry: 40% services: NA% (1999)

Lithuania agriculture: 6.1% industry: 33.4% services: 60.5% (2004 est.)

Luxembourg agriculture: 0.5% industry: 16.3% services: 83.1% (2004 est.)

Macau agriculture: 0.1% industry: 7.2% services: 92.7% (2002 est.)

Macedonia agriculture: 11.2% industry: 26% services: 62.8% (2004 est.)

Madagascar agriculture: 29.3% industry: 16.7% services: 54% (2004 est.)

Malawi agriculture: 54.8% industry: 19.2% services: 26% (2004 est.)

Malaysia agriculture: 7.2% industry: 33.6% services: 59.1% (2004 est.)

Maldives agriculture: 20% industry: 18% services: 62% (2000 est.)

Mali agriculture: 45% industry: 17% services: 38% (2001 est.)

Malta agriculture: 3% industry: 23% services: 74% (2003 est.)

Man, Isle of agriculture: 1% industry: 13% services: 86% (2000 est.)

Marshall Islands agriculture: 14% industry: 16% services: 70% (2000 est.)

Martinique agriculture: 6% industry: 11% services: 83% (1997 est.)

Mauritania agriculture: 25% industry: 29% services: 46% (2001 est.)

Mauritius agriculture: 7.6% industry: 30% services: 62.4% (2004 est.)

Mayotte agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Mexico agriculture: 4% industry: 27.2% services: 68.9% (2004 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of agriculture: 50% industry: 4% services: 46% (2000 est.)

Moldova agriculture: 22.4% industry: 24.8% services: 52.8% (2004 est.)

Monaco agriculture: 17% industry: NA% services: NA% (2001 est.)

Mongolia agriculture: 20.6% industry: 21.4% services: 58% (2003 est.)

Montserrat agriculture: 5.4% industry: 13.6% services: 81% (1996 est.)

Morocco agriculture: 21.2% industry: 35.8% services: 43% (2004 est.)

Mozambique agriculture: 21.1% industry: 32.1% services: 46.9% (2004 est.)

Namibia agriculture: 11.3% industry: 30.8% services: 57.9% (2004 est.)

Nauru agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Nepal agriculture: 40% industry: 20% services: 40% (2002 est.)

Netherlands agriculture: 2.4% industry: 24.5% services: 73.1% (2004 est.)

Netherlands Antilles agriculture: 1% industry: 15% services: 84% (2000 est.)

New Caledonia agriculture: 5% industry: 30% services: 65% (1997 est.)

New Zealand agriculture: 4.6% industry: 27.4% services: 68% (2004 est.)

Nicaragua agriculture: 20.7% industry: 24.7% services: 54.6% (2004 est.)

Niger agriculture: 39% industry: 17% services: 44% (2001)

Nigeria agriculture: 36.3% industry: 30.5% services: 33.3% (2004 est.)

Niue agriculture: NA industry: NA services: 55%

Norfolk Island agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Northern Mariana Islands agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Norway agriculture: 2.2% industry: 36.3% services: 61.6% (2004 est.)

Oman agriculture: 3.1% industry: 41.1% services: 55.8% (2004 est.)

Pakistan agriculture: 22.6% industry: 24.1% services: 53.3% (2004 est.)

Palau agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Panama agriculture: 7.2% industry: 13% services: 79.8% (2004 est.)

Papua New Guinea agriculture: 34.5% industry: 34.7% services: 30.8% (2004 est.)

Paraguay agriculture: 25.3% industry: 24.9% services: 49.8% (2004 est.)

Peru agriculture: 8% industry: 27% services: 65% (2003 est.)

Philippines agriculture: 14.8% industry: 31.9% services: 53.2% (2004 est.)

Pitcairn Islands agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Poland agriculture: 2.9% industry: 31.3% services: 65.9% (2004 est.)

Portugal agriculture: 5.9% industry: 30.2% services: 63.9% (2004 est.)

Puerto Rico agriculture: 1% industry: 45% services: 54% (2002 est.)

Qatar agriculture: 0.3% industry: 58.2% services: 41.5% (2004 est.)

Reunion agriculture: 8% industry: 19% services: 73% (2000 est.)

Romania agriculture: 13.1% industry: 33.7% services: 53.2% (2004 est.)

Russia agriculture: 4.9% industry: 33.9% services: 61.2% (2004 est.)

Rwanda agriculture: 41.1% industry: 21.2% services: 37.7% (2004 est.)

Saint Helena agriculture: NA industry: NA services: NA

Saint Kitts and Nevis agriculture: 3.5% industry: 25.8% services: 70.7% (2001)

Saint Lucia agriculture: 7% industry: 20% services: 73% (2002 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines agriculture: 10% industry: 26% services: 64% (2001 est.)

Samoa agriculture: 14% industry: 23% services: 63% (2001 est.)

San Marino agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Sao Tome and Principe agriculture: 16.5% industry: 15.4% services: 68.1% (2004 est.)

Saudi Arabia agriculture: 4.2% industry: 67.2% services: 28.6% (2004 est.)

Senegal agriculture: 15.9% industry: 21.4% services: 62.7% (2004 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro agriculture: 15.5% industry: 27.6% services: 56.8% (2004 est.)

Seychelles agriculture: 2.8% industry: 28.7% services: 68.9% (2004 est.)

Sierra Leone agriculture: 49% industry: 30% services: 21% (2001 est.)

Singapore agriculture: 0% negligible industry: 32.6% services: 67.4% (2004 est.)

Slovakia agriculture: 3.5% industry: 30.1% services: 66.4% (2004 est.)

Slovenia agriculture: 3% industry: 36% services: 60% (2004 est.)

Solomon Islands agriculture: 42% industry: 11% services: 47% (2000 est.)

Somalia agriculture: 65% industry: 10% services: 25% (2000 est.)

South Africa agriculture: 3.6% industry: 31.2% services: 65.2% (2004 est.)

Spain agriculture: 3.5% industry: 28.5% services: 68% (2004 est.)

Sri Lanka agriculture: 19.1% industry: 26.2% services: 54.7% (2004 est.)

Sudan agriculture: 38.7% industry: 20.3% services: 41% (2003 est.)

Suriname agriculture: 13% industry: 22% services: 65% (2001 est.)

Swaziland agriculture: 16.1% industry: 43.4% services: 40.5% (2004 est.)

Sweden agriculture: 2% industry: 29% services: 69% (2001)

Switzerland agriculture: 1.5% industry: 34% services: 64.5% (2003 est.)

Syria agriculture: 25% industry: 31% services: 44% (2003 est.)

Taiwan agriculture: 1.7% industry: 30.9% services: 67.4% (2004 est.)

Tajikistan agriculture: 23.7% industry: 24.3% services: 52% (2004 est.)

Tanzania agriculture: 43.2% industry: 17.2% services: 39.6% (2004 est.)

Thailand agriculture: 9% industry: 44.3% services: 46.7% (2004 est.)

Togo agriculture: 39.5% industry: 20.4% services: 40.1% (2003 est.)

Tokelau agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Tonga agriculture: 23% industry: 13% services: 64% (2002 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago agriculture: 2.7% industry: 47% services: 50.3% (2004 est.)

Tunisia agriculture: 13.8% industry: 31.8% services: 54.4% (2004 est.)

Turkey agriculture: 11.7% industry: 29.8% services: 58.5% (2003 est.)

Turkmenistan agriculture: 28.5% industry: 42.7% services: 28.8% (2004 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Tuvalu agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

Uganda agriculture: 35.8% industry: 20.8% services: 43.6% (2004 est.)

Ukraine agriculture: 18% industry: 45.1% services: 36.9% (2004 est.)

United Arab Emirates agriculture: 4% industry: 58.5% services: 37.5% (2002 est.)

United Kingdom agriculture: 1% industry: 26.3% services: 72.7% (2004 est.)

United States agriculture: 0.9% industry: 19.7% services: 79.4% (2004 est.)

Uruguay agriculture: 7.9% industry: 27.4% services: 64.8% (2004 est.)

Uzbekistan agriculture: 38% industry: 26.3% services: 35.7% (2003 est.)

Vanuatu agriculture: 26% industry: 12% services: 62% (2000 est.)

Venezuela agriculture: 0.1% industry: 46.5% services: 53.4% (2004 est.)

Vietnam agriculture: 21.8% industry: 40.1% services: 38.1% (2004 est.)

Virgin Islands agriculture: 1% industry: 19% services: 80% (2003 est.)

Wallis and Futuna agriculture: NA% industry: NA% services: NA%

West Bank agriculture: 9% industry: 28% services: 63% note: includes Gaza Strip (2002 est.)

Western Sahara agriculture: NA industry: NA services: 40% (1996 est.)

World agriculture: 4% industry: 32% services: 64% (2004 est.)

Yemen agriculture: 15.5% industry: 44.7% services: 39.7% (2004 est.)

Zambia agriculture: 14.9% industry: 28.9% services: 56.1% (2004 est.)

Zimbabwe agriculture: 18.1% industry: 24.3% services: 57.7% (2004 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2013 Radio broadcast stations

Afghanistan AM 21, FM 23, shortwave 1 (broadcasts in Pashtu, Afghan Persian (Dari), Urdu, and English) (2003)

Albania AM 13, FM 4, shortwave 2 (2001)

Algeria AM 25, FM 1, shortwave 8 (1999)

American Samoa AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2004)

Andorra AM 0, FM 15, shortwave 0 (1998)

Angola AM 21, FM 6, shortwave 7 (2000)

Anguilla AM 2, FM 7, shortwave 0 (2004)

Antarctica AM NA, FM 2, shortwave 1 note: information for US bases only (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda AM 4, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Argentina AM 260 (including 10 inactive stations), FM NA (probably more than 1,000, mostly unlicensed), shortwave 6 (1998)

Armenia AM 9, FM 6, shortwave 1 (1998)

Aruba AM 2, FM 16, shortwave 0 (2004)

Australia AM 262, FM 345, shortwave 1 (1998)

Austria AM 2, FM 65 (plus several hundred repeaters), shortwave 1 (2001)

Azerbaijan AM 10, FM 17, shortwave 1 (1998)

Bahamas, The AM 3, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2004)

Bahrain AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bangladesh AM 12, FM 12, shortwave 2 (1999)

Barbados AM 2, FM 6, shortwave 0 (2004)

Belarus AM 28, FM 37, shortwave 11 (1998)

Belgium FM 79, AM 7, shortwave 1 (1998)

Belize AM 1, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Benin AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (2000)

Bermuda AM 5, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2004)

Bhutan AM 0, FM 1, shortwave 1 (2004)

Bolivia AM 171, FM 73, shortwave 77 (1999)

Bosnia and Herzegovina AM 8, FM 16, shortwave 1 (1998)

Botswana AM 8, FM 13, shortwave 4 (2001)

Brazil AM 1,365, FM 296, shortwave 161 (of which 91 are collocated with AM stations) (1999)

British Indian Ocean Territory AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

British Virgin Islands AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2004)

Brunei AM 3, FM 10, shortwave 0 (1998)

Bulgaria AM 31, FM 63, shortwave 2 (2001)

Burkina Faso AM 3, FM 17, shortwave 3 (2002)

Burma AM 1, FM 1 (2004)

Burundi AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Cambodia AM 2, FM 17, (2003)

Cameroon AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (2002)

Canada AM 245, FM 582, shortwave 6 (2004)

Cape Verde AM 0, FM 22 (and 12 low power repeaters), shortwave 0 (2002)

Cayman Islands AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (2004)

Central African Republic AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Chad AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 5 (2002)

Chile AM 180 (eight inactive), FM 64, shortwave 17 (one inactive) (1998)

China AM 369, FM 259, shortwave 45 (1998)

Christmas Island AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004)

Cocos (Keeling) Islands AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2004)

Colombia AM 454, FM 34, shortwave 27 (1999)

Comoros AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 2 (2001)

Congo, Republic of the AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 3 (2001)

Cook Islands AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004)

Costa Rica AM 65, FM 51, shortwave 19 (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 3 (1998)

Croatia AM 16, FM 98, shortwave 5 (1999)

Cuba AM 169, FM 55, shortwave 1 (1998)

Cyprus Republic of Cyprus: AM 7, FM 60, shortwave 1 (1998); north Cyprus: AM 3, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Czech Republic AM 31, FM 304, shortwave 17 (2000)

Denmark AM 2, FM 355, shortwave 0 (1998)

Djibouti AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Dominica AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 0 (2004)

Dominican Republic AM 120, FM 56, shortwave 4 (1998)

East Timor AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Ecuador AM 392, FM 35, shortwave 29 (2001)

Egypt AM 42 (plus 15 repeaters), FM 14, shortwave 3 (1999)

El Salvador AM 61 (plus 24 repeaters), FM 30, shortwave 0 (1998)

Equatorial Guinea AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 5 (2002)

Eritrea AM 2, FM NA, shortwave 2 (2000)

Estonia AM 0, FM 98, shortwave 0 (2001)

Ethiopia AM 8, FM 0, shortwave 1 (2001)

European Union AM 866, FM 13,396, shortwave 73 (1998); note - sum of individual country radio broadcast stations; there is also a European-wide station (Euroradio)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (1998)

Faroe Islands AM 1, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Fiji AM 13, FM 40, shortwave 0 (1998)

Finland AM 2, FM 186, shortwave 1 (1998)

France AM 41, FM about 3,500 (this figure is an approximation and includes many repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

French Guiana AM 2, FM 14 (including 6 repeaters), shortwave 6 (including 5 repeaters) (1998)

French Polynesia AM 2, FM 14, shortwave 2 (1998)

Gabon AM 6, FM 7 (and 11 repeaters), shortwave 4 (2001)

Gambia, The AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)

Gaza Strip AM 0, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Georgia AM 7, FM 12, shortwave 4 (1998)

Germany AM 51, FM 787, shortwave 4 (1998)

Ghana AM 0, FM 49, shortwave 3 (2001)

Gibraltar AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

Greece AM 26, FM 88, shortwave 4 (1998)

Greenland AM 5, FM 12, shortwave 0 (1998)

Grenada AM 2, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guadeloupe AM 1, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guam AM 4, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2003)

Guatemala AM 130, FM 487, shortwave 15 (2000)

Guernsey AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Guinea AM 4 (one station is inactive), FM 1 (plus 7 repeaters), shortwave 3 (2001)

Guinea-Bissau AM 1 (transmitter out of service), FM 4, shortwave 0 (2002)

Guyana AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Haiti AM 41, FM 26, shortwave 0 (1999)

Holy See (Vatican City) AM 3, FM 4, shortwave 2 (1998)

Honduras AM 241, FM 53, shortwave 12 (1998)

Hong Kong AM 5, FM 9, shortwave 0 (2004)

Hungary AM 17, FM 57, shortwave 3 (1998)

Iceland AM 3, FM about 70 (including repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

India AM 153, FM 91, shortwave 68 (1998)

Indonesia AM 678, FM 43, shortwave 82 (1998)

Iran AM 72, FM 5, shortwave 5 (1998)

Iraq after 17 months of unregulated media growth, there are approximately 80 radio stations on the air inside Iraq (2004)

Ireland AM 9, FM 106, shortwave 0 (1998)

Israel AM 23, FM 15, shortwave 2 (1998)

Italy AM about 100, FM about 4,600, shortwave 9 (1998)

Jamaica AM 10, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998)

Jan Mayen AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA note: there is one radio and meteorological station (1998)

Japan AM 215 plus 370 repeaters, FM 89 plus 485 repeaters, shortwave 21 (2001)

Jersey AM NA, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Jordan AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1999)

Kazakhstan AM 60, FM 17, shortwave 9 (1998)

Kenya AM 24, FM 18, shortwave 6 (2001)

Kiribati AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 note: the shortwave station may be inactive (2002)

Korea, North AM 17 (including 11 stations of Korean Central Broadcasting Station), FM 14, shortwave 14 (2003)

Korea, South AM 58, FM 150, shortwave 2 (2004)

Kuwait AM 6, FM 11, shortwave 1 (1998)

Kyrgyzstan AM 12 (plus 10 repeater stations), FM 14, shortwave 2 (1998)

Laos AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 4 (1998)

Latvia AM 8, FM 56, shortwave 1 (1998)

Lebanon AM 20, FM 22, shortwave 4 (1998)

Lesotho AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Liberia AM 0, FM 7, shortwave 2 (2001)

Libya AM 16, FM 3, shortwave 3 (2002)

Liechtenstein AM 0, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Lithuania AM 29, FM 142, shortwave 1 (2001)

Luxembourg AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Macau AM 0, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Macedonia AM 29, FM 20, shortwave 0 (1998)

Madagascar AM 2 (plus a number of repeater stations), FM 9, shortwave 6 (2001)

Malawi AM 9, FM 5 (plus 15 repeater stations), shortwave 2 (plus a third station held in standby status) (2001)

Malaysia AM 35, FM 391, shortwave 15 (2001)

Maldives AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Mali AM 1, FM 28, shortwave 1 note: the shortwave station in Bamako has seven frequencies and five transmitters and relays broadcasts for China Radio International (2001)

Malta AM 1, FM 18, shortwave 6 (1999)

Man, Isle of AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Marshall Islands AM 2, FM 1, shortwave 0 note: additionally, the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Services (Central Pacific Network) operate one FM and one AM station on Kwajalein (2002)

Martinique AM 0, FM 14, shortwave 0 (1998)

Mauritania AM 1, FM 14, shortwave 1 (2001)

Mauritius AM 4, FM 9, shortwave 0 (2002)

Mayotte AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2001)

Mexico AM 850, FM 545, shortwave 15 (2003)

Micronesia, Federated States of AM 5, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004)

Moldova AM 7, FM 50, shortwave 3 (1998)

Monaco AM 1, FM NA, shortwave 8 (1998)

Mongolia AM 7, FM 62, shortwave 3 (2004)

Montserrat AM 1, FM 2, shortwave 0 (1998)

Morocco AM 27, FM 25, shortwave 6 (1998)

Mozambique AM 13, FM 17, shortwave 11 (2001)

Namibia AM 2, FM 39, shortwave 4 (2001)

Nauru AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Nepal AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (January 2000)

Netherlands AM 4, FM 246, shortwave 3 (2004)

Netherlands Antilles AM 8, FM 19, shortwave 0 (2004)

New Caledonia AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)

New Zealand AM 124, FM 290, shortwave 4 (1998)

Nicaragua AM 63, FM 32, shortwave 1 (1998)

Niger AM 5, FM 6, shortwave 4 (2001)

Nigeria AM 83, FM 36, shortwave 11 (2001)

Niue AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Norfolk Island AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands AM 2, FM 3, shortwave 1 (1998)

Norway AM 5, FM at least 650, shortwave 1 (1998)

Oman AM 3, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Pakistan AM 27, FM 1, shortwave 21 (1998)

Palau AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2002)

Panama AM 101, FM 134, shortwave 0 (1998)

Papua New Guinea AM 8, FM 19, shortwave 28 (1998)

Paraguay AM 46, FM 27, shortwave 6 (three inactive) (1998)

Peru AM 472, FM 198, shortwave 189 (1999)

Philippines AM 369, FM 583, shortwave 5 note: each shortwave station operates on multiple frequencies in the language of the target audience (2004)

Pitcairn Islands AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0, note - 15 Ham radio operators (VP6) (2004)

Poland AM 14, FM 777, shortwave 1 (1998)

Portugal AM 47, FM 172 (many are repeaters), shortwave 2 (1998)

Puerto Rico AM 72, FM 17, shortwave 0 (1998)

Qatar AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998)

Reunion AM 2, FM 55, shortwave 0 (2001)

Romania AM 40, FM 202, shortwave 3 (1998)

Russia AM 420, FM 447, shortwave 56 (1998)

Rwanda AM 0, FM 8 (two main FM programs are broadcast through a system of repeaters, three international FM programs include the BBC, VOA, and Deutchewelle), shortwave 1 (2005)

Saint Helena AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Kitts and Nevis AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2004)

Saint Lucia AM 2, FM 7, shortwave 0 (2004)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0 (2004)

Samoa AM 2, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2004)

San Marino AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (1998)

Sao Tome and Principe AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2002)

Saudi Arabia AM 43, FM 31, shortwave 2 (1998)

Senegal AM 8, FM 20, shortwave 1 (2001)

Serbia and Montenegro AM 113, FM 194, shortwave 2 (1998)

Seychelles AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Sierra Leone AM 1, FM 9, shortwave 1 (1999)

Singapore AM 0, FM 17, shortwave 2 (2003)

Slovakia AM 15, FM 78, shortwave 2 (1998)

Slovenia AM 17, FM 160, shortwave 0 (1998)

Solomon Islands AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (2004)

Somalia AM 0, FM 11, shortwave 1 in Mogadishu; 1 FM in Puntland, 1 FM in Somaliland (2001)

South Africa AM 14, FM 347 (plus 243 repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 0 (2003)

Spain AM 208, FM 715, shortwave 1 (1998)

Sri Lanka AM 26, FM 45, shortwave 1 (1998)

Sudan AM 12, FM 1, shortwave 1 (1998)

Suriname AM 4, FM 13, shortwave 1 (1998)

Svalbard AM 1, FM 1 (plus 2 repeaters), shortwave 0 (1998)

Swaziland AM 3, FM 2 plus 4 repeaters, shortwave 3 (2004)

Sweden AM 1, FM 265, shortwave 1 (1998)

Switzerland AM 4, FM 113 (plus many low power stations), shortwave 2 (1998)

Syria AM 14, FM 2, shortwave 1 (1998)

Taiwan AM 218, FM 333, shortwave 50 (1999)

Tajikistan AM 8, FM 10, shortwave 2 (2002)

Tanzania AM 12, FM 11, shortwave 2 (1998)

Thailand AM 204, FM 334, shortwave 6 (1999)

Togo AM 2, FM 9, shortwave 4 (1998)

Tokelau AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA note: 1 radio station provides service to all islands (2002)

Tonga AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago AM 4, FM 18, shortwave 0 (2004)

Tunisia AM 7, FM 20, shortwave 2 (1998)

Turkey AM 16, FM 107, shortwave 6 (2001)

Turkmenistan AM 16, FM 8, shortwave 2 (1998)

Turks and Caicos Islands AM 2, FM 7, shortwave 0 (2004)

Tuvalu AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (2004)

Uganda AM 7, FM 33, shortwave 2 (2001)

Ukraine AM 134, FM 289, shortwave 4 (1998)

United Arab Emirates AM 13, FM 8, shortwave 2 (2004)

United Kingdom AM 219, FM 431, shortwave 3 (1998)

United States AM 4,854, FM 8,950, shortwave 18 (2004)

Uruguay AM 91, FM 149, shortwave 7 (2001)

Uzbekistan AM 20, FM 7, shortwave 10 (1998)

Vanuatu AM 2, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2004)

