The 2009 CIA World Factbook (part 10 of 25)

Oil-rich Nigeria, long hobbled by political instability, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poor macroeconomic management, has undertaken several reforms over the past decade. Nigeria's former military rulers failed to diversify the economy away from its overdependence on the capital-intensive oil sector, which provides 95% of foreign exchange earnings and about 80% of budgetary revenues. Following the signing of an IMF stand-by agreement in August 2000, Nigeria received a debt-restructuring deal from the Paris Club and a $1 billion credit from the IMF, both contingent on economic reforms. Nigeria pulled out of its IMF program in April 2002, after failing to meet spending and exchange rate targets, making it ineligible for additional debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. Since 2008 the government has begun showing the political will to implement the market-oriented reforms urged by the IMF, such as to modernize the banking system, to curb inflation by blocking excessive wage demands, and to resolve regional disputes over the distribution of earnings from the oil industry. In 2003, the government began deregulating fuel prices, announced the privatization of the country's four oil refineries, and instituted the National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy, a domestically designed and run program modeled on the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for fiscal and monetary management. In November 2005, Abuja won Paris Club approval for a debt-relief deal that eliminated $18 billion of debt in exchange for $12 billion in payments - a total package worth $30 billion of Nigeria's total $37 billion external debt. The deal requires Nigeria to be subject to stringent IMF reviews. Based largely on increased oil exports and high global crude prices, GDP rose strongly in 2007 and 2008. President YAR'ADUA has pledged to continue the economic reforms of his predecessor with emphasis on infrastructure improvements. Infrastructure is the main impediment to growth. The government is working toward developing stronger public-private partnerships for electricity and roads.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$336.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $319.3 billion (2007 est.)

$300.1 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$207.1 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 6.4% (2007 est.)

6.2% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,300 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182 $2,200 (2007 est.)

$2,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 18.1%

industry: 50.8%

services: 31.1% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

51.04 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry: 10%

services: 20% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Population below poverty line:

70% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 32.4% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.7 (2003) country comparison to the world: 48 50.6 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Budget:

revenues: $19.76 billion

expenditures: $24.72 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

13.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 20% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167 5.4% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9.75% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 46 9.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.48% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 31 16.94% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$35.29 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 25 $26.82 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$32.04 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 36 $22.78 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$49.51 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 49 $35.68 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$49.8 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 51 $86.35 billion (31 December 2007)

$32.82 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava (tapioca), yams, rubber; cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; timber; fish

Industries:

crude oil, coal, tin, columbite; palm oil, peanuts, cotton, rubber, wood; hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, steel, small commercial ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Electricity - production:

21.92 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - consumption:

19.21 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.169 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Oil - consumption:

286,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - exports:

2.327 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - imports:

170,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - proved reserves:

36.22 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - production:

32.82 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Natural gas - consumption:

12.28 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Natural gas - exports:

20.55 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.215 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Current account balance:

$3.877 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $2.203 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$76.03 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $61.82 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 95%, cocoa, rubber

Exports - partners:

US 41.4%, India 10.4%, Brazil 9.4%, Spain 7.2%, France 4.6% (2008)

Imports:

$46.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 $38.8 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals

Imports - partners:

China 13.8%, Netherlands 9.6%, US 8.4%, UK 5.3%, South Korea 5.2%, France 4.3% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$53 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $51.33 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$9.996 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 $8.007 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$68.84 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $58.84 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$13.02 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $12.72 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

nairas (NGN) per US dollar - 117.8 (2008 est.), 127.46 (2007), 127.38 (2006), 132.59 (2005), 132.89 (2004)

Communications ::Nigeria

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.308 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 69

Telephones - mobile cellular:

62.988 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 16

Telephone system:

general assessment: further expansion and modernization of the fixed-line telephone network is needed

domestic: the addition of a second fixed-line provider in 2002 resulted in faster growth but subscribership remains only about 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular services growing rapidly, in part responding to the shortcomings of the fixed-line network; multiple cellular service providers operate nationally with subscribership reaching 45 per 100 persons in 2008

international: country code - 234; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 83, FM 36, shortwave 11 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (the government controls 2 of the broadcasting stations and 15 repeater stations) (2001)

Internet country code:

.ng

Internet hosts:

1,098 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Internet users:

11 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 29

Transportation ::Nigeria

Airports:

56 (2009) country comparison to the world: 83

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 38

over 3,047 m: 7

2,438 to 3,047 m: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 3 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 3 (2009)

Heliports:

3 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 21 km; gas 2,560 km; liquid petroleum gas 97 km; oil 3,396 km; refined products 4,090 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 3,505 km country comparison to the world: 49 narrow gauge: 3,505 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 193,200 km country comparison to the world: 27 paved: 28,980 km

unpaved: 164,220 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,600 km (Niger and Benue rivers and smaller rivers and creeks) (2008) country comparison to the world: 15

Merchant marine:

total: 68 country comparison to the world: 62 by type: cargo 4, chemical tanker 12, combination ore/oil 1, liquefied gas 2, passenger/cargo 1, petroleum tanker 46, specialized tanker 2

foreign-owned: 3 (Japan 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1)

registered in other countries: 34 (Bahamas 2, Bermuda 11, Cook Islands 1, Georgia 1, Italy 1, Liberia 2, Panama 10, Poland 1, Seychelles 1, Sierra Leone 1, unknown 3) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bonny Inshore Terminal, Calabar, Lagos

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crews have been robbed and stores or cargoes stolen

Military ::Nigeria

Military branches:

Nigerian Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 31,929,204

females age 16-49: 30,638,979 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,763,535

females age 16-49: 18,850,650 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,697,030

female: 1,618,561 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 108

Transnational Issues ::Nigeria

Disputes - international:

Joint Border Commission with Cameroon reviewed 2002 ICJ ruling on the entire boundary and bilaterally resolved differences, including June 2006 Greentree Agreement that immediately cedes sovereignty of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon with a phase-out of Nigerian control within two years while resolving patriation issues; the ICJ ruled on an equidistance settlement of Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea-Nigeria maritime boundary in the Gulf of Guinea, but imprecisely defined coordinates in the ICJ decision and a sovereignty dispute between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon over an island at the mouth of the Ntem River all contribute to the delay in implementation; only Nigeria and Cameroon have heeded the Lake Chad Commission's admonition to ratify the delimitation treaty which also includes the Chad-Niger and Niger-Nigeria boundaries

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,778 (Liberia)

IDPs: undetermined (communal violence between Christians and Muslims since President OBASANJO's election in 1999; displacement is mostly short-term) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets; consumer of amphetamines; safe haven for Nigerian narcotraffickers operating worldwide; major money-laundering center; massive corruption and criminal activity; Nigeria has improved some anti-money-laundering controls, resulting in its removal from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF's) Noncooperative Countries and Territories List in June 2006; Nigeria's anti-money-laundering regime continues to be monitored by FATF

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Niue (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Niue

Background:

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 an estimated 1,398 in 2009) with substantial emigration to New Zealand 2,400 km to the southwest.

Geography ::Niue

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Tonga

Geographic coordinates:

19 02 S, 169 52 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 260 sq km country comparison to the world: 212 land: 260 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location near Mutalau settlement 68 m

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 11.54%

permanent crops: 15.38%

other: 73.08% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

increasing attention to conservationist practices to counter loss of soil fertility from traditional slash and burn agriculture

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

Geography - note:

one of world's largest coral islands

People ::Niue

Population:

1,398 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 234

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.032% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA (2008 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective: Niuean

Ethnic groups:

Niuen 78.2%, Pacific islander 10.2%, European 4.5%, mixed 3.9%, Asian 0.2%, unspecified 3% (2001 census)

Religions:

Ekalesia Niue (Niuean Church - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society) 61.1%, Latter-Day Saints 8.8%, Roman Catholic 7.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, other 8.4%, unspecified 8.7%, none 1.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Niuean, a Polynesian language closely related to Tongan and Samoan; English

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 95%

male: NA

female: NA

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Niue

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Niue

note: pronunciation falls between nyu-way and new-way, but not like new-wee

former: Savage Island

Dependency status:

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

Government type:

self-governing parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 19 01 S, 169 55 W

time difference: UTC-11 (6 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none; note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 14 villages at the second order

Independence:

on 19 October 1974, Niue became a self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New Zealand

National holiday:

Waitangi Day (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand), 6 February (1840)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law; note - Niue is self-governing with the power to make its laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General of New Zealand Anand SATYANAND (since 23 August 2006); the UK and New Zealand are represented by New Zealand High Commissioner John BRYAN (since May 2000)

head of government: Premier Toke TALAGI (since 18 June 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of the premier and 3 ministers

elections: the monarch is hereditary; premier elected by the Legislative Assembly for a three-year term; election last held 18 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Toke TALAGI defeats incumbent Young VIVIAN in Legislative Assembly vote; Toke TALAGI - 14, Young VIVIAN - 5

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (20 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; six elected from a common roll and 14 are village representatives)

elections: last held 7 June 2008 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - 20 independents

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of New Zealand; High Court of Niue

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of Independents or AI; Niue People's Action Party or NPP [Young VIVIAN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, FAO, IFAD, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

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

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large star on a blue disk in the center and a smaller star on each arm of the bold red cross

Economy ::Niue

Economy - overview:

The economy suffers from the typical Pacific island problems of geographic isolation, few resources, and a small population. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, and the shortfall is made up by critically needed grants from New Zealand that are used to pay wages to public employees. Niue has cut government expenditures by reducing the public service by almost half. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of emigration to New Zealand. Efforts to increase GDP include the promotion of tourism and a financial services industry, although the International Banking Repeal Act of 2002 resulted in the termination of all offshore banking licenses. Economic aid from New Zealand in 2002 was US$2.6 million. Niue suffered a devastating typhoon in January 2004, which decimated nascent economic programs. While in the process of rebuilding, Niue has been dependent on foreign aid.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.01 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

GDP (official exchange rate):

$10.01 million (2003)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.2% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,800 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.5%

industry: 26.9%

services: 49.5% (2003)

Labor force:

663 (2001) country comparison to the world: 219

Labor force - by occupation:

note: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

Unemployment rate:

12% (2001) country comparison to the world: 136

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $15.07 million

expenditures: $16.33 million (FY0405)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (2005) country comparison to the world: 63

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes, taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Industries:

tourism, handicrafts, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

3 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Electricity - consumption:

2.79 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - imports:

30.66 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Exports:

$201,400 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Exports - commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, vanilla, passion fruit products, pawpaws, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

Imports:

$9.038 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 217

Imports - commodities:

food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs

Debt - external:

$418,000 (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4151 (2008 est.), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006), 1.4203 (2005), 1.5087 (2004)

Communications ::Niue

Telephones - main lines in use:

1,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 227

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600 (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephone system:

domestic: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island

international: country code - 683 (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (1997)

Internet country code:

.nu

Internet hosts:

396,370 (2009) country comparison to the world: 50

Internet users:

1,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 214

Transportation ::Niue

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 218

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 120 km country comparison to the world: 211 paved: 120 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Military ::Niue

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; Police Force

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

Transnational Issues ::Niue

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Norfolk Island (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Norfolk Island

Background:

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.

Geography ::Norfolk Island

Location:

Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia

Geographic coordinates:

29 02 S, 167 57 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 36 sq km country comparison to the world: 234 land: 36 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Bates 319 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially May to July)

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated

People ::Norfolk Island

Population:

2,141 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 230

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.2%

15-64 years: 63.9%

65 years and over: 15.9% (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.006% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA (2008 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander, Polynesian

Religions:

Anglican 31.8%, Roman Catholic 11.5%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.2%, other Christian 5.6%, none 19.9%, unspecified 16.6% (2006 census)

Languages:

English (official), Norfolk - a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian

Literacy:

Education expenditures:

Government ::Norfolk Island

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form: Norfolk Island

Dependency status:

self governing territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Government Attorney-General's Department

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E

time difference: UTC+11.5 (16.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1979 as amended in 2005

Legal system:

based on the laws of Australia, local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general

head of government: Acting Administrator Owen WALSH (since October 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council is made up of 4 of the 9 members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the administrator

elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (9 seats; members elected by electors who have nine equal votes each but only four votes can be given to any one candidate; to serve three-year terms)

elections: last held 21 March 2007 (next to be held by 28 March 2010)

election results: seats - independents 9 (note - no political parties)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Petty Sessions

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag description:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band

Economy ::Norfolk Island

Economy - overview:

Tourism, the primary economic activity, has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry and services: 90%

Budget:

revenues: $4.6 million

expenditures: $4.8 million (FY99/00)

Agriculture - products:

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry

Industries:

tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Exports:

$1.5 million (FY91/92) country comparison to the world: 217

Exports - commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados

Imports:

$17.9 million c.i.f.

Imports - commodities:

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.2059 (2008 est.), 1.2137 (2007), 1.3285 (2006), 1.3095 (2005), 1.3598 (2004)

Communications ::Norfolk Island

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,532; note - a mix of analog (2,500) and digital (32) circuits (2004) country comparison to the world: 220

Telephones - mobile cellular:

0; note - proposed cellular service disallowed in August 2002 island referendum (2002) country comparison to the world: 221

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: free local calls

international: country code - 672; undersea coaxial cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2005)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (local programming station plus 2 repeaters that air Australian programs by satellite) (2005)

Internet country code:

.nf

Internet hosts:

89 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Transportation ::Norfolk Island

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 217

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 80 km country comparison to the world: 214 paved: 53 km

unpaved: 27 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Military ::Norfolk Island

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia

Transnational Issues ::Norfolk Island

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Northern Mariana Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Northern Mariana Islands

Background:

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, and came into force on 24 March 1976. A new government and constitution went into effect in 1978.

Geography ::Northern Mariana Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

15 12 N, 145 45 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 464 sq km country comparison to the world: 196 land: 464 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: consists of 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October

Terrain:

southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Agrihan 965 m

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land: 13.04%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 82.61% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; typhoons (especially August to November)

Environment - current issues:

contamination of groundwater on Saipan may contribute to disease; clean-up of landfill; protection of endangered species conflicts with development

Geography - note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

People ::Northern Mariana Islands

Population:

88,662 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18% (male 8,372/female 7,616)

15-64 years: 80.3% (male 28,602/female 42,557)

65 years and over: 1.7% (male 786/female 729) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.1 years

male: 32.1 years

female: 29.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.292% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Birth rate:

18.77 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Death rate:

2.32 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

Net migration rate:

6.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Urbanization:

urban population: 91% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.1 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.67 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.08 male(s)/female

total population: 0.74 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.59 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 175 male: 6.56 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.63 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.7 years country comparison to the world: 64 male: 74.08 years

female: 79.47 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.15 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: NA (US citizens)

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Asian 56.3%, Pacific islander 36.3%, Caucasian 1.8%, other 0.8%, mixed 4.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)

Languages:

Philippine languages 24.4%, Chinese 23.4%, Chamorro 22.4%, English 10.8%, other Pacific island languages 9.5%, other 9.6% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 96% (1980 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Northern Mariana Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands

abbreviation: CNMI

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Mariana Islands District

Dependency status:

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

Government type:

commonwealth; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 15 12 N, 145 45 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four municipalities at the second order: Northern Islands, Rota, Saipan, Tinian

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Constitution:

Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978; Covenant Agreement fully effective 4 November 1986

Legal system:

based on US system, except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Benigno R. FITIAL (since 9 January 2006); Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. INOS (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: the cabinet consists of the heads of the 10 principal departments under the executive branch who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate; other members include Special Assistants to the governor and office heads appointed by and reporting directly to the governor

elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in the Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 7 November 2009 (run-off election to be held on 23 November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - Benigno R. FITIAL 36%, Heinz HOFSCHNEIDER 36%, Juan GUERRERO 20%, Ramon Deleon GUERRERO 8%; a run-off election between FITIAL and HOFSCHNEIDER will held on 23 November 2009

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (9 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year staggered terms) and the House of Representatives (20 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 3 November 2007 (next to be held in November 2009); House of Representatives - last held 3 November 2007 (next to be held in November 2009)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Covenant Party 3, Republican Party 3, Democratic Party 1, independents 2; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 12, Covenant Party 4, Democratic Party 1, independents 3

note: the Northern Mariana Islands elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2010); seats by party - independent 1

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court; Superior Court; Federal District Court

Political parties and leaders:

Covenant Party [Benigno R. FITIAL]; Democratic Party [Dr. Carlos S. CAMACHO]; Republican Party [Juan S. REYES]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Flag description:

blue, with a white, five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center, surrounded by a wreath

Economy ::Northern Mariana Islands

Economy - overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. The key tourist industry employs about 50% of the work force and accounts for roughly one-fourth of GDP. Japanese tourists predominate. Annual tourist entries have exceeded one-half million in recent years, but financial difficulties in Japan have caused a temporary slowdown. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Garment production is by far the most important industry with the employment of 17,500 mostly Chinese workers and sizable shipments to the US under duty and quota exemptions.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$900 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 203 note: GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$633.4 million (2000)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,500 (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

38,450 total indigenous labor force; 2,699 unemployed; 28,717 foreign workers (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

8% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 3.9% (2001)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $193 million

expenditures: $223 million (FY01/02 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 2

Agriculture - products:

vegetables and melons, fruits and nuts, ornamental plants, livestock, poultry and eggs, fish and aquaculture products

Industries:

banking, construction, fishing, garment, tourism, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

60,600 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - consumption:

48,300 kWh (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 214

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (January 2009 est.)

Exports:

$98.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Exports - commodities:

garments

Imports:

$214.4 million (2001) country comparison to the world: 198

Imports - commodities:

food, construction equipment and materials, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Northern Mariana Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,700 (2008) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20,500 (2004) country comparison to the world: 206

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 1-670; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 1 (2005)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (on Saipan; in addition, 2 cable services on Saipan provide varied programming from satellite networks) (2006)

Internet country code:

.mp

Internet hosts:

9 (2009) country comparison to the world: 220

Transportation ::Northern Mariana Islands

Airports:

5 (2009) country comparison to the world: 183

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 536 km (2007) country comparison to the world: 190

Ports and terminals:

Saipan, Tinian

Military ::Northern Mariana Islands

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,209

females age 16-49: 33,074 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 570

female: 587 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Northern Mariana Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 12, 2009

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

@Norway (Europe)

Introduction ::Norway

Background:

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 lasted 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.

Geography ::Norway

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden

Geographic coordinates:

62 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 323,802 sq km country comparison to the world: 67 land: 304,282 sq km

water: 19,520 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 2,542 km

border countries: Finland 727 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 196 km

Coastline:

25,148 km (includes mainland 2,650 km, as well as long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 22,498 km; length of island coastlines 58,133 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 10 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior with increased precipitation and colder summers; rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Norwegian Sea 0 m

highest point: Galdhopiggen 2,469 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, titanium, pyrites, nickel, fish, timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 2.7%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 97.3% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,270 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

381.4 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.4 cu km/yr (23%/67%/10%)

per capita: 519 cu m/yr (1996)

Natural hazards:

rockslides, avalanches

Environment - current issues:

water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much-indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of the most rugged and longest coastlines in the world

People ::Norway

Population:

4,660,539 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.5% (male 441,508/female 422,050)

15-64 years: 66.2% (male 1,564,482/female 1,522,519)

65 years and over: 15.2% (male 305,120/female 404,860) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.4 years

male: 38.5 years

female: 40.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.341% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Birth rate:

10.99 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Death rate:

9.29 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Net migration rate:

1.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

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: 0.75 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 214 male: 3.92 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.22 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.95 years country comparison to the world: 24 male: 77.29 years

female: 82.74 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.78 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

3,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Nationality:

noun: Norwegian(s)

adjective: Norwegian

Ethnic groups:

Norwegian 94.4% (includes Sami, about 60,000), other European 3.6%, other 2% (2007 estimate)

Religions:

Church of Norway 85.7%, Pentecostal 1%, Roman Catholic 1%, other Christian 2.4%, Muslim 1.8%, other 8.1% (2004)

Languages:

Bokmal Norwegian (official), Nynorsk Norwegian (official), small Sami- and Finnish-speaking minorities; note - Sami is official in six municipalities

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

7.2% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 20

Government ::Norway

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form: Norway

local long form: Kongeriket Norge

local short form: Norge

Government type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 59 55 N, 10 45 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

19 counties (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

7 June 1905 (Norway declared the union with Sweden dissolved); 26 October 1905 (Sweden agreed to the repeal of the union)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Constitution:

17 May 1814; amended many times

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS, son of the monarch (born 20 July 1973)

head of government: Prime Minister Jens STOLTENBERG (since 17 October 2005)

cabinet: State Council appointed by the monarch with the approval of parliament

elections: the monarch is hereditary; following parliamentary elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch with the approval of the parliament

Legislative branch:

modified unicameral Parliament or Storting (169 seats; members are elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 14 September 2009 (next to be held in September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Labor Party 35.4%, Progress Party 22.9%, Conservative Party 17.2%, Socialist Left Party 6.2%, Center Party 6.2%, Christian People's Party 5.5%, Liberal Party 3.9%, other 2.7%; seats by party - Labor Party 64, Progress Party 41, Conservative Party 30, Socialist Left Party 11, Center Party 11, Christian People's Party 10, Liberal Party 2

note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Hoyesterett (justices appointed by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party [Liv Signe NAVARSETE]; Christian People's Party [Dagfinn HOYBRATEN]; Conservative Party [Erna SOLBERG]; Labor Party [Jens STOLTENBERG]; Liberal Party [Lars SPONHEIM]; Progress Party [Siv JENSEN]; Socialist Left Party [Kristin HALVORSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Norwegian Aid Committee or NORWAC; Norwegian Association of the Disabled; Pure Salmon Campaign; The Consumer Council (consumer advocacy group)

other: environmental groups; media; reform movements

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EFTA, ESA, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Wegger C. STROMMEN

chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 333-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 337-0870

consulate(s) general: Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Benson K. WHITNEY

embassy: Henrik Ibsens gate 48, 0244 Oslo; note - the embassy will move to Huseby in the near future

mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone: [47] (22) 44 85 50

FAX: [47] (22) 44 33 63, 56 27 51

Flag description:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the colors recall Norway's past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue)

Economy ::Norway

Economy - overview:

The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector, through large-scale state enterprises. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on the petroleum sector, which accounts for nearly half of exports and over 30% of state revenue. Norway is the world's third-largest gas exporter; its position as an oil exporter has slipped to seventh-largest as production has begun to decline. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, as a member of the European Economic Area, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. In anticipation of eventual declines in oil and gas production, Norway saves almost all state revenue from the petroleum sector in a sovereign wealth fund. After lackluster growth of less than 1.5% in 2002-03, GDP growth picked up to 2.5-6.2% in 2004-07, partly due to higher oil prices. Growth fell to 2.6% in 2008 as a result of the slowing world economy and the drop in oil prices.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$276.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $269.6 billion (2007 est.)

$253.8 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$451.8 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 6.2% (2007 est.)

4.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$59,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $58,200 (2007 est.)