Venezuela AM 201, FM NA (20 in Caracas), shortwave 11 (1998)

Vietnam AM 65, FM 7, shortwave 29 (1999)

Virgin Islands AM 6, FM 17, shortwave 0 (2004)

Wake Island AM 0, FM NA, shortwave NA note: Armed Forces Radio/Television Service (AFRTS) radio service provided by satellite (1998)

Wallis and Futuna AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (2000)

West Bank AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 note: the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts from an AM station in Ramallah on 675 kHz; numerous local, private stations are reported to be in operation (2000)

Western Sahara AM 2, FM 0, shortwave 0 (1998)

World AM NA, FM NA, shortwave NA

Yemen AM 6, FM 1, shortwave 2 (1998)

Zambia AM 19, FM 5, shortwave 4 (2001)

Zimbabwe AM 7, FM 20 (plus 17 repeater stations), shortwave 1 (1998)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2015 Television broadcast stations

Afghanistan at least 10 (one government-run central television station in Kabul and regional stations in nine of the 32 provinces; the regional stations operate on a reduced schedule; also, in 1997, there was a station in Mazar-e Sharif reaching four northern Afghanistan provinces) (1998)

Albania 3 (plus 58 repeaters) (2001)

Algeria 46 (plus 216 repeaters) (1995)

American Samoa 1; note - one cable TV station (2004)

Andorra 0 (1997)

Angola 6 (2000)

Anguilla 1 (1997)

Antarctica 1 (cable system with six channels; American Forces Antarctic Network-McMurdo) note: information for US bases only (2002)

Antigua and Barbuda 2 (1997)

Argentina 42 (plus 444 repeaters) (1997)

Armenia 3 (plus an unknown number of repeaters); (1998)

Aruba 1 (1997)

Australia 104 (1997)

Austria 10 (plus more than 1,000 repeaters) (2001)

Azerbaijan 2 (1997)

Bahamas, The 2 (2004)

Bahrain 4 (1997)

Bangladesh 15 (1999)

Barbados 1 (plus two cable channels) (2004)

Belarus 47 (plus 27 repeaters) (1995)

Belgium 25 (plus 10 repeaters) (1997)

Belize 2 (1997)

Benin 1 (2001)

Bermuda 4 (2004)

Bhutan 1 (2005)

Bolivia 48 (1997)

Bosnia and Herzegovina 33 (plus 277 repeaters) (September 1995)

Botswana 1 (2001)

Brazil 138 (1997)

British Indian Ocean Territory 1 (1997)

British Virgin Islands 1 (plus one cable company) (1997)

Brunei 2 (1997)

Bulgaria 39 (plus 1,242 repeaters) (2001)

Burkina Faso 1 (2002)

Burma 2 (2004)

Burundi 1 (2001)

Cambodia 7 (2003)

Cameroon 1 (2002)

Canada 80 (plus many repeaters) (1997)

Cape Verde 1 (and 7 repeaters) (2002)

Cayman Islands 4 with cable system (2004)

Central African Republic 1 (2001)

Chad 1 (2002)

Chile 63 (plus 121 repeaters) (1997)

China 3,240 (of which 209 are operated by China Central Television, 31 are provincial TV stations and nearly 3,000 are local city stations) (1997)

Christmas Island NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands NA

Colombia 60 (includes seven low-power stations) (1997)

Comoros NA

Congo, Democratic Republic of the 4 (2001)

Congo, Republic of the 1 (2002)

Cook Islands 1 (outer islands receive satellite broadcasts) (2004)

Costa Rica 20 (plus 43 repeaters) (2002)

Cote d'Ivoire 14 (1999)

Croatia 36 (plus 321 repeaters) (September 1995)

Cuba 58 (1997)

Cyprus Republic of Cyprus: 4 (plus 225 low-power repeaters) (September 1995); north Cyprus: 4 (plus 5 repeaters) (September 1995)

Czech Republic 150 (plus 1,434 repeaters) (2000)

Denmark 26 (plus 51 repeaters) (1998)

Djibouti 1 (2002)

Dominica 1 (2004)

Dominican Republic 25 (2003)

East Timor NA

Ecuador 7 (plus 14 repeaters) (2001)

Egypt 98 (September 1995)

El Salvador 5 (1997)

Equatorial Guinea 1 (2002)

Eritrea 1 (2000)

Estonia 3 (2001)

Ethiopia 1 plus 24 repeaters (2002)

European Union 2,791 (1995); note - does not include repeaters; sum of individual country television broadcast stations; there is also a European-wide station (Eurovision)

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)

Faroe Islands 3 (plus 43 low-power repeaters) (September 1995)

Fiji NA

Finland 120 (plus 431 repeaters) (1999)

France 584 (plus 9,676 repeaters) (1995)

French Guiana 3 (plus eight low-power repeaters) (1997)

French Polynesia 7 (plus 17 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Gabon 4 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Gambia, The 1 (government-owned) (1997)

Gaza Strip 2 (operated by the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation) (1997)

Georgia 12 (plus repeaters) (1998)

Germany 373 (plus 8,042 repeaters) (1995)

Ghana 10 (2001)

Gibraltar 1 (plus three low-power repeaters) (1997)

Greece 36 (plus 1,341 low-power repeaters); also two stations in the US Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (1995)

Greenland 1 publicly-owned station, some local low-power stations, and three AFRTS (US Air Force) stations (1997)

Grenada 2 (1997)

Guadeloupe 5 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Guam 5 (1997)

Guatemala 26 (plus 27 repeaters) (1997)

Guernsey 1 (1997)

Guinea 6 low-power stations (2001)

Guinea-Bissau NA (1997)

Guyana 3 (one public station; two private stations which relay US satellite services) (1997)

Haiti 2 (plus a cable TV service) (1997)

Holy See (Vatican City) 1 (1996)

Honduras 11 (plus 17 repeaters) (1997)

Hong Kong 4 (2004)

Hungary 35 (plus 161 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Iceland 14 (plus 156 low-power repeaters) (1997)

India 562 (of which 82 stations have 1 kW or greater power and 480 stations have less than 1 kW of power) (1997)

Indonesia 41 (1999)

Iran 28 (plus 450 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Iraq 21 (2004)

Ireland 4 (many low-power repeaters) (2001)

Israel 17 (plus 36 low-power repeaters) (1995)

Italy 358 (plus 4,728 repeaters) (1995)

Jamaica 7 (1997)

Japan 211 plus 7,341 repeaters note: in addition, US Forces are served by 3 TV stations and 2 TV cable services (1999)

Jersey 2 (1997)

Jordan 20 (plus 96 repeaters) (1995)

Kazakhstan 12 (plus nine repeaters) (1998)

Kenya 8 (2002)

Kiribati 1 (not reported to be active) (2002)

Korea, North 4 (includes Korean Central Television, Mansudae Television, Korean Educational and Cultural Network, and Kaesong Television targeting South Korea) (2003)

Korea, South 64 (additionally 119 Cable Operators; 239 Relay Cable Operators) (2004)

Kuwait 13 (plus several satellite channels) (1997)

Kyrgyzstan NA (repeater stations throughout the country relay programs from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkey) (1997)

Laos 4 (1999)

Latvia 44 (plus 31 repeaters) (1995)

Lebanon 15 (plus 5 repeaters) (1995)

Lesotho 1 (2000)

Liberia 1 (plus four low-power repeaters) (2001)

Libya 12 (plus one low-power repeater) (1999)

Liechtenstein NA (linked to Swiss networks) (1997)

Lithuania 27 note: Lithuania has approximately 27 broadcasting stations, but may have as many as 100 transmitters, including repeater stations (2001)

Luxembourg 5 (1999)

Macau 1 (2003)

Macedonia 31 (plus 166 repeaters) (1995)

Madagascar 1 (plus 36 repeaters) (2001)

Malawi 1 (2001)

Malaysia 1 (plus 15 high-power repeaters) (2001)

Maldives 1 (1997)

Mali 1 (plus repeaters) (2001)

Malta 6 (2000)

Man, Isle of 0 (receives broadcasts from the UK and satellite) (1999)

Marshall Islands 2 (both are US military stations) (2002)

Martinique 11 (plus nine repeaters) (1997)

Mauritania 1 (2002)

Mauritius 2 (plus several repeaters) (1997)

Mayotte 3 (2001)

Mexico 236 (plus repeaters) (1997)

Micronesia, Federated States of 3; note - cable TV also available (2004)

Moldova 1 (plus 30 repeaters) (1995)

Monaco 5 (1998)

Mongolia 52 (plus 21 provincial repeaters and many low power repeaters) (2004)

Montserrat 1 (1997)

Morocco 35 (plus 66 repeaters) (1995)

Mozambique 1 (2001)

Namibia 8 (plus about 20 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Nauru 1 (1997)

Nepal 1 (plus 9 repeaters) (1998)

Netherlands 21 (plus 26 repeaters) (1995)

Netherlands Antilles 3 (there is also a cable service, which supplies programs received from various US satellite networks and two Venezuelan channels) (2004)

New Caledonia 6 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1997)

New Zealand 41 (plus 52 medium-power repeaters and over 650 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Nicaragua 3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Niger 3 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (2002)

Nigeria 3 (the government controls 2 of the broadcasting stations and 15 repeater stations) (2002)

Niue 1 (1997)

Norfolk Island 1 (local programming station plus two repeaters that bring in Australian programs by satellite) (2005)

Northern Mariana Islands 1 (on Saipan and one station planned for Rota; in addition, two cable services on Saipan provide varied programming from satellite networks) (1997)

Norway 360 (plus 2,729 repeaters) (1995)

Oman 13 (plus 25 low-power repeaters) (1999)

Pakistan 22 (plus seven low-power repeaters) (1997)

Palau 1 (cable) (2005)

Panama 38 (including repeaters) (1998)

Papua New Guinea 3 (all in the Port Moresby area) note: additional stations at Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Lae, and Rabaul are planned (2004)

Paraguay 5 (2003)

Peru 13 (plus 112 repeaters) (1997)

Philippines 225; note - 1373 CATV networks (2004)

Poland 179 (plus 256 repeaters) (September 1995)

Portugal 62 (plus 166 repeaters) note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands (1995)

Puerto Rico 6 (19 relay stations) (2004)

Qatar 1 (plus three repeaters) (2001)

Reunion 35 (plus 18 low-power repeaters) (2001)

Romania 48 (plus 392 repeaters) (1995)

Russia 7,306 (1998)

Rwanda 2 (2004)

Saint Helena 0 note: television programs are received in Saint Helena via satellite and distributed by cable (2002)

Saint Kitts and Nevis 1 (plus three repeaters) (2004)

Saint Lucia 2 (of which one is a commercial broadcast station and one is a community antenna television or CATV channel) (2004)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 0 (there are, however, two repeaters which rebroadcast programs from France, Canada, and the US) (1997)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1 (plus three repeaters) (2004)

Samoa 2 (2002)

San Marino 1 (San Marino residents also receive broadcasts from Italy) (1997)

Sao Tome and Principe 2 (2002)

Saudi Arabia 117 (1997)

Senegal 1 (1997)

Serbia and Montenegro more than 771 (including 86 strong stations and 685 low-power stations, plus 20 repeaters in the principal networks; also numerous local or private stations in Serbia and Vojvodina) (1997)

Seychelles 2 (plus 9 repeaters) (1997)

Sierra Leone 2 (1999)

Singapore 7 (2003)

Slovakia 6 national broadcasting, 7 regional, 67 local (2004)

Slovenia 48 (2001)

Somalia 4 note: two in Mogadishu; two in Hargeisa (2001)

South Africa 556 (plus 144 network repeaters) (1997)

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands 0 (2003)

Spain 224 (plus 2,105 repeaters) note: these figures include 11 television broadcast stations and 88 repeaters in the Canary Islands (1995)

Sri Lanka 21 (1997)

Sudan 3 (1997)

Suriname 3 (plus seven repeaters) (2000)

Svalbard NA

Swaziland 5 plus 7 relay stations (2004)

Sweden 169 (plus 1,299 repeaters) (1995)

Switzerland 115 (plus 1,919 repeaters) (1995)

Syria 44 (plus 17 repeaters) (1995)

Taiwan 29 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Tajikistan 13 (2001)

Tanzania 3 (1999)

Thailand 5 (all in Bangkok; plus 131 repeaters) (1997)

Togo 3 (plus two repeaters) (1997)

Tonga 3 (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago 4 (2004)

Tunisia 26 (plus 76 repeaters) (1995)

Turkey 635 (plus 2,934 repeaters) (1995)

Turkmenistan 4 (government owned and programmed) (2004)

Turks and Caicos Islands 0 (broadcasts from The Bahamas are received; 2 cable television networks) (2004)

Tuvalu 0 (2004)

Uganda 8 (plus one low-power repeater) (2001)

Ukraine at least 33 (plus 21 repeaters that relay broadcasts from Russia) (1997)

United Arab Emirates 15 (2004)

United Kingdom 228 (plus 3,523 repeaters) (1995)

United States more than 1,500 (including nearly 1,000 stations affiliated with the five major networks - NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and PBS; in addition, there are about 9,000 cable TV systems) (1997)

Uruguay 23 (2002)

Uzbekistan 4 (plus two repeaters that relay Russian programs), 1 cable rebroadcaster in Tashkent; approximately 20 stations in regional capitals (2003)

Vanuatu 1 (2004)

Venezuela 66 (plus 45 repeaters) (1997)

Vietnam at least 7 (plus 13 repeaters) (1998)

Virgin Islands 16 (2004)

Wake Island 0 (1997)

Wallis and Futuna 2 (2000)

West Bank NA

Western Sahara NA

World NA

Yemen 7 (plus several low-power repeaters) (1997)

Zambia 9 (2002)

Zimbabwe 16 (1997)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2018 Sex ratio (male(s)/female)

Afghanistan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Albania at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Algeria at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

American Samoa at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Andorra at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Angola at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Anguilla at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Antigua and Barbuda at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Argentina at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Armenia at birth: 1.17 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.87 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.9 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Aruba at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Australia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Austria at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bahamas, The at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bahrain at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.4 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female total population: 1.27 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bangladesh at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.16 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Barbados at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Belarus at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.5 male(s)/female total population: 0.88 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Belgium at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Belize at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Benin at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bermuda at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bhutan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bolivia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Botswana at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Brazil at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

British Virgin Islands at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Brunei at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Bulgaria at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Burkina Faso at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Burma at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Burundi at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cambodia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cameroon at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Canada at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cape Verde at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cayman Islands at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Central African Republic at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Chad at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Chile at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

China at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.13 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Christmas Island NA

Colombia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Comoros at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Congo, Republic of the at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cook Islands NA

Costa Rica at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Croatia at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.61 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cuba at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Cyprus at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Czech Republic at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Denmark at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Djibouti at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Dominica at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Dominican Republic at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

East Timor at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Ecuador at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Egypt at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

El Salvador at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Equatorial Guinea at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Eritrea at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Estonia at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.49 male(s)/female total population: 0.84 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Ethiopia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

European Union at birth: NA under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and older: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (July 2004 est.)

Faroe Islands at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Fiji at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Finland at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

France at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

French Guiana at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.16 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.04 male(s)/female total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

French Polynesia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Gabon at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Gambia, The at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Gaza Strip at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Georgia at birth: 1.16 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Germany at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Ghana at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Gibraltar at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Greece at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Greenland at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.17 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Grenada at birth: 1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.08 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guadeloupe at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guam at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guatemala at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guernsey at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guinea at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guinea-Bissau at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Guyana at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Haiti at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Honduras at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Hong Kong at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Hungary at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.57 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Iceland at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

India at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Indonesia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Iran at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Iraq at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Ireland at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Israel at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Italy at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Jamaica at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Japan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Jersey at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Jordan at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Kazakhstan at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.54 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Kenya at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Kiribati at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Korea, North at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.53 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Korea, South at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Kuwait at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.77 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.74 male(s)/female total population: 1.52 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Kyrgyzstan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Laos at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Latvia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Lebanon at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Lesotho at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Liberia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Libya at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Liechtenstein at birth: 1.01 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Lithuania at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.52 male(s)/female total population: 0.89 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Luxembourg at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Macau at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Macedonia at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Madagascar at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Malawi at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Malaysia at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Maldives at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mali at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Malta at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Man, Isle of at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.67 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Marshall Islands at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Martinique at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mauritania at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mauritius at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.65 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mayotte at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.18 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mexico at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Micronesia, Federated States of NA

Moldova at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Monaco at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mongolia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Montserrat at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.07 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Morocco at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Mozambique at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Namibia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Nauru at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Nepal at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.96 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Netherlands at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Netherlands Antilles at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

New Caledonia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

New Zealand at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Nicaragua at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Niger at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.1 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Nigeria at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Niue NA

Norfolk Island NA

Northern Mariana Islands at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.71 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female total population: 0.78 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Norway at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Oman at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.46 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.2 male(s)/female total population: 1.26 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Pakistan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Palau at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.18 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 1.13 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Panama at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Papua New Guinea at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Paraguay at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Peru at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Philippines at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Pitcairn Islands NA

Poland at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Portugal at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Puerto Rico at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Qatar at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 2.28 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 2.78 male(s)/female total population: 1.88 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Reunion at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Romania at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Russia at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.46 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Rwanda at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saint Helena at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saint Kitts and Nevis at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saint Lucia at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.58 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saint Pierre and Miquelon at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Samoa at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.66 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female total population: 1.39 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

San Marino at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Saudi Arabia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.34 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.16 male(s)/female total population: 1.21 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Senegal at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.75 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Seychelles at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.48 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Sierra Leone at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Singapore at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Slovakia at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Slovenia at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Solomon Islands at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Somalia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

South Africa at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Spain at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Sudan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.18 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Suriname at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Svalbard NA%

Swaziland at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Sweden at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Switzerland at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Syria at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.91 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Taiwan at birth: 1.1 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Tajikistan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Tanzania at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Thailand at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Togo at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Tokelau NA

Tonga at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.09 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Tunisia at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Turkey at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.96 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Turks and Caicos Islands at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.11 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Tuvalu at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Uganda at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Ukraine at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.51 male(s)/female total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.58 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 2.691 male(s)/female total population: 1.442 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

United Kingdom at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

United States at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Uruguay at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Uzbekistan at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Vanuatu at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.12 male(s)/female total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Venezuela at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.83 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Vietnam at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Virgin Islands at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

West Bank at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.74 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Western Sahara NA

World at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Yemen at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Zambia at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

Zimbabwe at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2005 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2019 Heliports

Afghanistan 5 (2004 est.)

Albania 1 (2004 est.)

Algeria 1 (2004 est.)

Antarctica 27 stations have restricted helicopter landing facilities (helipads) (2004 est.)

Austria 1 (2004 est.)

Azerbaijan 2 (2004 est.)

Bahamas, The 1 (2004 est.)

Bahrain 1 (2004 est.)

Belarus 1 (2004 est.)

Belgium 1 (2004 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina 5 (2004 est.)

Brazil 417 (2004 est.)

Brunei 3 (2004 est.)

Bulgaria 1 (2004 est.)

Burma 1 (2004 est.)

Cambodia 2 (2004 est.)

Canada 319 (2004)

China 15 (2004 est.)

Colombia 1 (2004 est.)

Croatia 1 (2004 est.)

Cyprus 10 (2004 est.)

Czech Republic 2 (2004 est.)

East Timor 1 (2004 est.)

Ecuador 1 (2004 est.)

Egypt 2 (2004 est.)

El Salvador 1 (2004 est.)

European Union 94 (2004)

France 3 (2004 est.)

French Polynesia 1 (2004 est.)

Gaza Strip 1 (2004 est.)

Georgia 2 (2004 est.)

Germany 34 (2004 est.)

Greece 7 (2004 est.)

Hong Kong 2 (2004 est.)

Hungary 5 (2004 est.)

India 20 (2004 est.)

Indonesia 22 (2004 est.)

Iran 13 (2004 est.)

Iraq 6 (2004 est.)

Israel 3 (2004 est.)

Italy 4 (2004 est.)

Japan 15 (2004 est.)

Jordan 1 (2004 est.)

Kazakhstan 1 (2004 est.)

Korea, North 19 (2004 est.)

Korea, South 206 (2004 est.)

Kuwait 3 (2004 est.)

Libya 1 (2004 est.)

Luxembourg 1 (2004 est.)

Malaysia 1 (2004 est.)

Mexico 2 (2004 est.)

Monaco 1 (shuttle service between the international airport at Nice, France, and Monaco's heliport at Fontvieille) (2004 est.)

Mongolia 2 (2004 est.)

Morocco 1 (2004 est.)

Netherlands 1 (2004 est.)

New Caledonia 6 (2004 est.)

Nigeria 1 (2004 est.)

Northern Mariana Islands 1 (2004 est.)

Norway 1 (2004 est.)

Oman 1 (2004 est.)

Pakistan 15 (2004 est.)

Papua New Guinea 2 (2004 est.)

Peru 1 (2004 est.)

Philippines 2 (2004 est.)

Poland 3 (2004 est.)

Qatar 1 (2004 est.)

Romania 1 (2004 est.)

Russia 36 (2004 est.)

Saudi Arabia 5 (2004 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro 4 (2004 est.)

Sierra Leone 2 (2004 est.)

Slovakia 1 (2004 est.)

Spain 8 (2004 est.)

Sudan 2 (2004 est.)

Sweden 2 (2004 est.)

Switzerland 2 (2004 est.)

Syria 7 (2004 est.)

Taiwan 3 (2004 est.)

Thailand 3 (2004 est.)

Turkey 14 (2004 est.)

Turkmenistan 1 (2004 est.)

Ukraine 8 (2004 est.)

United Arab Emirates 2 (2004 est.)

United Kingdom 11 (2004 est.)

United States 155 (2004 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2020 Elevation extremes (m)

Afghanistan lowest point: Amu Darya 258 m highest point: Nowshak 7,485 m

Albania lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maja e Korabit (Golem Korab) 2,764 m

Algeria lowest point: Chott Melrhir -40 m highest point: Tahat 3,003 m

American Samoa lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Lata 966 m

Andorra lowest point: Riu Runer 840 m highest point: Coma Pedrosa 2,946 m

Angola lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morro de Moco 2,620 m

Anguilla lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crocus Hill 65 m

Antarctica lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,555 m highest point: Vinson Massif 4,897 m note: the lowest known land point in Antarctica is hidden in the Bentley Subglacial Trench; at its surface is the deepest ice yet discovered and the world's lowest elevation not under seawater

Antigua and Barbuda lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Boggy Peak 402 m

Arctic Ocean lowest point: Fram Basin -4,665 m highest point: sea level 0 m

Argentina lowest point: Laguna del Carbon -105 m (located between Puerto San Julian and Comandante Luis Piedra Buena in the province of Santa Cruz) highest point: Cerro Aconcagua 6,960 m (located in the northwestern corner of the province of Mendoza)

Armenia lowest point: Debed River 400 m highest point: Aragats Lerrnagagat' 4,090 m

Aruba lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Jamanota 188 m

Ashmore and Cartier Islands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Atlantic Ocean lowest point: Milwaukee Deep in the Puerto Rico Trench -8,605 m highest point: sea level 0 m

Australia lowest point: Lake Eyre -15 m highest point: Mount Kosciuszko 2,229 m

Austria lowest point: Neusiedler See 115 m highest point: Grossglockner 3,798 m

Azerbaijan lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Bazarduzu Dagi 4,485 m

Bahamas, The lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m

Bahrain lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m

Baker Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 8 m

Bangladesh lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Keokradong 1,230 m

Barbados lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Hillaby 336 m

Bassas da India lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2.4 m

Belarus lowest point: Nyoman River 90 m highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara 346 m

Belgium lowest point: North Sea 0 m highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m

Belize lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Victoria Peak 1,160 m

Benin lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Sokbaro 658 m

Bermuda lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Town Hill 76 m

Bhutan lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m

Bolivia lowest point: Rio Paraguay 90 m highest point: Nevado Sajama 6,542 m

Bosnia and Herzegovina lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Maglic 2,386 m

Botswana lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m

Bouvet Island lowest point: South Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Olav Peak 935 m

Brazil lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico da Neblina 3,014 m

British Indian Ocean Territory lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Diego Garcia 15 m

British Virgin Islands lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Sage 521 m

Brunei lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m

Bulgaria lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Musala 2,925 m

Burkina Faso lowest point: Mouhoun (Black Volta) River 200 m highest point: Tena Kourou 749 m

Burma lowest point: Andaman Sea 0 m highest point: Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m

Burundi lowest point: Lake Tanganyika 772 m highest point: Heha 2,670 m

Cambodia lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m

Cameroon lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Fako (on Mount Cameroon) 4,095 m

Canada lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Logan 5,959 m

Cape Verde lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mt. Fogo 2,829 m (a volcano on Fogo Island)

Cayman Islands lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: The Bluff 43 m

Central African Republic lowest point: Oubangui River 335 m highest point: Mont Ngaoui 1,420 m

Chad lowest point: Djourab Depression 160 m highest point: Emi Koussi 3,415 m

Chile lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Nevado Ojos del Salado 6,880 m

China lowest point: Turpan Pendi -154 m highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Christmas Island lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Murray Hill 361 m

Clipperton Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Rocher Clipperton 29 m

Cocos (Keeling) Islands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Colombia lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m note: nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Comoros lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Le Kartala 2,360 m

Congo, Democratic Republic of the lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pic Marguerite on Mont Ngaliema (Mount Stanley) 5,110 m

Congo, Republic of the lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Berongou 903 m

Cook Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Te Manga 652 m

Coral Sea Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Cato Island 6 m

Costa Rica lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Chirripo 3,810 m

Cote d'Ivoire lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Croatia lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Dinara 1,830 m

Cuba lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Pico Turquino 2,005 m

Cyprus lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Olympus 1,951 m

Czech Republic lowest point: Elbe River 115 m highest point: Snezka 1,602 m

Denmark lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m highest point: Yding Skovhoej 173 m

Djibouti lowest point: Lac Assal -155 m highest point: Moussa Ali 2,028 m

Dominica lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Morne Diablatins 1,447 m

Dominican Republic lowest point: Lago Enriquillo -46 m highest point: Pico Duarte 3,175 m

East Timor lowest point: Timor Sea, Savu Sea, and Banda Sea 0 m highest point: Foho Tatamailau 2,963 m

Ecuador lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Chimborazo 6,267 m

Egypt lowest point: Qattara Depression -133 m highest point: Mount Catherine 2,629 m

El Salvador lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro El Pital 2,730 m

Equatorial Guinea lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico Basile 3,008 m

Eritrea lowest point: near Kulul within the Denakil depression -75 m highest point: Soira 3,018 m

Estonia lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Suur Munamagi 318 m

Ethiopia lowest point: Denakil Depression -125 m highest point: Ras Dejen 4,620 m

Europa Island lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 24 m

European Union lowest point: Lammefjord, Denmark -7 m; Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m highest point: Mount Blanc, France/Italy 4,807 m

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

Faroe Islands lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Fiji lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Tomanivi 1,324 m

Finland lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

France lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m

French Guiana lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Bellevue de l'Inini 851 m

French Polynesia lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

French Southern and Antarctic Lands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Ross on Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m

Gabon lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Gambia, The lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 53 m

Gaza Strip lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Auda) 105 m

Georgia lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Germany lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Ghana lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Afadjato 880 m

Gibraltar lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Glorioso Islands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 12 m

Greece lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Greenland lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Gunnbjorn 3,700 m

Grenada lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Guadeloupe lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,484 m

Guam lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Guatemala lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Guernsey lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Sark 114 m

Guinea lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Guinea-Bissau lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location in the northeast corner of the country 300 m

Guyana lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Haiti lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Heard Island and McDonald Islands lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mawson Peak, on Big Ben 2,745 m

Holy See (Vatican City) lowest point: unnamed location 19 m highest point: unnamed location 75 m

Honduras lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

Hong Kong lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Tai Mo Shan 958 m

Howland Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 3 m

Hungary lowest point: Tisza River 78 m highest point: Kekes 1,014 m

Iceland lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m (at Vatnajokull glacier)

India lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Kanchenjunga 8,598 m

Indian Ocean lowest point: Java Trench -7,258 m highest point: sea level 0 m

Indonesia lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Puncak Jaya 5,030 m

Iran lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Kuh-e Damavand 5,671 m

Iraq lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: unnamed peak; 3,611 m; note - this peak is not Gundah Zhur 3,607 m or Kuh-e Hajji-Ebrahim 3,595 m

Ireland lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Carrauntoohil 1,041 m

Israel lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Har Meron 1,208 m

Italy lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur 4,748 m (a secondary peak of Mont Blanc)

Jamaica lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Blue Mountain Peak 2,256 m

Jan Mayen lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m highest point: Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg 2,277 m

Japan lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m highest point: Mount Fuji 3,776 m

Jarvis Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Jersey lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 143 m

Johnston Atoll lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Summit Peak 5 m

Jordan lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Jabal Ram 1,734 m

Juan de Nova Island lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 10 m

Kazakhstan lowest point: Vpadina Kaundy -132 m highest point: Khan Tangiri Shyngy (Pik Khan-Tengri) 6,995 m

Kenya lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Kenya 5,199 m

Kingman Reef lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 1 m

Kiribati lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Banaba 81 m

Korea, North lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m highest point: Paektu-san 2,744 m

Korea, South lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

Kuwait lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: unnamed location 306 m

Kyrgyzstan lowest point: Kara-Daryya (Karadar'ya) 132 m highest point: Jengish Chokusu (Pik Pobedy) 7,439 m

Laos lowest point: Mekong River 70 m highest point: Phou Bia 2,817 m

Latvia lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m

Lebanon lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Qurnat as Sawda' 3,088 m

Lesotho lowest point: junction of the Orange and Makhaleng Rivers 1,400 m highest point: Thabana Ntlenyana 3,482 m

Liberia lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Wuteve 1,380 m

Libya lowest point: Sabkhat Ghuzayyil -47 m highest point: Bikku Bitti 2,267 m

Liechtenstein lowest point: Ruggeller Riet 430 m highest point: Grauspitz 2,599 m

Lithuania lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m highest point: Juozapines/Kalnas 292 m

Luxembourg lowest point: Moselle River 133 m highest point: Buurgplaatz 559 m

Macau lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Coloane Alto 172.4 m

Macedonia lowest point: Vardar River 50 m highest point: Golem Korab (Maja e Korabit) 2,764 m

Madagascar lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Maromokotro 2,876 m

Malawi lowest point: junction of the Shire River and international boundary with Mozambique 37 m highest point: Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) 3,002 m

Malaysia lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Gunung Kinabalu 4,100 m

Maldives lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Wilingili island in the Addu Atoll 2.4 m

Mali lowest point: Senegal River 23 m highest point: Hombori Tondo 1,155 m

Malta lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)

Man, Isle of lowest point: Irish Sea 0 m highest point: Snaefell 621 m

Marshall Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Likiep 10 m

Martinique lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Montagne Pelee 1,397 m

Mauritania lowest point: Sebkhet Te-n-Dghamcha -5 m highest point: Kediet Ijill 915 m

Mauritius lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Piton 828 m

Mayotte lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Benara 660 m

Mexico lowest point: Laguna Salada -10 m highest point: Volcan Pico de Orizaba 5,700 m

Micronesia, Federated States of lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Dolohmwar (Totolom) 791 m

Midway Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 13 m

Moldova lowest point: Dniester River 2 m highest point: Dealul Balanesti 430 m

Monaco lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mont Agel 140 m

Mongolia lowest point: Hoh Nuur 518 m highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m

Montserrat lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Chances Peak (in the Soufriere Hills volcanic complex) 914 m

Morocco lowest point: Sebkha Tah -55 m highest point: Jebel Toubkal 4,165 m

Mozambique lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Monte Binga 2,436 m

Namibia lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Konigstein 2,606 m

Nauru lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location along plateau rim 61 m

Navassa Island lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: unnamed location on southwest side 77 m

Nepal lowest point: Kanchan Kalan 70 m highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Netherlands lowest point: Zuidplaspolder -7 m highest point: Vaalserberg 322 m

Netherlands Antilles lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Scenery 862 m

New Caledonia lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Panie 1,628 m

New Zealand lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Aoraki-Mount Cook 3,754 m

Nicaragua lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mogoton 2,438 m

Niger lowest point: Niger River 200 m highest point: Mont Bagzane 2,022 m

Nigeria lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Chappal Waddi 2,419 m

Niue lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Norfolk Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Northern Mariana Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Norway lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Oman lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Pacific Ocean lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m highest point: sea level 0 m

Pakistan lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Palau lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Palmyra Atoll lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 2 m

Panama lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Volcan de Chiriqui 3,475 m

Papua New Guinea lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Paracel Islands lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Paraguay lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m highest point: Cerro Pero (Cerro Tres Kandu) 842 m

Peru lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Philippines lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Pitcairn Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Pawala Valley Ridge 347 m

Poland lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Portugal lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Ponta do Pico (Pico or Pico Alto) on Ilha do Pico in the Azores 2,351 m

Puerto Rico lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,338 m

Qatar lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Reunion lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Piton des Neiges 3,069 m

Romania lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Russia lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Rwanda lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Saint Helena lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,060 m

Saint Kitts and Nevis lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Saint Lucia lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Saint Pierre and Miquelon lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Soufriere 1,234 m

Samoa lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mauga Silisili (Savaii) 1,857 m

San Marino lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Sao Tome and Principe lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Saudi Arabia lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Senegal lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha 581 m

Serbia and Montenegro lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Daravica 2,656 m

Seychelles lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Sierra Leone lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Singapore lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Slovakia lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Slovenia lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Solomon Islands lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Makarakomburu 2,447 m

Somalia lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

South Africa lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Southern Ocean lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the South Sandwich Trench highest point: sea level 0 m

Spain lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Spratly Islands lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Southwest Cay 4 m

Sri Lanka lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m

Sudan lowest point: Red Sea 0 m highest point: Kinyeti 3,187 m

Suriname lowest point: unnamed location in the coastal plain -2 m highest point: Juliana Top 1,230 m

Svalbard lowest point: Arctic Ocean 0 m highest point: Newtontoppen 1,717 m

Swaziland lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m

Sweden lowest point: reclaimed bay of Lake Hammarsjon, near Kristianstad -2.41 m highest point: Kebnekaise 2,111 m

Switzerland lowest point: Lake Maggiore 195 m highest point: Dufourspitze 4,634 m

Syria lowest point: unnamed location near Lake Tiberias -200 m highest point: Mount Hermon 2,814 m

Taiwan lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Yu Shan 3,952 m

Tajikistan lowest point: Syr Darya (Sirdaryo) 300 m highest point: Qullai Ismoili Somoni 7,495 m

Tanzania lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: Kilimanjaro 5,895 m

Thailand lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m highest point: Doi Inthanon 2,576 m

Togo lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Agou 986 m

Tokelau lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Tonga lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location on Kao Island 1,033 m

Trinidad and Tobago lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: El Cerro del Aripo 940 m

Tromelin Island lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 7 m

Tunisia lowest point: Shatt al Gharsah -17 m highest point: Jebel ech Chambi 1,544 m

Turkey lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mount Ararat 5,166 m

Turkmenistan lowest point: Vpadina Akchanaya -81 m; note - Sarygamysh Koli is a lake in northern Turkmenistan with a water level that fluctuates above and below the elevation of Vpadina Akchanaya (the lake has dropped as low as -110 m) highest point: Gora Ayribaba 3,139 m

Turks and Caicos Islands lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Blue Hills 49 m

Tuvalu lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 5 m

Uganda lowest point: Lake Albert 621 m highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Ukraine lowest point: Black Sea 0 m highest point: Hora Hoverla 2,061 m

United Arab Emirates lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m

United Kingdom lowest point: The Fens -4 m highest point: Ben Nevis 1,343 m

United States lowest point: Death Valley -86 m highest point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m

Uruguay lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Uzbekistan lowest point: Sariqarnish Kuli -12 m highest point: Adelunga Toghi 4,301 m

Vanuatu lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Tabwemasana 1,877 m

Venezuela lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Pico Bolivar (La Columna) 5,007 m

Vietnam lowest point: South China Sea 0 m highest point: Fan Si Pan 3,144 m

Virgin Islands lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m highest point: Crown Mountain 474 m

Wake Island lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: unnamed location 6 m

Wallis and Futuna lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m highest point: Mont Singavi 765 m

West Bank lowest point: Dead Sea -408 m highest point: Tall Asur 1,022 m

Western Sahara lowest point: Sebjet Tah -55 m highest point: unnamed location 463 m

World lowest point: Bentley Subglacial Trench -2,540 m note: in the oceanic realm, Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is the lowest point, lying -10,924 m below the surface of the Pacific Ocean highest point: Mount Everest 8,850 m

Yemen lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m highest point: Jabal an Nabi Shu'ayb 3,760 m

Zambia lowest point: Zambezi river 329 m highest point: unnamed location in Mafinga Hills 2,301 m

Zimbabwe lowest point: junction of the Runde and Save rivers 162 m highest point: Inyangani 2,592 m

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2021 Natural hazards

Afghanistan damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; flooding; droughts

Albania destructive earthquakes; tsunamis occur along southwestern coast; floods; drought

Algeria mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; mudslides and floods in rainy season

American Samoa typhoons common from December to March

Andorra avalanches

Angola locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on the plateau

Anguilla frequent hurricanes and other tropical storms (July to October)

Antarctica katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; cyclonic storms form over the ocean and move clockwise along the coast; volcanism on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic activity rare and weak; large icebergs may calve from ice shelf

Antigua and Barbuda hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); periodic droughts

Arctic Ocean ice islands occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; permafrost in islands; virtually ice locked from October to June; ships subject to superstructure icing from October to May

Argentina San Miguel de Tucuman and Mendoza areas in the Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are violent windstorms that can strike the pampas and northeast; heavy flooding

Armenia occasionally severe earthquakes; droughts

Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt

Ashmore and Cartier Islands surrounded by shoals and reefs that can pose maritime hazards

Atlantic Ocean icebergs common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the Madeira Islands; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme northern Atlantic from October to May; persistent fog can be a maritime hazard from May to September; hurricanes (May to December)

Australia cyclones along the coast; severe droughts; forest fires

Austria landslides; avalanches; earthquakes

Azerbaijan droughts

Bahamas, The hurricanes and other tropical storms cause extensive flood and wind damage

Bahrain periodic droughts; dust storms

Baker Island the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Bangladesh droughts, cyclones; much of the country routinely inundated during the summer monsoon season

Barbados infrequent hurricanes; periodic landslides

Bassas da India maritime hazard since it is usually under water during high tide and surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones

Belarus NA

Belgium flooding is a threat along rivers and in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes

Belize frequent, devastating hurricanes (June to November) and coastal flooding (especially in south)

Benin hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north from December to March

Bermuda hurricanes (June to November)

Bhutan violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season

Bolivia flooding in the northeast (March-April)

Bosnia and Herzegovina destructive earthquakes

Botswana periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility

Bouvet Island NA

Brazil recurring droughts in northeast; floods and occasional frost in south

British Indian Ocean Territory NA

British Virgin Islands hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October)

Brunei typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Bulgaria earthquakes, landslides

Burkina Faso recurring droughts

Burma destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Burundi flooding, landslides, drought

Cambodia monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts

Cameroon volcanic activity with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun volcanoes

Canada continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development; cyclonic storms form east of the Rocky Mountains, a result of the mixing of air masses from the Arctic, Pacific, and North American interior, and produce most of the country's rain and snow east of the mountains

Cape Verde prolonged droughts; seasonal harmattan wind produces obscuring dust; volcanically and seismically active

Cayman Islands hurricanes (July to November)

Central African Republic hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; floods are common

Chad hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; locust plagues

Chile severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis

China frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes; droughts; land subsidence

Christmas Island the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Clipperton Island NA

Cocos (Keeling) Islands cyclone season is October to April

Colombia highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic droughts

Comoros cyclones possible during rainy season (December to April); Le Kartala on Grand Comore is an active volcano

Congo, Democratic Republic of the periodic droughts in south; Congo River floods (seasonal); in the east, in the Great Rift Valley, there are active volcanoes

Congo, Republic of the seasonal flooding

Cook Islands typhoons (November to March)

Coral Sea Islands occasional tropical cyclones

Costa Rica occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season and landslides; active volcanoes

Cote d'Ivoire coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; during the rainy season torrential flooding is possible

Croatia destructive earthquakes

Cuba the east coast is subject to hurricanes from August to November (in general, the country averages about one hurricane every other year); droughts are common

Cyprus moderate earthquake activity; droughts

Czech Republic flooding

Denmark flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Djibouti earthquakes; droughts; occasional cyclonic disturbances from the Indian Ocean bring heavy rains and flash floods

Dominica flash floods are a constant threat; destructive hurricanes can be expected during the late summer months

Dominican Republic lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding; periodic droughts

East Timor floods and landslides are common; earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones

Ecuador frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; floods; periodic droughts

Egypt periodic droughts; frequent earthquakes, flash floods, landslides; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring; dust storms, sandstorms

El Salvador known as the Land of Volcanoes; frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity; extremely susceptible to hurricanes

Equatorial Guinea violent windstorms, flash floods

Eritrea frequent droughts; locust swarms

Estonia sometimes flooding occurs in the spring

Ethiopia geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions; frequent droughts

Europa Island NA

European Union flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy; periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) strong winds persist throughout the year

Faroe Islands NA

Fiji cyclonic storms can occur from November to January

Finland NA

France flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean

French Guiana high frequency of heavy showers and severe thunderstorms; flooding

French Polynesia occasional cyclonic storms in January

French Southern and Antarctic Lands Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes

Gabon NA

Gambia, The drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Gaza Strip droughts

Georgia earthquakes

Germany flooding

Ghana dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts

Gibraltar NA

Glorioso Islands periodic cyclones

Greece severe earthquakes

Greenland continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Grenada lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Guadeloupe hurricanes (June to October); Soufriere de Guadeloupe is an active volcano

Guam frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare, but potentially very destructive typhoons (June - December)

Guatemala numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms

Guernsey NA

Guinea hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Guinea-Bissau hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires

Guyana flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Haiti lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts

Heard Island and McDonald Islands Mawson Peak, an active volcano, is on Heard Island

Holy See (Vatican City) NA

Honduras frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; extremely susceptible to damaging hurricanes and floods along the Caribbean coast

Hong Kong occasional typhoons

Howland Island the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island can be a maritime hazard

Iceland earthquakes and volcanic activity

India droughts; flash floods, as well as widespread and destructive flooding from monsoonal rains; severe thunderstorms; earthquakes

Indian Ocean occasional icebergs pose navigational hazard in southern reaches

Indonesia occasional floods, severe droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanoes, forest fires

Iran periodic droughts, floods; dust storms, sandstorms; earthquakes

Iraq dust storms, sandstorms, floods

Ireland NA

Israel sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; droughts; periodic earthquakes

Italy regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding; land subsidence in Venice

Jamaica hurricanes (especially July to November)

Jan Mayen dominated by the volcano Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg; volcanic activity resumed in 1970

Japan many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons

Jarvis Island the narrow fringing reef surrounding the island poses a maritime hazard

Jersey NA

Johnston Atoll NA

Jordan droughts; periodic earthquakes

Juan de Nova Island periodic cyclones

Kazakhstan earthquakes in the south, mudslides around Almaty

Kenya recurring drought; flooding during rainy seasons

Kingman Reef wet or awash most of the time, maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes Kingman Reef a maritime hazard

Kiribati typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; occasional tornadoes; low level of some of the islands make them very sensitive to changes in sea level

Korea, North late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding; occasional typhoons during the early fall

Korea, South occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest

Kuwait sudden cloudbursts are common from October to April and bring heavy rain, which can damage roads and houses; sandstorms and dust storms occur throughout the year, but are most common between March and August

Kyrgyzstan NA

Laos floods, droughts

Latvia NA

Lebanon dust storms, sandstorms

Lesotho periodic droughts

Liberia dust-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to March)

Libya hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in spring and fall; dust storms, sandstorms

Liechtenstein NA

Lithuania NA

Luxembourg NA

Macau typhoons

Macedonia high seismic risks

Madagascar periodic cyclones, drought, and locust infestation

Malawi NA

Malaysia flooding, landslides, forest fires

Maldives low level of islands makes them very sensitive to sea level rise

Mali hot, dust-laden harmattan haze common during dry seasons; recurring droughts; occasional Niger River flooding

Malta NA

Man, Isle of NA

Marshall Islands infrequent typhoons

Martinique hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity (an average of one major natural disaster every five years)

Mauritania hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April; periodic droughts

Mauritius cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs that may pose maritime hazards

Mayotte cyclones during rainy season

Mexico tsunamis along the Pacific coast, volcanoes and destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean coasts

Micronesia, Federated States of typhoons (June to December)

Midway Islands NA

Moldova landslides (57 cases in 1998)

Monaco NA

Mongolia dust storms, grassland and forest fires, drought, and "zud," which is harsh winter conditions

Montserrat severe hurricanes (June to November); volcanic eruptions (Soufriere Hills volcano has erupted continuously since 1995)

Morocco northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes; periodic droughts

Mozambique severe droughts; devastating cyclones and floods in central and southern provinces

Namibia prolonged periods of drought

Nauru periodic droughts

Navassa Island NA

Nepal severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons

Netherlands flooding

Netherlands Antilles Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt and are rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October