$55,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 44.2%

services: 53.8% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

2.591 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.9%

industry: 21.1%

services: 76% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

2.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 2.5% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 23.4% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

25 (2008) country comparison to the world: 131 25.8 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

20.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Budget:

revenues: $266.2 billion

expenditures: $178.1 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

55.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 33.1% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 0.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 71 6.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.28% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 141 3.5% (1st quarter 2009)

Stock of money:

$NA

Stock of quasi money:

$NA

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$142.5 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 27 $357.4 billion (31 December 2007)

$281.1 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, potatoes; pork, beef, veal, milk; fish

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - production:

142.7 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - consumption:

128.8 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - exports:

17.29 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.414 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.466 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Oil - consumption:

220,200 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Oil - exports:

2.383 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - imports:

104,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Oil - proved reserves:

6.68 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - production:

99.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - consumption:

3.97 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - exports:

95.23 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.313 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Current account balance:

$88.34 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $60.46 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$173.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $137.3 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, machinery and equipment, metals, chemicals, ships, fish

Exports - partners:

UK 27%, Germany 12.8%, Netherlands 10.4%, France 9.4%, Sweden 6.5%, US 4.5% (2008)

Imports:

$85.95 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $77.03 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Sweden 14.4%, Germany 13.4%, Denmark 6.9%, China 6.4%, UK 5.9%, US 5.4%, Netherlands 4.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$50.95 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $60.84 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$475.9 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 22 $540.3 billion (31 December 2007)

note: Norway is a net external creditor

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$91.49 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $93.69 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$160.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 $133.3 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NOK) per US dollar - 5.6361 (2008), 5.86 (2007), 6.418 (2006), 6.445 (2005), 6.7327 (2004)

Communications ::Norway

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.928 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 57

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.287 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 85

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern in all respects; one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in Europe

domestic: Norway has a domestic satellite system; moreover, the prevalence of rural areas encourages the wide use of cellular-mobile systems instead of fixed-wire systems

international: country code - 47; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; submarine cables provide links to other Nordic countries and Europe; satellite earth stations - NA Eutelsat, NA Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), and 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Norway shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) (1999)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 5, FM 160, shortwave 1 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

69 (2008)

Internet country code:

.no

Internet hosts:

3.198 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Internet users:

3.935 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 52

Transportation ::Norway

Airports:

98 (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 12

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 25 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 25 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 31 km; gas 64 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 4,114 km country comparison to the world: 40 standard gauge: 4,114 km 1.435-m gauge (2,552 km electrified) (2009)

Roadways:

total: 92,946 km country comparison to the world: 50 paved: 72,033 km (includes 664 km of expressways)

unpaved: 20,913 km (2007)

Waterways:

1,577 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Merchant marine:

total: 688 country comparison to the world: 15 by type: bulk carrier 46, cargo 141, carrier 3, chemical tanker 137, combination ore/oil 12, container 4, liquefied gas 65, passenger/cargo 117, petroleum tanker 85, refrigerated cargo 14, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 50

foreign-owned: 199 (Canada 10, Chile 2, China 36, Denmark 25, Estonia 1, Finland 1, France 3, Germany 1, Greece 3, Hong Kong 20, Iceland 3, Italy 4, Japan 29, Lithuania 1, Malaysia 1, Monaco 5, Poland 3, Saudi Arabia 3, Singapore 1, Sweden 34, UK 5, US 8)

registered in other countries: 923 (Antigua and Barbuda 8, Australia 1, Bahamas 189, Barbados 38, Belize 3, Bermuda 5, Brazil 5, Canada 3, Cayman Islands 1, China 1, Comoros 1, Cook Islands 5, Cyprus 18, Denmark 3, Dominica 1, Estonia 2, Faroe Islands 4, Finland 3, France 5, Gibraltar 33, Hong Kong 40, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 20, Italy 2, South Korea 2, Liberia 40, Libya 1, Malta 93, Marshall Islands 66, Netherlands 12, Netherlands Antilles 3, Panama 89, Philippines 10, Russia 2, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13, Singapore 143, Spain 5, Sweden 7, Tuvalu 1, UK 31, US 9, unknown 4) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bergen, Borg Havn, Haugesund, Maaloy, Mongstad, Narvik, Oslo, Sture

Military ::Norway

Military branches:

Norwegian Army (Haeren), Royal Norwegian Navy (Kongelige Norske Sjoeforsvaret, RNoN; includes Coastal Rangers and Coast Guard (Kystvakt)), Royal Norwegian Air Force (Kongelige Norske Luftforsvaret, RNoAF), Home Guard (Heimevernet, HV) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18-44 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age in wartime; 17 years of age for male volunteers; 18 years of age for women; 12-month service obligation, in practice shortened to 8 to 9 months; although all males between ages of 18 and 44 are liable for service, in practice they are seldom called to duty after age 30; reserve obligation to age 35-60; 16 years of age for volunteers to the Home Guard, who serve 6-month duty tours (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,078,181

females age 16-49: 1,046,550 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 888,219

females age 16-49: 863,255 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,980

female: 30,543 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Transnational Issues ::Norway

Disputes - international:

Norway asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land and its continental shelf); despite dialogue, Russia and Norway continue to dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Oman (Middle East)

Introduction ::Oman

Background:

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said al-Said overthrew the restrictive rule of his father; he has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world while preserving the longstanding close ties with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries.

Geography ::Oman

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf, between Yemen and UAE

Geographic coordinates:

21 00 N, 57 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 309,500 sq km country comparison to the world: 70 land: 309,500 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total: 1,374 km

border countries: Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline:

2,092 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain:

central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Arabian Sea 0 m

highest point: Jabal Shams 2,980 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 0.12%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 99.74% (2005)

Irrigated land:

720 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.36 cu km/yr (7%/2%/90%)

per capita: 529 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; limited natural fresh water resources

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Musandam Peninsula adjacent to Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil

People ::Oman

Population:

3,418,085 country comparison to the world: 133 note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.7% (male 744,265/female 714,116)

15-64 years: 54.5% (male 1,079,511/female 783,243)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 55,180/female 41,770) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.8 years

male: 21.1 years

female: 16.7 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.138% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Birth rate:

34.79 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Death rate:

3.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Net migration rate:

0.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.38 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.32 male(s)/female

total population: 1.22 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 16.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 119 male: 19.29 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 74.16 years country comparison to the world: 91 male: 71.87 years

female: 76.55 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.53 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

1,300 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Nationality:

noun: Omani(s)

adjective: Omani

Ethnic groups:

Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shia Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 81.4%

male: 86.8%

female: 73.5% (2003 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 11 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 103

Government ::Oman

Country name:

conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form: Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

local short form: Uman

former: Muscat and Oman

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 23 37 N, 58 35 E

time difference: UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

5 regions (manatiq, singular - mintaqat) and 4 governorates* (muhafazat, singular - muhafazat) Ad Dakhiliyah, Al Batinah, Al Buraymi*, Al Wusta, Ash Sharqiyah, Az Zahirah, Masqat (Muscat)*, Musandam*, Zufar (Dhofar)*

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

National holiday:

Birthday of Sultan QABOOS, 18 November (1940)

Constitution:

none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the monarch; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal; note - members of the military and security forces are not allowed to vote

Executive branch:

chief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said al-Said (sultan since 23 July 1970 and prime minister since 23 July 1972)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

elections: the monarch is hereditary

Legislative branch:

bicameral Majlis Oman consists of Majlis al-Dawla or upper chamber (71 seats; members appointed by the monarch; has advisory powers only) and Majlis al-Shura or lower chamber (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms; body has only advisory powers)

elections: last held 27 October 2007 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: new candidates won 46 seats and 38 members of the outgoing Majlis kept their positions; none of the 20 female candidates were elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

note: the nascent civil court system, administered by region, has judges who practice secular and Sharia law

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hunaina bint Sultan bin Ahmad al-MUGHAIRI

chancery: 2535 Belmont Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-1980

FAX: [1] (202) 745-4933

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gary A. GRAPPO

embassy: Jameat A'Duwal Al Arabiya Street, Al Khuwair area, Muscat

mailing address: P. O. Box 202, P.C. 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat

telephone: [968] 24-643-400

FAX: [968] 24-699771

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of white, red, and green of equal width with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered near the top of the vertical band

Economy ::Oman

Economy - overview:

Oman is a middle-income economy that is heavily dependent on dwindling oil resources, but sustained high oil prices in recent years have helped build Oman's budget and trade surpluses and foreign reserves. As a result of its dwindling oil resources, Oman is actively pursuing a development plan that focuses on diversification, industrialization, and privatization, with the objective of reducing the oil sector's contribution to GDP to 9% by 2020. Some of these projects may be in jeopardy, however, because Muscat overestimated its ability to produce or secure the natural gas needed to power them. Oman actively seeks private foreign investors, especially in the industrial, information technology, tourism, and higher education fields. Industrial development plans focus on gas resources, metal manufacturing, petrochemicals, and international transshipment ports. The drop in oil prices and the global financial crisis in 2008 will affect Oman's fiscal position and it may post a deficit in 2009 if oil prices stay low. In addition, the global credit crisis is slowing the pace of investment and development projects - a trend that probably will continue into 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$66.87 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $62.84 billion (2007 est.)

$59.4 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$59.95 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 5.8% (2007 est.)

7.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$20,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $19,600 (2007 est.)

$19,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 36.1%

services: 61.8% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

968,800 country comparison to the world: 139 note: about 60% of the labor force is non-national (2007)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

15% (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

27.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Budget:

revenues: $18.13 billion

expenditures: $15.95 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

2.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 10.3% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174 5.9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

0.91% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 134 1.98% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.1% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 116 7.29% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$5.25 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 54 $5.044 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$14.57 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 47 $11.04 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.83 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 61 $13.88 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$14.91 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 67 $23.06 billion (31 December 2007)

$16.16 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables; camels, cattle; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, natural and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production; construction, cement, copper, steel, chemicals, optic fiber

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Electricity - production:

13.58 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Electricity - consumption:

11.36 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

761,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Oil - consumption:

81,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - exports:

593,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - imports:

17,290 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - proved reserves:

5.5 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - production:

24 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Natural gas - consumption:

13.46 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - exports:

10.89 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - imports:

350 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - proved reserves:

849.5 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Current account balance:

$5.523 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $1.933 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$37.72 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $24.72 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum, reexports, fish, metals, textiles

Exports - partners:

China 31.7%, South Korea 17%, UAE 11.7%, Japan 11%, Thailand 7.1% (2008)

Imports:

$20.71 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72 $14.34 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants

Imports - partners:

UAE 27.2%, Japan 15.6%, US 5.7%, China 4.6%, India 4.5%, South Korea 4.2%, Germany 4.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$11.58 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 63 $9.524 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$7.68 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $5.297 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Omani rials (OMR) per US dollar - 0.3845 (2008 est.), 0.3845 (2007), 0.3845 (2006), 0.3845 (2005), 0.3845 (2004)

Communications ::Oman

Telephones - main lines in use:

274,200 (2008) country comparison to the world: 116

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.219 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radiotelephone communication stations; limited coaxial cable

domestic: fixed-line phone service gradually being introduced to remote villages using wireless local loop systems; fixed-line and mobile-cellular subscribership both increasing; open-wire, microwave, radiotelephone communications, and a domestic satellite system with 8 earth stations

international: country code - 968; the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the SEA-ME-WE-3 submarine cable provide connectivity to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat (2007)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 9, shortwave 2 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (plus 25 repeaters) (1999)

Internet country code:

.om

Internet hosts:

6,346 (2009) country comparison to the world: 133

Internet users:

465,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 110

Transportation ::Oman

Airports:

128 (2009) country comparison to the world: 45

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 118

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 52

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 25 (2009)

Heliports:

3 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 4,126 km; oil 3,558 km; refined products 263 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 42,300 km country comparison to the world: 85 paved: 16,500 km (includes 550 km of expressways)

unpaved: 25,800 km (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 142 by type: chemical tanker 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 1

registered in other countries: 2 (Panama 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Mina' Qabus, Salalah

Military ::Oman

Military branches:

Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF): Royal Army of Oman, Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Sultanat) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 802,455

females age 16-49: 626,841 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 675,454

females age 16-49: 563,890 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 35,647

female: 34,407 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

11.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Transnational Issues ::Oman

Disputes - international:

boundary agreement reportedly signed and ratified with UAE in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah exclave, but details of the alignment have not been made public

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Oman is a destination country for men and women primarily from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who migrate willingly, but some of whom become victims of trafficking when subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers; mistreatment includes non-payment of wages, restrictions on movement and withholding of passports, threats, and physical or sexual abuse; Oman may also be a destination country for women from Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Africa for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 3 - Oman was rated as Tier 3 for the second consecutive year because it did not report any law enforcement efforts to prosecute and punish trafficking offenses in 2007 and continues to lack victim protection services or a systematic procedure to identify victims of trafficking (2008)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Pacific Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Pacific Ocean

Background:

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.

Geography ::Pacific Ocean

Location:

body of water between the Southern Ocean, Asia, Australia, and the Western Hemisphere

Geographic coordinates:

0 00 N, 160 00 W

Map references:

Political Map of the World

Area:

total: 155.557 million sq km

note: includes Bali Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

about 15 times the size of the US; covers about 28% of the global surface; almost equal to the total land area of the world

Coastline:

135,663 km

Climate:

planetary air pressure systems and resultant wind patterns exhibit remarkable uniformity in the south and east; trade winds and westerly winds are well-developed patterns, modified by seasonal fluctuations; tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico from June to October and affect Mexico and Central America; continental influences cause climatic uniformity to be much less pronounced in the eastern and western regions at the same latitude in the North Pacific Ocean; the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian landmass back to the ocean; tropical cyclones (typhoons) may strike southeast and east Asia from May to December

Terrain:

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific, sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific, sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the Mariana Trench, which is the world's deepest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench -10,924 m

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish

Natural hazards:

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

Environment - current issues:

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea

Geography - note:

the major chokepoints are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean

Economy ::Pacific Ocean

Economy - overview:

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1996, over 60% of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of the US, Australia, NZ, China, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has led to fluctuations in new drillings.

Transportation ::Pacific Ocean

Ports and terminals:

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Kao-hsiung (Taiwan), Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan)

Transportation - note:

Inside Passage offers protected waters from southeast Alaska to Puget Sound (Washington state); the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial waters of littoral states and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargoes stolen; crew and passengers are often held for ransom, murdered, or cast adrift

Transnational Issues ::Pacific Ocean

Disputes - international:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

page last updated on October 22, 2009

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

@Pakistan (South Asia)

Introduction ::Pakistan

Background:

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples. The area underwent successive invasions in subsequent centuries from the Persians, Greeks, Scythians, Arabs (who brought Islam), Afghans, and Turks. The Mughal Empire flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries; the British came to dominate the region in the 18th century. The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with West and East sections) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan 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 discussions and confidence-building measures have led to decreased tensions since 2002. Mounting public dissatisfaction with President MUSHARRAF, coupled with the assassination of the prominent and popular political leader, Benazir BHUTTO, in late 2007, and MUSHARRAF's resignation in August 2008, led to the September presidential election of Asif ZARDARI, BHUTTO's widower. Pakistani government and military leaders are struggling to control Islamist militants, many of whom are located in the tribal areas adjacent to the border with Afghanistan. The November 2008 Mumbai attacks again inflamed Indo-Pakistan relations. The Pakistani Government is also faced with a deteriorating economy as foreign exchange reserves decline, the currency depreciates, and the current account deficit widens.

Geography ::Pakistan

Location:

Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea, between India on the east and Iran and Afghanistan on the west and China in the north

Geographic coordinates:

30 00 N, 70 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 796,095 sq km country comparison to the world: 36 land: 770,875 sq km

water: 25,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total: 6,774 km

border countries: Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km

Coastline:

1,046 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate:

mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north

Terrain:

flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: K2 (Mt. Godwin-Austen) 8,611 m

Natural resources:

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 24.44%

permanent crops: 0.84%

other: 74.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

182,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

233.8 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 169.39 cu km/yr (2%/2%/96%)

per capita: 1,072 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August)

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; limited natural fresh water resources; most of the population does not have access to potable water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

People ::Pakistan

Population:

176,242,949 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.2% (male 33,739,547/female 31,868,065)

15-64 years: 58.6% (male 52,849,607/female 50,378,198)

65 years and over: 4.2% (male 3,475,927/female 3,931,605) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.8 years

male: 20.6 years

female: 21 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.947% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Birth rate:

27.62 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Death rate:

7.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Net migration rate:

-0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Urbanization:

urban population: 36% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

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: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 65.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 32 male: 65.24 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 65.05 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 64.49 years country comparison to the world: 167 male: 63.4 years

female: 65.64 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.6 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

96,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

5,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

animal contact disease: rabies

note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Pakistani(s)

adjective: Pakistani

Ethnic groups:

Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhagirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Religions:

Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 5%

Languages:

Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski, and other 8%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 49.9%

male: 63%

female: 36% (2005 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 7 years

female: 6 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 155

Government ::Pakistan

Country name:

conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

conventional short form: Pakistan

local long form: Jamhuryat Islami Pakistan

local short form: Pakistan

former: West Pakistan

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 33 42 N, 73 10 E

time difference: UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, in 2009 - begins third Wednesday in April; ends first Sunday in November; note - a new policy of daylight saving time was initiated by the government in 2008; the specific date of the start of DST has varied over the last two years

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier Province, Punjab, Sindh

note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region consists of two administrative entities: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan

Independence:

14 August 1947 (from British India)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 March (1956)

Constitution:

12 April 1973; suspended 5 July 1977, restored 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored in stages in 2002; amended 31 December 2003; suspended 3 November 2007; restored on 15 December 2007

Legal system:

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's status as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; joint electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for women and non-Muslims

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Asif Ali ZARDARI (since 9 September 2008)

note: following President Pervez MUSHARRAF's resignation on 18 August 2008, elections were held on 6 September in which Asif Ali ZARDARI won a clear majority; ZARDARI'S inauguration as president of Pakistan on 9 September solidified the country's return to civilian government after more than eight years of military rule

head of government: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI (since 25 March 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the advice of the prime minister

elections: the president is elected by secret ballot through an Electoral College comprising the members of the Senate, National Assembly, and the provincial assemblies for a five-year term; election last held on 6 September 2008 (next to be held not later than 2013); note - any person who is a Muslim and not less than 45 years of age and is qualified to be elected as a member of the National Assembly can contest the presidential election; the prime minister is selected by the National Assembly; election last held on 24 March 2008

election results: Asif Ali ZARDARI elected president; ZARDARI 481 votes, SIDDIQUE 153 votes, SYED 44 votes; Syed Yousuf Raza GILANI elected prime minister; GILANI 264 votes, Pervaiz ELAHI 42 votes; several abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral parliament or Majlis-e-Shoora consists of the Senate (100 seats; members indirectly elected by provincial assemblies and the territories' representatives in the National Assembly to serve six-year terms; one half are elected every three years) and the National Assembly (342 seats; 272 members elected by popular vote; 60 seats reserved for women; 10 seats reserved for non-Muslims; serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 3 March 2009 (next to be held in March 2012); National Assembly - last held on 18 February 2008 with by-elections on 26 June 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PPPP 27, PML-Q 21, MMA 9, PML-N 7, ANP 6, MQM 6, JUI-F 4, BNP-A 2, JWP 1, NPP 1, PKMAP 1, PML-F 1, PPP 1, independents 13; National Assembly - percent of votes by party - NA; seats by party - PPPP 124, PML-N 91, PML 54, MQM 25, ANP 13, MMA 7, PML-F 5, BNP-A 1, NPP 1, PPP-S 1, independents 17; note - 3 seats remain unfilled

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president); Federal Islamic or Sharia Court

Political parties and leaders:

Awami National Party or ANP [Asfandyar Wali KHAN]; Balochistan National Party-Hayee Group or BNP-H [Dr. Hayee BALOCH]; Balochistan National Party-Awami or BNP-A [Moheem Khan BALOCH]; Balochistan National Party-Mengal or BNP-M [Sardar Ataullah MENGAL]; Jamhoori Watan Party or JWP; Jamiat Ahle Hadith or JAH [Sajid MIR]; Jamaat-i Islami or JI [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Fazlur Rehman or JUI-F [Fazlur REHMAN]; Jamiat Ulema-i Islam Sami-ul HAQ or JUI-S [Sami ul-HAQ]; Jamiat Ulema-i Pakistan or JUP [Shah Faridul HAQ]; Muttahida Majlis-e Amal or MMA [Qazi Hussain AHMED]; Muttahida Qaumi Movement or MQM [Altaf HUSSAIN]; National Alliance or NA [Ghulam Mustapha JATOI] (merged with PML); National Peoples Party or NPP; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party or PKMAP [Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI]; Pakistan Awami Tehrik or PAT [Tahir ul QADRI]; Pakistan Muslim League-Functional or PML-F [Pir PAGARO]; Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Sharif or PML-N [Nawaz SHARIF]; Pakistan Muslim League or PML [Chaudhry Shujaat HUSSAIN]; Pakistan Peoples Party-SHERPAO or PPP-S [Aftab Ahmed Khan SHERPAO]; Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians or PPPP [Bilawal Bhutto ZARDARI, chairman; Asif Ali ZARDARI, co-chairman]; Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaaf or PTI [Imran KHAN]; Tehrik-i Islami [Allama Sajid NAQVI]

note: political alliances in Pakistan can shift frequently

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: military (most important political force); ulema (clergy); landowners; industrialists; small merchants

International organization participation:

ADB, ARF, C, CP, ECO, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURCAT, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Husain HAQQANI

chancery: 3517 International Court, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 243-6500

FAX: [1] (202) 686-1544

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York, Sunnyvale (California)

consulate(s): Chicago, Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Anne W. PATTERSON

embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, Unit 62200, APO AE 09812-2200

telephone: [92] (51) 208-0000

FAX: [92] (51) 2276427

consulate(s) general: Karachi

consulate(s): Lahore, Peshawar

Flag description:

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam

Economy ::Pakistan

Economy - overview:

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has suffered from decades of internal political disputes, low levels of foreign investment, and declining exports of manufactures. Faced with untenable budgetary deficits, high inflation, and hemorrhaging foreign exchange reserves, the government agreed to an International Monetary Fund Standby Arrangement in November 2008. Between 2004-07, GDP growth in the 6-8% range was spurred by gains in the industrial and service sectors, despite severe electricity shortfalls. Poverty levels decreased by 10% since 2001, and Islamabad steadily raised development spending in recent years. In 2008 the fiscal deficit - a result of chronically low tax collection and increased spending - exceeded Islamabad's target of 4% of GDP. Inflation remains the top concern among the public, jumping from 7.7% in 2007 to 20.8% in 2008, primarily because of rising world fuel and commodity prices. In addition, the Pakistani rupee has depreciated significantly as a result of political and economic instability.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$431.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $417 billion (2007 est.)

$393.4 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$164.6 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 6% (2007 est.)

6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $2,500 (2007 est.)