New Caledonia cyclones, most frequent from November to March

New Zealand earthquakes are common, though usually not severe; volcanic activity

Nicaragua destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides; extremely susceptible to hurricanes

Niger recurring droughts

Nigeria periodic droughts; flooding

Niue typhoons

Norfolk Island typhoons (especially May to July)

Northern Mariana Islands active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Norway rockslides, avalanches

Oman summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Pacific Ocean surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the "Pacific Ring of Fire"; 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); cyclical El Nino/La Nina phenomenon occurs in the equatorial Pacific, influencing weather in the Western Hemisphere and the western Pacific; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May; persistent fog in the northern Pacific can be a maritime hazard from June to December

Pakistan frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)

Palau typhoons (June to December)

Palmyra Atoll NA

Panama occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Papua New Guinea active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis

Paracel Islands typhoons

Paraguay local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Peru earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity

Philippines astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

Pitcairn Islands typhoons (especially November to March)

Poland flooding

Portugal Azores subject to severe earthquakes

Puerto Rico periodic droughts; hurricanes

Qatar haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Reunion periodic, devastating cyclones (December to April); Piton de la Fournaise on the southeastern coast is an active volcano

Romania earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides

Russia permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development; volcanic activity in the Kuril Islands; volcanoes and earthquakes on the Kamchatka Peninsula; spring floods and summer/autumn forest fires throughout Siberia and parts of European Russia

Rwanda periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

Saint Helena active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha

Saint Kitts and Nevis hurricanes (July to October)

Saint Lucia hurricanes and volcanic activity

Saint Pierre and Miquelon persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Samoa occasional typhoons; active volcanism

San Marino NA

Sao Tome and Principe NA

Saudi Arabia frequent sand and dust storms

Senegal lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Serbia and Montenegro destructive earthquakes

Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible

Sierra Leone dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Singapore NA

Slovakia NA

Slovenia flooding and earthquakes

Solomon Islands typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earth tremors; volcanic activity

Somalia recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season

South Africa prolonged droughts

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism

Southern Ocean huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 meter thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue

Spain periodic droughts

Spratly Islands typhoons; serious maritime hazard because of numerous reefs and shoals

Sri Lanka occasional cyclones and tornadoes

Sudan dust storms and periodic persistent droughts

Suriname NA

Svalbard ice floes often block the entrance to Bellsund (a transit point for coal export) on the west coast and occasionally make parts of the northeastern coast inaccessible to maritime traffic

Swaziland drought

Sweden ice floes in the surrounding waters, especially in the Gulf of Bothnia, can interfere with maritime traffic

Switzerland avalanches, landslides, flash floods

Syria dust storms, sandstorms

Taiwan earthquakes and typhoons

Tajikistan earthquakes and floods

Tanzania flooding on the central plateau during the rainy season; drought

Thailand land subsidence in Bangkok area resulting from the depletion of the water table; droughts

Togo hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; periodic droughts

Tokelau lies in Pacific typhoon belt

Tonga cyclones (October to April); earthquakes and volcanic activity on Fonuafo'ou

Trinidad and Tobago outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

Tromelin Island NA

Tunisia NA

Turkey very severe earthquakes, especially in northern Turkey, along an arc extending from the Sea of Marmara to Lake Van

Turkmenistan NA

Turks and Caicos Islands frequent hurricanes

Tuvalu severe tropical storms are usually rare, but, in 1997, there were three cyclones; low level of islands make them very sensitive to changes in sea level

Uganda NA

Ukraine NA

United Arab Emirates frequent sand and dust storms

United Kingdom winter windstorms; floods

United States tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake activity around Pacific Basin; hurricanes along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts; tornadoes in the midwest and southeast; mud slides in California; forest fires in the west; flooding; permafrost in northern Alaska, a major impediment to development

Uruguay seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

Uzbekistan NA

Vanuatu tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism causes minor earthquakes; tsunamis

Venezuela subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts

Vietnam occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta

Virgin Islands several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes

Wake Island occasional typhoons

Wallis and Futuna NA

West Bank droughts

Western Sahara hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring; widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting visibility

World large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters (earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions)

Yemen sandstorms and dust storms in summer

Zambia periodic drought, tropical storms (November to April)

Zimbabwe recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2022 People - note

Afghanistan of the estimated 4 million refugees in October 2001, 2.3 million have returned

Ashmore and Cartier Islands the landing of illegal immigrants from Indonesia's Rote Island has become an ongoing problem

Christmas Island the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports a population of 1,508 as of the 2001 Census

Cuba illicit migration is a continuing problem; Cubans attempt to depart the island and enter the US using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, direct flights, or falsified visas; Cubans also use non-maritime routes to enter the US including direct flights to Miami and overland via the southwest border

Greece women, men, and children are trafficked to and within Greece for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor

Rwanda Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Turks and Caicos Islands destination and transit point for illegal Haitian immigrants bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands, Bahamas, and US

Ukraine the sex trafficking of Ukrainian women is a serious problem that has only recently been addressed

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2023 Area - comparative

Afghanistan slightly smaller than Texas

Akrotiri about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Albania slightly smaller than Maryland

Algeria slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

American Samoa slightly larger than Washington, DC

Andorra 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Angola slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Anguilla about half the size of Washington, DC

Antarctica slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Antigua and Barbuda 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Arctic Ocean slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

Argentina slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Armenia slightly smaller than Maryland

Aruba slightly larger than Washington, DC

Ashmore and Cartier Islands about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Atlantic Ocean slightly less than 6.5 times the size of the US

Australia slightly smaller than the US contiguous 48 states

Austria slightly smaller than Maine

Azerbaijan slightly smaller than Maine

Bahamas, The slightly smaller than Connecticut

Bahrain 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Baker Island about 2.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Bangladesh slightly smaller than Iowa

Barbados 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Bassas da India about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Belarus slightly smaller than Kansas

Belgium about the size of Maryland

Belize slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Benin slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Bermuda about one-third the size of Washington, DC

Bhutan about half the size of Indiana

Bolivia slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Bosnia and Herzegovina slightly smaller than West Virginia

Botswana slightly smaller than Texas

Bouvet Island about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Brazil slightly smaller than the US

British Indian Ocean Territory about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

British Virgin Islands about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Brunei slightly smaller than Delaware

Bulgaria slightly larger than Tennessee

Burkina Faso slightly larger than Colorado

Burma slightly smaller than Texas

Burundi slightly smaller than Maryland

Cambodia slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Cameroon slightly larger than California

Canada somewhat larger than the US

Cape Verde slightly larger than Rhode Island

Cayman Islands 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Central African Republic slightly smaller than Texas

Chad slightly more than three times the size of California

Chile slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

China slightly smaller than the US

Christmas Island about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Clipperton Island about 12 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Cocos (Keeling) Islands about 24 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Colombia slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Comoros slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Congo, Democratic Republic of the slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Congo, Republic of the slightly smaller than Montana

Cook Islands 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Coral Sea Islands NA

Costa Rica slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cote d'Ivoire slightly larger than New Mexico

Croatia slightly smaller than West Virginia

Cuba slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Cyprus about 0.6 times the size of Connecticut

Czech Republic slightly smaller than South Carolina

Denmark slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Dhekelia about three-quarters the size of Washington, DC

Djibouti slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Dominica slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Dominican Republic slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

East Timor slightly larger than Connecticut

Ecuador slightly smaller than Nevada

Egypt slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

El Salvador slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Equatorial Guinea slightly smaller than Maryland

Eritrea slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Estonia slightly smaller than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

Ethiopia slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Europa Island about 0.16 times the size of Washington, DC

European Union less than one-half the size of the US

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) slightly smaller than Connecticut

Faroe Islands eight times the size of Washington, DC

Fiji slightly smaller than New Jersey

Finland slightly smaller than Montana

France slightly less than twice the size of Colorado

French Guiana slightly smaller than Indiana

French Polynesia slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

French Southern and Antarctic Lands slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Delaware

Gabon slightly smaller than Colorado

Gambia, The slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Gaza Strip slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Georgia slightly smaller than South Carolina

Germany slightly smaller than Montana

Ghana slightly smaller than Oregon

Gibraltar about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Greece slightly smaller than Alabama

Greenland slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Grenada twice the size of Washington, DC

Guadeloupe 10 times the size of Washington, DC

Guam three times the size of Washington, DC

Guatemala slightly smaller than Tennessee

Guernsey about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Guinea slightly smaller than Oregon

Guinea-Bissau slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Guyana slightly smaller than Idaho

Haiti slightly smaller than Maryland

Heard Island and McDonald Islands slightly more than two times the size of Washington, DC

Holy See (Vatican City) about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Honduras slightly larger than Tennessee

Hong Kong six times the size of Washington, DC

Howland Island about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Hungary slightly smaller than Indiana

Iceland slightly smaller than Kentucky

India slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Indian Ocean about 5.5 times the size of the US

Indonesia slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Iran slightly larger than Alaska

Iraq slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Ireland slightly larger than West Virginia

Israel slightly smaller than New Jersey

Italy slightly larger than Arizona

Jamaica slightly smaller than Connecticut

Jan Mayen slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Japan slightly smaller than California

Jarvis Island about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Jersey about two-thirds the size of Washington, DC

Johnston Atoll about 4.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Jordan slightly smaller than Indiana

Juan de Nova Island about seven times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Kazakhstan slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Kenya slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Kingman Reef about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Kiribati four times the size of Washington, DC

Korea, North slightly smaller than Mississippi

Korea, South slightly larger than Indiana

Kuwait slightly smaller than New Jersey

Kyrgyzstan slightly smaller than South Dakota

Laos slightly larger than Utah

Latvia slightly larger than West Virginia

Lebanon about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Lesotho slightly smaller than Maryland

Liberia slightly larger than Tennessee

Libya slightly larger than Alaska

Liechtenstein about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Lithuania slightly larger than West Virginia

Luxembourg slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Macau about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Macedonia slightly larger than Vermont

Madagascar slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Malawi slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Malaysia slightly larger than New Mexico

Maldives about 1.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Mali slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Malta slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Man, Isle of slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Marshall Islands about the size of Washington, DC

Martinique slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC

Mauritania slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Mauritius almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC

Mayotte slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Mexico slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Micronesia, Federated States of four times the size of Washington, DC (land area only)

Midway Islands about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Moldova slightly larger than Maryland

Monaco about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Mongolia slightly smaller than Alaska

Montserrat about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Morocco slightly larger than California

Mozambique slightly less than twice the size of California

Namibia slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Nauru about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Navassa Island about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Nepal slightly larger than Arkansas

Netherlands slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Netherlands Antilles more than five times the size of Washington, DC

New Caledonia slightly smaller than New Jersey

New Zealand about the size of Colorado

Nicaragua slightly smaller than the state of New York

Niger slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Nigeria slightly more than twice the size of California

Niue 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norfolk Island about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Northern Mariana Islands 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Norway slightly larger than New Mexico

Oman slightly smaller than Kansas

Pacific Ocean about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world

Pakistan slightly less than twice the size of California

Palau slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Palmyra Atoll about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Panama slightly smaller than South Carolina

Papua New Guinea slightly larger than California

Paracel Islands NA

Paraguay slightly smaller than California

Peru slightly smaller than Alaska

Philippines slightly larger than Arizona

Pitcairn Islands about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Poland slightly smaller than New Mexico

Portugal slightly smaller than Indiana

Puerto Rico slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Qatar slightly smaller than Connecticut

Reunion slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Romania slightly smaller than Oregon

Russia approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Rwanda slightly smaller than Maryland

Saint Helena slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Saint Kitts and Nevis 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Lucia 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Pierre and Miquelon 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines twice the size of Washington, DC

Samoa slightly smaller than Rhode Island

San Marino about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Sao Tome and Principe more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Saudi Arabia slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Senegal slightly smaller than South Dakota

Serbia and Montenegro slightly smaller than Kentucky

Seychelles 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Sierra Leone slightly smaller than South Carolina

Singapore slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Slovakia about twice the size of New Hampshire

Slovenia slightly smaller than New Jersey

Solomon Islands slightly smaller than Maryland

Somalia slightly smaller than Texas

South Africa slightly less than twice the size of Texas

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands slightly larger than Rhode Island

Southern Ocean slightly more than twice the size of the US

Spain slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Spratly Islands NA

Sri Lanka slightly larger than West Virginia

Sudan slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Suriname slightly larger than Georgia

Svalbard slightly smaller than West Virginia

Swaziland slightly smaller than New Jersey

Sweden slightly larger than California

Switzerland slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Syria slightly larger than North Dakota

Taiwan slightly smaller than Maryland and Delaware combined

Tajikistan slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Tanzania slightly larger than twice the size of California

Thailand slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Togo slightly smaller than West Virginia

Tokelau about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tonga four times the size of Washington, DC

Trinidad and Tobago slightly smaller than Delaware

Tromelin Island about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tunisia slightly larger than Georgia

Turkey slightly larger than Texas

Turkmenistan slightly larger than California

Turks and Caicos Islands 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Tuvalu 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Uganda slightly smaller than Oregon

Ukraine slightly smaller than Texas

United Arab Emirates slightly smaller than Maine

United Kingdom slightly smaller than Oregon

United States about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; almost two and a half times the size of the European Union

Uruguay slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Uzbekistan slightly larger than California

Vanuatu slightly larger than Connecticut

Venezuela slightly more than twice the size of California

Vietnam slightly larger than New Mexico

Virgin Islands twice the size of Washington, DC

Wake Island about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Wallis and Futuna 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

West Bank slightly smaller than Delaware

Western Sahara about the size of Colorado

World land area about 16 times the size of the US

Yemen slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

Zambia slightly larger than Texas

Zimbabwe slightly larger than Montana

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2024 Military service age and obligation (years of age)

Afghanistan 22 years of age; inductees are contracted into service for a 4-year term (2005)

Albania 19 years of age (2004)

Algeria 19-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (October 2003)

Angola 17 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years plus time for training (2001)

Antigua and Barbuda 18 years of age (est.); no conscript military service (2001)

Argentina 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Armenia 18-27 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (May 2004)

Australia 16 years of age for voluntary service (2001)

Austria 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for voluntary service; from 2007, at the earliest, compulsory military service obligation will be reduced from 8 months to 6 (June 2004)

Azerbaijan 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; law passed December 2001 raises maximum conscription age from 28 to 35 (December 2001)

Bahamas, The 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Bahrain 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Bangladesh 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2005)

Barbados 18 years of age for voluntary military service; volunteers at earlier age with parental consent; no conscription (2001)

Belarus 18-27 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (May 2004)

Belgium 16 years of age for voluntary military service; women comprise some 7% of the Belgian armed forces (2001)

Belize 18 years of age for voluntary military service; laws allow for conscription only if volunteers are insufficient; conscription has never been implemented; volunteers typically outnumber available positions by 3:1 (2001)

Benin 21 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; in practice, volunteers may be taken at the age of 18; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months (2004)

Bhutan 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Bolivia 18 years of age for voluntary military service; when annual number of volunteers falls short of goal, compulsory recruitment is effected, including conscription of boys as young as 14; one estimate holds that 40% of the armed forces are under the age of 18, with 50% of those under the age of 16; conscript tour of duty - 12 months (2002)

Bosnia and Herzegovina 18 years of age for compulsory military service in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; 16 years of age in times of war; 18 years of age for Republika Srpska; 17 years of age for voluntary military service in the Federation and in the Republika Srpska; by law, military obligations cover all healthy men between the ages of 18 and 60, and all women between the ages of 18 and 55; service obligation is 4 months (July 2004)

Botswana 18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service; the official qualifications for determining minimum age are unknown (2001)

Brazil 19 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 17 years of age for voluntary service (2001)

Brunei 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Bulgaria 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 9 months (2004)

Burkina Faso 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 20 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Burma 18 years of age for voluntary military service for both sexes (May 2002)

Burundi 16 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Cambodia 18-30 years of age for compulsory military service for all males; conscription law passed September 2004; service obligation is 18 months (September 2004)

Cameroon 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (1999)

Canada 16 years of age for voluntary military service; women comprise some 11% of Canada's armed forces (2001)

Central African Republic 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service; conscript service obligation is two years (2005)

Chad 20 years of age for conscripts, with 3-year service obligation; 18 years of age for volunteers; no minimum age restriction for volunteers with consent from a guardian (2004)

Chile 18 years of age for compulsory military service; all citizens 18-45 are obligated to perform military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy and Air Force (2004)

China 18-22 years of age for compulsory military service, with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service; 17 years of age for women who meet requirements for specific military jobs (2004)

Colombia 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 24 months (2004)

Congo, Republic of the 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Costa Rica 18 years of age (2004)

Cote d'Ivoire 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Croatia 18 years of age for compulsory military service, with 6-month service obligation; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary service; Croatian Military Police planning to end conscription in 2005 (December 2004)

Cuba 17 years of age; both sexes are eligible for military service (2004)

Cyprus 18 years of age (2004)

Czech Republic 18-50 years of age for voluntary military service; military service transformed into a fully professional, all-volunteer force no longer dependent on conscription beginning in January 2004 (2005)

Denmark 18 years of age for compulsory and volunteer military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service (2004)

Djibouti 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Dominican Republic 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

East Timor 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Ecuador 20 years of age for conscript military service; 12-month service obligation (2004)

Egypt 18 years of age for conscript military service; 3-year service obligation (2001)

El Salvador 18 years of age for compulsory military service, with 12-month service obligation; 16 years of age for volunteers (2002)

Equatorial Guinea 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Eritrea 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 16 months (2004)

Estonia 18 years of age for compulsory military service, with 11-month service obligation; Estonia has committed to retaining conscription for men and women up to 2010; 17 years of age for volunteers (2004)

Ethiopia 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Fiji 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Finland 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service (October 2004)

France 17 years of age with consent for voluntary military service (2001)

Gabon 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Gambia, The 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Georgia 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Germany 18 years of age (conscripts serve a nine-month tour of compulsory military service) (2004)

Ghana 18 years of age for compulsory and volunteer military service (2001)

Greece 18 years of age for compulsory military service; during wartime the law allows for recruitment after reaching January of the year of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 12 months for the Army and Air Force, 15 months for Navy (2005)

Guatemala 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 30 months (2004)

Guinea 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Guinea-Bissau 18 years of age for compulsory military service (2001)

Haiti 18 years of age for voluntary recruitment into the police force (2001)

Honduras 18 years of age for voluntary 2-3 year military service (2004)

Hong Kong 18 years of age (2004)

Hungary 18 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in June 2004 (June 2004)

India 16 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Indonesia 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2002)

Iran 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; soldiers as young as 9 were recruited extensively during the Iran-Iraq War; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Iraq 18 years of age; the Iraqi Interim Government is creating a new professional Iraqi military force of men aged 18 to 40 to defend Iraq from external threats and the current insurgency (2004)

Ireland 17 years of age for voluntary military service; enlistees under the age of 17 can be recruited for specialist positions (2001)

Israel 17 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for men, 21 months for women (2004)

Italy 18 years of age (2004)

Jamaica 18 years of age for voluntary military service; younger recruits may be conscripted with parental consent (2001)

Japan 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Jordan 17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription at age 18 was suspended in 1999, although all males under age 37 are required to register (2004)

Kazakhstan 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years; minimum age for volunteers NA (2004)

Kenya 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Korea, North 17 years of age (2004)

Korea, South 20-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 24-28 months, depending on the military branch involved; 18 years of age for voluntary military service; some 4,000 women serve as commissioned and noncommissioned officers, approx. 2.3% of all officers; women, in service since 1950, are admitted to seven service branches, including infantry; excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and chaplaincy corps (2005)

Kuwait 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Kyrgyzstan 18 years of age for compulsory military service (2001)

Laos 15 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - minimum 18 months (2004)

Latvia 19 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for volunteers; Latvia plans to phase out conscription, tentatively moving to an all-professional force by 2007 (August 2004)

Lebanon 18-30 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)

Lesotho 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Liberia 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Libya 17 years of age (2004)

Lithuania 19-45 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for volunteers (2004)

Luxembourg a 1967 law made the Army an all-volunteer force; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers under 18 are not deployed into combat or with peacekeeping missions (2004)

Macedonia conscription to be phased out by 2007; current tour of conscript duty is 6 months; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (January 2005)

Madagascar 18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Malawi 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Malaysia 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2005)

Maldives 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Mali 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Malta 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Mauritania 18 years of age (est.); conscript service obligation - 2 years; majority of servicemen believed to be volunteers; service in Air Force and Navy is voluntary (April 2005)

Mexico 18 years of age for compulsory military service, conscript service obligation - 12 months; 16 years of age with consent for voluntary enlistment (2004)

Moldova 18 years of age for compulsory military service; national service obligation - 12 months (2004)

Mongolia 18-25 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)

Morocco 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2004)

Namibia 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Nepal 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Netherlands 20 years of age for an all-volunteer force (2004)

Netherlands Antilles 16 years of age for military recruitment; no conscription (July 2002)

New Zealand 17 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18 (2001)

Nicaragua 17 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Niger 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Nigeria 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Norway 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard; conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)

Oman 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Pakistan 16 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age of 18 (2001)

Papua New Guinea 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Paraguay 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy (2004)

Peru 18 years of age for compulsory military service (1999)

Philippines 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service (2001)

Poland 17 years of age for compulsory military service after January 1st of the year of 18th birthday; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; in 2005 Poland plans to shorten the length of conscript service obligation from 12 to 9 months; by 2008, plans call for at least 60% of military personnel to be volunteers; only soldiers who have completed their conscript service are allowed to volunteer for professional service; as of April 2004 women are only allowed to serve as officers and non-commissioned officers (April 2004)

Portugal 18 years of age for voluntary military service; compulsory military service was ended in 2004 (January 2005)

Qatar 18 years of age for voluntary military service; Land Force's enlisted personnel are largely nonprofessional foreign nationals (2005)

Reunion 18 years of age (2004)

Romania 20 years of age for compulsory military service, 18 in wartime; conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2004)

Russia 18-27 years of age; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; 200,000 conscripts were inducted into the armed forces in 2003; length of compulsory military service is 2 years; plans as of August 2004 call for reduction in mandatory service to 1 year by 2008; 2003 planning calls for volunteer servicemen to compose 70% of armed forces by 2010, with the remaining servicemen consisting of conscripts (August 2004)

Rwanda 16 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Saint Kitts and Nevis 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Sao Tome and Principe 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Saudi Arabia 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Senegal 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Serbia and Montenegro 19 years of age (nine months compulsory service) (2004)

Seychelles 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Sierra Leone 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

Singapore 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation reduced to 24 months beginning December 2004 (December 2004)

Slovakia complete transition to an all-volunteer professional force is planned for 1 January 2007; 82% of Slovak armed forces were volunteers as of January 2005; volunteers include women, with minimum age of 17 years; 18 years of age for compulsory military service (January 2005)

Slovenia 17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2004)

Somalia 18 years of age (est.) (2001)

South Africa 18 years of age for voluntary military service; women have a long history of military service in non-combat roles - dating back to World War I (2004)

Spain 20 years of age (2004)

Sri Lanka 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2001)

Sudan 18-30 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 3 years (August 2004)

Suriname 18 years of age (est.); no conscription

Swaziland 18 years of age for voluntary military service; both sexes are eligible for military service (2005)

Sweden 19 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 7-17 months depending on conscript role; after completing initial service soldiers have a reserve commitment until the age of 47 (2004)

Switzerland the Swiss Confederation states that "every Swiss male is obligated to do military service"; every Swiss male has to serve for at least 260 days in the armed forces; 19 years of age for compulsory military service; 17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscripts receive 15 weeks of compulsory training, followed by 10 intermittent recalls for training over the next 22 years; women are accepted on a voluntary basis, but are not drafted (2005)

Syria 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 30 months (2004)

Taiwan 19-40 years of age for military service (being lowered to 35 years of age in July 2005); service obligation 22 months (being shortened to 18 months in July 2005 and 12 months in 2008) (2005)

Tajikistan 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Tanzania 15 years of age for voluntary military service; 18 years of age for compulsory military service upon graduation from secondary school; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Thailand 21 years of age for compulsory military service; males are registered at 18 years of age; conscript service obliation - 2 years; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2004)

Togo 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service (2001)

Tonga 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Trinidad and Tobago 18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2001)

Tunisia 20 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months; 18 years of age for voluntary military service (2004)

Turkey 20 years of age (2004)

Turkmenistan 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Uganda 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military duty; the government has stated that recruitment below that age could occur with proper consent and that "no person under the apparent age of 13 years shall be enrolled in the armed forces"

Ukraine 18-27 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months for Army and Air Force, 24 months for Navy (2004)

United Arab Emirates 18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2001)

United Kingdom 16 years of age for voluntary military service (January 2004)

United States 18 years of age (2004)

Uruguay 18 years of age for voluntary and compulsory military service (2001)

Uzbekistan 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months (2004)

Venezuela 18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 30 months (2004)

Vietnam 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Yemen 18 years of age for compulsory military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Zambia 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Zimbabwe 18 years of age (est.) (2004)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

======================================================================

@2025 Manpower fit for military service

Afghanistan males age 22-49: 2,662,946 (2005 est.)