$2,400 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 20.4%

industry: 26.6%

services: 53% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

50.58 million country comparison to the world: 11 note: extensive export of labor, mostly to the Middle East, and use of child labor (2008 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 43%

industry: 20.3%

services: 36.6% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

13.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 5.6% (2007 est.)

note: substantial underemployment exists

Population below poverty line:

24% (FY05/06 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.9%

highest 10%: 26.5% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30.6 (FY07/08) country comparison to the world: 110 41 (FY98/99)

Investment (gross fixed):

20% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Budget:

revenues: $22.3 billion

expenditures: $32.35 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

51.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 71.4% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204 7.6% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

15% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 42 10% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$52.76 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$18.42 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$65.05 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$23.49 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 54 $70.26 billion (31 December 2007)

$45.52 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; milk, beef, mutton, eggs

Industries:

textiles and apparel, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, shrimp

Industrial production growth rate:

4.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Electricity - production:

90.8 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Electricity - consumption:

72.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

61,870 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - consumption:

383,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Oil - exports:

30,090 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - imports:

319,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Oil - proved reserves:

339 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - production:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Natural gas - consumption:

37.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Natural gas - proved reserves:

885.3 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Current account balance:

-$15.68 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 -$8.297 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$21.09 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $18.12 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

textiles (garments, bed linen, cotton cloth, yarn), rice, leather goods, sports goods, chemicals, manufactures, carpets and rugs

Exports - partners:

US 16%, UAE 11.7%, Afghanistan 8.6%, UK 4.5%, China 4.2% (2008)

Imports:

$38.19 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $28.76 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, plastics, transportation equipment, edible oils, paper and paperboard, iron and steel, tea

Imports - partners:

China 14.1%, Saudi Arabia 12%, UAE 11.2%, Kuwait 5.4%, India 4.8%, US 4.7%, Malaysia 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$8.903 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $15.69 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$46.39 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $38.8 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$25.44 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $20.01 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.017 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $982 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Pakistani rupees (PKR) per US dollar - 70.64 (2008 est.), 60.6295 (2007), 60.35 (2006), 59.515 (2005), 58.258 (2004)

Communications ::Pakistan

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.546 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 33

Telephones - mobile cellular:

91.44 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications infrastructure is improving dramatically with foreign and domestic investments in fixed-line and mobile networks; mobile-cellular subscribership has skyrocketed, reaching some 91 million in 2009, up from only about 300,000 in 2000; fiber systems are being constructed throughout the country to aid in network growth; main line availability has risen only marginally over the same period and there are still difficulties getting main line service to rural areas

domestic: microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, cellular, and satellite networks

international: country code - 92; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable systems that provide links to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean); 3 operational international gateway exchanges (1 at Karachi and 2 at Islamabad); microwave radio relay to neighboring countries (2009)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 31, FM 68, shortwave NA (2006)

Television broadcast stations:

20 (5 state-run channels and 15 privately-owned satellite channels) (2006)

Internet country code:

.pk

Internet hosts:

226,236 (2009) country comparison to the world: 61

Internet users:

18.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 20

Transportation ::Pakistan

Airports:

145 (2009) country comparison to the world: 38

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 98

over 3,047 m: 16

2,438 to 3,047 m: 19

1,524 to 2,437 m: 38

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 8 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 47

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11

914 to 1,523 m: 12

under 914 m: 24 (2009)

Heliports:

19 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 10,402 km; oil 2,076 km; refined products 792 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 7,791 km country comparison to the world: 28 broad gauge: 7,479 km 1.676-m gauge (293 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 312 km 1.000-m gauge (2007)

Roadways:

total: 259,197 km country comparison to the world: 20 paved: 172,827 km (includes 711 km of expressways)

unpaved: 86,370 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 15 country comparison to the world: 105 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 10, petroleum tanker 4

registered in other countries: 19 (Comoros 4, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 1, Panama 9, Saint Kitts and Nevis 3) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim

Military ::Pakistan

Military branches:

Army (includes National Guard), Navy (includes Marines and Maritime Security Agency), Pakistan Air Force (Pakistan Fiza'ya) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17-23 years of age for voluntary military service; soldiers cannot be deployed for combat until age 18; the Pakistani Air Force and Pakistani Navy have inducted their first female pilots and sailors (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 42,633,765

females age 16-49: 40,114,017 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 33,690,322

females age 16-49: 32,602,910 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,089,936

female: 1,964,090 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Transnational Issues ::Pakistan

Disputes - international:

various talks and confidence-building measures cautiously have begun to defuse tensions over Kashmir, particularly since the October 2005 earthquake in the region; Kashmir nevertheless remains the site of the world's largest and most militarized territorial dispute with portions under the de facto administration of China (Aksai Chin), India (Jammu and Kashmir), and Pakistan (Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas); UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has maintained a small group of peacekeepers since 1949; India does not recognize Pakistan's ceding historic Kashmir lands to China in 1964; India and Pakistan have maintained their 2004 cease fire in Kashmir and initiated discussions on defusing the armed stand-off in the Siachen glacier region; Pakistan protests India's fencing the highly militarized Line of Control and construction of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir, which is part of the larger dispute on water sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries; to defuse tensions and prepare for discussions on a maritime boundary, India and Pakistan seek technical resolution of the disputed boundary in Sir Creek estuary at the mouth of the Rann of Kutch in the Arabian Sea; Pakistani maps continue to show the Junagadh claim in India's Gujarat State; by 2005, Pakistan, with UN assistance, repatriated 2.3 million Afghan refugees leaving slightly more than a million, many of whom remain at their own choosing; Pakistan has proposed and Afghanistan protests construction of a fence and laying of mines along portions of their porous border; Pakistan has sent troops into remote tribal areas to monitor and control the border with Afghanistan and to stem terrorist or other illegal activities

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,043,984 (Afghanistan)

IDPs: undetermined (government strikes on Islamic militants in South Waziristan); 34,000 (October 2005 earthquake; most of those displaced returned to their home villages in the spring of 2006) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

significant transit area for Afghan drugs, including heroin, opium, morphine, and hashish, bound for Iran, Western markets, the Gulf States, Africa, and Asia; financial crimes related to drug trafficking, terrorism, corruption, and smuggling remain problems; opium poppy cultivation estimated to be 2,300 hectares in 2007 with 600 of those hectares eradicated; federal and provincial authorities continue to conduct anti-poppy campaigns that utilizes forced eradication, fines, and arrests

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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@Palau (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Palau

Background:

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.

Geography ::Palau

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of the Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

7 30 N, 134 30 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 459 sq km country comparison to the world: 197 land: 459 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,519 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; wet season May to November

Terrain:

varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Ngerchelchuus 242 m

Natural resources:

forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land: 8.7%

permanent crops: 4.35%

other: 86.95% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

typhoons (June to December)

Environment - current issues:

inadequate facilities for disposal of solid waste; threats to the marine ecosystem from sand and coral dredging, illegal fishing practices, and overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost archipelago in the Caroline chain, consists of six island groups totaling more than 300 islands; includes World War II battleground of Beliliou (Peleliu) and world-famous rock islands

People ::Palau

Population:

20,796 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.9% (male 2,458/female 2,314)

15-64 years: 70.8% (male 8,207/female 6,521)

65 years and over: 6.2% (male 401/female 895) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 32.2 years

male: 32 years

female: 32.7 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.428% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Birth rate:

11.2 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Death rate:

7.89 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Net migration rate:

0.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Urbanization:

urban population: 81% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.26 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.45 male(s)/female

total population: 1.14 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 136 male: 14.83 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.36 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.22 years country comparison to the world: 129 male: 68.08 years

female: 74.54 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Palauan(s)

adjective: Palauan

Ethnic groups:

Palauan (Micronesian with Malayan and Melanesian admixtures) 69.9%, Filipino 15.3%, Chinese 4.9%, other Asian 2.4%, white 1.9%, Carolinian 1.4%, other Micronesian 1.1%, other or unspecified 3.2% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 41.6%, Protestant 23.3%, Modekngei 8.8% (indigenous to Palau), Seventh-Day Adventist 5.3%, Jehovah's Witness 0.9%, Latter-Day Saints 0.6%, other 3.1%, unspecified or none 16.4% (2000 census)

Languages:

Palauan 64.7% official in all islands except Sonsoral (Sonsoralese and English are official), Tobi (Tobi and English are official), and Angaur (Angaur, Japanese, and English are official), Filipino 13.5%, English 9.4%, Chinese 5.7%, Carolinian 1.5%, Japanese 1.5%, other Asian 2.3%, other languages 1.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92%

male: 93%

female: 90% (1980 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2000)

Education expenditures:

10.3% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 4

Government ::Palau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Palau

conventional short form: Palau

local long form: Beluu er a Belau

local short form: Belau

former: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Palau District

Government type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 1 October 1994

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 7 29 N, 134 38 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

16 states; Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Hatohobei, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngardmau, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngeremlengui, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol

Independence:

1 October 1994 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Constitution:

1 January 1981

Legal system:

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Johnson TORIBIONG (since 15 January 2009); Vice President Kerai MARIUR (since 15 January 2009)

cabinet: NA

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Johnson TORIBIONG (51%) defeats Elias Camsek CHIN (49%) for president; Kerai MARIUR elected vice president

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) consists of the Senate (9 seats; members elected by popular vote on a population basis to serve four-year terms) and the House of Delegates (16 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); House of Delegates - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9; House of Delegates - percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 16

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Common Pleas; Land Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IOC, IPU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Hersey KYOTA

chancery: 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: [1] (202) 452-6814

FAX: [1] (202) 452-6281

consulate(s): Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Charge d'Affaires Mark BEZNER

embassy: Koror (no street address)

mailing address: P. O. Box 6028, Republic of Palau 96940

telephone: [680] 488-2920, 2990

FAX: [680] 488-2911

Flag description:

light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side

Economy ::Palau

Economy - overview:

The economy consists primarily of tourism, subsistence agriculture, and fishing. The government is the major employer of the work force relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. The Compact of Free Association with the US, entered into after the end of the UN trusteeship on 1 October 1994, provided Palau with up to $700 million in US aid for the following 15 years in return for furnishing military facilities. Business and tourist arrivals numbered 85,000 in 2007. The population enjoys a per capita income roughly 50% higher than that of the Philippines and much of Micronesia. Long-run prospects for the key tourist sector have been greatly bolstered by the expansion of air travel in the Pacific, the rising prosperity of leading East Asian countries, and the willingness of foreigners to finance infrastructure development.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$164 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $124.5 million (2004 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP estimate includes US subsidy

GDP (official exchange rate):

$164 million (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $7,600 (2005 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.2%

industry: 12%

services: 81.8% (2003)

Labor force:

9,777 (2005) country comparison to the world: 209

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 20%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

4.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $114.8 million

expenditures: $99.5 million (2008 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, copra, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; fish

Industries:

tourism, craft items (from shell, wood, pearls), construction, garment making

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Current account balance:

$15.09 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 61

Exports:

$5.882 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Exports - commodities:

shellfish, tuna, copra, garments

Imports:

$107.3 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, metals; foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$0 (FY99/00) country comparison to the world: 204

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Palau

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,500 (2008) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephones - mobile cellular:

12,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 211

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services available with a combined subscribership of more than 90 per 100 persons

international: country code - 680; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 1 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (cable) (2005)

Internet country code:

.pw

Internet hosts:

2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 228

Transportation ::Palau

Airports:

3 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 (2009)

Roadways:

note: estimated to have 60 km of roads as of 1996

Ports and terminals:

Koror

Military ::Palau

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Palau National Police (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,973 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,177

females age 16-49: 3,936 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 207

female: 214 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US; under a Compact of Free Association between Palau and the US, the US military is granted access to the islands for 50 years, but it has not stationed any military forces there (2008)

Transnational Issues ::Palau

Disputes - international:

maritime delineation negotiations continue with Philippines, Indonesia

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Panama (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Panama

Background:

Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela - named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. 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. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. 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 transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious plan to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal's capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Geography ::Panama

Location:

Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Geographic coordinates:

9 00 N, 80 00 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 75,420 sq km country comparison to the world: 117 land: 74,340 sq km

water: 1,080 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 555 km

border countries: Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline:

2,490 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm or edge of continental margin

Climate:

tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Terrain:

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Baru 3,475 m

Natural resources:

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 7.26%

permanent crops: 1.95%

other: 90.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

430 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

148 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.82 cu km/yr (67%/5%/28%)

per capita: 254 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

occasional severe storms and forest fires in the Darien area

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation and soil erosion threatens siltation of Panama Canal; air pollution in urban areas; mining threatens natural resources

Environment - international agreements:

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

People ::Panama

Population:

3,360,474 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)

15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 27 years

male: 26.6 years

female: 27.3 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.503% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Birth rate:

20.18 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Death rate:

4.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Net migration rate:

-0.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.87 male(s)/female

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 139 male: 13.53 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 77.25 years country comparison to the world: 59 male: 74.47 years

female: 80.16 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.53 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Panamanian(s)

adjective: Panamanian

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 70%, Amerindian and mixed (West Indian) 14%, white 10%, Amerindian 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English 14%; note - many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.9%

male: 92.5%

female: 91.2% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 114

Government ::Panama

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Panama

conventional short form: Panama

local long form: Republica de Panama

local short form: Panama

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 8 58 N, 79 32 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Comarca Kuna Yala, Comarca Ngobe-Bugle, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas* (Kuna Yala), and Veraguas

Independence:

3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Constitution:

11 October 1972; revised in 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal (since 1 July 2009); Vice President Juan Carlos VARELA (since 1 July 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms (not eligible for immediate reelection; president and vice president must sit out two additional terms (10 years) before becoming eligible for reelection); election last held 3 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal elected president; percent of vote - Ricardo MARTINELLI Berrocal 60%, Balbina HERRERA 38%, Guillermo ENDARA Galimany 2%

note: government coalition - PRD (Democratic Revolutionary Party), PP (Popular Party)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Asamblea Nacional (71 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 3 May 2009 (next to be held May 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PRD 26, Panamenista 22, CD 14, PU 4, Independent 2, MOLIRENA 2, PP 1

note: legislators from outlying rural districts are chosen on a plurality basis while districts located in more populous towns and cities elect multiple legislators by means of a proportion-based formula

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges appointed for 10-year terms); five superior courts; three courts of appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Change or CD [Ricardo MARTINELLI]; Democratic Revolutionary Party or PRD [Martin TORRIJOS Espino]; Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement or MOLIRENA [Sergio GONZALEZ-Ruiz]; Panamenista Party [Juan Carlos VARELA] (formerly the Arnulfista Party); Patriotic Union Party or UP (combination of the Liberal National Party or PLN and the Solidarity Party or PS)[Guillermo "Billy" FORD and Anibal GALINDO]; Popular Party or PP [Rene ORILLAC] (formerly Christian Democratic Party or PDC)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; National Civic Crusade; National Council of Organized Workers or CONATO; National Council of Private Enterprise or CONEP; National Union of Construction and Similar Workers (SUNTRACS); Panamanian Association of Business Executives or APEDE; Panamanian Industrialists Society or SIP; Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama or CTRP

International organization participation:

BCIE, CAN (observer), CSN (observer), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, SICA, UN, UNASUR (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime Eduardo ALEMAN Healy

chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-1407

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8416

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Tampa

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Barbara J. STEPHENSON

embassy: Edificio 783, Avenida Demetrio Basilio Lakas Panama, Apartado Postal 0816-02561, Zona 5, Panama City

mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945, APO AA 34002

telephone: [507] 207-7000

FAX: [507] 317-5568

Flag description:

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red; the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center

Economy ::Panama

Economy - overview:

Panama's dollarized economy rests primarily on a well-developed services sector that accounts for 80% of GDP. Services include operating the Panama Canal, banking, the Colon Free Zone, insurance, container ports, flagship registry, and tourism. Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by 2014 at a cost of $5.3 billion - about 25% of current GDP. The expansion project will more than double the Canal's capacity, enabling it to accommodate ships that are now too large to transverse the transoceanic crossway, and should help to reduce the high unemployment rate. Strong economic performance has reduced the national poverty level to 29% in 2008; however, Panama has the second most unequal income distribution in Latin America. The government has implemented tax reforms, as well as social security reforms, and backs regional trade agreements and development of tourism. Not a CAFTA signatory, Panama in December 2006 independently negotiated a free trade agreement with the US, which, when implemented, will help promote the country's economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$38.92 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $35.64 billion (2007 est.)

$31.96 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$23.09 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 11.5% (2007 est.)

8.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,800 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 $10,900 (2007 est.)

$10,000 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 6.4%

industry: 17.2%

services: 76.4% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

1.392 million country comparison to the world: 131 note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor (2008 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 15%

industry: 18%

services: 67% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

5.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 6.4% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

28.6% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 0.8%

highest 10%: 41.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.1 (2003) country comparison to the world: 12 48.5 (1997)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Budget:

revenues: $6.02 billion

expenditures: $5.923 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

45% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 69.2% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 4.2% (2007 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.16% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 8.25% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$3.764 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 61 $3.054 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$15.84 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 44 $14.26 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$19.8 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 59 $17.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$6.568 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 80 $6.219 billion (31 December 2007)

$5.716 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane, vegetables; livestock; shrimp

Industries:

construction, brewing, cement and other construction materials, sugar milling

Industrial production growth rate:

14.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Electricity - production:

6.322 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - consumption:

5.17 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - exports:

124.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.74 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - consumption:

94,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - exports:

4,803 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Oil - imports:

87,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Current account balance:

-$2.792 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 -$1.422 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$10.29 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 $9.338 billion (2007 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Exports - commodities:

bananas, shrimp, sugar, coffee, clothing

Exports - partners:

US 39.2%, Netherlands 10.7%, Costa Rica 5.8%, Sweden 5.4%, UK 5.4%, Spain 5%, China 4.1% (2008)

Imports:

$15 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $12.52 billion (2007 est.)

note: includes the Colon Free Zone

Imports - commodities:

capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 29.6%, Costa Rica 5%, China 5%, Japan 4.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.693 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $1.935 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$11.26 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 $10.45 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

balboas (PAB) per US dollar - 1 (2008 est.), 1 (2007), 1 (2006), 1 (2005), 1 (2004)

note: the US dollar is the legal currency

Communications ::Panama

Telephones - main lines in use:

495,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 97

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.805 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 95

Telephone system:

general assessment: domestic and international facilities well developed

domestic: mobile-cellular telephone subscribership has increased rapidly with combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity reaching 130 per 100 persons in 2008

international: country code - 507; landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), the MAYA-1, and PAN-AM submarine cable systems that together provide links to the US and parts of the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); connected to the Central American Microwave System (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 101, FM 134, shortwave 0 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

38 (including repeaters) (1998)

Internet country code:

.pa

Internet hosts:

8,067 (2009) country comparison to the world: 124

Internet users:

934,500 (2008) country comparison to the world: 92

Transportation ::Panama

Airports:

117 (2009) country comparison to the world: 52

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 54

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 17

under 914 m: 30 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 63

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 51 (2009)

Heliports:

3 (2009)

Railways:

total: 76 km country comparison to the world: 128 standard gauge: 76 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 11,978 km country comparison to the world: 132 paved: 4,300 km

unpaved: 7,678 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (includes 82 km Panama Canal) (2008) country comparison to the world: 72

Merchant marine:

total: 6,323 country comparison to the world: 1 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 2,143, cargo 1,208, carrier 13, chemical tanker 565, combination ore/oil 6, container 790, liquefied gas 189, passenger 44, passenger/cargo 71, petroleum tanker 557, refrigerated cargo 265, roll on/roll off 128, specialized tanker 29, vehicle carrier 313

foreign-owned: 5,394 (Albania 2, Argentina 8, Australia 4, Azerbaijan 1, Bahamas 9, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 2, British Virgin Islands 1, Bulgaria 3, Burma 1, Canada 18, Chile 12, China 532, Colombia 4, Croatia 3, Cuba 10, Cyprus 19, Denmark 40, Dominican Republic 1, Ecuador 4, Egypt 17, Estonia 5, Finland 2, France 5, Gabon 1, Germany 44, Gibraltar 1, Greece 510, Hong Kong 130, India 27, Indonesia 31, Iran 7, Israel 3, Italy 28, Japan 2,335, Jordan 13, North Korea 1, South Korea 303, Kuwait 2, Latvia 8, Lebanon 5, Lithuania 7, Malaysia 12, Maldives 1, Malta 3, Mexico 2, Monaco 16, Netherlands 14, Nigeria 10, Norway 89, Oman 2, Pakistan 9, Peru 16, Philippines 7, Poland 11, Portugal 9, Qatar 1, Romania 7, Russia 18, Saudi Arabia 16, Singapore 100, Spain 50, Sri Lanka 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 25, Syria 32, Taiwan 320, Thailand 10, Tunisia 1, Turkey 94, Turks and Caicos Islands 1, Ukraine 10, UAE 109, UK 59, US 126, Venezuela 10, Vietnam 30, Yemen 6)

registered in other countries: 3 (Marshall Islands 1, Sierra Leone 1, Venezuela 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Balboa, Colon, Cristobal

Military ::Panama

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Panamanian public forces include: Panamanian National Police (PNP), National Air-Naval Service (SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT) (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 851,044 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 705,160

females age 16-49: 710,521 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 31,089

female: 29,939 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 138

Military - note:

on 10 February 1990, the government of then President ENDARA abolished Panama's military and reformed the security apparatus by creating the Panamanian Public Forces; in October 1994, Panama's Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment prohibiting the creation of a standing military force but allowing the temporary establishment of special police units to counter acts of "external aggression"

Transnational Issues ::Panama

Disputes - international:

organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia operate within the remote border region with Panama

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Panama is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are Panamanian women and children trafficked within the country into the sex trade; rural children in Panama may be trafficked internally to urban areas for labor exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Panama is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly with respect to prosecuting, convicting, and sentencing human traffickers for their crimes, and for failing to provide adequate victim assistance (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major cocaine transshipment point and primary money-laundering center for narcotics revenue; money-laundering activity is especially heavy in the Colon Free Zone; offshore financial center; negligible signs of coca cultivation; monitoring of financial transactions is improving; official corruption remains a major problem

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Papua New Guinea (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Papua New Guinea

Background:

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.

Geography ::Papua New Guinea

Location:

Oceania, group of islands including the eastern half of the island of New Guinea between the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean, east of Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

6 00 S, 147 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 462,840 sq km country comparison to the world: 54 land: 452,860 sq km

water: 9,980 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total: 820 km

border countries: Indonesia 820 km

Coastline:

5,152 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Wilhelm 4,509 m

Natural resources:

gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil, fisheries

Land use:

arable land: 0.49%

permanent crops: 1.4%

other: 98.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

801 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.1 cu km/yr (56%/43%/1%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (1987)

Natural hazards:

active volcanism; situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire"; the country is subject to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes; mud slides; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

rain forest subject to deforestation as a result of growing commercial demand for tropical timber; pollution from mining projects; severe drought

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast

People ::Papua New Guinea

Population:

6,057,263 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.9% (male 1,137,796/female 1,099,365)

15-64 years: 59% (male 1,836,272/female 1,735,298)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 114,789/female 133,743) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.7 years

male: 21.8 years

female: 21.6 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.069% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Birth rate:

27.55 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58

Death rate:

6.86 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 12% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 45.23 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 57 male: 49.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 41.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.34 years country comparison to the world: 160 male: 64.08 years

female: 68.72 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.62 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

54,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective: Papua New Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 27%, Evangelical Lutheran 19.5%, United Church 11.5%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, Pentecostal 8.6%, Evangelical Alliance 5.2%, Anglican 3.2%, Baptist 2.5%, other Protestant 8.9%, Bahai 0.3%, indigenous beliefs and other 3.3% (2000 census)

Languages:

Tok Pisin, English, and Hiri Motu are official languages; some 860 indigenous languages spoken (over one-tenth of the world's total)

note: Tok Pisin, a creole language, is widely used and understood; English is spoken by 1%-2%; Hiri Motu is spoken by less than 2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.3%

male: 63.4%

female: 50.9% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

People - note:

the indigenous population of Papua New Guinea is one of the most heterogeneous in the world; PNG has several thousand separate communities, most with only a few hundred people; divided by language, customs, and tradition, some of these communities have engaged in low-scale tribal conflict with their neighbors for millennia; the advent of modern weapons and modern migrants into urban areas has greatly magnified the impact of this lawlessness

Government ::Papua New Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea

conventional short form: Papua New Guinea

local short form: Papuaniugini

former: Territory of Papua and New Guinea

abbreviation: PNG

Government type:

constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 9 30 S, 147 10 E

time difference: UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

20 provinces; Bougainville (autonomous region), Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain

Independence:

16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Constitution:

16 September 1975

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by governor general Sir Paulius MATANE (since 29 June 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Sir Michael SOMARE (since 2 August 2002); Deputy Prime Minister Puka TEMU (since 29 August 2007)

cabinet: National Executive Council appointed by the governor general on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is nominated by parliament and appointed by the chief of state; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of the majority coalition usually is appointed prime minister by the governor general acting in accordance with a decision of the parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (109 seats, 89 filled from open electorates and 20 from provinces and national capital district; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); constitution allows up to 126 seats

elections: last held from 30 June to 10 July 2007; next to be held in June 2012

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - National Alliance 27, PNGP 8, PAP 6, URP 6, PANGU 5, PDM 5, independents 19, others 33; note - election to 1 seat was nullified

note: 15 other parties won 4 or fewer seats; association with political parties is fluid

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice; other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance Party or NA [Michael SOMARE]; Papua and Niugini Union Party or PANGU PATI [Andrew KUMBAKOR]; Papua New Guinea Party or PNGP [Sir Mekere MORAUTA]; People's Democratic Movement or PDM [Michael OGIO]; People's Action Party or PAP [Gabriel KAPRIS]; United Resources Party or URP [William DUMA] (2007)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahora [Andrew MAMOKO] (represents local tribes); Centre for Environment Law and Community Rights or Celcor [Damien ASE]; Community Coalition Against Corruption

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, APEC, ARF, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Evan Jeremy PAKI

chancery: 1779 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 745-3680

FAX: [1] (202) 745-3679

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Teddy B. TAYLOR

embassy: Douglas Street, Port Moresby, N.C.D.

mailing address: 4240 Port Moresby PI, US Department of State, Washington DC 20521-4240

telephone: [675] 321-1455

FAX: [675] 321-3423

Flag description:

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five, white, five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered

Economy ::Papua New Guinea

Economy - overview:

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain and the high cost of developing infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 75% of the population. Mineral deposits, including copper, gold, and oil, account for nearly two-thirds of export earnings. The government of Prime Minister SOMARE has expended much of its energy remaining in power. He was the first prime minister ever to serve a full five-year term. The government also brought stability to the national budget, largely through expenditure control; however, it relaxed spending constraints in 2006 and 2007 as elections approached. Numerous challenges still face the government including regaining investor confidence, restoring integrity to state institutions, promoting economic efficiency by privatizing moribund state institutions, and balancing relations with Australia, its former colonial ruler. Other socio-cultural challenges could upend the economy including a worsening HIV/AIDS epidemic, currently the highest rate in all of East Asia and the Pacific, and chronic law and order and land tenure issues. Australia supplied more than $300 million in aid in FY07/08, which accounts for nearly 20% of the national budget. A consortium led by a major American oil company hopes to begin the commercialization of the country's estimated 227 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserves through the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility by 2010. The project has the potential to double the GDP of Papua New Guinea.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$13.17 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 $12.3 billion (2007 est.)

$11.65 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$8.092 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 5.6% (2007 est.)

2.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,300 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $2,200 (2007 est.)

$2,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.3%

industry: 36.3%

services: 30.4% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

3.639 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 85%

industry: NA%

services: NA% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.9% (2004) country comparison to the world: 17

Population below poverty line:

37% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.7%

highest 10%: 40.5% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.9 (1996) country comparison to the world: 19

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Budget:

revenues: $2.62 billion

expenditures: $2.797 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

32.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 59.3% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 0.9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 55 7.38% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.27% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 86 9.78% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$2.005 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 71 $1.685 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$1.726 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 86 $1.482 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$2.065 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 92 $1.486 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$6.632 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, cocoa, copra, palm kernels, tea, sugar, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, vanilla; shell fish, poultry, pork

Industries:

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production; mining of gold, silver, and copper; crude oil production, petroleum refining; construction, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

5.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - production:

2.885 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Electricity - consumption:

2.683 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

38,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - consumption:

33,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - exports:

32,490 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Oil - imports:

14,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Oil - proved reserves:

88 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - production:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Natural gas - consumption:

100 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Natural gas - proved reserves:

226.5 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Current account balance:

$710 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $193.6 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$5.719 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 $4.748 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

oil, gold, copper ore, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, crayfish, prawns

Exports - partners:

Australia 27.2%, Japan 9.2%, China 5.1% (2008)

Imports:

$3.124 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $2.629 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Australia 42.6%, Singapore 15.6%, China 11%, Japan 5.8%, Malaysia 4.3% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.987 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 $2.087 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.511 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 $1.646 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

kina (PGK) per US dollar - 2.6956 (2008 est.), 3.03 (2007), 3.0643 (2006), 3.08 (2005), 3.2225 (2004)

Communications ::Papua New Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

60,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephones - mobile cellular:

600,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 152

Telephone system:

general assessment: services are minimal; facilities provide radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radio communication services

domestic: access to telephone services is not widely available; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 11 per 100 persons

international: country code - 675; submarine cables to Australia and Guam; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean); international radio communication service (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 19, shortwave 28 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

3 (all in the Port Moresby area; stations at Mt. Hagen, Goroka, Lae, and Rabaul are planned) (2004)

Internet country code:

.pg

Internet hosts:

3,432 (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Internet users:

120,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 147

Transportation ::Papua New Guinea

Airports:

560 (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 21

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 539

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 63

under 914 m: 467 (2009)

Heliports:

2 (2009)

Pipelines:

oil 195 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 19,600 km country comparison to the world: 111 paved: 686 km

unpaved: 18,914 km (2000)

Waterways:

11,000 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 12

Merchant marine:

total: 21 country comparison to the world: 98 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 17, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 6 (UAE 6) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kimbe, Lae, Madang, Rabaul, Wewak

Military ::Papua New Guinea

Military branches:

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF; includes Maritime Operations Element, Air Operations Element) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

16 years of age for voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,481,417

females age 16-49: 1,385,040 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,110,175

females age 16-49: 1,127,758 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 64,636

female: 62,803 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Transnational Issues ::Papua New Guinea

Disputes - international:

relies on assistance from Australia to keep out illegal cross-border activities from primarily Indonesia, including goods smuggling, illegal narcotics trafficking, and squatters and secessionists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,177 (Indonesia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Papua New Guinea is a country of destination for women and children from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and China trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; internal trafficking of women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude occurs as well

tier rating: Tier 3 - Papua New Guinea does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the current legal framework does not contain elements of crimes that characterize trafficking; the government lacks victim protection services or a systematic procedure to identify victims of trafficking; the government did not prosecute anyone in 2007 for trafficking; Papua New Guinea has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major consumer of cannabis

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Paracel Islands (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Paracel Islands

Background:

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. China built a military installation on Mischief Reef in 1999. The islands are claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam.

Geography ::Paracel Islands

Location:

Southeastern Asia, group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines

Geographic coordinates:

16 30 N, 112 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: NA sq km

land: NA sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

518 km

Maritime claims:

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

mostly low and flat

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: South China Sea 0 m

highest point: unnamed location on Rocky Island 14 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

typhoons

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

composed of 130 small coral islands and reefs divided into the northeast Amphitrite Group and the western Crescent Group

People ::Paracel Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: there are scattered Chinese garrisons

Government ::Paracel Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Paracel Islands

Economy ::Paracel Islands

Economy - overview:

The islands have the potential for oil and gas development. Waters around the islands support commercial fishing, but the islands themselves are not populated on a permanent basis. China announced plans in 1997 to open the islands for tourism.

Transportation ::Paracel Islands

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 227

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Ports and terminals:

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island being expanded

Military ::Paracel Islands

Military - note:

occupied by China

Transnational Issues ::Paracel Islands

Disputes - international:

occupied by China, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

page last updated on September 22, 2009

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

@Paraguay (South America)

Introduction ::Paraguay

Background:

Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70) - between Paraguay and Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay - Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. The country stagnated economically for the next half century. Following the Chaco War of 1932-35 with Bolivia, Paraguay gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER ended in 1989, and, despite a marked increase in political infighting in recent years, Paraguay has held relatively free and regular presidential elections since then.

Geography ::Paraguay

Location:

Central South America, northeast of Argentina

Geographic coordinates:

23 00 S, 58 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 406,752 sq km country comparison to the world: 59 land: 397,302 sq km

water: 9,450 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

total: 3,995 km

border countries: Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,365 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

subtropical to temperate; substantial rainfall in the eastern portions, becoming semiarid in the far west

Terrain:

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: junction of Rio Paraguay and Rio Parana 46 m

highest point: Cerro Pero (Cerro Tres Kandu) 842 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 7.47%

permanent crops: 0.24%

other: 92.29% (2005)

Irrigated land:

670 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

336 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.49 cu km/yr (20%/8%/71%)

per capita: 80 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal pose health risks for many urban residents; loss of wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; lies between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil; population concentrated in southern part of country

People ::Paraguay

Population:

6,995,655 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Age structure:

0-14 years: 36.7% (male 1,304,115/female 1,260,560)

15-64 years: 58.1% (male 2,043,509/female 2,023,317)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 168,554/female 195,600) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.9 years

male: 21.6 years

female: 22.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.364% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Birth rate:

28.17 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Death rate:

4.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Net migration rate:

-0.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Urbanization:

urban population: 60% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

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 (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.68 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 89 male: 28.77 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 20.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.77 years country comparison to the world: 73 male: 73.19 years

female: 78.49 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.75 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Paraguayan(s)

adjective: Paraguayan

Ethnic groups:

mestizo (mixed Spanish and Amerindian) 95%, other 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.6%, Protestant 6.2%, other Christian 1.1%, other or unspecified 1.9%, none 1.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Guarani (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94%

male: 94.9%

female: 93% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 104

Government ::Paraguay

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay

conventional short form: Paraguay

local long form: Republica del Paraguay

local short form: Paraguay

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 25 16 S, 57 40 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital city*; Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Asuncion*, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence:

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May 1811 (observed 15 May)

Constitution:

promulgated 20 June 1992

Legal system:

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 75

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez (since 15 August 2008); Vice President Federico FRANCO (since 15 August 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 20 April 2008 (next to be held April 2013)

election results: Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez elected president; percent of vote - Fernando Armindo LUGO Mendez 40.8%, Blanca OVELAR 30.6%, Lino OVIEDO 21.9%, Pedro FADUL 2.4%, other 4.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress or Congreso Nacional consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (45 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camara de Diputados (80 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013); Chamber of Deputies - last held 20 April 2008 (next to be held in April 2013)

election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANR 15, PLRA 14, UNACE 9, PPQ 4, other 3; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - ANR 30, PLRA 27, UNACE 15, PPQ 3, APC 2, other 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (nine judges appointed on the proposal of the Council of Magistrates or Consejo de la Magistratura)

Political parties and leaders:

Alianza Patriotica por el Cambio (Patriotic Alliance for Change) or APC [Fernando LUGO]; Asociacion Nacional Republicana - Colorado Party or ANR [Lilian SAMANIEGO]; Movimiento Union Nacional de Ciudadanos Eticos or UNACE [Lino Cesar OVIEDO Silva]; Patria Querida (Beloved Fatherland Party) or PPQ [Pedro Nicolas Maraa FADUL Niella]; Partido del Movimiento al Socialismo or P-MAS; Partido Encuentro Nacional or PEN [Emilio CAMACHO Paredes]; Partido Liberal Radical Autentico or PLRA [Gustavo CARDOZO]; Partido Pais Solidario or PPS [Carlos Alberto FILIZZOLA Pallares]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ahorristas Estafados or AE; National Coordinating Board of Campesino Organizations or MCNOC [Luis AGUAYO]; National Federation of Campesinos or FNC [Odilon ESPINOLA]; National Workers Central or CNT [Secretary General Juan TORRALES]; Paraguayan Workers Confederation or CPT; Roman Catholic Church; Unitary Workers Central or CUT [Jorge Guzman ALVARENGA Malgarejo]

International organization participation:

CAN (associate), FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James SPALDING Hellmers

chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 483-6960 through 6962

FAX: [1] (202) 234-4508

consulate(s) general: Kansas City (Kansas), Los Angeles, Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

Ambassador Liliana AYALDE

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) 228-603

Flag description:

three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

Economy ::Paraguay

Economy - overview:

Landlocked Paraguay has a market economy marked by a large informal sector, featuring reexport of imported consumer goods to neighboring countries, as well as the activities of thousands of microenterprises and urban street vendors. A large percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, derives its living from agricultural activity, often on a subsistence basis. Because of the importance of the informal sector, accurate economic measures are difficult to obtain. On a per capita basis, real income has stagnated at 1980 levels. Most observers attribute Paraguay's poor economic performance to political uncertainty, corruption, limited progress on structural reform, and deficient infrastructure. The economy rebounded between 2003 and 2008, however, as growing world demand for commodities combined with high prices and favorable weather to support Paraguay's commodity-based export expansion. Paraguay is the sixth largest soy producer in the world.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$28.95 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $27.37 billion (2007 est.)

$25.62 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$16.01 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 6.8% (2007 est.)

4.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153 $4,100 (2007 est.)

$3,900 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 23.4%

industry: 18.4%

services: 58.2% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

2.839 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 31%

industry: 17%

services: 52% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

5.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 5.6% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

32% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.1%

highest 10%: 42.3% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

56.8 (2008) country comparison to the world: 9 57.7 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.6% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Budget:

revenues: $2.856 billion

expenditures: $2.826 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

19.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 95 39.2% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 8.1% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

20% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 7 20% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.81% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 11 25.03% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$2.062 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 70 $1.943 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$1.599 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 89 $1.368 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.098 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 89 $2.457 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$NA (31 December 2007)

$409.1 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), fruits, vegetables; beef, pork, eggs, milk; timber

Industries:

sugar, cement, textiles, beverages, wood products, steel, metallurgic, electric power

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Electricity - production:

53.19 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - consumption:

5.337 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Electricity - exports:

45.14 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

26.97 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Oil - consumption:

28,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - imports:

25,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Current account balance:

-$345 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $126.1 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$7.769 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $5.463 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

soybeans, feed, cotton, meat, edible oils, electricity, wood, leather

Exports - partners:

Argentina 31.7%, Brazil 15.9%, Uruguay 11.7%, Chile 6.4%, Russia 5.7% (2008)

Imports:

$8.809 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $6.008 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

road vehicles, consumer goods, tobacco, petroleum products, electrical machinery, tractors, chemicals, vehicle parts

Imports - partners:

Brazil 27.2%, US 22.1%, Argentina 14.9%, China 10.4% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.863 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 $2.462 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.507 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 114 $3.096 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$2.057 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 96

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

guarani (PYG) per US dollar - 4,337.7 (2008 est.), 5,031 (2007), 5,672.8 (2006), 6,178 (2005), 5,974.6 (2004)

Communications ::Paraguay

Telephones - main lines in use:

363,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 104

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.791 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephone system:

general assessment: meager telephone service; principal switching center is in Asuncion

domestic: the fixed-line market is a state monopoly; deficiencies in provision of fixed-line service have resulted in a rapid expansion of mobile-cellular services fostered by competition among multiple providers

international: country code - 595; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 41, FM 121, shortwave 6 (2006)

Television broadcast stations:

5 (2007)

Internet country code:

.py

Internet hosts:

71,487 (2009) country comparison to the world: 78

Internet users:

894,200 (2008) country comparison to the world: 93

Transportation ::Paraguay

Airports:

798 (2009) country comparison to the world: 9

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 14

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 5 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 784

1,524 to 2,437 m: 25

914 to 1,523 m: 289

under 914 m: 470 (2009)

Railways:

total: 36 km country comparison to the world: 132 standard gauge: 36 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 29,500 km country comparison to the world: 98 paved: 14,986 km

unpaved: 14,514 km (2000)

Waterways:

3,100 km (2008) country comparison to the world: 33

Merchant marine:

total: 23 country comparison to the world: 94 by type: cargo 18, carrier 1, passenger 1, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned: 6 (Argentina 5, Netherlands 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Asuncion, Villeta, San Antonio, Encarnacion

Military ::Paraguay

Military branches:

Army, National Navy (Armada Nacional, includes Naval Aviation, Marine Corps, General Naval Prefecture), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Paraguay, FAP) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 12 months for Army, 24 months for Navy (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,589,873

females age 16-49: 1,585,573 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,363,746

females age 16-49: 1,390,799 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 73,660

female: 72,046 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Transnational Issues ::Paraguay

Disputes - international:

unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations

Illicit drugs:

major illicit producer of cannabis, most or all of which is consumed in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile; transshipment country for Andean cocaine headed for Brazil, other Southern Cone markets, and Europe; weak border controls, extensive corruption and money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area; weak anti-money-laundering laws and enforcement

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Peru (South America)

Introduction ::Peru

Background:

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, which led to his ouster in 2000. A caretaker government oversaw new elections in the spring of 2001, which ushered in Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique as the new head of government - Peru's first democratically elected president of Native American ethnicity. The presidential election of 2006 saw the return of Alan GARCIA Perez who, after a disappointing presidential term from 1985 to 1990, has overseen a robust macroeconomic performance.

Geography ::Peru

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean, between Chile and Ecuador

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 S, 76 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 1,285,216 sq km country comparison to the world: 20 land: 1,279,996 sq km

water: 5,220 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total: 7,461 km

border countries: Bolivia 1,075 km, Brazil 2,995 km, Chile 171 km, Colombia 1,800 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,414 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west; temperate to frigid in Andes

Terrain:

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Nevado Huascaran 6,768 m

Natural resources:

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash, hydropower, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 2.88%

permanent crops: 0.47%

other: 96.65% (2005)

Irrigated land:

12,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

1,913 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 20.13 cu km/yr (8%/10%/82%)

per capita: 720 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, landslides, mild volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (some the result of illegal logging); overgrazing of the slopes of the costa and sierra leading to soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima; pollution of rivers and coastal waters from municipal and mining wastes

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia; a remote slope of Nevado Mismi, a 5,316 m peak, is the ultimate source of the Amazon River

People ::Peru

Population:

29,546,963 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Age structure:

0-14 years: 29.1% (male 4,370,923/female 4,216,364)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 9,695,270/female 9,574,018)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 796,631/female 893,757) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 26.1 years

male: 25.8 years

female: 26.4 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.229% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Birth rate:

19.38 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Death rate:

6.14 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Net migration rate:

-0.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Urbanization:

urban population: 71% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.89 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 28.62 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 78 male: 31.07 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 26.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.74 years country comparison to the world: 138 male: 68.88 years

female: 72.69 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.37 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

76,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Peruvian(s)

adjective: Peruvian

Ethnic groups:

Amerindian 45%, mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 81.3%, Evangelical 12.5%, other 3.3%, unspecified or none 2.9% (2007 Census)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, and a large number of minor Amazonian languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.9%

male: 96.4%

female: 89.4% (2007 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 157

Government ::Peru

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Peru

conventional short form: Peru

local long form: Republica del Peru

local short form: Peru

Government type:

constitutional republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 12 03 S, 77 03 W

time difference: UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

25 regions (regiones, singular - region) and 1 province* (provincia); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Lima*, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

Independence:

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Constitution:

29 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory until the age of 70; note - for the first time in recent elections, members of the military and national police were eligible to vote in the 2006 elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alan GARCIA Perez (since 28 July 2006); First Vice President Luis GIAMPIETRI Rojas (since 28 July 2006); Second Vice President Lourdes MENDOZA del Solar (since 28 July 2006)

note: Prime Minister Javier VELASQUEZ Quesquen (since 12 July 2009) does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the president

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a nonconsecutive reelection); presidential and congressional elections held 9 April 2006 with runoff election held 4 June 2006; next to be held in April 2011

election results: Alan GARCIA Perez elected president in runoff election; percent of vote - Alan GARCIA Perez 52.5%, Ollanta HUMALA Tasso 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic of Peru or Congreso de la Republica del Peru (120 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 9 April 2006 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UPP 21.2%, PAP 20.6%, UN 15.3%, AF 13.1%, FC 7.1%, PP 4.1%, RN 4.0%, other 14.6%; seats by party - UPP 45, PAP 36, UN 17, AF 13, FC 5, PP 2, RN 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (judges are appointed by the National Council of the Judiciary)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance For Progress (Alianza Para El Progreso) [Cesar ACUNA Peralta]; Alliance For The Future (Alianza Por El Futuro) or AF (a coalition of pro-FUJIMORI parties including Cambio 90, Nueva Mayoria, and Si Cumple); Central Front (Frente Del Centro) or FC (a coalition of Accion Popular, Somos Peru, and Coordinadora Nacional de Independientes) [Victor Andres GARCIA Belaunde]; National Renovation Party (Partido Renovacion Nacional) [Rafael REY]; National Restoration Party (Restauracion Nacional) or RN [Humberto LAY Sun]; National Solidarity Party (Partido Solidaridad Nacional) or SN [Luis CASTANEDA Lossio]; Peru Possible (Peru Posible) or PP [Alejandro TOLEDO Manrique]; Peruvian Aprista Party (Partido Aprista Peruano) or PAP [Alan GARCIA Perez] (also referred to by its original name Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana or APRA); Peruvian Nationalist Party (Partido Nacionalista Peruano) or PNP [Ollanta HUMALA Tasso]; Popular Christian Party (Partido Popular Cristiano) or PPC [Lourdes FLORES Nano]; Union for Peru (Union por el Peru) or UPP [Aldo ESTRADA Choque]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

General Workers Confederation of Peru (Confederacion General de Trabajadores del Peru) or CGTP [Mario HUAMAN]; Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) or SL [Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned), Victor QUISPE Palomino (top leader at-large)] (leftist guerrilla group)

International organization participation:

APEC, CAN, FAO, G-15, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur (associate), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUC, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Luis VALDIVIESO Montano

chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 833-9860 through 9869

FAX: [1] (202) 659-8124

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador P. Michael MCKINLEY

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) 618-2397

Flag description:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a vicuna, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath

Economy ::Peru

Economy - overview:

Peru's economy reflects its varied geography - an arid coastal region, the Andes further inland, and tropical lands bordering Colombia and Brazil. Abundant mineral resources are found in the mountainous areas, and Peru's coastal waters provide excellent fishing grounds. The Peruvian economy grew by more than 4% per year during the period 2002-06, with a stable exchange rate and low inflation. Growth jumped to 9% per year in 2007 and 2008, driven by higher world prices for minerals and metals and the government's aggressive trade liberalization strategies. Peru's rapid expansion has helped to reduce the national poverty rate by about 15% since 2002, though underemployment and inflation remain high. Despite Peru's strong macroeconomic performance, overdependence on minerals and metals subjects the economy to fluctuations in world prices, and poor infrastructure precludes the spread of growth to Peru's non-coastal areas. Not all Peruvians therefore have shared in the benefits of growth. President GARCIA's pursuit of sound trade and macroeconomic policies has cost him political support since his election. Nevertheless, he remains committed to Peru's free-trade path. The United States and Peru completed negotiations on the implementation of the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), and the agreement entered into force February 1, 2009, opening the way to greater trade and investment between the two economies.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$247.9 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $225.8 billion (2007 est.)

$207.3 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$127.5 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

9.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 12 8.9% (2007 est.)

7.7% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$8,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 $7,800 (2007 est.)