Albania males age 19-49: 668,526 (2005 est.)

Algeria males age 19-49: 6,590,079 (2005 est.)

Angola males age 17-49: 1,174,548 (2005 est.)

Argentina males age 18-49: 7,316,038 (2005 est.)

Armenia males age 18-49: 551,938 (2005 est.)

Australia males age 16-49: 4,092,717 (2005 est.)

Austria males age 18-49: 1,550,441 (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan males age 18-49: 1,314,955 (2005 est.)

Bahrain males age 18-49: 161,372 (2005 est.)

Bangladesh males age 18-49: 26,841,255 (2005 est.)

Barbados males age 18-49: 51,298 (2005 est.)

Belarus males age 18-49: 1,657,984 (2005 est.)

Belgium males age 16-49: 1,998,003 (2005 est.)

Belize males age 18-49: 41,368 (2005 est.)

Benin males age 21-49: 670,170 females age 21-49: 630,078 (2005 est.)

Bhutan males age 18-49: 314,975 (2005 est.)

Bolivia males age 18-49: 1,311,414 (2005 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina males age 18-49: 829,530 (2005 est.)

Botswana males age 18-49: 136,322 (2005 est.)

Brazil males age 19-49: 33,119,098 (2005 est.)

Brunei males age 18-49: approx. 85,045 (2005 est.)

Bulgaria males age 18-49: 1,302,037 (2005 est.)

Burkina Faso males age 18-49: 1,323,548 (2005 est.)

Burma males age 18-49: 6,512,923 females age 18-49: 6,789,720 (2005 est.)

Burundi males age 16-49: 693,956 (2005 est.)

Cambodia males age 18-49: 1,844,144 (2005 est.)

Cameroon males age 18-49: 1,720,385 (2005 est.)

Canada males age 16-49: 6,740,490 (2005 est.)

Cape Verde males age 18-49: 65,614 (2005 est.)

Central African Republic males age 18-49: 330,255 (2005 est.)

Chad males age 20-49: 834,695 (2005 est.)

Chile males age 18-49: 3,123,281 (2005 est.)

China males age 18-49: 281,240,272 (2005 est.)

Colombia males age 18-49: 6,986,228 (2005 est.)

Comoros males age 18-49: 98,792 (2005 est.)

Congo, Democratic Republic of the males age 18-49: 5,851,292 (2005 est.)

Congo, Republic of the males age 18-49: 360,492 (2005 est.)

Costa Rica males age 18-49: 829,874 (2005 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire males age 18-49: 1,973,265 (2005 est.)

Croatia males age 18-49: 725,914 (2005 est.)

Cuba males age 17-49: 2,441,927 females age 17-49: 2,396,741 (2005 est.)

Cyprus males age 18-49: 150,750 (2005 est.)

Czech Republic males age 18-49: 1,996,631 (2005 est.)

Denmark males age 18-49: 955,168 (2005 est.)

Djibouti males age 18-49: 46,020 (2005 est.)

Dominican Republic males age 18-49: 1,420,693 (2005 est.)

East Timor males age 18-49: NA

Ecuador males age 20-49: 2,338,428 (2005 est.)

Egypt males age 18-49: 15,540,234 (2005 est.)

El Salvador males age 18-49: 960,315 (2005 est.)

Equatorial Guinea males age 18-49: 66,379 (2005 est.)

Eritrea males age 18-49: NA (2005)

Estonia males age 18-49: 200,382 (2005 est.) note - in 2004, 51% of the young men called up for service were determined to be unfit; main obstacles to conscription were psychiatric and behavioral

Ethiopia males age 18-49: 8,072,755 (2005 est.)

Fiji males age 18-49: 163,960 (2005 est.)

Finland males age 18-49: 913,617 (2005 est.)

France males age 17-49: 11,262,661 (2005 est.)

French Guiana males age 18-49: 38,676 (2005 est.)

Gabon males age 18-49: 156,632 (2005 est.)

Gambia, The males age 18-49: 188,117 (2005 est.)

Georgia males age 18-49: 827,281 (2005 est.)

Germany males age 18-49: 15,258,931 (2005 est.)

Ghana males age 18-49: 2,721,239 (2005 est.)

Greece males age 18-49: 2,018,557 (2005 est.)

Guatemala males age 18-49: 2,106,847 (2005 est.)

Guinea males age 18-49: 1,038,036 (2005 est.)

Guinea-Bissau males age 18-49: 152,760 (2005 est.)

Guyana males age 18-49: 137,964 (2005 est.)

Haiti males age 18-49: 948,320 (2005 est.)

Honduras males age 18-49: 955,019 (2005 est.)

Hong Kong males age 18-49: 1,403,088 (2005 est.)

Hungary males age 18-49: 1,780,513 (2005 est.)

Iceland males age 18-49: 56,777 (2005 est.)

India males age 16-49: 219,471,999 (2005 est.)

Indonesia males age 18-49: 48,687,234 (2005 est.)

Iran males age 18-49: 15,665,725 (2005 est.)

Iraq males age 18-49: 4,930,074 (2005 est.)

Ireland males age 17-49: 814,768 (2005 est.)

Israel males age 17-49: 1,255,902 females age 17-49: 1,212,394 (2005 est.)

Italy males age 18-49: 10,963,513 (2005 est.)

Jamaica males age 18-49: 587,006 (2005 est.)

Japan males age 18-49: 22,234,663 (2005 est.)

Jordan males age 17-49: 1,348,076 (2005 est.)

Kazakhstan males age 18-49: 2,473,529 (2005 est.)

Kenya males age 18-49: 3,963,532 (2005 est.)

Korea, North males age 17-49: 4,810,831 (2005 est.)

Korea, South males age 20-49: 9,932,026 (2005 est.)

Kuwait males age 18-49: 737,292 (2005 est.)

Kyrgyzstan males age 18-49: 871,493 (2005 est.)

Laos males age 15-49: 954,816 (2005 est.)

Latvia males age 19-49: 361,098 (2005 est.)

Lebanon males age 18-49: 821,762 (2005 est.)

Lesotho males age 18-49: 162,857 (2005 est.)

Liberia males age 18-49: 360,373 (2005 est.)

Libya males age 17-49: 1,291,624 (2005 est.)

Lithuania males age 19-49: 590,606 (2005 est.)

Luxembourg males age 17-49: 90,279 (2005 est.)

Macau males age 18-49: 91,299 (2005 est.)

Macedonia males age 18-49: 411,156 (2005 est.)

Madagascar males age 18-49: 2,218,662 (2005 est.)

Malawi males age 18-49: 995,084 (2005 est.)

Malaysia males age 18-49: 4,574,854 (2005 est.)

Maldives males age 18-49: 56,687 (2005 est.)

Mali males age 18-49: 1,231,930 (2005 est.)

Malta males age 18-49: 74,525 (2005 est.)

Mauritania males age 18-49: 370,513 (2005 est.)

Mauritius males age 18-49: 248,659 (2005 est.)

Mexico males age 18-49: 19,058,337 (2005 est.)

Moldova males age 18-49: 693,913 (2005 est.)

Mongolia males age 18-49: 570,435 (2005 est.)

Morocco males age 18-49: 6,484,787 (2005 est.)

Mozambique males age 18-49: 1,751,223 (2005 est.)

Namibia males age 18-49: 217,118 (2005 est.)

Nauru males age 18-49: 1,963 (2005 est.)

Nepal males age 18-49: 4.193 million (2005 est.)

Netherlands males age 20-49: 2,856,691 (2005 est.)

Netherlands Antilles males age 16-49: 45,273 (2005 est.)

New Zealand males age 17-49: 809,519 (2005 est.)

Nicaragua males age 17-49: 1,051,425 (2005 est.)

Niger males age 18-49: 1,180,027 (2005 est.)

Nigeria males age 18-49: 15,053,936 (2005 est.)

Norway males age 18-49: 827,016 (2005 est.)

Oman males age 18-49: 581,444 (2005 est.)

Pakistan males age 16-49: 29,428,747 (2005 est.)

Panama males age 18-49: 511,905 (2005 est.)

Papua New Guinea males age 18-49: 902,432 (2005 est.)

Paraguay males age 18-49: 1,109,166 (2005 est.)

Peru males age 18-49: 4,938,417 (2005 est.)

Philippines males age 18-49: 15,170,096 (2005 est.)

Poland males age 17-49: 7,740,164 (2005 est.)

Portugal males age 18-49: 1,952,819 (2005 est.)

Qatar males age 18-49: 238,566 (2005 est.)

Reunion males age 18-49: 142,578 (2005 est.)

Romania males age 20-49: 3,932,579 (2005 est.)

Russia males age 18-49: 21,049,651 (2005 est.)

Rwanda males age 16-49: 1,103,823 (2005 est.)

Sao Tome and Principe males age 18-49: 25,950 (2005 est.)

Saudi Arabia males age 18-49: 6,592,709 (2005 est.)

Senegal males age 18-49: 1,300,502 (2005 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro males age 19-49: 1,959,166 (2005 est.)

Seychelles males age 18-49: 16,122 (2005 est.)

Sierra Leone males age 18-49: 552,785 (2005 est.)

Singapore males age 18-49: 982,368 (2005 est.)

Slovakia males age 18-49: 1,089,645 (2005 est.)

Slovenia males age 17-49: 405,593 (2005 est.)

Somalia males age 18-49: 1,022,360 (2005 est.)

South Africa males age 18-49: 4,927,757 (2005 est.)

Spain males age 20-49: 7,623,356 (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka males age 18-49: 3,789,627 (2005 est.)

Sudan males age 18-49: 5,427,474 (2005 est.)

Suriname males age 18-49: 77,793 (2005 est.)

Swaziland males age 18-49: 98,530 (2005 est.)

Sweden males age 19-49: 1,493,668 (2005 est.)

Switzerland males age 19-49: 1,375,889 (2005 est.)

Syria males age 18-49: 3,453,888 (2005 est.)

Taiwan males age 19-49: 4,749,537 (2005 est.)

Tajikistan males age 18-49: 1,244,941 (2005 est.)

Tanzania males age 18-49: 3,879,630 (2005 est.)

Thailand males age 21-49: 10,342,337 (2005 est.)

Togo males age 18-49: 629,933 (2005 est.)

Trinidad and Tobago males age 18-49: 203,531 (2005 est.)

Tunisia males age 20-49: 2,035,431 (2005 est.)

Turkey males age 20-49: 13,905,901 (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan males age 18-49: 759,978 (2005 est.)

Uganda males age 18-49: 2,889,808 (2005 est.)

Ukraine males age 18-49: 7,114,337 (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates males age 18-49: 526,671 (2005 est.)

United Kingdom males age 16-49: 12,046,268 (2005 est.)

United States males age 18-49: 54,609,050 females age 18-49: 54,696,706 (2005 est.)

Uruguay males age 18-49: 637,445 (2005 est.)

Uzbekistan males age 18-49: 4,609,621 (2005 est.)

Venezuela males age 18-49: 4,907,947 (2005 est.)

Vietnam males age 18-49: 16,032,358 (2005 est.)

Yemen males age 18-49: 2,790,705 (2005 est.)

Zambia males age 18-49: 1,043,702 (2005 est.)

Zimbabwe males age 18-49: 1,148,590 (2005 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2026 Manpower reaching military service age annually

Afghanistan males: 275,362 (2005 est.)

Albania males: 37,407 (2005 est.)

Algeria males: 374,639 (2005 est.)

Angola males: 121,254 (2005 est.)

Argentina males: 344,575 (2005 est.)

Armenia males: 31,774 (2005 est.)

Australia males: 142,158 (2005 est.)

Austria males: 48,967 (2005 est.)

Azerbaijan males: 82,358 (2005 est.)

Bahrain males: 6,013 (2005 est.)

Belarus males: 85,202 (2005 est.)

Belgium males: 64,263 (2005 est.)

Belize males: 3,209 (2005 est.)

Benin males: 72,841 females: 71,428 (2005 est.)

Bhutan males: 23,939 (2005 est.)

Bolivia males: 101,101 (2005 est.)

Bosnia and Herzegovina males: 31,264 (2005 est.)

Botswana males: 21,103 (2005 est.)

Brazil males: 1,785,930 (2005 est.)

Brunei males: 3,478 (2005 est.)

Bulgaria males: 51,023 (2005 est.)

Burma males: 440,914 females: 427,382 (2005 est.)

Burundi males: 84,597 (2005 est.)

Cambodia males: 175,305 (2005 est.)

Cameroon males: 188,662 (2005 est.)

Canada males: 223,821 (2005 est.)

Chad males: 95,228 (2005 est.)

Chile males: 140,084 (2005 est.)

China males: 13,186,433 (2005 est.)

Colombia males: 389,735 (2005 est.)

Congo, Republic of the males: 34,281 (2005 est.)

Costa Rica males: 41,097 (2005 est.)

Cote d'Ivoire males: 189,354 (2005 est.)

Croatia males: 29,020 (2005 est.)

Cuba males: 91,901 females: 87,500 (2005 est.)

Cyprus males: 6,578 (2005 est.)

Czech Republic males: 66,583 (2005 est.)

Denmark males: 31,317 (2005 est.)

Dominican Republic males: 91,597 (2005 est.)

East Timor NA

Ecuador males: 133,922 (2005 est.)

Egypt males: 802,920 (2005 est.)

El Salvador males: 70,286 (2005 est.)

Estonia males: 11,146 (2005 est.)

Ethiopia males: 803,777 (2005 est.)

Fiji males: 9,266 (2005 est.)

Finland males: 32,040 (2005 est.)

France males: 389,204 (2005 est.)

Gabon males: 15,150 (2005 est.)

Georgia males: 38,857 (2005 est.)

Germany males: 497,048 (2005 est.)

Ghana males: 250,782 (2005 est.)

Greece males: 58,399 (2005 est.)

Guatemala males: 161,964 (2005 est.)

Haiti males: 98,554 (2005 est.)

Honduras males: 77,399 (2005 est.)

Hong Kong males: 40,343 (2005 est.)

Hungary males: 63,847 (2005 est.)

India males: 11,446,452 (2005 est.)

Indonesia males: 2,201,047 (2005 est.)

Iran males: 862,056 (2005 est.)

Iraq males: 298,518 (2005 est.)

Ireland males: 29,327 (2005 est.)

Israel males: 53,760 females: 51,293 (2005 est.)

Italy males: 286,344 (2005 est.)

Jamaica males: 26,080 (2005 est.)

Japan males: 683,147 (2005 est.)

Jordan males: 60,625 (2005 est.)

Kazakhstan males: 173,129 (2005 est.)

Korea, North males: 194,605 (2005 est.)

Korea, South males: 344,723 (2005 est.)

Kuwait males: 18,743 (2005 est.)

Kyrgyzstan males: 61,091 (2005 est.)

Laos males: 73,167 (2005 est.)

Latvia males: 19,137 (2005 est.)

Libya males: 62,034 (2005 est.)

Lithuania males: 29,689 (2005 est.)

Luxembourg males: 2,775 (2005 est.)

Macedonia males: 16,686 (2005 est.)

Madagascar males: 187,000 (2005 est.)

Malaysia males: 244,418 (2005 est.)

Mexico males: 1,063,233 (2005 est.)

Moldova males: 43,729 (2005 est.)

Mongolia males: 34,674 (2005 est.)

Morocco males: 353,377 (2005 est.)

Nepal males: 308,031 (2005 est.)

Netherlands males: 99,934 (2005 est.)

Netherlands Antilles males: 1,720 (2005 est.)

New Zealand males: 29,738 (2005 est.)

Nicaragua males: 65,170 (2005 est.)

Niger males: 126,719 (2005 est.)

Nigeria males: 1,353,161 (2005 est.)

Norway males: 29,179 (2005 est.)

Oman males: 26,391 (2005 est.)

Pakistan males: 1,969,055 (2005 est.)

Paraguay males: 63,058 (2005 est.)

Peru males: 277,105 (2005 est.)

Philippines males: 907,542 (2005 est.)

Poland males: 275,521 (2005 est.)

Portugal males: 67,189 (2005 est.)

Qatar males: 7,851 (2005 est.)

Reunion males: 7,339 (2005 est.)

Romania males: 172,093 (2005 est.)

Russia males: 1,286,069 (2005 est.)

Saudi Arabia males: 247,334 (2005 est.)

Senegal males: 124,096 (2005 est.)

Serbia and Montenegro males: 81,033 (2005 est.)

Slovakia males: 41,544 (2005 est.)

Slovenia males: 12,816 (2005 est.)

South Africa males: 512,407 (2005 est.)

Spain males: 233,384 (2005 est.)

Sri Lanka males: 174,049 (2005 est.)

Sudan males: 442,915 (2005 est.)

Sweden males: 58,724 (2005 est.)

Switzerland males: 46,319 (2005 est.)

Syria males: 225,113 (2005 est.)

Taiwan males: 174,173 (2005 est.)

Tajikistan males: 87,846 (2005 est.)

Thailand males: 530,493 (2005 est.)

Tunisia males: 108,817 (2005 est.)

Turkey males: 679,734 (2005 est.)

Turkmenistan males: 56,532 (2005 est.)

Ukraine males: 378,176 (2005 est.)

United Arab Emirates males: 30,706 (2005 est.)

United States males: 2,143,873 females: 2,036,201 (2005 est.)

Uzbekistan males: 324,722 (2005 est.)

Venezuela males: 252,396 (2005 est.)

Vietnam males: 915,572 (2005 est.)

Yemen males: 236,517 (2005 est.)

This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005

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@2028 Background

Afghanistan Afghanistan's recent history is a story of war and civil unrest. The Soviet Union invaded in 1979, but was forced to withdraw 10 years later by anti-Communist mujahidin forces. The Communist regime in Kabul collapsed in 1992. Fighting that subsequently erupted among the various mujahidin factions eventually helped to spawn the Taliban, a hardline Pakistani-sponsored movement that fought to end the warlordism and civil war that gripped the country. The Taliban seized Kabul in 1996 and were able to capture most of the country outside of Northern Alliance strongholds primarily in the northeast. Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, a US, Allied, and Northern Alliance military action toppled the Taliban for sheltering Osama BIN LADIN. In late 2001, a conference in Bonn, Germany, established a process for political reconstruction that ultimately resulted in the adoption of a new constitution and presidential election in 2004. On 9 October 2004, Hamid KARZAI became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan. The new Afghan government's next task is to hold National Assembly elections, tentatively scheduled for April 2005.

Akrotiri By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers in total: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The southernmost and smallest of these is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Western Sovereign Base Area.

Albania Between 1990 and 1992 Albania ended 46 years of xenophobic Communist rule and established a multiparty democracy. The transition has proven difficult as successive governments have tried to deal with high unemployment, widespread corruption, a dilapidated infrastructure, powerful organized crime networks with links to government officials, and disruptive political opponents. Albania has made incremental progress in its democratic development since first holding multiiparty elections in 1991, but deficiencies remain - particularly in regard to the rule of law. Despite some lingering problems, international observers have judged elections to be largely free and fair since the restoration of political stability following the collapse of pyramid schemes in 1997. In the 2005 general elections, the Democratic Party and its allies won a decisive victory on pledges of reducing crime and corruption, promoting economic growth, and decreasing the size of government. Although Albania's economy continues to grow, the country is still one of the poorest in Europe, hampered by a large informal economy, large public debt, and an inadequate energy and tranportation infrastructure. Albania has played a largely helpful role in managing inter-ethnic tensions in southeastern Europe, and is continuing to work toward joining NATO and the EU.

Algeria After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), has dominated politics ever since. Many Algerians in the subsequent generation were not satisfied, however, and moved to counter the FLN's centrality in Algerian politics. The surprising first round success of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) in the December 1991 balloting spurred the Algerian army to intervene and postpone the second round of elections to prevent what the secular elite feared would be an extremist-led government from assuming power. The army began a crack down on the FIS that spurred FIS supporters to begin attacking government targets. The government later allowed elections featuring pro-government and moderate religious-based parties, but did not appease the activists who progressively widened their attacks. The fighting escalated into an insurgency, which saw intense fighting between 1992-98 and which resulted in over 100,000 deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists. The government gained the upper hand by the late-1990s and FIS's armed wing, the Islamic Salvation Army, disbanded in January 2000. However, small numbers of armed militants persist in confronting government forces and conducting ambushes and occasional attacks on villages. The army placed Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA in the presidency in 1999 in a fraudulent election but claimed neutrality in his 2004 landslide reelection victory. Longstanding problems continue to face BOUTEFLIKA in his second term, including the ethnic minority Berbers' ongoing autonomy campaign, large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing - although significantly degraded - activities of extremist militants. Algeria must also diversify its petroleum-based economy, which has yielded a large cash reserve but which has not been used to redress Algeria's many social and infrastructure problems. Algeria assumed a two-year seat on the UN Security Council in January 2004.

American Samoa Settled as early as 1000 B.C., Samoa was "discovered" by European explorers in the 18th century. International rivalries in the latter half of the 19th century were settled by an 1899 treaty in which Germany and the US divided the Samoan archipelago. The US formally occupied its portion - a smaller group of eastern islands with the excellent harbor of Pago Pago - the following year.

Andorra For 715 years, from 1278 to 1993, Andorrans lived under a unique co-principality, ruled by French and Spanish leaders (from 1607 onward, the French chief of state and the Spanish bishop of Urgel). In 1993, this feudal system was modified with the titular heads of state retained, but the government transformed into a parliamentary democracy. Long isolated and impoverished, mountainous Andorra achieved considerable prosperity since World War II through its tourist industry. Many immigrants (legal and illegal) are attracted to the thriving economy with its lack of income taxes.

Angola Angola has begun to enjoy the fruits of peace since the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but UNITA renewed fighting after being beaten by the MPLA at the polls. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost - and 4 million people displaced - in the quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI's death in 2002 ended UNITA's insurgency and strengthened the MPLA's hold on power. DOS SANTOS has pledged to hold national elections in 2006.

Anguilla Colonized by English settlers from Saint Kitts in 1650, Anguilla was administered by Great Britain until the early 19th century, when the island - against the wishes of the inhabitants - was incorporated into a single British dependency, along with Saint Kitts and Nevis. Several attempts at separation failed. In 1971, two years after a revolt, Anguilla was finally allowed to secede; this arrangement was formally recognized in 1980, with Anguilla becoming a separate British dependency.

Antarctica Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle. Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century. Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but not all countries recognize these claims. In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.

Antigua and Barbuda The Siboney were the first to inhabit the islands of Antigua and Barbuda in 2400 B.C., but Arawak and Carib Indians populated the islands when Columbus landed on his second voyage in 1493. Early settlements by the Spanish and French were succeeded by the English who formed a colony in 1667. Slavery, established to run the sugar plantations on Antigua, was abolished in 1834. The islands became an independent state within the British Commonwealth of Nations in 1981.

Arctic Ocean The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the recently delimited Southern Ocean). The Northwest Passage (US and Canada) and Northern Sea Route (Norway and Russia) are two important seasonal waterways. A sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes circumscribes the Arctic Ocean.

Argentina Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments was followed by a military junta that took power in 1976. Democracy returned in 1983, and numerous elections since then have underscored Argentina's progress in democratic consolidation.

Armenia Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. It was incorporated into Russia in 1828 and the USSR in 1920. Armenian leaders remain preoccupied by the long conflict with Muslim Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a primarily Armenian-populated region, assigned to Soviet Azerbaijan in the 1920s by Moscow. Armenia and Azerbaijan began fighting over the area in 1988; the struggle escalated after both countries attained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By May 1994, when a cease-fire took hold, Armenian forces held not only Nagorno-Karabakh but also a significant portion of Azerbaijan proper. The economies of both sides have been hurt by their inability to make substantial progress toward a peaceful resolution. Turkey imposed an economic blockade on Armenia and closed the common border because of the Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

Aruba Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. The last decades of the 20th century saw a boom in the tourism industry. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands These uninhabited islands came under Australian authority in 1931; formal administration began two years later. Ashmore Reef supports a rich and diverse avian and marine habitat; in 1983, it became a National Nature Reserve. Cartier Island, a former bombing range, is now a marine reserve.

Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). The Kiel Canal (Germany), Oresund (Denmark-Sweden), Bosporus (Turkey), Strait of Gibraltar (Morocco-Spain), and the Saint Lawrence Seaway (Canada-US) are important strategic access waterways. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth world ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Atlantic Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Australia Aboriginal settlers arrived on the continent from Southeast Asia about 40,000 years before the first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. In recent decades, Australia has transformed itself into an internationally competitive, advanced market economy. It boasted one of the OECD's fastest growing economies during the 1990's, a performance due in large part to economic reforms adopted in the 1980's. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

Austria Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. Following the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995, some Austrians have called into question this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim population - regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan has lost 16% of its territory and must support some 571,000 internally displaced persons as a result of the conflict. Corruption is ubiquitous and the promise of widespread wealth from Azerbaijan's undeveloped petroleum resources remains largely unfulfilled.

Bahamas, The Arawak Indians inhabited the islands when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World on San Salvador in 1492. British settlement of the islands began in 1647; the islands became a colony in 1783. Since attaining independence from the UK in 1973, The Bahamas have prospered through tourism and international banking and investment management. Because of its geography, the country is a major transshipment point for illegal drugs, particularly shipments to the US, and its territory is used for smuggling illegal migrants into the US.

Bahrain Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.

Baker Island The US took possession of the island in 1857, and its guano deposits were mined by US and British companies during the second half of the 19th century. In 1935, a short-lived attempt at colonization was begun on this island - as well as on nearby Howland Island - but was disrupted by World War II and thereafter abandoned. Presently the island is a National Wildlife Refuge run by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.

Bangladesh Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Barbados The island was uninhabited when first settled by the British in 1627. Slaves worked the sugar plantations established on the island until 1834 when slavery was abolished. The economy remained heavily dependent on sugar, rum, and molasses production through most of the 20th century. The gradual introduction of social and political reforms in the 1940s and 1950s led to complete independence from the UK in 1966. In the 1990s, tourism and manufacturing surpassed the sugar industry in economic importance.

Bassas da India This atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide. A French possession since 1897, it was placed under the administration of a commissioner residing in Reunion in 1968.

Belarus After seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991. It has retained closer political and economic ties to Russia than any of the other former Soviet republics. Belarus and Russia signed a treaty on a two-state union on 8 December 1999 envisioning greater political and economic integration. Although Belarus agreed to a framework to carry out the accord, serious implementation has yet to take place. Since his election in July 1995 as the country's first president, Alexander LUKASHENKO has steadily consolidated his power through authoritarian means. Government restrictions on freedom of speech and the press, peaceful assembly, and religion continue.

Belgium Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

Belize Territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala delayed the independence of Belize (formerly British Honduras) until 1981. Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992. Tourism has become the mainstay of the economy. The country remains plagued by high unemployment, growing involvement in the South American drug trade, and increasing urban crime.

Benin Present day Benin was the site of Dahomey, a prominent West African kingdom that rose in the 15th century. The territory became a French Colony in 1872 and achieved independence on 1 August 1960, as the Republic of Benin. A succession of military governments ended in 1972 with the rise to power of Mathieu KEREKOU and the establishment of a government based on Marxist-Leninist principles. A move to representative government began in 1989. Two years later, free elections ushered in former Prime Minister Nicephore SOGLO as president, marking the first successful transfer of power in Africa from a dictatorship to a democracy. KEREKOU was returned to power by elections held in 1996 and 2001, though some irregularities were alleged.

Bermuda Bermuda was first settled in 1609 by shipwrecked English colonists headed for Virginia. Tourism to the island to escape North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence was soundly defeated in 1995.

Bhutan In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps.

Bolivia Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in 1982, but leaders have faced difficult problems of deep-seated poverty, social unrest, and illegal drug production. Current goals include attracting foreign investment, strengthening the educational system, resolving disputes with coca growers over Bolivia's counterdrug efforts, and waging an anticorruption campaign.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of sovereignty in October 1991, was followed by a declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on 3 March 1992 after a referendum boycotted by ethnic Serbs. The Bosnian Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia and Montenegro - responded with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines and joining Serb-held areas to form a "Greater Serbia." In March 1994, Bosniaks and Croats reduced the number of warring factions from three to two by signing an agreement creating a joint Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 21 November 1995, in Dayton, Ohio, the warring parties initialed a peace agreement that brought to a halt three years of interethnic civil strife (the final agreement was signed in Paris on 14 December 1995). The Dayton Agreement retained Bosnia and Herzegovina's international boundaries and created a joint multi-ethnic and democratic government. This national government was charged with conducting foreign, diplomatic, and fiscal policy. Also recognized was a second tier of government comprised of two entities roughly equal in size: the Bosniak/Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosnian Serb-led Republika Srpska (RS). The Federation and RS governments were charged with overseeing most government functions. The Office of the High Representative (OHR) was established to oversee the implementation of the civilian aspects of the agreement. In 1995-96, a NATO-led international peacekeeping force (IFOR) of 60,000 troops served in Bosnia to implement and monitor the military aspects of the agreement. IFOR was succeeded by a smaller, NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) whose mission was to deter renewed hostilities. European Union peacekeeping troops (EUFOR) replaced SFOR in December 2004; their mission was to maintain peace and stability throughout the country.

Botswana Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.

Bouvet Island This uninhabited volcanic island is almost entirely covered by glaciers and is difficult to approach. It was discovered in 1739 by a French naval officer after whom the island was named. No claim was made until 1825, when the British flag was raised. In 1928, the UK waived its claim in favor of Norway, which had occupied the island the previous year. In 1971, Bouvet Island and the adjacent territorial waters were designated a nature reserve. Since 1977, Norway has run an automated meteorological station on the island.

Brazil Following three centuries under the rule of Portugal, Brazil became an independent nation in 1822. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil overcame more than half a century of military intervention in the governance of the country when in 1985 the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution remains a pressing problem.

British Indian Ocean Territory Established as a territory of the UK in 1965, a number of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) islands were transferred to the Seychelles when it attained independence in 1976. Subsequently, BIOT has consisted only of the six main island groups comprising the Chagos Archipelago. The largest and most southerly of the islands, Diego Garcia, contains a joint UK-US naval support facility. All of the remaining islands are uninhabited. Former agricultural workers, earlier residents in the islands, were relocated primarily to Mauritius but also to the Seychelles, between 1967 and 1973. In 2000, a British High Court ruling invalidated the local immigration order that had excluded them from the archipelago, but upheld the special military status of Diego Garcia.

British Virgin Islands First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the islands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency.

Brunei The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the developing world.

Bulgaria The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward eventual integration into the EU. The country joined NATO in 2004.

Burkina Faso Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.

Burma Britain conquered Burma over a period of 62 years (1824-1886) and incorporated it into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self-governing colony; independence from the Commonwealth was attained in 1948. Gen. NE WIN dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then as self-appointed president, and later as political kingpin. Despite multiparty legislative elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory, the ruling junta refused to hand over power. NLD leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI, who was under house arrest from 1989 to 1995 and 2000 to 2002, was imprisoned in May 2003 and is currently under house arrest. In December 2004, the junta announced it was extending her detention for at least an additional year. Her supporters, as well as all those who promote democracy and improved human rights, are routinely harassed or jailed.

Burundi Burundi's first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only one hundred days in office. Since then, some 200,000 Burundians have perished in widespread, often intense ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. Hundreds of thousands have been internally displaced or have become refugees in neighboring countries. Burundi troops, seeking to secure their borders, briefly intervened in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1998. A new transitional government, inaugurated on 1 November 2001, signed a power-sharing agreement with the largest rebel faction in December 2003 and set in place a provisional constitution in October 2004. Implementation of the agreement has been problematic, however, as one remaining rebel group refuses to sign on and elections have been repeatedly delayed, clouding prospects for a sustainable peace.

Cambodia Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, whose Angkor Empire extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Subsequently, attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire ushering in a long period of decline. In 1863, the king of Cambodia placed the country under French protection; it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia became independent within the French Union in 1949 and fully independent in 1953. After a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in April 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all cities and towns; at least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, enforced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, led to a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy and the final elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early 1999. Factional fighting in 1997 ended the first coalition government, but a second round of national elections in 1998 led to the formation of another coalition government and renewed political stability. The July 2003 elections were relatively peaceful, but it took one year of negotiations between contending political parties before a coalition government was formed. Nation-wide local elections are scheduled for 2007 and national elections for 2008.

Cameroon The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy.

Canada A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across an unfortified border. Canada's paramount political problem is meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care and education services after a decade of budget cuts. The issue of reconciling Quebec's francophone heritage with the majority anglophone Canadian population has moved to the back burner in recent years; support for separatism abated after the Quebec government's referendum on independence failed to pass in October of 1995.

Cape Verde The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; Cape Verde subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Following independence in 1975, and a tentative interest in unification with Guinea-Bissau, a one-party system was established and maintained until multi-party elections were held in 1990. Cape Verde continues to exhibit one of Africa's most stable democratic governments. Repeated droughts during the second half of the 20th century caused significant hardship and prompted heavy emigration. As a result, Cape Verde's expatriate population is greater than its domestic one. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents.

Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica since 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent.

Central African Republic The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who has since established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of affiliated and independent candidates will contest the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections scheduled for February 2005. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

Chad Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually suppressed or came to terms with most political-military groups, settled a territorial dispute with Libya on terms favorable to Chad, drafted a democratic constitution, and held multiparty presidential elections in 1996 and 1997. In 1998, a new rebellion broke out in northern Chad, which sporadically flares up despite two peace agreements signed in 2002 and 2003 between the government and the rebels. Despite movement toward democratic reform, power remains in the hands of an ethnic minority.

Chile Prior to the coming of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule while Araucanian Indians inhabited central and southern Chile; the latter were not completely subjugated until the early 1880s. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, decisive victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818. In the War of the Pacific (1879-84), Chile defeated Peru and Bolivia and won its present northern lands. A three-year-old Marxist government of Salvador ALLENDE was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth and have helped secure the country's commitment to democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation.

China For centuries China stood as a leading civilization, outpacing the rest of the world in the arts and sciences, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the country was beset by civil unrest, major famines, military defeats, and foreign occupation. After World War II, the Communists under MAO Zedong established an autocratic socialist system that, while ensuring China's sovereignty, imposed strict controls over everyday life and cost the lives of tens of millions of people. After 1978, his successor DENG Xiaoping and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight.

Christmas Island Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery, the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The UK transferred sovereignty to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

Clipperton Island This isolated island was named for John CLIPPERTON, a pirate who made it his hideout early in the 18th century. Annexed by France in 1855, it was seized by Mexico in 1897. Arbitration eventually awarded the island to France, which took possession in 1935.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island.

Colombia Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. An anti-insurgent army of paramilitaries has grown to several thousand strong in recent years, challenging the insurgents for control of territory and the drug trade, and also the government's ability to exert its dominion over rural areas. While Bogota steps up efforts to reassert government control throughout the country, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders.

Comoros Unstable Comoros has endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. In 1997, the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared their independence from Comoros. In 1999, military chief Col. AZALI seized power. He pledged to resolve the secessionist crisis through a confederal arrangement named the 2000 Fomboni Accord. In December 2001, voters approved a new constitution and presidential elections took place in the spring of 2002. Each island in the archipelago elected its own president and a new union president took office in May of 2002.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several subsequent sham elections as well as through the use of brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion led by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by an insurrection backed by Rwanda and Uganda. Troops from Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Chad, and Sudan intervened to support the Kinshasa regime. A cease-fire was signed in July 1999 by the DROC, Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Namibia, Rwanda, and Congolese armed rebel groups, but sporadic fighting continued. Laurent KABILA was assassinated in January 2001 and his son Joseph KABILA was named head of state. In October 2002, the new president was successful in negotiating the withdrawal of Rwandan forces occupying eastern Congo; two months later, the Pretoria Accord was signed by all remaining warring parties to end the fighting and establish a government of national unity. A transitional government was set up in July 2003; Joseph KABILA remains as president and is joined by four vice presidents representing the former government, former rebel groups, and the political opposition.

Congo, Republic of the Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became the Republic of the Congo. A quarter century of experimentation with Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government installed in 1992. A brief civil war in 1997 restored former Marxist President SASSOU-NGUESSO, but ushered in a period of ethnic unrest. Southern-based rebel groups agreed to a final peace accord in March 2003, but the calm is tenuous and refugees continue to present a humanitarian crisis. The Republic of Congo is one of Africa's largest petroleum producers with significant potential for offshore development.

Cook Islands Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

Coral Sea Islands Scattered over some 1 million square kilometers of ocean, the Coral Sea Islands were declared a territory of Australia in 1969. They are uninhabited except for a small meteorological staff on the Willis Islets. Automated weather stations, beacons, and a lighthouse occupy many other islands and reefs.

Costa Rica Costa Rica is a Central American success story: since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism sectors. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread.

Cote d'Ivoire Close ties to France since independence in 1960, the development of cocoa production for export, and foreign investment made Cote d'Ivoire one of the most prosperous of the tropical African states, but did not protect it from political turmoil. On 25 December 1999, a military coup - the first ever in Cote d'Ivoire's history - overthrew the government led by President Henri Konan BEDIE. Junta leader Robert GUEI held elections in late 2000, but excluded prominent opposition leader Alassane OUATTARA, blatantly rigged the polling results, and declared himself winner. Popular protest forced GUEI to step aside and brought runner-up Laurent GBAGBO into power. Ivorian dissidents and disaffected members of the military launched a failed coup attempt in September 2002. Rebel forces claimed the northern half of the country and in January 2003 were granted ministerial positions in a unity government under the auspices of the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Accord. President GBAGBO and rebel forces resumed implementation of the peace accord in December 2003 after a three-month stalemate, but issues that sparked the civil war, such as land reform and grounds for nationality remain unresolved. The central government has yet to exert control over the northern regions and tensions remain high between GBAGBO and rebel leaders. Several thousand French and West African troops remain in Cote d'Ivoire to maintain peace and facilitate the disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation process.

Croatia The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.

Cuba The native Amerindian population of Cuba began to decline after the European discovery of the island by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 and following its development as a Spanish colony during the next several centuries. Large numbers of African slaves were imported to work the coffee and sugar plantations and Havana became the launching point for the annual treasure fleets bound for Spain from Mexico and Peru. Spanish rule was severe and exploitative and occasional rebellions were harshly suppressed. It was US intervention during the Spanish-American War in 1898 that finally overthrew Spanish rule. The subsequent Treaty of Paris established Cuban independence, which was granted in 1902 after a three-year transition period. Fidel CASTRO led a rebel army to victory in 1959; his iron rule has held the regime together since then. Cuba's Communist revolution, with Soviet support, was exported throughout Latin America and Africa during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The country is now slowly recovering from a severe economic recession in 1990, following the withdrawal of former Soviet subsidies, worth $4 billion to $6 billion annually. Cuba portrays its difficulties as the result of the US embargo in place since 1961. Illicit migration to the US - using homemade rafts, alien smugglers, air flights, or via the southwest border - is a continuing problem. The US Coast Guard intercepted 1,498 individuals attempting to cross the Straits of Florida in 2004.

Cyprus A former British colony, Cyprus received independence in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island. In 1974, a Greek-sponsored attempt to seize the government was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey. The latest two-year round of UN-brokered direct talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an April 2004 referendum. Although only the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot-controlled Republic of Cyprus joined the EU on 1 May 2004, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport will have the status of a European citizen. EU laws, however, will not apply to north Cyprus. Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade and economic links to north Cyprus as a way of encouraging the Turkish Cypriot community to continue to support reunification.

Czech Republic Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Denmark Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Dhekelia By terms of the 1960 Treaty of Establishment that created the independent Republic of Cyprus, the UK retained full sovereignty and jurisdiction over two areas of almost 254 square kilometers in total: Akrotiri and Dhekelia. The larger of these is the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, which is also referred to as the Eastern Sovereign Base Area.

Djibouti The French Territory of the Afars and the Issas became Djibouti in 1977. Hassan Gouled APTIDON installed an authoritarian one-party state and proceeded to serve as president until 1999. Unrest among the Afars minority during the 1990s led to a civil war that ended in 2001 following the conclusion of a peace accord between Afar rebels and the Issa-dominated government. Djibouti's first multi-party presidential elections in 1999 resulted in the election of Ismail Omar GUELLEH. Djibouti occupies a very strategic geographic location at the mouth of the Red Sea and serves as an important transshipment location for goods entering and leaving the east African highlands. The present leadership favors close ties to France, which maintains a significant military presence in the country, but has also developed increasingly stronger ties with the United States in recent years. Djibouti currently hosts the only United States military base in sub-Saharan Africa and is a front-line state in the global war on terrorism.

Dominica Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans, due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. France ceded possession to Great Britain in 1763, which made the island a colony in 1805. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia CHARLES, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Dominican Republic Explored and claimed by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492, the island of Hispaniola became a springboard for Spanish conquest of the Caribbean and the American mainland. In 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which in 1804 became Haiti. The remainder of the island, by then known as Santo Domingo, sought to gain its own independence in 1821, but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for 22 years; it finally attained independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned to the Spanish Empire, but two years later they launched a war that restored independence in 1865. A legacy of unsettled, mostly non-representative, rule for much of its subsequent history was brought to an end in 1966 when Joaquin BALAGUER became president. He maintained a tight grip on power for most of the next 30 years when international reaction to flawed elections forced him to curtail his term in 1996. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held in which opposition candidates have won the presidency. The Dominican economy has had one of the fastest growth rates in the hemisphere over the past decade.

East Timor The Portuguese began to trade with the island of Timor in the early 16th century and colonized it in mid-century. Skirmishing with the Dutch in the region eventually resulted in an 1859 treaty in which Portugal ceded the western portion of the island. Imperial Japan occupied East Timor from 1942 to 1945, but Portugal resumed colonial authority after the Japanese defeat in World War II. East Timor declared itself independent from Portugal on 28 November 1975 and was invaded and occupied by Indonesian forces nine days later. It was incorporated into Indonesia in July 1976 as the province of East Timor. An unsuccessful campaign of pacification followed over the next two decades, during which an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 individuals lost their lives. On 30 August 1999, in a UN-supervised popular referendum, an overwhelming majority of the people of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia. Between the referendum and the arrival of a multinational peacekeeping force in late September 1999, anti-independence Timorese militias - organized and supported by the Indonesian military - commenced a large-scale, scorched-earth campaign of retribution. The militias killed approximately 1,300 Timorese and forcibly pushed 300,000 people into West Timor as refugees. The majority of the country's infrastructure, including homes, irrigation systems, water supply systems, and schools, and nearly 100% of the country's electrical grid were destroyed. On 20 September 1999 the Australian-led peacekeeping troops of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) deployed to the country and brought the violence to an end. On 20 May 2002, East Timor was internationally recognized as an independent state.

Ecuador The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others are Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in 1999. Although Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, the period has been marred by political instability. Seven presidents have governed Ecuador since 1996.

Egypt The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C. and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517. Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II. The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to ready the economy for the new millennium through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.