$7,300 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.5%

industry: 21.2%

services: 70.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

10.2 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.7%

industry: 23.8%

services: 75.5% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

8.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114 6.9% (2007 est.)

note: data are for metropolitan Lima; widespread underemployment

Population below poverty line:

44.5% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.5%

highest 10%: 37.9% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

49.8 (2005) country comparison to the world: 26 46.2 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Budget:

revenues: $38.01 billion

expenditures: $35.29 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

24% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 86 44.1% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 1.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

7.25% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 78 5.75% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

23.67% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 13 24.1% (December 2008)

Stock of money:

$15.42 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 37 $14.66 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$25.32 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 40 $19.95 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$21.98 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 58 $17.88 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$55.63 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 46 $106 billion (31 December 2007)

$59.66 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

asparagus, coffee, cocoa, cotton, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, corn, plantains, grapes, oranges, pineapples, guavas, bananas, apples, lemons, pears, coca, tomatoes, mango, barley, medicinal plants, palm oil, marigold, onion, wheat, dry beans; poultry, beef, dairy products; fish, guinea pigs

Industries:

mining and refining of minerals; steel, metal fabrication; petroleum extraction and refining, natural gas; fishing and fish processing, textiles, clothing, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - production:

30.57 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - consumption:

28.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

120,200 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Oil - consumption:

160,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - exports:

68,640 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - imports:

133,100 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Oil - proved reserves:

415.8 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Natural gas - production:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - consumption:

3.39 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Natural gas - proved reserves:

335.3 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Current account balance:

-$4.18 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.22 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$31.53 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $27.88 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

copper, gold, zinc, crude petroleum and petroleum products, coffee, potatoes, asparagus, textiles, fishmeal

Exports - partners:

US 20%, China 15.2%, Canada 8.3%, Japan 7%, Chile 5.8%, Brazil 4.2% (2008)

Imports:

$28.44 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $19.6 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, plastics, machinery, vehicles, iron and steel, wheat, paper

Imports - partners:

US 23.7%, China 10.6%, Brazil 7.5%, Ecuador 6.5%, Chile 5.1%, Argentina 5%, Mexico 4.5% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$31.25 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $27.78 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$34.59 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 59 $32.57 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$30.31 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 $24.74 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.694 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $2.284 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

nuevo sol (PEN) per US dollar - 2.91 (2008 est.), 3.1731 (2007), 3.2742 (2006), 3.2958 (2005), 3.4132 (2004)

Communications ::Peru

Telephones - main lines in use:

2.878 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 52

Telephones - mobile cellular:

20.952 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 38

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate for most requirements

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is only about 10 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, spurred by competition among multiple providers, has increased to more than 70 telephones per 100 persons; nationwide microwave radio relay system and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

international: country code - 51; the South America-1 (SAM-1) and Pan American (PAN-AM) submarine cable systems provide links to parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and US; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 472, FM 198, shortwave 189 (1999)

Television broadcast stations:

13 (plus 112 repeaters) (1997)

Internet country code:

.pe

Internet hosts:

274,592 (2009) country comparison to the world: 58

Internet users:

7.128 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 36

Transportation ::Peru

Airports:

201 (2009) country comparison to the world: 30

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 57

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 20

1,524 to 2,437 m: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 4 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 144

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 39

under 914 m: 79 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Pipelines:

extra heavy crude 533 km; gas 1,078 km; liquid petroleum gas 654 km; oil 1,018 km; refined products 15 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 1,989 km country comparison to the world: 73 standard gauge: 1,726 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 263 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,829 km country comparison to the world: 61 paved: 11,351 km (includes 276 km of expressways)

unpaved: 67,478 km (2004)

Waterways:

8,808 km country comparison to the world: 14 note: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km of Lago Titicaca (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 123 by type: cargo 3, chemical tanker 1, petroleum tanker 4

foreign-owned: 1 (Bahamas 1)

registered in other countries: 17 (Belize 1, Panama 16) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Callao, Iquitos, Matarani, Paita, Pucallpa, Yurimaguas; note - Iquitos, Pucallpa, and Yurimaguas are on the upper reaches of the Amazon and its tributaries

Military ::Peru

Military branches:

Army of Peru (Ejercito Peruano), Navy of Peru (Marina de Guerra del Peru, MGP (includes naval air, naval infantry, and Coast Guard)), Air Force of Peru (Fuerza Aerea del Peru, FAP) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18-30 years of age for voluntary male and female military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,653,898

females age 16-49: 7,531,329 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,920,716

females age 16-49: 6,359,803 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 310,575

female: 300,838 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 107

Transnational Issues ::Peru

Disputes - international:

Chile and Ecuador rejected Peru's November 2005 unilateral legislation to shift the axis of their joint treaty-defined maritime boundaries along the parallels of latitude to equidistance lines which favor Peru; organized illegal narcotics operations in Colombia have penetrated Peru's shared border; Peru rejects Bolivia's claim to restore maritime access through a sovereign corridor through Chile along the Peruvian border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 60,000-150,000 (civil war from 1980-2000; most IDPs are indigenous peasants in Andean and Amazonian regions) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

until 1996 the world's largest coca leaf producer, Peru is now the world's second largest producer of coca leaf, though it lags far behind Colombia; cultivation of coca in Peru declined to 36,000 hectares in 2007; second largest producer of cocaine, estimated at 210 metric tons of potential pure cocaine in 2007; finished cocaine is shipped out from Pacific ports to the international drug market; increasing amounts of base and finished cocaine, however, are being moved to Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia for use in the Southern Cone or transshipment to Europe and Africa; increasing domestic drug consumption

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Philippines (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Philippines

Background:

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 World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. The 20-year rule of Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a "people power" movement in Manila ("EDSA 1") 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 another "people power" movement ("EDSA 2") demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. The Philippine Government faces threats from three terrorist groups on the US Government's Foreign Terrorist Organization list, but in 2006 and 2007 scored some major successes in capturing or killing key wanted terrorists. Decades of Muslim insurgency in the southern Philippines have led to a peace accord with one group and on-again/off-again peace talks with another.

Geography ::Philippines

Location:

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates:

13 00 N, 122 00 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 300,000 sq km country comparison to the world: 72 land: 298,170 sq km

water: 1,830 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

36,289 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:

arable land: 19%

permanent crops: 16.67%

other: 64.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

15,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

479 cu km (1999)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)

per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants

Geography - note:

the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia's main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

People ::Philippines

Population:

97,976,603 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Age structure:

0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)

15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)

65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 22.5 years

male: 22 years

female: 23 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.957% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Birth rate:

26.01 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Death rate:

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Net migration rate:

-1.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Urbanization:

urban population: 65% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 20.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 104 male: 23.17 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 17.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.09 years country comparison to the world: 133 male: 68.17 years

female: 74.15 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.27 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Filipino(s)

adjective: Philippine

Ethnic groups:

Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.6%

male: 92.5%

female: 92.7% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 11 years

female: 12 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

2.5% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 158

Government ::Philippines

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form: Philippines

local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form: Pilipinas

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 35 N, 121 00 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

80 provinces and 120 chartered cities

provinces: Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Antique, Apayao, Aurora, Basilan, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Biliran, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cebu, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Islands, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, Kalinga, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, La Union, Leyte, Maguindanao, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Samar, Sarangani, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tarlac, Tawi-Tawi, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay

chartered cities: Alaminos, Angeles, Antipolo, Bacolod, Bago, Baguio, Bais, Balanga, Batac, Batangas, Bayawan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Cabanatuan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Calapan, Calbayog, Candon, Canlaon, Cauayan, Cavite, Cebu, Cotabato, Dagupan, Danao, Dapitan, Davao, Digos, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Escalante, Gapan, General Santos, Gingoog, Himamaylan, Iligan, Iloilo, Isabela, Iriga, Kabankalan, Kalookan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, La Carlota, Laoag, Lapu-Lapu, Las Pinas, Legazpi, Ligao, Lipa, Lucena, Maasin, Makati, Malabon, Malaybalay, Malolos, Mandaluyong, Mandaue, Manila, Marawi, Marikina, Masbate, Mati, Meycauayan, Muntinlupa, Munoz, Naga, Navotas, Olongapo, Ormoc, Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian, Palayan, Panabo, Paranaque, Pasay, Pasig, Passi, Puerto Princesa, Quezon, Roxas, Sagay, Samal, San Carlos (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos (in Pangasinan), San Fernando (in La Union), San Fernando (in Pampanga), San Jose, San Jose del Monte, San Juan, San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Santiago, Silay, Sipalay, Sorsogon, Surigao, Tabaco, Tacloban, Tacurong, Tagaytay, Tagbilaran, Taguig, Tagum, Talisay (in Cebu), Talisay (in Negros Occidental), Tanauan, Tangub, Tanjay, Tarlac, Toledo, Tuguegarao, Trece Martires, Urdaneta, Valencia, Valenzuela, Victorias, Vigan, Zamboanga (2009)

Independence:

12 June 1898 (independence proclaimed from Spain); 4 July 1946 (from the US)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 June (1898); note - 12 June 1898 was date of declaration of independence from Spain; 4 July 1946 was date of independence from US

Constitution:

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system:

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001); Vice President (Manuel "Noli" DE CASTRO (since 10 May 2004); note - president is both chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 20 January 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments

elections: president and vice president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 10 May 2004 (next to be held in May 2010)

election results: Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO elected president; percent of vote - Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO 40%, Fernando POE 37%, three others 23%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected at large by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Nga Kinatawan (as a result of May 2007 election it has 240 seats including 218 members representing districts and 22 sectoral party-list members representing special minorities elected on the basis of 1 seat for every 2% of the total vote but limited to 3 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms; note - the Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members)

elections: Senate - last held on 14 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2010); House of Representatives - elections last held on 14 May 2007 (next to be held in May 2010)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas 4, LP 4, Nacionalista 3, NPC 2, PDP-Laban 2, PMP 2, Kampi 1, LDP 1, PRP 1, independents 3; note - there are 23 rather than 24 sitting senators because one senator was elected mayor of Manila; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Lakas 92, Kampi 54, NPC 25, LP 21, Party-list 22, independents 3, others 26; there are 238 rather than 240 sitting representatives because two died in office

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age); Court of Appeals; Sandigan-bayan (special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials)

Political parties and leaders:

Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino or Kampi [Luis VILLAFUERTE]; Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Struggle of Filipino Democrats) or LDP [Edgardo ANGARA]; Lakas ng EDSA-Christian Muslim Democrats or Lakas-CMD [Prospero NOGRALES]; Liberal Party or LP [Manuel ROXAS]; Nacionalista Party or NP [Manuel VILLAR]; Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC [Frisco SAN JUAN]; PDP-Laban [Aquilino PIMENTEL]; People's Reform Party [Miriam Defensor SANTIAGO]; Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino (Force of the Philippine Masses) or PMP [Joseph ESTRADA]; United Opposition or UNO [Jejomar BINAY]

note: Lakas-CMD and Kampi merged on 29 May 2009 to form Lakas-Kampi CMD

Political pressure groups and leaders:

ABONO [Robert ESTRELLA]; AKBAYAN [Anna Theresia BARAQUIEL]; An Waray [Florencio NOEL]; Anak Mindanao [Mujiv HATAMIN]; ANAKPAWIS [Rafael MARIANO]; ARC [Narciso SANTIAGO III]; Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) [Ernesto PABLO and Edgar VALDEZ]; A TEACHER [Mariano PIAMONTE]; Bayan Muna [Satur OCAMPO and Teodoro CASINO, Jr.]; Black and White Movement [Vicente ROMANO]; BUHAY [Rene VELARDE, Carissa COSCOLLUELLA, and William TIENG]; BUTIL [Leonila CHAVEZ]; CIBAC [Emmanuel Joel VILLANUEVA]; COOP-NATCO [Jose PING-AY]; GABRIELA [Liza MAZA and Luzviminda ILAGAN]; Kilosbayan [Jovito SALONGA]; YACAP [Carol LOPEZ]

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA

chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300

FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY

embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila

mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000

telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000

FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top; representing peace and justice) and red (representing courage); a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side represents equality; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays, each representing one of the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star representing the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897; in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

Economy ::Philippines

Economy - overview:

Economic growth has averaged 5% since President MACAPAGAL-ARROYO took office in 2001. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO averted a fiscal crisis by pushing for new revenue measures and, until recently, tightening expenditures. Declining fiscal deficits, tapering debt and debt service ratios, and increased spending on infrastructure and social services bolstered optimism over Philippine economic prospects. Although the general macroeconomic outlook improved significantly in recent years, the economy still faces several long term challenges. The Philippines must maintain the reform momentum in order to catch up with regional competitors, improve employment opportunities, and alleviate poverty. The Philippines will need still higher, sustained growth to make progress in alleviating poverty, given its high population growth and unequal distribution of income. The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in three decades in 2007 with real GDP growth exceeding 7%, but growth slowed to 3.8% in 2008 as a result of the world financial crisis. High government spending, a relatively small trade sector, a resilient service sector, and large remittances from the four- to five-million Filipinos who work abroad have helped cushion the economy from the current financial crisis.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$318.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $306.6 billion (2007 est.)

$286.2 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$166.9 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 7.1% (2007 est.)

5.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$3,300 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 161 $3,300 (2007 est.)

$3,100 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.7%

industry: 31.6%

services: 53.7% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

36.81 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 35%

industry: 15%

services: 50% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 7.3% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

30% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.4%

highest 10%: 31.2% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

45.8 (2006) country comparison to the world: 40 46.6 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Budget:

revenues: $27.05 billion

expenditures: $28.58 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

56.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27 74.2% of GDP (September 2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 2.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 113 4.28% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.75% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 97 8.69% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$22.53 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 34 $21.27 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$65.85 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$65.66 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$52.1 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 47 $103.2 billion (31 December 2007)

$68.38 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, bananas, cassavas, pineapples, mangoes; pork, eggs, beef; fish

Industries:

electronics assembly, garments, footwear, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, petroleum refining, fishing

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Electricity - production:

56.57 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - consumption:

48.96 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

25,120 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Oil - consumption:

320,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Oil - exports:

36,720 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - imports:

342,200 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - proved reserves:

138.5 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Natural gas - production:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - consumption:

2.94 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 127

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - proved reserves:

98.54 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Current account balance:

$4.227 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $7.119 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$48.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 $49.51 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

semiconductors and electronic products, transport equipment, garments, copper products, petroleum products, coconut oil, fruits

Exports - partners:

US 16.7%, Japan 15.7%, China 11.1%, Hong Kong 10.1%, Netherlands 7.5%, Singapore 5.3%, South Korea 5.1%, Germany 5% (2008)

Imports:

$60.78 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $57.9 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

electronic products, mineral fuels, machinery and transport equipment, iron and steel, textile fabrics, grains, chemicals, plastic

Imports - partners:

US 12.8%, Japan 11.8%, Singapore 10.3%, Saudi Arabia 8.5%, China 7.5%, South Korea 5.2%, Thailand 5%, Malaysia 4.3% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$37.55 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $33.75 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$66.27 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 45 $61.78 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$21.4 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $19.88 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$5.81 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $5.584 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Philippine pesos (PHP) per US dollar - 44.439 (2008 est.), 46.148 (2007), 51.246 (2006), 55.086 (2005), 56.04 (2004)

Communications ::Philippines

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.905 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 40

Telephones - mobile cellular:

68.102 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 14

Telephone system:

general assessment: good international radiotelephone and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate

domestic: domestic satellite system with 11 earth stations; cellular communications now dominate the industry; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density about 80 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 63; a series of submarine cables together provide connectivity to Asia, US, the Middle East, and Europe; multiple international gateways (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 381, FM 628, shortwave 4 (2007)

Television broadcast stations:

250 (plus 1,501 CATV networks) (2007)

Internet country code:

.ph

Internet hosts:

283,607 (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Internet users:

5.618 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 42

Transportation ::Philippines

Airports:

254 (2009) country comparison to the world: 25

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 85

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 35

under 914 m: 10 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 169

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 66

under 914 m: 99 (2009)

Heliports:

2 (2009)

Pipelines:

oil 107 km; refined products 112 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 897 km country comparison to the world: 95 narrow gauge: 897 km 1.067-m gauge (492 km are in operation) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 201,910 km country comparison to the world: 25 paved: 21,677 km

unpaved: 180,233 km (2008)

Waterways:

3,219 km (limited to vessels with draft less than 1.5 m) (2008) country comparison to the world: 31

Merchant marine:

total: 391 country comparison to the world: 27 by type: bulk carrier 75, cargo 125, carrier 16, chemical tanker 17, container 6, liquefied gas 5, passenger 6, passenger/cargo 68, petroleum tanker 36, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 11, vehicle carrier 11

foreign-owned: 161 (Bermuda 34, China 4, Greece 4, Hong Kong 1, Japan 81, Malaysia 1, Netherlands 23, Norway 10, Singapore 1, Taiwan 1, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 11 (Comoros 1, Cyprus 1, Hong Kong 1, Indonesia 1, Panama 7) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Liman, Manila, Nasipit Harbor

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift

Military ::Philippines

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps and Coast Guard), Air Force (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age (officers 21-29) for compulsory and voluntary military service; applicants must be single male or female Philippine citizens (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 23,547,252

females age 16-49: 23,177,487 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,169,298

females age 16-49: 20,636,853 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,023,431

female: 986,434 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Transnational Issues ::Philippines

Disputes - international:

Philippines claims sovereignty over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the 2002 "Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants; in March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands; Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia's Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu's granting the Philippines Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf; maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 300,000 (fighting between government troops and MILF and Abu Sayyaf groups) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

domestic methamphetamine production has been a growing problem in recent years despite government crackdowns; major consumer of amphetamines; longstanding marijuana producer mainly in rural areas where Manila's control is limited

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Pitcairn Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Pitcairn Islands

Background:

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.

Geography ::Pitcairn Islands

Location:

Oceania, islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about midway between Peru and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

25 04 S, 130 06 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 47 sq km country comparison to the world: 233 land: 47 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

51 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid; modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pawala Valley Ridge 347 m

Natural resources:

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish

note: manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver, and zinc have been discovered offshore

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

typhoons (especially November to March)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation (only a small portion of the original forest remains because of burning and clearing for settlement)

Geography - note:

Britain's most isolated dependency; only the larger island of Pitcairn is inhabited but it has no port or natural harbor; supplies must be transported by rowed longboat from larger ships stationed offshore

People ::Pitcairn Islands

Population:

48 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 237

Age structure:

0-14 years: NA

15-64 years: NA

65 years and over: NA (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Birth rate:

Death rate:

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 0% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

NA (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: NA

male: NA

female: NA (2008 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: NA

male: NA

female: NA

Total fertility rate:

NA (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective: Pitcairn Islander

Ethnic groups:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives

Religions:

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Languages:

English (official), Pitkern (mixture of an 18th century English dialect and a Tahitian dialect)

Literacy:

Government ::Pitcairn Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands

conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 25 04 S, 130 05 W

time difference: UTC-9 (4 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

30 November 1838; reformed 1904 with additional reforms in 1940; further refined by the Local Government Ordinance of 1964

Legal system:

local island by-laws

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Commissioner (nonresident) Leslie JAQUES (since September 2003) serves as liaison between the governor and the Island Council

head of government: Governor George FERGUSSON (since April 2006); Mayor and Chairman of the Island Council Mike WARREN (since 1 January 2008)

cabinet: NA

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor and commissioner appointed by the monarch; island mayor elected by popular vote for a three-year term; election last held December 2007 (next to be held in December 2010)

election results: Mike WARREN elected mayor and chairman of the Island Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Island Council (10 seats; 5 members elected by popular vote, 1 nominated by the 5 elected members, 2 appointed by the governor including 1 seat for the Island Secretary, the Island Mayor, and a commissioner liaising between the governor and council; elected members serve one-year terms)

elections: last held 24 December 2008 (next to be held in 24 December 2009)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - all independents

Judicial branch:

Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; judicial officers are appointed by the governor

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor

Economy ::Pitcairn Islands

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants of this tiny isolated economy exist on fishing, subsistence farming, handicrafts, and postage stamps. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. In October 2004, more than one-quarter of Pitcairn's small labor force was arrested, putting the economy in a bind, since their services were required as lighter crew to load or unload passing ships.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$NA

Labor force:

15 able-bodied men (2004) country comparison to the world: 221

Labor force - by occupation:

note: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing

Budget:

revenues: $746,000

expenditures: $1.028 million (FY04/05)

Agriculture - products:

honey; wide variety of fruits and vegetables; goats, chickens, fish

Industries:

postage stamps, handicrafts, beekeeping, honey

Electricity - production:

NA kWh; note - electric power is provided by a small diesel-powered generator

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

fruits, vegetables, curios, stamps

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZD) per US dollar - 1.4151 (2008 est.), 1.3811 (2007), 1.5408 (2006), 1.4203 (2005), 1.5087 (2004)

Communications ::Pitcairn Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

1 (there are 17 telephones on one party line); (2004) country comparison to the world: 230

Telephone system:

general assessment: satellite phone services

domestic: domestic communication via radio (CB)

international: country code - 872; satellite earth station - 1 (Inmarsat)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 0, shortwave 0 (15 ham radio operators (VP6)) (2004)

Internet country code:

.pn

Internet hosts:

26 (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Transportation ::Pitcairn Islands

Ports and terminals:

Adamstown (on Bounty Bay)

Military ::Pitcairn Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Pitcairn Islands

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Poland (Europe)

Introduction ::Poland

Background:

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 still faces the lingering challenges of high unemployment, underdeveloped and dilapidated infrastructure, and a poor rural underclass. 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. With its transformation to a democratic, market-oriented country largely completed, Poland is an increasingly active member of Euro-Atlantic organizations.

Geography ::Poland

Location:

Central Europe, east of Germany

Geographic coordinates:

52 00 N, 20 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 312,685 sq km country comparison to the world: 69 land: 304,255 sq km

water: 8,430 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total: 3,047 km

border countries: Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 615 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 420 km, Ukraine 428 km

Coastline:

440 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: defined by international treaties

Climate:

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Terrain:

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: near Raczki Elblaskie -2 m

highest point: Rysy 2,499 m

Natural resources:

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt, amber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 40.25%

permanent crops: 1%

other: 58.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.73 cu km/yr (13%/79%/8%)

per capita: 304 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by post-Communist governments; air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage; water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes; pollution levels should continue to decrease as industrial establishments bring their facilities up to EU code, but at substantial cost to business and the government

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Kyoto Protocol, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain

People ::Poland

Population:

38,482,919 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15% (male 2,964,995/female 2,802,278)

15-64 years: 71.6% (male 13,713,078/female 13,845,251)

65 years and over: 13.4% (male 1,966,406/female 3,190,911) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.9 years

male: 36.1 years

female: 39.7 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.047% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Birth rate:

10.04 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Death rate:

10.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Net migration rate:

-0.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 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 (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 172 male: 7.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.03 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.63 years country comparison to the world: 75 male: 71.65 years

female: 79.85 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.28 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 208

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1%; note - no country specific models provided (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

20,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis

Nationality:

noun: Pole(s)

adjective: Polish

Ethnic groups:

Polish 96.7%, German 0.4%, Belarusian 0.1%, Ukrainian 0.1%, other and unspecified 2.7% (2002 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89.8% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox 1.3%, Protestant 0.3%, other 0.3%, unspecified 8.3% (2002)

Languages:

Polish 97.8%, other and unspecified 2.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.8%

male: 99.8%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 51

Government ::Poland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Poland

conventional short form: Poland

local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska

local short form: Polska

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 52 15 N, 21 00 E

time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Dolnoslaskie (Lower Silesia), Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania), Lodzkie, Lubelskie (Lublin), Lubuskie (Lubusz), Malopolskie (Lesser Poland), Mazowieckie (Masovia), Opolskie, Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia), Podlaskie, Pomorskie (Pomerania), Slaskie (Silesia), Swietokrzyskie, Warminsko-Mazurskie (Warmia-Masuria), Wielkopolskie (Greater Poland), Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomerania)

Independence:

11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Constitution:

adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997

Legal system:

based on a mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts, but rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal are final; court decisions can be appealed to the European Court of Justice in Strasbourg; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Lech KACZYNSKI (since 23 December 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Donald TUSK (since 16 November 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 16 November 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the prime minister and the Sejm; the prime minister proposes, the president appoints, and the Sejm approves the Council of Ministers

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 9 and 23 October 2005 (next to be held in the fall 2010); prime minister and deputy prime ministers appointed by the president and confirmed by the Sejm

election results: Lech KACZYNSKI elected president; percent of popular vote - Lech KACZYNSKI 54%, Donald Tusk 46%

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of an upper house, the Senate or Senat (100 seats; members are elected by a majority vote on a provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the Sejm (460 seats; members are elected under a complex system of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the designation of National Assembly or Zgromadzenie Narodowe is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly

elections: Senate - last held 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011); Sejm elections last held 21 October 2007 (next to be held by October 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PO 60, PiS 39, independents 1; Sejm - percent of vote by party - PO 41.5%, PiS 32.1%, LiD 13.2%, PSL 8.9%, other 4.3%; seats by party - PO 209, PiS 166, LiD 53, PSL 31, German minorities 1; note - seats by parliamentary grouping as of February 2009 - PO 208, PiS 156, Left 42, PSL 31, SDPL-New Left 5, Polska XXI 6, Democratic Caucus 3, German minorities 1, nonaffiliated 8

note: one seat is assigned to ethnic minority parties in the Sejm only

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the National Council of the Judiciary for an indefinite period); Constitutional Tribunal (judges are chosen by the Sejm for nine-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Civic Platform or PO [chairman Donald TUSK; parliamentary caucus leader Grzegorz SCHETYNA]; Democratic Caucus of the Democratic Party (SD) or DKP SD [parliamentary caucus leader Bogdan LIS]; Democratic Left Alliance or SLD [chairman Grzegorz NAPIERALSKI]; Democratic Party or PD [chairwoman Brygida KUZNIAK]; Democratic Party or SD [chairman Pawel PISKORSKI]; German Minority of Lower Silesia or MNSO [representative Henryk KROLL]; Law and Justice or PiS [chairman Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; parliamentary caucus leader Przemyslaw GOSIEWSKI]; League of Polish Families or LPR [acting chairman Arnold MASIN]; Left (Democratic Left Alliance and independents) [parliamentary caucus leader Grzegorz NAPIERALSKI]; Polish People's Party or PSL [chairman Waldemar PAWLAK; parliamentary caucus leader Stanislaw ZELICHOWSKI]; Polska XXI (political grouping of former PiS members; not officially registered) [chairman Jaroslaw SELLIN; parliamentary caucus leader Kazimierz Michal UJAZDOWSKI]; Samoobrona or SO [chairman Andrzej LEPPER]; Social Democratic Party of Poland or SDPL [chairman Wojciech FILEMONOWICZ]; Social Democratic Party of Poland-New Left (SDPL-New Left) [parliamentary caucus leader Marek BOROWSKI]; Union of Labor or UP [chairman Waldemar WITKOWSKI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All Poland Trade Union Alliance or OPZZ (trade union) [Jan GUZ]; Roman Catholic Church [Cardinal Stanislaw DZIWISZ, Archbishop Jozef MICHALIK]; Solidarity Trade Union [Janusz SNIADEK]

International organization participation:

Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURCAT, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Robert KUPIECKI

chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 234-3800 through 3802

FAX: [1] (202) 328-6271

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Victor ASHE

embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31 00-540 Warsaw

mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, US Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-5010 (pouch)

telephone: [48] (22) 504-2000

FAX: [48] (22) 504-2688

consulate(s) general: Krakow

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

Economy ::Poland

Economy - overview:

Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. In 2008, GDP grew an estimated 4.8%, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic states. Since 2004, EU membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. Unemployment is falling rapidly, though at roughly 9.7% in 2008, it remains above the EU average. In 2008 inflation reached 4.3%, more than the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range, but has been falling due to global economic slowdown. Poland's economic performance could improve further if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its business environment. An inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system present a challenge to the Polish Government's effort to hold the consolidated public sector budget deficit under 3.0% of GDP, a target which was achieved in 2007-08. The PO/PSL coalition government which came to power in November 2007 plans to further reduce the budget deficit with the aim of eventually adopting the euro by 2012. The new government has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. The government, however, has moved slowly on major reforms. Pension and health-care bills passed through the legislature, but the legislature failed to overturn a presidential veto.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$670.7 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $638.8 billion (2007 est.)

$598.1 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$527.9 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 6.8% (2007 est.)

6.2% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$17,400 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 $16,600 (2007 est.)

$15,500 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 31.2%

services: 64.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

17.01 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 17.4%

industry: 29.2%

services: 53.4% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 12.8% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

17% (2003 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 27.2% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

34.9 (2005) country comparison to the world: 87 31.6 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

22% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Budget:

revenues: $105.5 billion

expenditures: $115.7 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

45.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 49.9% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 2.5% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 105 5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.99% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 135 5.72% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$118.2 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 10 $137.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$109 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 21 $93.98 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$258.3 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 27 $223.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$90.23 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 38 $207.3 billion (31 December 2007)

$149.1 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, fruits, vegetables, wheat; poultry, eggs, pork, dairy

Industries:

machine building, iron and steel, coal mining, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Electricity - production:

149.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Electricity - consumption:

129.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Electricity - exports:

9.703 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

8.48 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

35,560 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Oil - consumption:

544,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Oil - exports:

67,340 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - imports:

595,400 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Oil - proved reserves:

96.38 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - production:

5.719 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Natural gas - consumption:

16.55 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - exports:

39 million cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - imports:

11.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Natural gas - proved reserves:

164.8 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Current account balance:

-$26.91 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -$20.12 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$178.4 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $145.3 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 37.8%, intermediate manufactured goods 23.7%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 17.1%, food and live animals 7.6% (2003)

Exports - partners:

Germany 24.9%, France 6.2%, Italy 6%, UK 5.7%, Czech Republic 5.6%, Russia 5.3% (2008)

Imports:

$204.4 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 $162.4 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 38%, intermediate manufactured goods 21%, chemicals 14.8%, minerals, fuels, lubricants, and related materials 9.1% (2003)

Imports - partners:

Germany 28.3%, Russia 9.9%, Italy 6.2%, Netherlands 5.4%, France 4.8%, China 4.5%, Czech Republic 4% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$62.18 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $65.75 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$243.5 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 28 $233.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$161.4 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 $176.1 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$21.81 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38 $19.39 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

zlotych (PLN) per US dollar - 2.3 (2008 est.), 2.81 (2007), 3.1032 (2006), 3.2355 (2005), 3.6576 (2004)

note: zlotych is the plural form of zloty

Communications ::Poland

Telephones - main lines in use:

10.336 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 22

Telephones - mobile cellular:

44.004 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 25

Telephone system:

general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has accelerated with market based competition finalized in 2003; fixed-line service, dominated by the former state-owned company, is dwarfed by the growth in wireless telephony

domestic: mobile-cellular service available since 1993 and provided by three nation-wide networks with a fourth provider beginning operations in late 2006; cellular coverage is generally good with some gaps in the east; fixed-line service is growing slowly and still lags in rural areas

international: country code - 48; international direct dialing with automated exchanges; satellite earth station - 1 with access to Intelsat, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Intersputnik (2007)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 14, FM 63, shortwave 2 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

75 (2008)

Internet country code:

.pl

Internet hosts:

8.906 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 12

Internet users:

18.679 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 19

Transportation ::Poland

Airports:

125 (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 84

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 30

1,524 to 2,437 m: 39

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 4 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 41

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 15

under 914 m: 20 (2009)

Heliports:

7 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 13,631 km; oil 1,384 km; refined products 777 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 22,314 km country comparison to the world: 12 broad gauge: 633 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 21,681 km 1.435-m gauge (11,769 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 423,997 km country comparison to the world: 15 paved: 295,356 km (includes 662 km of expressways)

unpaved: 128,641 km (2006)

Waterways:

3,997 km (navigable rivers and canals) (2007) country comparison to the world: 28

Merchant marine:

total: 15 country comparison to the world: 106 by type: cargo 8, chemical tanker 4, passenger/cargo 1, roll on/roll off 1, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 2 (Cyprus 1, Nigeria 1)

registered in other countries: 98 (Antigua and Barbuda 2, Bahamas 17, Cyprus 18, Liberia 13, Malta 24, Norway 3, Panama 11, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Slovakia 2, Vanuatu 7) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Gdansk, Gdynia, Swinoujscie, Szczecin

Military ::Poland

Military branches:

Polish Armed Forces: Land Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Aviation Forces, Special Forces (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18-28 years of age for male voluntary or compulsory military service; service obligation shortened from 12 to 9 months in 2005; conscription is to end in 2012; 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 noncommissioned officers; reserve obligation to age 50 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 9,741,508

females age 16-49: 9,514,843 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,898,892

females age 16-49: 7,888,035 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 246,667

female: 235,698 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.71% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 95

Transnational Issues ::Poland

Disputes - international:

as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Poland has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to restrict illegal immigration and trade along its eastern borders with Belarus and Ukraine

Illicit drugs:

despite diligent counternarcotics measures and international information sharing on cross-border crimes, a major illicit producer of synthetic drugs for the international market; minor transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to Western Europe

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Portugal (Europe)

Introduction ::Portugal

Background:

Following its heyday as a global maritime 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 of its wealthiest colony of Brazil in 1822. 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.

Geography ::Portugal

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Spain

Geographic coordinates:

39 30 N, 8 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 92,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 110 land: 91,470 sq km

water: 620 sq km

note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total: 1,214 km

border countries: Spain 1,214 km

Coastline:

1,793 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Terrain:

mountainous north of the Tagus River, rolling plains in south

Elevation extremes:

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

Natural resources:

fish, forests (cork), iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 17.29%

permanent crops: 7.84%

other: 74.87% (2005)

Irrigated land:

6,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

73.6 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 11.09 cu km/yr (10%/12%/78%)

per capita: 1,056 cu m/yr (1998)

Natural hazards:

Azores subject to severe earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

People ::Portugal

Population:

10,707,924 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.3% (male 912,147/female 834,941)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 3,525,717/female 3,554,513)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 772,413/female 1,108,193) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.4 years

male: 37.3 years

female: 41.6 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.275% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Birth rate:

10.29 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Death rate:

10.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Net migration rate:

3.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Urbanization:

urban population: 59% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.09 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 (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.78 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 195 male: 5.24 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.21 years country comparison to the world: 48 male: 74.95 years

female: 81.69 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.49 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

34,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Nationality:

noun: Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective: Portuguese

Ethnic groups:

homogeneous Mediterranean stock; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000; since 1990 East Europeans have entered Portugal

Religions:

Roman Catholic 84.5%, other Christian 2.2%, other 0.3%, unknown 9%, none 3.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Mirandese (official - but locally used)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 93.3%

male: 95.5%

female: 91.3% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 15 years

female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.5% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 50

Government ::Portugal

Country name:

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic

conventional short form: Portugal

local long form: Republica Portuguesa

local short form: Portugal

Government type:

republic; parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 38 43 N, 9 08 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu

Independence:

1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognized); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal), 10 June (1580); note - also called Camoes Day, the day that revered national poet Luis de Camoes (1524-80) died

Constitution:

adopted 2 April 1976; subsequently revised

note: the revisions placed the military under strict civilian control, trimmed the powers of the president, and laid the groundwork for a stable, pluralistic liberal democracy; and they allowed for the privatization of nationalized firms and the government-owned communications media

Legal system:

based on civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 9 March 2006)

head of government: Prime Minister Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa (since 12 March 2005)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister

note: there is also a Council of State that acts as a consultative body to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 22 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2011); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Anibal CAVACO SILVA elected president; percent of vote - Anibal CAVACO SILVA 50.6%, Manuel ALEGRE 20.7%, Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES 14.3%, Jeronimo DE SOUSA 8.5%, Franciso LOUCA 5.3%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic or Assembleia da Republica (230 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 27 September 2009 (next to be held in fall 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PS 37.7%, PSD 30%, CDS/PP 10.8%, BE 10.2%, CDU 8.1%, other 3.2%; seats by party - PS 96, PSD 78, CDS/PP 21, BE 16, CDU 15

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal de Justica); judges appointed for life by the Conselho Superior da Magistratura

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic and Social Center/Popular Party or CDS/PP [Paulo PORTAS]; Green Ecologist Party (The Greens) or PEV [leadership commission elected by members]; Portuguese Communist Party or PCP [Jeronimo DE SOUSA]; Portuguese Socialist Party or PS [Jose SOCRATES Carvalho Pinto de Sousa]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Manuela FERREIRA LEITE]; The Left Bloc or BE [Franciso Anacleto LOUCA]; Unitarian Democratic Coalition or CDU [Jeronimo DE SOUSA] (includes PCP and PEV)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

the media; labor unions

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Australia Group, BIS, CE, CERN, CPLP, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURCAT, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joao DE VALLERA

chancery: 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone: [1] (202) 328-8610

FAX: [1] (202) 462-3726

consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), San Francisco

consulate(s): New Bedford (Massachusetts), Providence (Rhode Island)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas F. STEPHENSON

embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600-081 Lisbon

mailing address: Apartado 43033, 1601-301 Lisboa; PSC 83, APO AE 09726

telephone: [351] (21) 727-3300

FAX: [351] (21) 726-9109

consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Flag description:

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line

Economy ::Portugal

Economy - overview:

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986. Over the past two decades, successive governments have privatized many state-controlled firms and liberalized key areas of the economy, including the financial and telecommunications sectors. The country qualified for the European Monetary Union (EMU) in 1998 and began circulating the euro on 1 January 2002 along with 11 other EU member economies. Economic growth had been above the EU average for much of the 1990s, but fell back in 2001-08. GDP per capita stands at roughly two-thirds of the EU-27 average. A poor educational system, in particular, has been an obstacle to greater productivity and growth. Portugal has been increasingly overshadowed by lower-cost producers in Central Europe and Asia as a target for foreign direct investment. The budget deficit surged to an all-time high of 6% of GDP in 2005, but the government reduced the deficit to 2.6% in 2007 - a year ahead of Portugal's targeted schedule. Nonetheless, the government faces tough choices in its attempts to boost the economy, which declined 0.1% in 2008, while keeping the budget deficit within the euro-zone 3%-of-GDP ceiling.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$237.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 48 $237.3 billion (2007 est.)

$232.9 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$244.6 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 1.9% (2007 est.)

1.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $22,300 (2007 est.)

$22,000 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.8%

industry: 25%

services: 72.2% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

5.625 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 30%

services: 60% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 8% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

18% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 28.4% (1995 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 72 35.6 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

21.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Budget:

revenues: $105.5 billion

expenditures: $111.9 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

66.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 19 61.5% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 2.4% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 104 5% (31 December 2007)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.35% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 108 7.92% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA

note: see entry for the European Union for money supply in the euro area; the European Central Bank (ECB) controls monetary policy for the 16 members of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); individual members of the EMU do not control the quantity of money and quasi money circulating within their own borders

Stock of quasi money:

$NA

Stock of domestic credit:

$491 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 20 $412.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 44 $132.3 billion (31 December 2007)

$104.2 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

grain, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, grapes; sheep, cattle, goats, swine, poultry, dairy products; fish

Industries:

textiles, clothing, footwear, wood and cork, paper, chemicals, auto-parts manufacturing, base metals, diary products, wine and other foods, porcelain and ceramics, glassware, technology, telecommunications; ship construction and refurbishment; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

-2.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Electricity - production:

44.47 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - consumption:

48.78 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

Electricity - exports:

1.313 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.74 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

7,861 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - consumption:

291,700 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Oil - exports:

53,260 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Oil - imports:

351,100 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl country comparison to the world: 143

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - consumption:

4.754 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - imports:

4.763 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Current account balance:

-$29.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 -$21.18 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$56.42 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54 $51.81 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

agricultural products, food products, oil products, chemical products, plastics and rubber, skins and leather, wood and cork, wood pulp and paper, textile materials, clothing, footwear, minerals and mineral products, base metals, machinery and tools, vehicles and other transport material, and optical and precision instruments

Exports - partners:

Spain 25.7%, Germany 12.7%, France 11.1%, Angola 5.9%, UK 5.3% (2008)

Imports:

$87.83 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 37 $75.98 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

Imports - partners:

Spain 28.9%, Germany 11.6%, France 8%, Italy 4.9%, Netherlands 4.4% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$11.95 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 62 $11.55 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$484.7 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 20 $483.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$117.8 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 $114.2 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$69.24 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28 $69.24 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.6827 (2008 est.), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004)

Communications ::Portugal

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.121 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 37

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14.91 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 44

Telephone system:

general assessment: Portugal's telephone system has a state-of-the-art network with broadband, high-speed capabilities

domestic: integrated network of coaxial cables, open-wire, microwave radio relay, and domestic satellite earth stations

international: country code - 351; a combination of submarine cables provide connectivity to Europe, North and East Africa, South Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the US; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (2 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean), NA Eutelsat; tropospheric scatter to Azores (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 63, shortwave 1 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

42 (2008)

Internet country code:

.pt

Internet hosts:

1.967 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 33

Internet users:

4.476 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 45

Transportation ::Portugal

Airports:

65 (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 43

over 3,047 m: 5

2,438 to 3,047 m: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 11 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 22

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 21 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 1,098 km; oil 11 km; refined products 188 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 2,786 km country comparison to the world: 58 broad gauge: 2,603 km 1.668-m gauge (1,351 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 183 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 82,900 km country comparison to the world: 56 paved: 71,294 km (includes 2,300 km of expressways)

unpaved: 11,606 km (2005)

Waterways:

210 km (on Douro River from Porto) (2008) country comparison to the world: 96

Merchant marine:

total: 117 country comparison to the world: 48 by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 36, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, container 6, liquefied gas 9, passenger 10, passenger/cargo 9, petroleum tanker 4, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1, vehicle carrier 15

foreign-owned: 84 (Bahamas 1, Belgium 8, Denmark 3, Germany 20, Greece 4, Hong Kong 2, Italy 12, Japan 15, Mexico 1, Netherlands 1, Spain 11, Sweden 3, Switzerland 2, US 1)

registered in other countries: 15 (Cyprus 1, Hong Kong 1, Italy 1, Malta 3, Panama 9) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Leixoes, Lisbon, Setubal, Sines

Military ::Portugal

Military branches:

Portuguese Army (Exercito Portugues), Portuguese Navy (Marinha Portuguesa; includes Marine Corps), Portuguese Air Force (Forca Aerea Portuguesa, FAP) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; compulsory military service ended in 2004; women serve in the armed forces, on naval ships since 1993, but are prohibited from serving in some combatant specialties; reserve obligation to age 35 (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,573,913

females age 16-49: 2,498,262 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,103,558

females age 16-49: 2,049,032 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 64,047

female: 57,630 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Transnational Issues ::Portugal

Disputes - international:

Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over the territory of Olivenza based on a difference of interpretation of the 1815 Congress of Vienna and the 1801 Treaty of Badajoz

Illicit drugs:

seizing record amounts of Latin American cocaine destined for Europe; a European gateway for Southwest Asian heroin; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe; consumer of Southwest Asian heroin

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Puerto Rico (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Puerto Rico

Background:

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 not to alter the existing political status.

Geography ::Puerto Rico

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

18 15 N, 66 30 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 13,790 sq km country comparison to the world: 162 land: 8,870 sq km

water: 4,921 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

501 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine, mild; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Cerro de Punta 1,339 m

Natural resources:

some copper and nickel; potential for onshore and offshore oil

Land use:

arable land: 3.69%

permanent crops: 5.59%

other: 90.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

400 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; hurricanes

Environment - current issues:

erosion; occasional drought causing water shortages

Geography - note:

important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

People ::Puerto Rico

Population:

3,971,020 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.9% (male 404,635/female 386,733)

15-64 years: 66% (male 1,260,114/female 1,361,193)

65 years and over: 14.1% (male 240,318/female 318,027) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.2 years

male: 34.5 years

female: 37.9 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.34% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Birth rate:

12.12 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Death rate:

7.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Net migration rate:

-0.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Urbanization:

urban population: 98% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 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 (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 8.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 162 male: 9.69 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.53 years country comparison to the world: 42 male: 74.85 years

female: 82.39 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

7,397 (1997) country comparison to the world: 115

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Puerto Rican(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Ethnic groups:

white (mostly Spanish origin) 76.2%, black 6.9%, Asian 0.3%, Amerindian 0.2%, mixed 4.4%, other 12% (2007)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant and other 15%

Languages:

Spanish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 94.1%

male: 93.9%

female: 94.4% (2002 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Puerto Rico

Country name:

conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form: Puerto Rico

Dependency status:

unincorporated, organized territory of the US with commonwealth status; policy relations between Puerto Rico and the US conducted under the jurisdiction of the Office of the President

Government type:

commonwealth

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 18 28 N, 66 07 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 78 municipalities (municipios, singular - municipio) at the second order; Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa, Yauco

Independence:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

National holiday:

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776); Puerto Rico Constitution Day, 25 July (1952)

Constitution:

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil code and within the US Federal system of justice

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009)

head of government: Governor Luis FORTUNO (since 2 January 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor with the consent of the legislature

elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican party presidential primary elections; governor elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits); election last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Luis FORTUNO elected governor with 52.8% of the vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of the Senate (at least 27 seats; members are directly elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) and the House of Representatives (51 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held November 2012); House of Representatives - last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - PNP 81.5%, PPD 18.5%; seats by party - PNP 22, PPD 5; House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - PNP 72.5%, PPD 27.5%; seats by party - PNP 37, PPD 14

note: Puerto Rico elects, by popular vote, a resident commissioner to serve a four-year term as a nonvoting representative in the US House of Representatives; aside from not voting on the House floor, he enjoys all the rights of a member of Congress; elections last held 4 November 2008 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PNP 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appellate Court; Court of First Instance composed of two sections: a Superior Court and a Municipal Court (justices for all these courts appointed by the governor with the consent of the Senate)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party [Roberto PRATS]; National Republican Party of Puerto Rico [Dr. Tiody FERRE]; New Progressive Party or PNP [Pedro ROSSELLO] (pro-US statehood); Popular Democratic Party or PPD [Anibal ACEVEDO-VILA] (pro-commonwealth); Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP [Ruben BERRIOS Martinez] (pro-independence)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Boricua Popular Army or EPB (a revolutionary group also known as Los Macheteros); note - the following radical groups are considered dormant by Federal law enforcement: Armed Forces for National Liberation or FALN, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance, Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution

International organization participation:

Caricom (observer), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, ITUC, UNWTO (associate), UPU, WCL, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US with commonwealth status)

Flag description:

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large, white, five-pointed star in the center; design initially influenced by the US flag, but similar to the Cuban flag, with the colors of the bands and triangle reversed

Economy ::Puerto Rico

Economy - overview:

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. A diverse industrial sector has far surpassed agriculture as the primary locus of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty-free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income with estimated arrivals of nearly 5 million tourists in 2004. Growth fell off in 2001-03, largely due to the slowdown in the US economy, recovered in 2004-05, but declined again in 2006-07.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$70.23 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 $72.03 billion (2007 est.)

$73.35 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$88 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-2.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 212 -1.8% (2007 est.)

0.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$17,800 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70 $18,300 (2007 est.)

$18,700 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 45%

services: 54% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

1.479 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 130

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.1%

industry: 19%

services: 79% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2002) country comparison to the world: 137

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $6.7 billion

expenditures: $9.6 billion (FY99/00)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock products, chickens

Industries:

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

23.72 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Electricity - consumption:

22.06 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1,354 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Oil - consumption:

185,300 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Oil - exports:

16,520 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Oil - imports:

225,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - consumption:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 126

Natural gas - imports:

806.6 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Exports:

$46.9 billion (2001) country comparison to the world: 58

Exports - commodities:

chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment

Imports:

$29.1 billion c.i.f.