El Salvador El Salvador achieved independence from Spain in 1821 and from the Central American Federation in 1839. A 12-year civil war, which cost about 75,000 lives, was brought to a close in 1992 when the government and leftist rebels signed a treaty that provided for military and political reforms.

Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country for over two decades since seizing power from his uncle, then President MACIAS, in a 1979 coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996 and 2002 presidential elections - as well as the 1999 legislative elections - were widely seen as being flawed. The president controls most opposition parties through the judicious use of patronage. Despite the country's economic windfall from oil production resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, there have been few improvements in the country's living standards.

Eritrea Eritrea was awarded to Ethiopia in 1952 as part of a federation. Ethiopia's annexation of Eritrea as a province 10 years later sparked a 30-year struggle for independence that ended in 1991 with Eritrean rebels defeating governmental forces; independence was overwhelmingly approved in a 1993 referendum. A two-and-a-half-year border war with Ethiopia that erupted in 1998 ended under UN auspices on 12 December 2000. Eritrea currently hosts a UN peacekeeping operation that is monitoring a 25 km-wide Temporary Security Zone on the border with Ethiopia. An international commission, organized to resolve the border dispute, posted its findings in 2002 but final demarcation is on hold due to Ethiopian objections.

Estonia After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Ethiopia Unique among African countries, the ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained its freedom from colonial rule, with the exception of the 1936-41 Italian occupation during World War II. In 1974 a military junta, the Derg, deposed Emperor Haile SELASSIE (who had ruled since 1930) and established a socialist state. Torn by bloody coups, uprisings, wide-scale drought, and massive refugee problems, the regime was finally toppled in 1991 by a coalition of rebel forces, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). A constitution was adopted in 1994 and Ethiopia's first multiparty elections were held in 1995. A two and a half year border war with Eritrea ended with a peace treaty on 12 December 2000. Final demarcation of the boundary is currently on hold due to Ethiopian objections to an international commission's finding requiring it to surrender sensitive territory.

Europa Island A French possession since 1897, the island is heavily wooded; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

European Union Following the two devastating World Wars of the first half of the 20th century, a number of European leaders in the late 1940s became convinced that the only way to establish a lasting peace was to unite the two chief belligerent nations - France and Germany - both economically and politically. In 1950, the French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed an eventual union of all Europe, the first step of which would be the integration of the coal and steel industries of Western Europe. The following year the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members, Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, signed the Treaty of Paris. The ECSC was so successful that within a few years the decision was made to integrate other parts of the countries' economies. In 1957, the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), and the six member states undertook to eliminate trade barriers among themselves by forming a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but in 1979 the first direct elections were undertaken and they have been held every five years since. In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC took place with the addition of Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The 1980s saw further membership expansion with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further forms of cooperation in foreign and defense policy, in judicial and internal affairs, and in the creation of an economic and monetary union - including a common currency. This further integration created the European Union (EU). In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU, raising the membership total to 15. A new currency, the euro, was launched in world money markets on 1 January 1999; it become the unit of exchange for all of the EU states except the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Denmark. In 2002, citizens of the 12 euro-area countries began using the euro banknotes and coins. Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 - Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia - bringing the current membership to 25. In order to ensure that the EU can continue to function efficiently with an expanded membership, the 2003 Treaty of Nice set forth rules streamlining the size and procedures of EU institutions. An EU Constitutional Treaty, signed in Rome on 29 October 2004, gave member states two years to ratify the document before it was scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006. Referenda held in France and the Netherlands in May-June 2005 that rejected the constitution suspended the ratification effort. Despite the expansion of membership and functions, "Eurosceptics" in various countries have raised questions about the erosion of national cultures and the imposition of a flood of regulations from the EU capital in Brussels. Failure by all member states to ratify the constitution or the inability of newcomer countries to meet euro currency standards might force a loosening of some EU agreements and perhaps lead to several levels of EU participation. These "tiers" might eventually range from an "inner" core of politically integrated countries to a looser "outer" economic association of members.

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Faroe Islands The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Fiji Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century). A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable. Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May 2000 ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government and gave a mandate to the government of Prime Minister Laisenia QARASE.

Finland Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now on par with Western Europe. As a member of the European Union, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999.

France Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier parliamentary democracies. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999. At present, France is at the forefront of efforts to develop the EU's military capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.

French Guiana First settled by the French in 1604, French Guiana was the site of notorious penal settlements until 1951. The European Space Agency launches its communication satellites from Kourou.

French Polynesia The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996.

French Southern and Antarctic Lands The Southern Lands consist of two archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen, and two volcanic islands, Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna. The Antarctic portion consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.

Gabon Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. Gabon's current President, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated Gabon's political scene for almost four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, the low turnout and allegations of electoral fraud during the most recent local elections in 2002-03 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Presidential elections scheduled for 2005 are unlikely to bring change since the opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.

Gambia, The The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned political activity, but a 1996 constitution and presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook another round of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001 and early 2002. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH, the leader of the coup, has been elected president in all subsequent elections.

Gaza Strip The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements (the DOP), signed in Washington on 13 September 1993, provided for a transitional period not exceeding five years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which includes the Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January 1996, as part of the interim self-governing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. A transfer of powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4 May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in additional areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28 September 1995 Interim Agreement, the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997 Protocol Concerning Redeployment in Hebron, the Israel-PLO 23 October 1998 Wye River Memorandum, and the 4 September 1999 Sharm el-Sheikh Agreement. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility during the transitional period for external and internal security and for public order of settlements and Israeli citizens. Direct negotiations to determine the permanent status of Gaza and West Bank began in September 1999 after a three-year hiatus, but were derailed by a second intifadah that broke out in September 2000. The resulting widespread violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel's military response, and instability within the Palestinian Authority continued to undermine progress toward a permanent agreement. Following the death of longtime Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT in November 2004, the election of his successor Mahmud ABBAS in January 2005 brought about a turning point in the conflict. In February 2005 the Israeli Government voted to disengage from the Gaza Strip by dismantling all Israeli settlements and removing all Israeli settlers. This process was completed in September 2005. Nonetheless, Israel maintains offshore maritime control as well as airspace control. The future political status of the Gaza Strip has yet to be determined.

Georgia The region of present-day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries AD and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th to the 13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. Despite myriad problems, some progress on market reforms and democratization has been made since then. An attempt by the government to manipulate legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National Movement Party.

Germany As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro.

Ghana Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. A long series of coups resulted in the suspension of the constitution in 1981 and a ban on political parties. A new constitution, restoring multiparty politics, was approved in 1992. Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS, head of state since 1981, won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR, who defeated former Vice President Atta MILLS in a free and fair election, succeeded him.

Gibraltar Strategically important, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In referendums held in 1967 and 2002, Gibraltarians ignored Spanish pressure and voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency.

Glorioso Islands A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Greece Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between royalist supporters of the king and communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece was able to join NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.

Greenland The world's largest island, Greenland is about 81% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the European Union) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute over stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament. The law went into effect the following year. Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.

Grenada One of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere, Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year.

Guadeloupe Guadeloupe has been a French possession since 1635. The island of Saint Martin is shared with the Netherlands; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles and its northern portion is named Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe

Guam Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military installation on the island is one of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific.

Guatemala The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created some 1 million refugees.

Guernsey The island of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

Guinea Guinea has had only two presidents since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984, when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003. Unrest in Sierra Leone and Liberia has spilled over into Guinea on several occasions over the past decade, threatening stability and creating humanitarian emergencies.

Guinea-Bissau Since independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable upheaval. The founding government consisted of a single party system and command economy. In 1980, a military coup established Joao VIEIRA as president and a path to a market economy and multiparty system was implemented. A number of coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him and in 1994 he was elected president in the country's first free elections. A military coup attempt and civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in 1999. In February 2000, an interim government turned over power when opposition leader Kumba YALA took office following two rounds of transparent presidential elections. YALA was ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2003, and Henrique ROSA was sworn in as President. Guinea-Bissau's transition back to democracy will be complicated by its crippled economy, devastated in the civil war.

Guyana Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, but until the early 1990s it was ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president, in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. Upon his death five years later, he was succeeded by his wife Janet, who resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001.

Haiti The native Arawak Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola, and in 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island - Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE and after a prolonged struggle, became the first black republic to declare its independence in 1804. Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. It is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

Heard Island and McDonald Islands These uninhabited, barren, sub-Antarctic islands were transferred from the UK to Australia in 1947. Populated by large numbers of seal and bird species, the islands have been designated a nature preserve.

Holy See (Vatican City) Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid 19th century, when many of the Papal States were seized by the newly united Kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between a series of "prisoner" popes and Italy were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified certain of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion. Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, international development, the Middle East, terrorism, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1 billion people worldwide profess the Catholic faith.

Honduras Once part of Spain's vast empire in the New World, Honduras became an independent nation in 1821. After two and a half decades of mostly military rule, a freely elected civilian government came to power in 1982. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage.

Hong Kong Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year; various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997. In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Howland Island Discovered by the US early in the 19th century, the island was officially claimed by the US in 1857. Both US and British companies mined for guano until about 1890. Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt; it is named in memory of the famed aviatrix Amelia EARHART. The island is administered by the US Department of the Interior as a National Wildlife Refuge.

Hungary Hungary was part of the polyglot Austro-Hungarian Empire, which collapsed during World War I. The country fell under Communist rule following World War II. In 1956, a revolt and announced withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact were met with a massive military intervention by Moscow. Under the leadership of Janos KADAR in 1968, Hungary began liberalizing its economy, introducing so-called "Goulash Communism." Hungary held its first multiparty elections in 1990 and initiated a free market economy. It joined NATO in 1999 and the EU in 2004.

Iceland Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.

India The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th were followed by those of European traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands. Indian armed forces in the British army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British colonialism led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU brought independence in 1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. Despite impressive gains in economic investment and output, India faces pressing problems such as the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and religious strife.

Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Southern Ocean and Arctic Ocean). Four critically important access waterways are the Suez Canal (Egypt), Bab el Mandeb (Djibouti-Yemen), Strait of Hormuz (Iran-Oman), and Strait of Malacca (Indonesia-Malaysia). The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Indian Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Indonesia The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its colony. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state. Current issues include: alleviating widespread poverty, preventing terrorism, continuing the transition to popularly-elected governments after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing reforms of the banking sector, addressing charges of cronyism and corruption, and holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations. Indonesia has been dealing with armed separatist movements in Aceh and in Papua.

Iran Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and the shah was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority nominally vested in a learned religious scholar. Iranian-US relations have been strained since a group of Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran on 4 November 1979 and held it until 20 January 1981. During 1980-88, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq that eventually expanded into the Persian Gulf and led to clashes between US Navy and Iranian military forces between 1987-1988. Iran has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US economic sanctions and export controls because of its continued involvement. Following the elections of a reformist president and Majlis in the late 1990s, attempts to foster political reform in response to popular dissatisfaction have floundered as conservative politicians have prevented reform measures from being enacted, increased repressive measures, and consolidated their control over the government.

Iraq Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of military strongmen ruled the country, the latest was SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait, but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years resulted in the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. Coalition forces remain in Iraq, helping to restore degraded infrastructure and facilitating the establishment of a freely elected government, while simultaneously dealing with a robust insurgency. The Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government (IG) in June 2004. Iraqis voted on 30 January 2005 to elect a 275-member Transitional National Assembly that will draft a permanent constitution and pave the way for new national elections at the end of 2005.

Ireland Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland, known as the Good Friday Agreement and approved in 1998, is being implemented with some difficulties.

Israel Following World War II, the British withdrew from their mandate of Palestine, and the UN partitioned the area into Arab and Jewish states, an arrangement rejected by the Arabs. Subsequently, the Israelis defeated the Arabs in a series of wars without ending the deep tensions between the two sides. The territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war are not included in the Israel country profile, unless otherwise noted. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty. Israel and Palestinian officials signed on 13 September 1993 a Declaration of Principles (also known as the "Oslo accords") guiding an interim period of Palestinian self-rule. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. In addition, on 25 May 2000, Israel withdrew unilaterally from southern Lebanon, which it had occupied since 1982. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations were conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives and Syria to achieve a permanent settlement. On 24 June 2002, US President BUSH laid out a "road map" for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which envisions a two-state solution. However, progress toward a permanent status agreement has been undermined by Palestinian-Israeli violence ongoing since September 2000. The conflict may have reached a turning point with the election in January 2005 of Mahmud ABBAS as the new Palestinian leader following the November 2004 death of Yasir ARAFAT.

Italy Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared with the prosperous north.

Jamaica Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop off in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s.

Jan Mayen This desolate, mountainous island was named after a Dutch whaling captain who indisputably discovered it in 1614 (earlier claims are inconclusive). Visited only occasionally by seal hunters and trappers over the following centuries, the island came under Norwegian sovereignty in 1929. The long dormant Haakon VII Toppen/Beerenberg volcano resumed activity in 1970; it is the northernmost active volcano on earth.

Japan In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Following the Treaty of Kanagawa with the United States in 1854, Japan opened its ports and began to intensively modernize and industrialize. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan became a regional power that was able to defeat the forces of both China and Russia. It occupied Korea, Formosa (Taiwan), and southern Sakhalin Island. In 1933 Japan occupied Manchuria and in 1937 it launched a full-scale invasion of China. Japan attacked US forces in 1941 - triggering America's entry into World War II - and soon occupied much of East and Southeast Asia. After its defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become an economic power and a staunch ally of the US. While the emperor retains his throne as a symbol of national unity, actual power rests in networks of powerful politicians, bureaucrats, and business executives. The economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the 1990s following three decades of unprecedented growth, but Japan still remains a major economic power, both in Asia and globally. In 2005, Japan began a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Jarvis Island First discovered by the British in 1821, the uninhabited island was annexed by the US in 1858, but abandoned in 1879 after tons of guano had been removed. The UK annexed the island in 1889, but never carried out plans for further exploitation. The US occupied and reclaimed the island in 1935. Abandoned after World War II, the island is currently a National Wildlife Refuge administered by the US Department of the Interior; a day beacon is situated near the middle of the west coast.

Jersey The island of Jersey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy that held sway in both France and England. These islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II.

Johnston Atoll Both the US and the Kingdom of Hawaii annexed Johnston Atoll in 1858, but it was the US that mined the guano deposits until the late 1880s. Johnston and Sand Islands were designated wildlife refuges in 1926. The US Navy took over the atoll in 1934, and subsequently the US Air Force assumed control in 1948. The site was used for high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1950s and 1960s, and until late in 2000 the atoll was maintained as a storage and disposal site for chemical weapons. Munitions destruction is now complete. Cleanup and closure of the facility was completed in 2004.

Jordan For most of its history since independence from British administration in 1946, Jordan was ruled by King HUSSEIN (1953-99). A pragmatic ruler, he successfully navigated competing pressures from the major powers (US, USSR, and UK), various Arab states, Israel, and a large internal Palestinian population, despite several wars and coup attempts. In 1989 he reinstituted parliamentary elections and gradual political liberalization; in 1994 he signed a formal peace treaty with Israel. King ABDALLAH II - the eldest son of King HUSSEIN and Princess MUNA - assumed the throne following his father's death in February 1999. Since then, he has consolidated his power and undertaken an aggressive economic reform program. Jordan acceded to the World Trade Organization in 2000, and began to participate in the European Free Trade Association in 2001. After a two-year delay, parliamentary and municipal elections took place in the summer of 2003. The Prime Minister and government appointed in April 2005 declared they would build upon the previous government's achievements to respect political and human rights and improve living standards.

Juan de Nova Island Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Kazakhstan Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, Soviet citizens were encouraged to help cultivate Kazakhstan's northern pastures. This influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but also some other deported nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-Kazakhs to outnumber natives. Independence in 1991 caused many of these newcomers to emigrate. Current issues include: developing a cohesive national identity; expanding the development of the country's vast energy resources and exporting them to world markets; achieving a sustainable economic growth outside the oil, gas, and mining sectors; and strengthening relations with neighboring states and other foreign powers.

Kenya Founding president and liberation struggle icon Jomo KENYATTA led Kenya from independence until his death in 1978, when President Daniel Toroitich arap MOI took power in a constitutional succession. The country was a de facto one-party state from 1969 until 1982 when the ruling Kenya African National Union (KANU) made itself the sole legal party in Kenya. MOI acceded to internal and external pressure for political liberalization in late 1991. The ethnically fractured opposition failed to dislodge KANU from power in elections in 1992 and 1997, which were marred by violence and fraud, but are viewed as having generally reflected the will of the Kenyan people. President MOI stepped down in December of 2002 following fair and peaceful elections. Mwai KIBAKI, running as the candidate of the multiethnic, united opposition group, the National Rainbow Coalition, defeated KANU candidate Uhuru KENYATTA and assumed the presidency following a campaign centered on an anticorruption platform.

Kingman Reef The US annexed the reef in 1922. Its sheltered lagoon served as a way station for flying boats on Hawaii-to-American Samoa flights during the late 1930s. There are no terrestrial plants on the reef, which is frequently awash, but it does support abundant and diverse marine fauna and flora. In 2001, the waters surrounding the reef out to 12 nm were designated a US National Wildlife Refuge.

Kiribati The Gilbert Islands were granted self-rule by the UK in 1971 and complete independence in 1979 under the new name of Kiribati. The US relinquished all claims to the sparsely inhabited Phoenix and Line Island groups in a 1979 treaty of friendship with Kiribati.

Korea, North An independent kingdom under Chinese suzerainty for most of the past millennium, Korea was occupied by Japan in 1905 following the Russo-Japanese War; five years later, Japan formally annexed the entire peninsula. Following World War II, Korea was split with the northern half coming under Soviet-sponsored Communist domination. After failing in the Korean War (1950-53) to conquer the US-backed republic in the southern portion by force, North Korea, under its founder President KIM Il Sung, adopted a policy of ostensible diplomatic and economic "self-reliance" as a check against excessive Soviet or Communist Chinese influence. It molded political, economic, and military policies around the core ideological objective of eventual unification of Korea under Pyongyang's control. KIM's son, the current ruler KIM Jong Il, was officially designated as KIM's successor in 1980 and assumed a growing political and managerial role until his father's death in 1994. He assumed full power without opposition. After decades of economic mismanagement and resource misallocation, the North since the mid-1990s has relied heavily on international aid to feed its population while continuing to expend resources to maintain an army of about 1 million. North Korea's long-range missile development and research into nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and massive conventional armed forces are of major concern to the international community. In December 2002, following revelations it was pursuing a nuclear weapons program based on enriched uranium in violation of a 1994 agreement with the United States to freeze and ultimately dismantle its existing plutonium-based program, North Korea expelled monitors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In January 2003, it declared its withdrawal from the international Non-Proliferation Treaty. In mid-2003 Pyongyang announced it had completed the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods (to extract weapons-grade plutonium) and was developing a "nuclear deterrent." From August 2003, North Korea has participated on and off in six-party talks with the China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States to resolve the stalemate over its nuclear programs.

Korea, South Korea was an independent kingdom under Chinese suzerainty for most of the past millennium. Following its victory in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, Japan occupied Korea; five years later it formally annexed the entire peninsula. After World War II, a republic was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the north. During the Korean War (1950-53), US and other UN forces intervened to defend South Korea from North Korean attacks supported by the Chinese. An armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 14 times the level of North Korea. In 1987, South Korean voters elected ROH Tae-woo to the presidency, ending 26 years of military dictatorships. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. In June 2000, a historic first North-South summit took place between the South's President KIM Tae-chung and the North's leader KIM Jong Il.

Kuwait Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti AL-SABAH dynasty from 1899 until independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on 2 August 1990. Following several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on 23 February 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91.

Kyrgyzstan A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nation-wide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAYEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections in July of 2005 were won overwhelmingly by former prime minister Kurmanbek BAKIYEV. Current concerns include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy and political freedoms, interethnic relations, and combating terrorism.

Laos Laos was under the control of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government, ending a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, a liberalization of foreign investment laws, and the admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Latvia After a brief period of independence between the two World Wars, Latvia was annexed by the USSR in 1940. It reestablished its independence in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Although the last Russian troops left in 1994, the status of the Russian minority (some 30% of the population) remains of concern to Moscow. Latvia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Lebanon Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions since 1991 and the end of the devastating 15-year civil war. Under the Ta'if Accord - the blueprint for national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government. Since the end of the war, the Lebanese have conducted several successful elections, most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded, and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have extended central government authority over about two-thirds of the country. Hizballah, a radical Shia organization, retains its weapons. During Lebanon's civil war, the Arab League legitimized in the Ta'if Accord Syria's troop deployment, numbering about 16,000 based mainly east of Beirut and in the Bekaa Valley. Damascus justified its continued military presence in Lebanon by citing Beirut's requests and the failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if Accord. Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 2000, however, encouraged some Lebanese groups to demand that Syria withdraw its forces as well. The passage of UNSCR 1559 in early October 2004 - a resolution calling for Syria to withdraw from Lebanon and end its interference in Lebanese affairs - further emboldened Lebanese groups opposed to Syria's presence in Lebanon. Syria finally withdrew the remainder of its forces from Lebanon in April of 2005.

Lesotho Basutoland was renamed the Kingdom of Lesotho upon independence from the UK in 1966. King MOSHOESHOE was exiled in 1990, but returned to Lesotho in 1992 and reinstated in 1995. Constitutional government was restored in 1993 after 23 years of military rule. In 1998, violent protests and a military mutiny following a contentious election prompted a brief but bloody intervention by South African and Botswanan military forces under the aegis of the Southern African Development Community. Constitutional reforms have since restored political stability; peaceful parliamentary elections were held in 2002.

Liberia In August 2003, a comprehensive peace agreement ended 14 years of civil war and prompted the resignation of former president Charles TAYLOR, who was exiled to Nigeria. The National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) - composed of rebel, government, and civil society groups - assumed control in October 2003. Chairman Gyude BRYANT, who was given a two-year mandate to oversee efforts to rebuild Liberia, heads the new government. The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which maintains a strong presence throughout the country, completed a disarmament program for former combatants in late 2004, but the security situation is still volatile and the process of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country remains sluggish.

Libya From the earliest days of his rule following his 1969 military coup, Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI has espoused his own political system, the Third Universal Theory. The system is a combination of socialism and Islam derived in part from tribal practices and is supposed to be implemented by the Libyan people themselves in a unique form of "direct democracy." QADHAFI has always seen himself as a revolutionary and visionary leader. He used oil funds during the 1970s and 1980s to promote his ideology outside Libya, supporting subversives and terrorists abroad to hasten the end of Marxism and capitalism. In addition, beginning in 1973, he engaged in military operations in northern Chad's Aozou Strip - to gain access to minerals and to use as a base of influence in Chadian politics - but was forced to retreat in 1987. UN sanctions in 1992 isolated QADHAFI politically following the downing of Pan AM Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Libyan support for terrorism appeared to have decreased after the imposition of sanctions. During the 1990s, QADHAFI also began to rebuild his relationships with Europe. UN sanctions were suspended in April 1999 and finally lifted in September 2003 after Libya resolved the Lockerbie case. In December 2003, Libya announced that it had agreed to reveal and end its programs to develop weapons of mass destruction, and QADHAFI has made significant strides in normalizing relations with western nations since then. He has received various Western European leaders as well as many working-level and commercial delegations, and made his first trip to Western Europe in 15 years when he traveled to Brussels in April 2004. QADHAFI also finally resolved in 2004 several outstanding cases against his government for terrorist activities in the 1980s by paying compensation to the families of victims of the UTA and La Belle disco bombings.