Imports - commodities:

chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Puerto Rico

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.038 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 78

Telephones - mobile cellular:

3.354 million (2005) country comparison to the world: 102

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system integrated with that of the US by high-capacity submarine cable and Intelsat with high-speed data capability

domestic: digital telephone system; cellular telephone service

international: country code - 1-787, 939; submarine cables provide connectivity to the US, Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 74, FM 53, shortwave 0 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

34 (2008)

Internet country code:

.pr

Internet hosts:

700 (2009) country comparison to the world: 167

Internet users:

1 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 89

Transportation ::Puerto Rico

Airports:

29 (2009) country comparison to the world: 117

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 17

over 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 5 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 10 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 26,186 km country comparison to the world: 102 paved: 24,877 km (includes 427 km of expressways)

unpaved: 1,309 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 140 by type: roll on/roll off 3

foreign-owned: 3 (US 3)

registered in other countries: 1 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Guayanilla, Mayaguez, San Juan

Military ::Puerto Rico

Military branches:

no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 699,784

females age 16-49: 790,482 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,422

female: 29,396 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Puerto Rico

Disputes - international:

increasing numbers of illegal migrants from the Dominican Republic cross the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico each year looking for work

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Qatar (Middle East)

Introduction ::Qatar

Background:

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. As of 2007, oil and natural gas revenues had enabled Qatar to attain the second-highest per capita income in the world.

Geography ::Qatar

Location:

Middle East, peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia

Geographic coordinates:

25 30 N, 51 15 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 11,586 sq km country comparison to the world: 165 land: 11,586 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 60 km

border countries: Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline:

563 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: as determined by bilateral agreements or the median line

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Qurayn Abu al Bawl 103 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0.27%

other: 98.09% (2005)

Irrigated land:

130 sq km (2002)

Total renewable water resources:

0.1 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.29 cu km/yr (24%/3%/72%)

per capita: 358 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Environment - current issues:

limited natural fresh water resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

People ::Qatar

Population:

833,285 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.8% (male 93,805/female 88,040)

15-64 years: 76.8% (male 454,714/female 185,004)

65 years and over: 1.4% (male 6,792/female 4,930) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.8 years

male: 32.8 years

female: 25.4 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.957% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Birth rate:

15.61 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Death rate:

2.46 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Net migration rate:

-3.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Urbanization:

urban population: 96% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 2.46 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.38 male(s)/female

total population: 2 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.66 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 140 male: 13.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 11.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.35 years country comparison to the world: 80 male: 73.66 years

female: 77.14 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.45 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.09% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Qatari(s)

adjective: Qatari

Ethnic groups:

Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions:

Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14% (2004 census)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 89%

male: 89.1%

female: 88.6% (2004 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 136

Government ::Qatar

Country name:

conventional long form: State of Qatar

conventional short form: Qatar

local long form: Dawlat Qatar

local short form: Qatar

note: closest approximation of the native pronunciation falls between cutter and gutter, but not like guitar

Government type:

emirate

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 25 17 N, 51 32 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

10 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Sa'id, Umm Salal

Independence:

3 September 1971 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 September (1971); also observed is National Day, 18 December

Constitution:

ratified by public referendum on 29 April 2003, endorsed by the Amir on 8 June 2004, effective on 9 June 2005

Legal system:

based on Islamic and civil law codes; discretionary system of law controlled by the Amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law dominates family and personal matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as heir apparent, he ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad al-Thani, in a bloodless coup); Heir Apparent TAMIM bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, fourth son of the monarch (selected Heir Apparent by the monarch on 5 August 2003); note - Amir HAMAD also holds the positions of Minister of Defense and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

head of government: Prime Minister HAMAD bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani (since 3 April 2007); Deputy Prime Minister Abdallah bin Hamad al-ATIYAH (since 3 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the monarch

elections: the monarch is hereditary

note: in April 2007, Qatar held nationwide elections for a 29-member Central Municipal Council (CMC), which has limited consultative powers aimed at improving the provision of municipal services; the first election for the CMC was held in March 1999

Legislative branch:

unicameral Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura (35 seats; members appointed)

note: no legislative elections have been held since 1970 when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every year since the new constitution came into force on 9 June 2005; the constitution provides for a new 45-member Advisory Council or Majlis al-Shura; the public would elect two-thirds of the Majlis al-Shura; the Amir would appoint the remaining members; preparations are underway to conduct elections to the Majlis al-Shura

Judicial branch:

Courts of First Instance, Appeal, and Cassation; an Administrative Court and a Constitutional Court were established in 2007; note - all judges are appointed by Amiri Decree based on the recommendation of the Supreme Judiciary Council for renewable three-year terms

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ali Fahad al-Shahwany al-HAJRI

chancery: 2555 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 274-1600 and 274-1603

FAX: [1] (202) 237-0061

consulate(s) general: Houston

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph E. LEBARON

embassy: Al-Luqta District, 22 February Road, Doha

mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone: [974] 488 4161

FAX: [974] 488 4150

Flag description:

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side

Economy ::Qatar

Economy - overview:

Qatar has experienced rapid economic growth over the last several years on the back of high oil prices, and in 2008 posted its eighth consecutive budget surplus. Economic policy is focused on developing Qatar's nonassociated natural gas reserves and increasing private and foreign investment in non-energy sectors, but oil and gas still account for more than 50% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar the second highest per-capita income country - following Liechtenstein - and one of the world's fastest growing. Proved oil reserves of 15 billion barrels should enable continued output at current levels for 37 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas are nearly 26 trillion cubic meters, about 14% of the world total and third largest in the world. The drop in oil prices in late 2008 and the global financial crisis will reduce Qatar's budget surplus and may slow the pace of investment and development projects in 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$91.55 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69 $80.73 billion (2007 est.)

$68.82 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$102.3 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

13.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 17.3% (2007 est.)

12.2% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$111,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $99,100 (2007 est.)

$85,800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 74.9%

services: 25.1% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

1.119 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Unemployment rate:

0.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 0.7% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

32.1% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Budget:

revenues: $36.59 billion

expenditures: $27.14 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

5.1% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 11% of GDP (2007 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 13.7% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

5.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 79 5.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.84% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 115 7.43% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$13.98 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 41 $9.718 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$36.58 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 32 $22.6 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$59.43 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 45 $30.52 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$76.31 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 49 $95.49 billion (31 December 2007)

$61.56 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, vegetables; poultry, dairy products, beef; fish

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, ammonia, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel reinforcing bars, cement, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

13% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Electricity - production:

15.11 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Electricity - consumption:

13.73 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

1.208 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - consumption:

129,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Oil - exports:

1.043 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 21

Oil - imports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Oil - proved reserves:

15.21 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Natural gas - production:

76.98 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Natural gas - consumption:

20.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - exports:

56.78 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Natural gas - proved reserves:

25.26 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Current account balance:

$15.07 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $10.45 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$55.73 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $42.02 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

liquefied natural gas (LNG), petroleum products, fertilizers, steel

Exports - partners:

Japan 38.5%, South Korea 20.9%, Singapore 11.1%, India 4.5%, Thailand 4.4% (2008)

Imports:

$25.11 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $19.82 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

US 12.1%, Germany 9%, Italy 8.9%, Japan 8%, South Korea 7.5%, France 6.2%, UAE 5.5%, UK 4.9%, Saudi Arabia 4.6%, Turkey 4.2%, China 4.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.998 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $9.752 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$57.37 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $33.09 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$3.627 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.601 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$5.363 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $6.993 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Qatari rials (QAR) per US dollar - 3.64 (2008 est.), 3.64 (2007), 3.64 (2006), 3.64 (2005), 3.64 (2004)

Communications ::Qatar

Telephones - main lines in use:

263,400 (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.683 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 128

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system centered in Doha

domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular telephone subscribership exceeds 200 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 974; landing point for the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) submarine cable network that provides links to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and the US; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and the UAE; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean) and 1 Arabsat (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 6, FM 5, shortwave 1 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 3 repeaters) (2001)

Internet country code:

.qa

Internet hosts:

722 (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Internet users:

436,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 111

Transportation ::Qatar

Airports:

5 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 145 km; condensate/gas 132 km; gas 978 km; liquid petroleum gas 90 km; oil 382 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 7,790 km (2006) country comparison to the world: 143

Merchant marine:

total: 22 country comparison to the world: 96 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 8, liquefied gas 4, petroleum tanker 4

foreign-owned: 7 (Kuwait 7)

registered in other countries: 5 (Liberia 4, Panama 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Doha, Ra's Laffan

Military ::Qatar

Military branches:

Qatari Amiri Land Force (QALF), Qatari Amiri Navy (QAN), Qatari Amiri Air Force (QAAF) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 320,383

females age 16-49: 167,475 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 318,388

females age 16-49: 136,841 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 6,337

female: 5,059 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Transnational Issues ::Qatar

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Qatar is a destination country for men and women from South and Southeast Asia who migrate willingly, but are subsequently trafficked into involuntary servitude as domestic workers and laborers, and, to a lesser extent, commercial sexual exploitation; the most common offense was forcing workers to accept worse contract terms than those under which they were recruited; other conditions include bonded labor, withholding of pay, restrictions on movement, arbitrary detention, and physical, mental, and sexual abuse

tier rating: Tier 3 - Qatar failed, for the second consecutive year, to enforce criminal laws against traffickers, or to provide an effective mechanism to identify and protect victims; it continues to detain and deport victims rather than providing them protection; the government made little progress to increase prosecutions for trafficking in a meaningful way in 2007; workers complaining of working conditions or non-payment of wages were sometimes penalized (2008)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Romania (Europe)

Introduction ::Romania

Background:

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 - most notably Transylvania - following the conflict. In 1940, Romania 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. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Geography ::Romania

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Ukraine

Geographic coordinates:

46 00 N, 25 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 238,391 sq km country comparison to the world: 82 land: 229,891 sq km

water: 8,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,508 km

border countries: Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia 476 km, Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (east) 169 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Terrain:

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Moldavian Plateau on the east by the Eastern Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Moldoveanu 2,544 m

Natural resources:

petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt, arable land, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 39.49%

permanent crops: 1.92%

other: 58.59% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30,770 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

42.3 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 6.5 cu km/yr (9%/34%/57%)

per capita: 299 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine

People ::Romania

Population:

22,215,421 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.5% (male 1,772,583/female 1,681,539)

15-64 years: 69.7% (male 7,711,062/female 7,784,041)

65 years and over: 14.7% (male 1,332,120/female 1,934,076) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.7 years

male: 36.3 years

female: 39.2 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.147% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Birth rate:

10.53 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Death rate:

11.88 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Net migration rate:

-0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 22.9 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 95 male: 25.94 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.66 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.45 years country comparison to the world: 117 male: 68.95 years

female: 76.16 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.39 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

15,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Nationality:

noun: Romanian(s)

adjective: Romanian

Ethnic groups:

Romanian 89.5%, Hungarian 6.6%, Roma 2.5%, Ukrainian 0.3%, German 0.3%, Russian 0.2%, Turkish 0.2%, other 0.4% (2002 census)

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox (including all sub-denominations) 86.8%, Protestant (various denominations including Reformate and Pentecostal) 7.5%, Roman Catholic 4.7%, other (mostly Muslim) and unspecified 0.9%, none 0.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Romanian 91% (official), Hungarian 6.7%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 1.2%

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.3%

male: 98.4%

female: 96.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 14 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.5% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 129

Government ::Romania

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Romania

local long form: none

local short form: Romania

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 44 26 N, 26 06 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

Administrative divisions:

41 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti (Bucharest)*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Ilfov, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Independence:

9 May 1877 (independence proclaimed from the Ottoman Empire; independence recognized 13 July 1878 by the Treaty of Berlin); 26 March 1881 (kingdom proclaimed); 30 December 1947 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

Unification Day (of Romania and Transylvania), 1 December (1918)

Constitution:

8 December 1991; revised 29 October 2003

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Traian BASESCU (since 20 December 2004); note - President Traian BASESCU was suspended by vote of parliament on 19 April 2007, but resumed his duties on 23 May 2007 after a popular referendum confirmed that his impeachment should not stand

head of government: Prime Minister Emil BOC (since 22 December 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 28 November 2004 with runoff between the top two candidates held 12 December 2004 (next to be held in November-December 2009); prime minister appointed by the president with the consent of the Parliament

election results: percent of vote - Traian BASESCU 51.23%, Adrian NASTASE 48.77%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlament consists of the Senate or Senat (137 seats; members are elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) and the Chamber of Deputies or Camera Deputatilor (334 seats; members are elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held in November 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held 30 November 2008 (next expected to be held November 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 34.2%, PDL 33.6%, PNL 18.7%, UDMR 6.4%, other 7.1%; seats by alliance/party - PSD-PC 49, PDL 51, PNL 28, UDMR 9; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - PSD-PC 33.1%, PDL 32.4%, PNL 18.6%, UDMR 6.2%, ethnic minorities 3.6%, other 6.1%; seats by alliance/party - PSD-PC 114, PDL 115, PNL 65, UDMR 22, ethnic minorities 18

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (comprised of 11 judges appointed for three-year terms by the president in consultation with the Superior Council of Magistrates, which is comprised of the minister of justice, the prosecutor general, two civil society representatives appointed by the Senate, and 14 judges and prosecutors elected by their peers); a separate body, the Constitutional Court, validates elections and makes decisions regarding the constitutionality of laws, treaties, ordinances, and internal rules of the Parliament; it is comprised of nine members serving nine-year terms, with three members each appointed by the president, the Senate, and the Chamber of Deputies

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative Party or PC [Daniela POPA] (formerly Humanist Party or PUR); Democratic Liberal Party or PDL [Emil BOC]; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania or UDMR [Bela MARKO]; National Liberal Party or PNL [Calin Popescu-TARICEANU]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Mircea Dan GEOANA] (formerly Party of Social Democracy in Romania or PDSR)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: various human rights and professional associations

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA (cooperating state), EU, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian Cosmin VIERITA

chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851, 4852

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4748

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge D'Affaires Jeri GUTHRIE-CORN

embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest

mailing address: pouch: American Embassy Bucharest, US Department of State, 5260 Bucharest Place, Washington, DC 20521-5260 (pouch)

telephone: [40] (21) 200-3300

FAX: [40] (21) 200-3442

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed; now similar to the flag of Chad, also resembles the flags of Andorra and Moldova

Economy ::Romania

Economy - overview:

Romania, which joined the European Union on 1 January 2007, began the transition from Communism in 1989 with a largely obsolete industrial base and a pattern of output unsuited to the country's needs. The country emerged in 2000 from a punishing three-year recession thanks to strong demand in EU export markets. Domestic consumption and investment have fueled strong GDP growth in recent years, but have led to large current account imbalances. Romania's macroeconomic gains have only recently started to spur creation of a middle class and address Romania's widespread poverty. Corruption and red tape continue to handicap its business environment. Inflation rose in 2007-08, driven in part by strong consumer demand and high wage growth, rising energy costs, a nation-wide drought affecting food prices, and a relaxation of fiscal discipline. Romania's strong GDP growth moderated markedly in the last quarter of 2008 as the country began to feel the effects of a global downturn in financial markets and trade, and growth is expected to be much weaker in 2009. Romania hopes to adopt the euro by 2014.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$272 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $254 billion (2007 est.)

$239.2 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$200.1 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 6.2% (2007 est.)

7.9% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$12,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 90 $11,400 (2007 est.)

$10,700 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.1%

industry: 36%

services: 55.9% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

9.32 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 29.7%

industry: 23.2%

services: 47.1% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

4.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 4.1% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

25% (2005 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.2%

highest 10%: 20.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2008) country comparison to the world: 103 28.8 (2003)

Investment (gross fixed):

33.3% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Budget:

revenues: $65.29 billion

expenditures: $74.99 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

14.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 23.6% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123 4.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA%

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.99% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 55 13.35% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$25.3 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 33 $25.17 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$36.09 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 33 $34.96 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$72.85 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 43 $58.76 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$19.92 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 59 $44.93 billion (31 December 2007)

$32.78 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, grapes; eggs, sheep

Industries:

electric machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, light machinery and auto assembly, mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, food processing, petroleum refining

Industrial production growth rate:

7.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Electricity - production:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - consumption:

49.44 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Electricity - exports:

5.169 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

921 million kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

115,200 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Oil - consumption:

219,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Oil - exports:

115,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Oil - imports:

217,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 45

Oil - proved reserves:

600 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Natural gas - production:

11.42 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - consumption:

16.92 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 128

Natural gas - imports:

5.5 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Natural gas - proved reserves:

63 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Current account balance:

-$24.81 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178 -$23.02 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$49.41 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $40.32 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, textiles and footwear, metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, minerals and fuels, chemicals, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

Germany 16.5%, Italy 15.6%, France 7.4%, Turkey 6.6%, Hungary 5.1%, Bulgaria 4.2% (2008)

Imports:

$76.17 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 42 $64.54 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels and minerals, chemicals, textile and products, metals, agricultural products

Imports - partners:

Germany 16.3%, Italy 11.4%, Hungary 7.4%, Russia 6%, France 5.7%, Turkey 4.9%, Austria 4.9%, Kazakhstan 4.6%, China 4.2% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$39.47 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $39.96 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$102.2 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 36 $NA (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$72.61 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $62.86 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$921 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 $1.238 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

lei (RON) per US dollar - 2.5 (2008 est.), 2.43 (2007), 2.809 (2006), 3 (2005), 3 (2004)

Communications ::Romania

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.036 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 31

Telephones - mobile cellular:

24.467 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 34

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telecommunications sector is being expanded and modernized; domestic and international service improving rapidly, especially mobile-cellular services

domestic: more than 90 percent of telephone network is automatic; fixed-line teledensity exceeds 20 telephones per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity, expanding rapidly, roughly 110 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 40; the Black Sea Fiber Optic System provides connectivity to Bulgaria and Turkey; satellite earth stations - 10; digital, international, direct-dial exchanges operate in Bucharest (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

698 (station frequency type NA) (2006)

Television broadcast stations:

623 (plus 200 repeaters) (2006)

Internet country code:

.ro

Internet hosts:

2.188 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 31

Internet users:

6.132 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 37

Transportation ::Romania

Airports:

53 (2009) country comparison to the world: 89

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 25

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 11 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 28

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 21 (2009)

Heliports:

2 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 3,588 km; oil 2,424 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 10,788 km country comparison to the world: 21 broad gauge: 57 km 1.524-m gauge

standard gauge: 10,731 km 1.435-m gauge (3,965 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 198,817 km country comparison to the world: 26 paved: 60,043 km (includes 228 km of expressways)

unpaved: 138,774 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,731 km country comparison to the world: 48 note: includes 1,075 km on Danube River, 524 km on secondary branches, and 132 km on canals (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 17 country comparison to the world: 103 by type: cargo 11, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 2, roll on/roll off 1

registered in other countries: 49 (Cambodia 1, Georgia 16, North Korea 4, Liberia 2, Malta 8, Marshall Islands 1, Moldova 3, Panama 7, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Sierra Leone 3, Syria 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Braila, Constanta, Galati, Tulcea

Military ::Romania

Military branches:

Land Forces, Naval Forces, Romanian Air Force (Fortele Aeriene Romane, FAR), Special Operations (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-35 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; conscription officially ended October 2006; all military inductees (including women) contract for an initial 5-year term of service, with subsequent successive contracts for 3-year terms until age 36 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,682,299

females age 16-49: 5,557,098 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,542,720

females age 16-49: 4,604,484 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 124,356

female: 118,430 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Transnational Issues ::Romania

Disputes - international:

the ICJ gave Ukraine until December 2006 to reply, and Romania until June 2007 to issue a rejoinder, in their dispute submitted in 2004 over Ukrainian-administered Zmiyinyy/Serpilor (Snake) Island and Black Sea maritime boundary delimitation; Romania also opposes Ukraine's reopening of a navigation canal from the Danube border through Ukraine to the Black Sea

Illicit drugs:

major transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route and small amounts of Latin American cocaine bound for Western Europe; although not a significant financial center, role as a narcotics conduit leaves it vulnerable to laundering, which occurs via the banking system, currency exchange houses, and casinos

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Russia (Central Asia)

Introduction ::Russia

Background:

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. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. 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 Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened Communist rule and 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 Russia and 14 other independent republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

Geography ::Russia

Location:

Northern Asia (the area west of the Urals is considered part of Europe), bordering the Arctic Ocean, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 N, 100 00 E

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total: 17,098,242 sq km country comparison to the world: 1 land: 16,377,742 sq km

water: 720,500 sq km

Area - comparative:

approximately 1.8 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 20,241.5 km

border countries: Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 17.5 km, Latvia 292 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 196 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Coastline:

37,653 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Terrain:

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caspian Sea -28 m

highest point: Gora El'brus 5,633 m

Natural resources:

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber

note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources

Land use:

arable land: 7.17%

permanent crops: 0.11%

other: 92.72% (2005)

Irrigated land:

46,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

4,498 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 76.68 cu km/yr (19%/63%/18%)

per capita: 535 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

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

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial, municipal, and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and seacoasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination; groundwater contamination from toxic waste; urban solid waste management; abandoned stocks of obsolete pesticides

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography - note:

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture; Mount El'brus is Europe's tallest peak

People ::Russia

Population:

140,041,247 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.8% (male 10,644,833/female 10,095,011)

15-64 years: 71.5% (male 48,004,040/female 52,142,313)

65 years and over: 13.7% (male 5,880,877/female 13,274,173) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.4 years

male: 35.2 years

female: 41.6 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.467% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

Birth rate:

11.1 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Death rate:

16.06 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Net migration rate:

0.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Urbanization:

urban population: 73% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.44 male(s)/female

total population: 0.86 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.56 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 152 male: 12.08 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.03 years country comparison to the world: 162 male: 59.33 years

female: 73.14 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.41 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

940,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

40,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: tickborne encephalitis

Nationality:

noun: Russian(s)

adjective: Russian

Ethnic groups:

Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1% (2002 census)

Religions:

Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.)

note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule

Languages:

Russian, many minority languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.4%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.2% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 117

Government ::Russia

Country name:

conventional long form: Russian Federation

conventional short form: Russia

local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya

local short form: Rossiya

former: Russian Empire, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Government type:

federation

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 55 45 N, 37 35 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

note: Russia is divided into 11 time zones

Administrative divisions:

46 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast), 21 republics (respublik, singular - respublika), 4 autonomous okrugs (avtonomnykh okrugov, singular - avtonomnyy okrug), 9 krays (krayev, singular - kray), 2 federal cities (goroda, singular - gorod), and 1 autonomous oblast (avtonomnaya oblast')

oblasts: Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad, Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orenburg, Orel, Penza, Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'

republics: Adygeya (Maykop), Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatiya (Ulan-Ude), Chechnya (Groznyy), Chuvashiya (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Ingushetiya (Magas), Kabardino-Balkariya (Nal'chik), Kalmykiya (Elista), Karachayevo-Cherkesiya (Cherkessk), Kareliya (Petrozavodsk), Khakasiya (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mariy-El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordoviya (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Sakha [Yakutiya] (Yakutsk), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tyva (Kyzyl), Udmurtiya (Izhevsk)

autonomous okrugs: Chukotka (Anadyr'), Khanty-Mansi (Khanty-Mansiysk), Nenets (Nar'yan-Mar), Yamalo-Nenets (Salekhard)

krays: Altay (Barnaul), Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm', Primorskiy [Maritime] (Vladivostok), Stavropol', Zabaykal'sk (Chita)

federal cities: Moscow [Moskva], Saint Petersburg [Sankt-Peterburg]

autonomous oblast: Yevrey [Jewish] (Birobidzhan)

note: administrative divisions have the same names as their administrative centers (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Russia Day, 12 June (1990)