Liechtenstein The Principality of Liechtenstein was established within the Holy Roman Empire in 1719; it became a sovereign state in 1806. Until the end of World War I, it was closely tied to Austria, but the economic devastation caused by that conflict forced Liechtenstein to enter into a customs and monetary union with Switzerland. Since World War II (in which Liechtenstein remained neutral), the country's low taxes have spurred outstanding economic growth. Shortcomings in banking regulatory oversight have resulted in concerns about the use of the financial institutions for money laundering. Liechtenstein has, however, implemented new anti-money-laundering legislation and recently concluded a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with the US.

Lithuania Independent between the two World Wars, Lithuania was annexed by the USSR in 1940. On 11 March 1990, Lithuania became the first of the Soviet republics to declare its independence, but Moscow did not recognize this proclamation until September of 1991 (following the abortive coup in Moscow). The last Russian troops withdrew in 1993. Lithuania subsequently restructured its economy for integration into Western European institutions; it joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Luxembourg Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815 and an independent state under the Netherlands. It lost more than half of its territory to Belgium in 1839, but gained a larger measure of autonomy. Full independence was attained in 1867. Overrun by Germany in both World Wars, it ended its neutrality in 1948 when it entered into the Benelux Customs Union and when it joined NATO the following year. In 1957, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Economic Community (later the European Union), and in 1999 it joined the euro currency area.

Macau Colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Macau was the first European settlement in the Far East. Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and Portugal on 13 April 1987, Macau became the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 20 December 1999. China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be practiced in Macau, and that Macau will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.

Macedonia International recognition of Macedonia's independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 was delayed by Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols. Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995 and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.

Madagascar Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.

Malawi Established in 1891, the British protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964. After three decades of one-party rule under President Hastings Kamuzu BANDA the country held multiparty elections in 1994, under a provisional constitution, which came into full effect the following year. Current President Bingu wa MUTHARIKA, elected in May 2004 after the previous president failed to amend the constitution to permit another term, has struggled to assert his authority against his predecessor, who still leads their shared political party. MATHARIKA's anti-corruption efforts have led to several high-level arrests but no convictions. Increasing corruption, population growth, increasing pressure on agricultural lands, and HIV/AIDS pose major problems for the country.

Malaysia During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965.

Maldives The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government have pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago.

Mali The Sudanese Republic and Senegal became independent of France in 1960 as the Mali Federation. When Senegal withdrew after only a few months, what formerly made up the Sudanese Republic was renamed Mali. Rule by dictatorship was brought to a close in 1991 with a transitional government and in 1992 when Mali's first democratic presidential election was held. After his reelection in 1997, President Alpha KONARE continued to push through political and economic reforms and to fight corruption. In keeping with Mali's two-term constitutional limit, he stepped down in 2002 and was succeeded by Amadou TOURE.

Malta Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May of 2004.

Man, Isle of Part of the Norwegian Kingdom of the Hebrides until the 13th century when it was ceded to Scotland, the isle came under the British crown in 1765. Current concerns include reviving the almost extinct Manx Gaelic language.

Marshall Islands After almost four decades under US administration as the easternmost part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Marshall Islands attained independence in 1986 under a Compact of Free Association. Compensation claims continue as a result of US nuclear testing on some of the atolls between 1947 and 1962. The Marshall Islands hosts the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Reagan Missile Test Site, a key installation in the US missile defense network.

Martinique Colonized by France in 1635, the island has subsequently remained a French possession except for three brief periods of foreign occupation.

Mauritania Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976, but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed TAYA siezed power in a coup in 1984. Opposition parties were legalized and a new constitution approved in 1991. Two multiparty presidential elections since then were widely seen as flawed, but October 2001 legislative and municipal elections were generally free and open. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council headed by Col. Ely Ould Mohamed VALL, which declared it would remain in power for up to two years while it created conditions for genuine democratic institutions. For now, however, Mauritania remains, a one-party state. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions between its black population and the Maur (Arab-Berber) populace.

Mauritius Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.

Mayotte Mayotte was ceded to France along with the other islands of the Comoros group in 1843. It was the only island in the archipelago that voted in 1974 to retain its link with France and forego independence.

Mexico The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive recovery. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that the opposition defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) was sworn in on 1 December 2000 as the first chief executive elected in free and fair elections.

Micronesia, Federated States of In 1979 the Federated States of Micronesia, a UN Trust Territory under US administration, adopted a constitution. In 1986 independence was attained under a Compact of Free Association with the US, which was amended and renewed in 2004. Present concerns include large-scale unemployment, overfishing, and overdependence on US aid.

Midway Islands The US took formal possession of the islands in 1867. The laying of the trans-Pacific cable, which passed through the islands, brought the first residents in 1903. Between 1935 and 1947, Midway was used as a refueling stop for trans-Pacific flights. The US naval victory over a Japanese fleet off Midway in 1942 was one of the turning points of World War II. The islands continued to serve as a naval station until closed in 1993. Today the islands are a national wildlife refuge. From 1996 to 2001 the refuge was open to the public; it is now temporarily closed.

Moldova Formerly part of Romania, Moldova was incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001.

Monaco Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.

Mongolia The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAN they conquered a huge Eurasian empire. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and later came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A Communist regime was installed in 1924. During the early 1990s, the ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) gradually yielded its monopoly on power to the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC), which defeated the MPRP in a national election in 1996. Since then, parliamentary elections returned the MPRP overwhelmingly to power in 2000 and produced a coalition government in 2004.

Montserrat Much of this island was devastated and two-thirds of the population fled abroad because of the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano that began on 18 July 1995. Montserrat has endured volcanic activity since, with the last eruption occurring in July 2003.

Morocco In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily eroded; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature in 1997. Parliamentary elections were held for the second time in September 2002 and municipal elections were held in September 2003.

Mozambique Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration by whites, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His newly elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, has promised to continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign investment.

Namibia South Africa occupied the German colony of South-West Africa during World War I and administered it as a mandate until after World War II, when it annexed the territory. In 1966 the Marxist South-West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) guerrilla group launched a war of independence for the area that was soon named Namibia, but it was not until 1988 that South Africa agreed to end its administration in accordance with a UN peace plan for the entire region. Namibia won its independence in 1990 and has been governed by SWAPO since. Hifikepunye POHAMBA was elected president in November 2004 in a landslide victory replacing Sam NUJOMA who led the country during its first 14 years of self rule.

Nauru Nauru's phosphate deposits began to be mined early in the 20th century by a German-British consortium; the island was occupied by Australian forces in World War I. Nauru achieved independence in 1968 and joined the UN in 1999. Nauru is the world's smallest independent republic.

Navassa Island This uninhabited island was claimed by the US in 1857 for its guano. Mining took place between 1865 and 1898. The lighthouse, built in 1917, was shut down in 1996 and administration of Navassa Island transferred from the Coast Guard to the Department of the Interior. A 1998 scientific expedition to the island described it as a unique preserve of Caribbean biodiversity; the following year it became a National Wildlife Refuge and annual scientific expeditions have continued.

Nepal In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is threatening to bring down the regime, especially after a negotiated cease-fire between the Maoists and government forces broke down in August 2003. In 2001, the crown prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October 2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections because of the ongoing insurgency. While stopping short of reestablishing parliament, the king in June 2004 reinstated the most recently elected prime minister who formed a four-party coalition government, which the king subsequently tasked with paving the way for elections to be held in spring of 2005. Citing dissatisfaction with the government's lack of progress in addressing the Maoist insurgency, the king in February 2005 dissolved the government and assumed power.

Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Netherlands Antilles Once the center of the Caribbean slave trade, the island of Curacao was hard hit by the abolition of slavery in 1863. Its prosperity (and that of neighboring Aruba) was restored in the early 20th century with the construction of oil refineries to service the newly discovered Venezuelan oil fields. The island of Saint Martin is shared with France; its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles; its northern portion is called Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe (France).

New Caledonia Settled by both Britain and France during the first half of the 19th century, the island was made a French possession in 1853. It served as a penal colony for four decades after 1864. Agitation for independence during the 1980s and early 1990s has dissipated.

New Zealand The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.

Nicaragua The Pacific Coast of Nicaragua was settled as a Spanish colony from Panama in the early 16th century. Independence from Spain was declared in 1821 and the country became an independent republic in 1838. Britain occupied the Caribbean Coast in the first half of the 19th century, but gradually ceded control of the region in subsequent decades. Violent opposition to governmental manipulation and corruption spread to all classes by 1978 and resulted in a short-lived civil war that brought the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas to power in 1979. Nicaraguan aid to leftist rebels in El Salvador caused the US to sponsor anti-Sandinista contra guerrillas through much of the 1980s. Free elections in 1990, 1996, and again in 2001 saw the Sandinistas defeated. The country has slowly rebuilt its economy during the 1990s, but was hard hit by Hurricane Mitch in 1998.

Niger Not until 1993, 33 years after independence from France, did Niger hold its first free and open elections. A 1995 peace accord ended a five-year Tuareg insurgency in the north. Coups in 1996 and 1999 were followed by the creation of a National Reconciliation Council that effected a transition to civilian rule by December 1999. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world with minimal government services and insufficient funds to develop its resource base. The largely agrarian and subsistence-based economy is frequently disrupted by extended droughts common to the Sahel region of Africa.

Nigeria Following nearly 16 years of military rule, a new constitution was adopted in 1999, and a peaceful transition to civilian government was completed. The president faces the daunting task of rebuilding a petroleum-based economy, whose revenues have been squandered through corruption and mismanagement, and institutionalizing democracy. In addition, the OBASANJO administration must defuse longstanding ethnic and religious tensions, if it is to build a sound foundation for economic growth and political stability. Despite some irregularities, the April 2003 elections marked the first civilian transfer of power in Nigeria's history.

Niue Niue's remoteness, as well as cultural and linguistic differences between its Polynesian inhabitants and those of the rest of the Cook Islands, have caused it to be separately administered. The population of the island continues to drop (from a peak of 5,200 in 1966 to about 2,150 in 2005), with substantial emigration to New Zealand, 2,400 km to the southwest.

Norfolk Island Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.

Northern Mariana Islands Under US administration as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands decided in the 1970s not to seek independence but instead to forge closer links with the US. Negotiations for territorial status began in 1972. A covenant to establish a commonwealth in political union with the US was approved in 1975. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Norway Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav TRYGGVASON in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over the next several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that was to last for more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU.

Oman In 1970, QABOOS bin Said Al Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a long-standing political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Pacific Ocean The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the world's five oceans (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and Arctic Ocean). Strategically important access waterways include the La Perouse, Tsugaru, Tsushima, Taiwan, Singapore, and Torres Straits. The decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 to delimit a fifth ocean, the Southern Ocean, removed the portion of the Pacific Ocean south of 60 degrees south.

Pakistan The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan have fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but recent discussions and confidence-building measures may be a start toward lessened tensions.

Palau After three decades as part of the UN Trust Territory of the Pacific under US administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was approved in 1986, but not ratified until 1993. It entered into force the following year, when the islands gained independence.

Palmyra Atoll The Kingdom of Hawaii claimed the atoll in 1862, and the US included it among the Hawaiian Islands when it annexed the archipelago in 1898. The Hawaii Statehood Act of 1959 did not include Palmyra Atoll, which is now privately owned by the Nature Conservancy. This organization is managing the atoll as a nature preserve. The lagoons and surrounding waters within the 12 nautical mile US territorial seas were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and were designated a National Wildlife Refuge in January 2001.

Panama With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. On 7 September 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of 1999. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the intervening years. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were turned over to Panama by or on 31 December 1999.

Papua New Guinea The eastern half of the island of New Guinea - second largest in the world - was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1885. The latter area was transferred to Australia in 1902, which occupied the northern portion during World War I and continued to administer the combined areas until independence in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997 after claiming some 20,000 lives.

Paracel Islands The Paracel Islands are surrounded by productive fishing grounds and by potential oil and gas reserves. In 1932, French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Pattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor, Vietnam. China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops seized a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. The islands are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Paraguay In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then.

Peru Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by the Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peruvian independence was declared in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces defeated in 1824. After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980, but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime. FUJIMORI won reelection to a third term in the spring of 2000, but international pressure and corruption scandals led to his ouster by Congress in November of that year. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO as the new head of government; his presidency has been hampered by allegations of corruption.

Philippines The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected President and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during WWII, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Philippines attained their independence. The 21-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a widespread popular rebellion forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts, which prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992 and his administration was marked by greater stability and progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998, but was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA's stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and widespread demonstrations led to his ouster. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats from armed communist insurgencies and from Muslim separatists in the south.

Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn Island was discovered in 1767 by the British and settled in 1790 by the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. Pitcairn was the first Pacific island to become a British colony (in 1838) and today remains the last vestige of that empire in the South Pacific. Outmigration, primarily to New Zealand, has thinned the population from a peak of 233 in 1937 to less than 50 today.

Poland Poland is an ancient nation that was conceived near the middle of the 10th century. Its golden age occurred in the 16th century. During the following century, the strengthening of the gentry and internal disorders weakened the nation. In a series of agreements between 1772 and 1795, Russia, Prussia, and Austria partitioned Poland amongst themselves. Poland regained its independence in 1918 only to be overrun by Germany and the Soviet Union in World War II. It became a Soviet satellite state following the war, but its government was comparatively tolerant and progressive. Labor turmoil in 1980 led to the formation of the independent trade union "Solidarity" that over time became a political force and by 1990 had swept parliamentary elections and the presidency. A "shock therapy" program during the early 1990s enabled the country to transform its economy into one of the most robust in Central Europe, but Poland currently suffers low GDP growth and high unemployment. Solidarity suffered a major defeat in the 2001 parliamentary elections when it failed to elect a single deputy to the lower house of Parliament, and the new leaders of the Solidarity Trade Union subsequently pledged to reduce the Trade Union's political role. Poland joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.

Portugal Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony. A 1910 revolution deposed the monarchy; for most of the next six decades, repressive governments ran the country. In 1974, a left-wing military coup installed broad democratic reforms. The following year, Portugal granted independence to all of its African colonies. Portugal is a founding member of NATO and entered the EC (now the EU) in 1986.

Puerto Rico Populated for centuries by aboriginal peoples, the island was claimed by the Spanish Crown in 1493 following Columbus' second voyage to the Americas. In 1898, after 400 years of colonial rule that saw the indigenous population nearly exterminated and African slave labor introduced, Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. Popularly-elected governors have served since 1948. In 1952, a constitution was enacted providing for internal self government. In plebiscites held in 1967, 1993, and 1998, voters chose to retain commonwealth status.

Qatar Ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Reunion The Portuguese discovered the uninhabited island in 1513. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration, supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Malabar Indians, gave the island its ethnic mix. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 cost the island its importance as a stopover on the East Indies trade route.

Romania The principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia - for centuries under the suzerainty of the Turkish Ottoman Empire - secured their autonomy in 1856; they united in 1859 and a few years later adopted the new name of Romania. The country gained recognition of its independence in 1878. It joined the Allied Powers in World War I and acquired new territories following the conflict. In 1940, it allied with the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a Communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. The decades-long rule of dictator Nicolae CEAUSESCU, who took power in 1965, and his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. CEAUSESCU was overthrown and executed in late 1989. Former Communists dominated the government until 1996, when they were swept from power by a fractious coalition of centrist parties. In 2000, the center-left Social Democratic Party (PSD) became Romania's leading party, governing with the support of the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR). The opposition center-right alliance formed by the National Liberal Party (PNL) and the Democratic Party (PD) scored a surprise victory over the ruling PSD in December 2004 presidential elections. The PNL-PD alliance maintains a parliamentary majority with the support of the UDMR, the Humanist Party (PUR), and various ethnic minority groups. Although Romania completed accession talks with the European Union (EU) in December 2004, it must continue to address rampant corruption - while invigorating lagging economic and democratic reforms - before it can achieve its hope of joining the EU, tentatively set for 2007. Romania joined NATO in March of 2004.

Russia Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire. During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Josef STALIN (1928-53) strengthened Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives. The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 splintered the USSR into 15 independent republics. Since then, Russia has struggled in its efforts to build a democratic political system and market economy to replace the strict social, political, and economic controls of the Communist period. While some progress has been made on the economic front, recent years have seen a recentralization of power under Vladimir PUTIN and an erosion in nascent democratic institutions. A determined guerrilla conflict still plagues Russia in Chechnya.

Rwanda In 1959, three years before independence from Belgium, the majority ethnic group, the Hutus, overthrew the ruling Tutsi king. Over the next several years, thousands of Tutsis were killed, and some 150,000 driven into exile in neighboring countries. The children of these exiles later formed a rebel group, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), and began a civil war in 1990. The war, along with several political and economic upheavals, exacerbated ethnic tensions, culminating in April 1994 in the genocide of roughly 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The Tutsi rebels defeated the Hutu regime and ended the killing in July 1994, but approximately 2 million Hutu refugees - many fearing Tutsi retribution - fled to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and the former Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but about 10,000 that remain in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo have formed an extremist insurgency bent on retaking Rwanda, much as the RPF tried in 1990. Despite substantial international assistance and political reforms - including Rwanda's first local elections in March 1999 and its first post-genocide presidential and legislative elections in August and September 2003, respectively - the country continues to struggle to boost investment and agricultural output, and ethnic reconciliation is complicated by the real and perceived Tutsi political dominance. Kigali's increasing centralization and intolerance of dissent, the nagging Hutu extremist insurgency across the border, and Rwandan involvement in two wars in recent years in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to hinder Rwanda's efforts to escape its bloody legacy.

Saint Helena Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile, from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. Ascension Island is the site of a US Air Force auxiliary airfield; Gough Island has a meteorological station.

Saint Kitts and Nevis First settled by the British in 1623, the islands became an associated state with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis is once more trying to separate from the Saint Kitts.

Saint Lucia The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Disputed between France and the United Kingdom in the 18th century, Saint Vincent was ceded to the latter in 1783. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Samoa New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.

San Marino The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco) also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marino in 301 A.D. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy. Social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Sao Tome and Principe Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. Although independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. Though the first free elections were held in 1991, the political environment has been one of continued instability with frequent changes in leadership and coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea is likely to have a significant impact on the country's economy.

Saudi Arabia In 1902, ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman Al Saud captured Riyadh and set out on a 30-year campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula. A son of ABD AL-AZIZ rules the country today, and the country's Basic Law stipulates that the throne shall remain in the hands of the aging sons and grandsons of the kingdom's founder. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after Operation Desert Storm remained a source of tension between the royal family and the public until the US military's near-complete withdrawal to neighboring Qatar in 2003. The first major terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia in several years, which occurred in May and November 2003, prompted renewed efforts on the part of the Saudi government to counter domestic terrorism and extremism, which also coincided with a slight upsurge in media freedom and announcement of government plans to phase in partial political representation. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Senegal Independent from France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.

Serbia and Montenegro The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Occupation by Nazi Germany in 1941 was resisted by various paramilitary bands that fought each other as well as the invaders. The group headed by Marshal TITO took full control upon German expulsion in 1945. Although Communist, his new government and its successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In the early 1990s, post-TITO Yugoslavia began to unravel along ethnic lines: Slovenia, Croatia, Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were recognized as independent states in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new "Federal Republic of Yugoslavia" (FRY) in April 1992 and, under President Slobodan MILOSEVIC, Serbia led various military intervention efforts to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." All of these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful and led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992. In 1998-99, massive expulsions by FRY forces and Serb paramilitaries of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo provoked an international response, including the NATO bombing of Serbia and the stationing of a NATO-led force (KFOR), in Kosovo. Federal elections in the fall of 2000, brought about the ouster of MILOSEVIC and installed Vojislav KOSTUNICA as president. The arrest of MILOSEVIC in 2001 allowed for his subsequent transfer to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague to be tried for crimes against humanity. In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted, and it was once more accepted into UN organizations under the name of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Kosovo has been governed by the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) since June 1999, under the authority of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, pending a determination by the international community of its future status. In 2002, the Serbian and Montenegrin components of Yugoslavia began negotiations to forge a looser relationship. These talks became a reality in February 2003 when lawmakers restructured the country into a loose federation of two republics called Serbia and Montenegro. The Constitutional Charter of Serbia and Montenegro includes a provision that allows either republic to hold a referendum after three years that would allow for their independence from the state union.

Seychelles A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent presidential elections were held in 2001; President RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected. In April 2004 RENE stepped down and Vice President James MICHEL was sworn in as president.

Sierra Leone The 1991 to 2002 civil war between the government and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population), many of whom are now refugees in neighboring countries. With the support of the UN peacekeeping force and contributions from the World Bank and international community, demobilization and disarmament of the RUF and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) combatants has been completed. National elections were held in May 2002 and the government continues to slowly reestablish its authority. However, the gradual withdrawal of most UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) peacekeepers in 2004 and early 2005, deteriorating political and economic conditions in Guinea, and the tenuous security situation in neighboring Liberia may present challenges to the continuation of Sierra Leone's stability.

Singapore Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. It subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Slovakia In 1918 the Slovaks joined the closely related Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-ruled Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Slovenia The Slovene lands were part of the Holy Roman Empire and Austria until 1918 when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Solomon Islands The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Somalia The regime of Mohamed SIAD Barre was ousted in January 1991; turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy have followed in the years since. In May of 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence, aided by the overwhelming dominance of a ruling clan and economic infrastructure left behind by British, Russian, and American military assistance programs. The regions of Bari and Nugaal and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998, but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides towards reconstructing a legitimate, representative government, but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. The mandate of the Transitional National Government (TNG), created in August 2000 in Arta, Djibouti, expired in August 2003. New Somali President Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed has formed a new Transitional Federal Government (TFG) consisting of a 275-member parliament. It was established in October 2004 to replace the TNG but has not yet moved to Mogadishu. Discussions regarding the establishment of a new government in Mogadishu are ongoing in Kenya. Numerous warlords and factions are still fighting for control of the capital city as well as for other southern regions. Suspicion of Somali links with global terrorism further complicates the picture.

South Africa After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments, but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902). The resulting Union of South Africa operated under a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The 1990s brought an end to apartheid politically and ushered in black majority rule.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands The islands lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908, except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. The islands have large bird and seal populations, and, recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Southern Ocean A decision by the International Hydrographic Organization in the spring of 2000 delimited a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - from the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit. The Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean).

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