Constitution:

adopted 12 December 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Dmitriy Anatolyevich MEDVEDEV (since 7 May 2008)

head of government: Premier Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN (since 8 May 2008); First Deputy Premiers Igor Ivanovich SHUVALOV and Viktor Alekseyevich ZUBKOV (since 12 May 2008); Deputy Premiers Sergey Borisovich IVANOV (since 12 May 2008), Dmitriy Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14 October 2008), Aleksey Leonidovich KUDRIN (since 24 September 2007), Igor Ivanovich SECHIN (since 12 May 2008), Sergey Semenovich SOBYANIN (since 12 May 2008), Aleksandr Dmitriyevich ZHUKOV (since 9 March 2004), and Dmitry Nikolayevich KOZAK (since 14 October 2008)

cabinet: Ministries of the Government or "Government" composed of the premier and his deputies, ministers, and selected other individuals; all are appointed by the president

note: there is also a Presidential Administration (PA) that provides staff and policy support to the president, drafts presidential decrees, and coordinates policy among government agencies; a Security Council also reports directly to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 2 March 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); note - no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election is held, which must be within three months; premier appointed by the president with the approval of the Duma

election results: Dmitriy MEDVEDEV elected president; percent of vote - Dmitry MEDVEDEV 70.2%, Gennady ZYUGANOV 17.7%, Vladimir ZHIRINOVSKY 9.4%, Andrey BOGDANOV 1.3%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly or Federalnoye Sobraniye consists of an upper house, the Federation Council or Sovet Federatsii (168 seats; as of July 2000, members appointed by the top executive and legislative officials in each of the 84 federal administrative units - oblasts, krays, republics, autonomous okrugs and oblasts, and the federal cities of Moscow and Saint Petersburg; serve four-year terms) and a lower house, the State Duma or Gosudarstvennaya Duma (450 seats; as of 2007, all members elected by proportional representation from party lists winning at least 7% of the vote; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: State Duma - last held 2 December 2007 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: State Duma - United Russia 64.3%, CPRF 11.5%, LDPR 8.1%, Just Russia 7.7%, other 8.4%; total seats by party - United Russia 315, CPRF 57, LDPR 40, Just Russia 38

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court; Supreme Arbitration Court; judges for all courts are appointed for life by the Federation Council on the recommendation of the president

Political parties and leaders:

A Just Russia [Sergey MIRONOV]; Communist Party of the Russian Federation or CPRF [Gennadiy Andreyevich ZYUGANOV]; Liberal Democratic Party of Russia or LDPR [Vladimir Volfovich ZHIRINOVSKIY]; Patriots of Russia [Gennadiy SEMIGIN]; People's Union [Sergey BABURIN]; Right Cause [Leonid Yakovlevich GOZMAN, Boris Yuriyevich TITOV, and Georgiy Georgiyevich BOVT] (registration pending; formed from merger of Union of Right Forces, Democratic Party of Russia, and Civic Force); United Russia [Vladimir Vladimirovich PUTIN]; Yabloko Party [Sergey Sergeyevich MITROKHIN]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

All-Russian Confederation of Labor; Baikal Environmental Wave; Federation of Independent Labor Unions of Russia; Freedom of Choice Interregional Organization of Automobilists; Glasnost Defense Foundation; Golos Association in Defense of Voters' Rights; Greenpeace Russia; Human Rights Watch (Russian chapter); Institute for Collective Action; Memorial (human rights group); Movement Against Illegal Migration; Pamjat (preservation of historical monuments and recording of history); Russian Orthodox Church; Russian-Chechen Friendship Society; SOVA Analytical-Information Center; Union of the Committees of Soldiers' Mothers; World Wildlife Fund (Russian chapter)

International organization participation:

APEC, Arctic Council, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), BIS, BSEC, CBSS, CE, CERN (observer), CIS, CSTO, EAEC, EAPC, EBRD, G-20, G-8, GCTU, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), OECD (accession state), OIC (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, SCO, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNOMIG, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer), ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Sergey Ivanovich KISLYAK

chancery: 2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5700, 5701, 5704, 5708

FAX: [1] (202) 298-5735

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John R. BEYRLE

embassy: Bolshoy Deviatinskiy Pereulok No. 8, 121099 Moscow

mailing address: PSC-77, APO AE 09721

telephone: [7] (495) 728-5000

FAX: [7] (495) 728-5090

consulate(s) general: Saint Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red

Economy ::Russia

Economy - overview:

Russia ended 2008 with GDP growth of 5.6%, following 10 straight years of growth averaging 7% annually since the financial crisis of 1998. Over the last six years, fixed capital investment growth and personal income growth have averaged above 10%, but both grew at slower rates in 2008. Growth in 2008 was driven largely by non-tradable services and domestic manufacturing, rather than exports. During the past decade, poverty and unemployment declined steadily and the middle class continued to expand. Russia also improved its international financial position, running balance of payments surpluses since 2000. Foreign exchange reserves grew from $12 billion in 1999 to almost $600 billion by end July 2008, which include $200 billion in two sovereign wealth funds: a reserve fund to support budgetary expenditures in case of a fall in the price of oil and a national welfare fund to help fund pensions and infrastructure development. Total foreign debt is almost one-third of GDP. The state component of foreign debt has declined, but commercial short-term debt to foreigners has risen strongly. These positive trends began to reverse in the second half of 2008. Investor concerns over the Russia-Georgia conflict, corporate governance issues, and the global credit crunch in September caused the Russian stock market to fall by roughly 70%, primarily due to margin calls that were difficult for many Russian companies to meet. The global crisis also affected Russia's banking system, which faced liquidity problems. Moscow responded quickly in early October 2008, initiating a rescue plan of over $200 billion that was designed to increase liquidity in the financial sector, to help firms refinance foreign debt, and to support the stock market. The government also unveiled a $20 billion tax cut plan and other safety nets for society and industry. Meanwhile, a 70% drop in the price of oil since mid-July further exacerbated imbalances in external accounts and the federal budget. In mid-November, mini-devaluations of the currency by the Central Bank caused increased capital flight and froze domestic credit markets, resulting in growing unemployment, wage arrears, and a severe drop in production. Foreign exchange reserves dropped to around $435 billion by end 2008, as the Central Bank defended an overvalued ruble. In the first year of his term, President MEDVEDEV outlined a number of economic priorities for Russia including improving infrastructure, innovation, investment, and institutions; reducing the state's role in the economy; reforming the tax system and banking sector; developing one of the biggest financial centers in the world, combating corruption, and improving the judiciary. The Russian government needs to diversify the economy further, as energy and other raw materials still dominate Russian export earnings and federal budget receipts. Russia's infrastructure requires large investments and must be replaced or modernized if the country is to achieve broad-based economic growth. Corruption, lack of trust in institutions, and more recently, exchange rate uncertainty and the global economic crisis continue to dampen domestic and foreign investor sentiment. Russia has made some progress in building the rule of law, the bedrock of a modern market economy, but much work remains on judicial reform. Moscow continues to seek accession to the WTO and has made some progress, but its timeline for entry into the organization continues to slip, and the negotiating atmosphere has soured in the wake of the Georgia and global economic crises.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.271 trillion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $2.151 trillion (2007 est.)

$1.99 trillion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.677 trillion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 8.1% (2007 est.)

7.7% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$16,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73 $15,200 (2007 est.)

$14,000 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.7%

industry: 37.6%

services: 57.7% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

75.7 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 10.2%

industry: 27.4%

services: 62.4% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82 6.2% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

15.8% (November 2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 30.4% (September 2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.5 (September 2008) country comparison to the world: 56 39.9 (2001)

Investment (gross fixed):

22.1% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Budget:

revenues: $364.6 billion

expenditures: $304.6 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

6.5% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 28.2% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

13% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 38 10% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.23% (31 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$252.5 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 6 $303.7 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$318.4 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 11 $292.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$367.2 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 23 $339.1 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$397.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11 $1.503 trillion (31 December 2007)

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2006 est.)

Agriculture - products:

grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, vegetables, fruits; beef, milk

Industries:

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Electricity - production:

958 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - consumption:

840.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Electricity - exports:

18.6 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

3.105 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

9.79 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - consumption:

2.9 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Oil - exports:

6.845 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Oil - imports:

47,360 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - proved reserves:

60 billion bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Natural gas - production:

662.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - consumption:

475.7 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Natural gas - exports:

243.4 billion cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 1

Natural gas - imports:

56.9 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Natural gas - proved reserves:

47.57 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Current account balance:

$102.4 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $77.01 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$471.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $354.4 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 11.2%, Italy 8.1%, Germany 8%, Turkey 6%, Ukraine 5.1%, Poland 4.5%, China 4.3% (2008)

Imports:

$291.9 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $223.5 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

vehicles, machinery and equipment, plastics, medicines, iron and steel, consumer goods, meat, fruits and nuts, semifinished metal products

Imports - partners:

Germany 13.5%, China 13.2%, Japan 6.5%, Ukraine 6%, US 4.5%, Italy 4.3% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$427.1 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $476.4 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$483.5 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 21 $471 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$491.2 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 10 $271.6 billion (2006)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$176.7 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $209.6 billion (2006)

Exchange rates:

Russian rubles (RUB) per US dollar - 24.3 (2008 est.), 25.659 (2007), 27.19 (2006), 28.284 (2005), 28.814 (2004)

Communications ::Russia

Telephones - main lines in use:

44.2 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 5

Telephones - mobile cellular:

187.5 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 4

Telephone system:

general assessment: the telephone system is experiencing significant changes; there are more than 1,000 companies licensed to offer communication services; access to digital lines has improved, particularly in urban centers; Internet and e-mail services are improving; Russia has made progress toward building the telecommunications infrastructure necessary for a market economy; the estimated number of mobile subscribers jumped from fewer than 1 million in 1998 to nearly 188 million in 2008; a large demand for main line service remains unsatisfied

domestic: cross-country digital trunk lines run from Saint Petersburg to Khabarovsk, and from Moscow to Novorossiysk; the telephone systems in 60 regional capitals have modern digital infrastructures; cellular services, both analog and digital, are available in many areas; in rural areas, the telephone services are still outdated, inadequate, and low density

international: country code - 7; Russia is connected internationally by undersea fiber optic cables; digital switches in several cities provide more than 50,000 lines for international calls; satellite earth stations provide access to Intelsat, Intersputnik, Eutelsat, Inmarsat, and Orbita systems (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 323, FM 1,500 est., shortwave 62 (2004)

Television broadcast stations:

7,306 (1998)

Internet country code:

.ru; note - Russia also has responsibility for a legacy domain ".su" that was allocated to the Soviet Union and is being phased out

Internet hosts:

7.663 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 13

Internet users:

45.25 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 8

Transportation ::Russia

Airports:

1,216 (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 595

over 3,047 m: 52

2,438 to 3,047 m: 198

1,524 to 2,437 m: 129

914 to 1,523 m: 99

under 914 m: 117 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 621

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 13

1,524 to 2,437 m: 68

914 to 1,523 m: 84

under 914 m: 453 (2009)

Heliports:

48 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 122 km; gas 158,767 km; liquid petroleum gas 127 km; oil 74,285 km; refined products 13,658 km; water 23 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 87,157 km country comparison to the world: 2 broad gauge: 86,200 km 1.520-m gauge (40,300 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 957 km 1.067-m gauge (on Sakhalin Island)

note: an additional 30,000 km of non-common carrier lines serve industries (2006)

Roadways:

total: 933,000 km country comparison to the world: 8 paved: 754,984 km (includes 30,000 km of expressways)

unpaved: 178,016 km

note: includes public, local, and departmental roads (2006)

Waterways:

102,000 km (including 33,000 km with guaranteed depth) country comparison to the world: 2 note: 72,000 km system in European Russia links Baltic Sea, White Sea, Caspian Sea, Sea of Azov, and Black Sea (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,074 country comparison to the world: 9 by type: bulk carrier 25, cargo 663, carrier 2, chemical tanker 27, combination ore/oil 34, container 11, passenger 14, passenger/cargo 7, petroleum tanker 217, refrigerated cargo 59, roll on/roll off 10, specialized tanker 5

foreign-owned: 112 (Belgium 4, Cyprus 2, Germany 1, Greece 1, Italy 4, South Korea 1, Latvia 2, Norway 2, Switzerland 3, Turkey 80, Ukraine 11, US 1)

registered in other countries: 486 (Antigua and Barbuda 4, Bahamas 4, Belize 31, Bulgaria 1, Cambodia 83, Comoros 12, Cyprus 50, Dominica 3, Georgia 12, Hong Kong 2, Jamaica 3, Liberia 94, Malaysia 2, Malta 58, Marshall Islands 9, Moldova 3, Mongolia 9, Panama 18, Saint Kitts and Nevis 19, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 21, Sierra Leone 11, Slovakia 1, Tuvalu 2, Ukraine 1, Vanuatu 2, unknown 31) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Azov, Kaliningrad, Kavkaz, Nakhodka, Novorossiysk, Primorsk, Saint Petersburg, Vostochnyy

Military ::Russia

Military branches:

Ground Forces (Sukhoputnyye Voyskia, SV), Navy (Voyenno-Morskoy Flot, VMF), Air Forces (Voyenno-Vozdushniye Sily, VVS); Airborne Troops (VDV), Strategic Rocket Forces (Raketnyye Voyska Strategicheskogo Naznacheniya, RVSN), and Space Troops (Kosmicheskiye Voyska, KV) are independent "combat arms," not subordinate to any of the three branches; Russian Ground Forces include the following combat arms: motorized-rifle troops, tank troops, missile and artillery troops, air defense of ground troops (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-27 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; males are registered for the draft at 17 years of age; service obligation - 1 year; reserve obligation to age 50; as of July 2008, a draft military strategy called for the draft to continue up to the year 2030 (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 36,219,908

females age 16-49: 37,019,853 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 21,098,306

females age 16-49: 27,968,883 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 741,692

female: 706,081 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 30

Transnational Issues ::Russia

Disputes - international:

China and Russia have demarcated the once disputed islands at the Amur and Ussuri confluence and in the Argun River in accordance with the 2004 Agreement, ending their centuries-long border disputes; the sovereignty dispute over the islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group, known in Japan as the "Northern Territories" and in Russia as the "Southern Kurils," occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, and claimed by Japan, remains the primary sticking point to signing a peace treaty formally ending World War II hostilities; Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting all but small, strategic segments of the land boundary and the maritime boundary; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Kodori Gorge in Abkhazia; Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia signed equidistance boundaries in the Caspian seabed but the littoral states have no consensus on dividing the water column; Russia and Norway dispute their maritime limits in the Barents Sea and Russia's fishing rights beyond Svalbard's territorial limits within the Svalbard Treaty zone; various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia (Kareliya) and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union following the Second World War but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands; in May 2005, Russia recalled its signatures to the 1996 border agreements with Estonia (1996) and Latvia (1997), when the two Baltic states announced issuance of unilateral declarations referencing Soviet occupation and ensuing territorial losses; Russia demands better treatment of ethnic Russians in Estonia and Latvia; Estonian citizen groups continue to press for realignment of the boundary based on the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty that would bring the now divided ethnic Setu people and parts of the Narva region within Estonia; Lithuania and Russia committed to demarcating their boundary in 2006 in accordance with the land and maritime treaty ratified by Russia in May 2003 and by Lithuania in 1999; Lithuania operates a simplified transit regime for Russian nationals traveling from the Kaliningrad coastal exclave into Russia, while still conforming, as an EU member state with an EU external border, where strict Schengen border rules apply; preparations for the demarcation delimitation of land boundary with Ukraine have commenced; the dispute over the boundary between Russia and Ukraine through the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov remains unresolved despite a December 2003 framework agreement and on-going expert-level discussions; Kazakhstan and Russia boundary delimitation was ratified on November 2005 and field demarcation should commence in 2007; Russian Duma has not yet ratified 1990 Bering Sea Maritime Boundary Agreement with the US

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 18,000-160,000 (displacement from Chechnya and North Ossetia) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Russia is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for various purposes; it remains a significant source of women trafficked to over 50 countries for commercial sexual exploitation; Russia is also a transit and destination country for men and women trafficked from Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North Korea to Central and Western Europe and the Middle East for purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; internal trafficking remains a problem in Russia with women trafficked from rural areas to urban centers for commercial sexual exploitation, and men trafficked internally and from Central Asia for forced labor in the construction and agricultural industries; debt bondage is common among trafficking victims, and child sex tourism remains a concern

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Russia is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fifth consecutive year for its failure to show evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking over the previous year, particularly in providing assistance to victims of trafficking; comprehensive trafficking victim assistance legislation, which would address key deficiencies, has been pending before the Duma since 2003 and was neither passed nor enacted in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of illicit cannabis and opium poppy and producer of methamphetamine, mostly for domestic consumption; government has active illicit crop eradication program; used as transshipment point for Asian opiates, cannabis, and Latin American cocaine bound for growing domestic markets, to a lesser extent Western and Central Europe, and occasionally to the US; major source of heroin precursor chemicals; corruption and organized crime are key concerns; major consumer of opiates

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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@Rwanda (Africa)

Introduction ::Rwanda

Background:

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 Zaire. Since then, most of the refugees have returned to Rwanda, but several thousand remained in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC; the former Zaire) and 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 - 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 DRC continue to hinder Rwanda's efforts to escape its bloody legacy.

Geography ::Rwanda

Location:

Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Geographic coordinates:

2 00 S, 30 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 26,338 sq km country comparison to the world: 148 land: 24,668 sq km

water: 1,670 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 893 km

border countries: Burundi 290 km, Democratic Republic of the Congo 217 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; relief is mountainous with altitude declining from west to east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rusizi River 950 m

highest point: Volcan Karisimbi 4,519 m

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), methane, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 45.56%

permanent crops: 10.25%

other: 44.19% (2005)

Irrigated land:

90 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

5.2 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.15 cu km/yr (24%/8%/68%)

per capita: 17 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts; the volcanic Virunga mountains are in the northwest along the border with Democratic Republic of the Congo

Environment - current issues:

deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; widespread poaching

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is savanna grassland with the population predominantly rural

People ::Rwanda

Population:

10,473,282 country comparison to the world: 77 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 2,216,352/female 2,196,327)

15-64 years: 55.4% (male 2,897,003/female 2,909,994)

65 years and over: 2.4% (male 100,920/female 152,686) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.7 years

male: 18.5 years

female: 18.9 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.782% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Birth rate:

39.67 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Death rate:

14.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Net migration rate:

2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

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: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 81.61 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 17 male: 86.68 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 76.38 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 50.52 years country comparison to the world: 206 male: 49.25 years

female: 51.83 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.25 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

150,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Rwandan(s)

adjective: Rwandan

Ethnic groups:

Hutu (Bantu) 84%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 15%, Twa (Pygmy) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 56.5%, Protestant 26%, Adventist 11.1%, Muslim 4.6%, indigenous beliefs 0.1%, none 1.7% (2001)

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official) universal Bantu vernacular, French (official), English (official), Kiswahili (Swahili) used in commercial centers

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 70.4%

male: 76.3%

female: 64.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 8 years

female: 9 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 115

People - note:

Rwanda is the most densely populated country in Africa

Government ::Rwanda

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Rwanda

conventional short form: Rwanda

local long form: Republika y'u Rwanda

local short form: Rwanda

former: Ruanda, German East Africa

Government type:

republic; presidential, multiparty system

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 1 57 S, 30 04 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces (in French - provinces, singular - province; in Kinyarwanda - intara for singular and plural) and 1 city* (in French - ville; in Kinyarwanda - umujyi); Est (Eastern), Kigali*, Nord (Northern), Ouest (Western), Sud (Southern)

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from Belgium-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Constitution:

new constitution passed by referendum 26 May 2003

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Paul KAGAME (since 22 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Bernard MAKUZA (since 8 March 2000)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); elections last held 25 August 2003 (next to be held in September 2010)

election results: Paul KAGAME elected president in first direct popular vote; Paul KAGAME 95.05%, Faustin TWAGIRAMUNGU 3.62%, Jean-Nepomuscene NAYINZIRA 1.33%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of Senate (26 seats; 12 members elected by local councils, 8 appointed by the president, 4 by the Political Organizations Forum, 2 represent institutions of higher learning; to serve eight-year terms) and Chamber of Deputies (80 seats; 53 members elected by popular vote, 24 women elected by local bodies, 3 selected by youth and disability organizations; serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - members appointed as part of the transitional government (next to be held in 2011); Chamber of Deputies - last held 15 September 2008 (next to be held September 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - RPF 78.8%, PSD 13.1%, PL 7.5%; seats by party - RPF 42, PSD 7, PL 4, additional 27 members indirectly elected

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; High Courts of the Republic; Provincial Courts; District Courts; mediation committees

Political parties and leaders:

Centrist Democratic Party or PDC [Alfred MUKEZAMFURA]; Democratic Popular Union of Rwanda or UDPR [Adrien RANGIRA]; Democratic Republican Movement or MDR [Celestin KABANDA] (officially banned); Islamic Democratic Party or PDI [Andre BUMAYA]; Liberal Party or PL [Protais MITALI]; Party for Democratic Renewal (officially banned); Rwandan Patriotic Front or RPF [Paul KAGAME]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Vincent BIRUTA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

IBUKA (association of genocide survivors)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CEPGL, COMESA, EAC, EADB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURCAT, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador James KOMONYO

chancery: 1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 232-2882

FAX: [1] (202) 232-4544

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador W. Stuart SYMINGTON

embassy: 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie, Kigali

mailing address: B. P. 28, Kigali

telephone: [250] 596-400

FAX: [250] 596-591

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of sky blue (top, double width), yellow, and green, with a golden sun with 24 rays near the fly end of the blue band

Economy ::Rwanda

Economy - overview:

Rwanda is a poor rural country with about 90% of the population engaged in (mainly subsistence) agriculture. It is the most densely populated country in Africa and is landlocked with few natural resources and minimal industry. Primary foreign exchange earners are coffee and tea. The 1994 genocide decimated Rwanda's fragile economic base, severely impoverished the population, particularly women, and eroded the country's ability to attract private and external investment. However, Rwanda has made substantial progress in stabilizing and rehabilitating its economy to pre-1994 levels, although poverty levels are higher now. GDP has rebounded and inflation has been curbed. Despite Rwanda's fertile ecosystem, food production often does not keep pace with population growth, requiring food imports. Rwanda continues to receive substantial aid money and obtained IMF-World Bank Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) initiative debt relief in 2005-06. Rwanda also received Millennium Challenge Account Threshold status in 2006. The government has embraced an expansionary fiscal policy to reduce poverty by improving education, infrastructure, and foreign and domestic investment and pursuing market-oriented reforms, although energy shortages, instability in neighboring states, and lack of adequate transportation linkages to other countries continue to handicap growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$9.729 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 150 $8.749 billion (2007 est.)

$8.108 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.459 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

11.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 7.9% (2007 est.)

7.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 218 $900 (2007 est.)

$800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 43.2%

industry: 22.3%

services: 34.5% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

4.446 million (2007) country comparison to the world: 81

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 90%

industry and services: 10% (2000)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

60% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.1%

highest 10%: 38.2% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

46.8 (2000) country comparison to the world: 37 28.9 (1985)

Investment (gross fixed):

22% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Budget:

revenues: $930.4 million

expenditures: $1.023 billion; including capital expenditures of $NA (2008 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193 9.1% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

11.25% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 23 12.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

16.51% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 38 15.84% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$233.6 million (31 December 2005) country comparison to the world: 104

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The 2009 CIA World Factbook (part 10 of 25)

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The 2009 CIA World Factbook (part 10 of 25)