The 2009 CIA World Factbook (part 11 of 25)

Stock of quasi money:

$227.4 million (31 December 2005) country comparison to the world: 115

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$209.2 million (31 December 2005)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; livestock

Industries:

cement, agricultural products, small-scale beverages, soap, furniture, shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Industrial production growth rate:

7.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

Electricity - production:

120 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - consumption:

231.6 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Electricity - exports:

10 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

130 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - consumption:

6,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Oil - imports:

5,623 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - proved reserves:

56.63 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Current account balance:

-$292 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 -$147 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$210 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $184 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, tea, hides, tin ore

Exports - partners:

China 9.1%, Thailand 8.6%, Germany 7.3%, US 4.5%, Belgium 4.1% (2008)

Imports:

$834 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175 $637 million (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, steel, petroleum products, cement and construction material

Imports - partners:

Kenya 15.2%, Uganda 13.3%, China 6.3%, Belgium 5.3%, Germany 4.5% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$596 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136 $552.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.4 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs (RWF) per US dollar - 550 (2008 est.), 585 (2007), 560 (2006), 610 (2005), 574.62 (2004)

Communications ::Rwanda

Telephones - main lines in use:

16,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.323 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 136

Telephone system:

general assessment: small, inadequate telephone system primarily serves business and government

domestic: the capital, Kigali, is connected to the centers of the provinces by microwave radio relay and, recently, by cellular telephone service; much of the network depends on wire and HF radiotelephone; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular telephone density is only about 13 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 250; international connections employ microwave radio relay to neighboring countries and satellite communications to more distant countries; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) in Kigali (includes telex and telefax service)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 10 (two main FM programs are broadcast through a system of repeaters; international FM programming includes the BBC, VOA, and Deutchewelle) (2007)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2004)

Internet country code:

.rw

Internet hosts:

81 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Internet users:

300,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 127

Transportation ::Rwanda

Airports:

9 (2009) country comparison to the world: 159

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 3 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 14,008 km country comparison to the world: 125 paved: 2,662 km

unpaved: 11,346 km (2004)

Waterways:

Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Cyangugu, Gisenyi, Kibuye

Military ::Rwanda

Military branches:

Rwandan Defense Forces: Army, Air Force

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: 2,430,469

females age 16-49: 2,392,933 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,452,768

females age 16-49: 1,456,207 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 106,741

female: 106,935 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Transnational Issues ::Rwanda

Disputes - international:

fighting among ethnic groups - loosely associated political rebels, armed gangs, and various government forces in Great Lakes region transcending the boundaries of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - abated substantially from a decade ago due largely to UN peacekeeping, international mediation, and efforts by local governments to create civil societies; nonetheless, 57,000 Rwandan refugees still reside in 21 African states, including Zambia, Gabon, and 20,000 who fled to Burundi in 2005 and 2006 to escape drought and recriminations from traditional courts investigating the 1994 massacres; the 2005 DROC and Rwanda border verification mechanism to stem rebel actions on both sides of the border remains in place

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 46,272 (Democratic Republic of the Congo); 4,400 (Burundi) (2007)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Saint Barthelemy (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Barthelemy

Background:

Discovered in 1493 by Christopher COLUMBUS who named it for his brother Bartolomeo, St. Barthelemy was first settled by the French in 1648. In 1784, the French sold the island to Sweden, who renamed the largest town Gustavia, after the Swedish King GUSTAV III, and made it a free port; the island prospered as a trade and supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France repurchased the island in 1878 and placed it under the administration of Guadeloupe. St. Barthelemy retained its free port status along with various Swedish appellations such as Swedish street and town names, and the three-crown symbol on the coat of arms. In 2003, the populace of the island voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Barthelemy

Location:

located approximately 125 miles northwest of Guadeloupe

Geographic coordinates:

17 90 N, 62 85 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

21 sq km

Area - comparative:

less than an eighth of the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Climate:

tropical, with practically no variation in temperature; has two seasons (dry and humid)

Terrain:

hilly, almost completely surrounded by shallow-water reefs, with 20 beaches

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne du Vitet 286 m

Natural resources:

has few natural resources, its beaches being the most important

Environment - current issues:

with no natural rivers or streams, fresh water is in short supply, especially in summer, and provided by desalinization of sea water, collection of rain water, or imported via water tanker

People ::Saint Barthelemy

Population:

7,448 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 226

Age structure:

0-14 years: 19.2% (male 734/female 696)

15-64 years: 70.6% (male 2,855/female 2,402)

65 years and over: 10.2% (male 378/female 383) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.1 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 38.9 years (2009 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.19 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.99 male(s)/female

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

Ethnic groups:

white, Creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's Witness

Languages:

French (primary), English

Government ::Saint Barthelemy

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Barthelemy

conventional short form: Saint Barthelemy

local long form: Collectivite d'outre mer de Saint-Barthelemy

local short form: Saint-Barthelemy

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 17 53 N, 62 51 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is St. Barthelemy Day, 24 August

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Bruno MAGRAS (since 16 July 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory, economic, social, and cultural council

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Bruno MAGRAS unanimously elected president by the Territorial Council on 16 July 2007

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (19 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SBA 72.2%, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 9.9%, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 7.9%, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 9.9%; seats by party - SBA 16, Action-Equilibre-Transparence 1, Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy 1, Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy 1

note: Saint Barthelemy elects one seat to the French Senate; elections last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Action-Equilibre-Transparence [Maxime DESOUCHES]; Ensemble pour Saint-Barthelemy [Benoit CHAUVIN]; Saint-Barth d'Abord! or SBA [Bruno MAGRAS]; Tous Unis pour Saint-Barthelemy [Karine MIOT-RICHARD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

The Marine Reserve (protection of fish); Rotary Club

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy ::Saint Barthelemy

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Barthelemy is based upon high-end tourism and duty-free luxury commerce, serving visitors primarily from North America. The luxury hotels and villas host 70,000 visitors each year with another 130,000 arriving by boat. The relative isolation and high cost of living inhibits mass tourism. The construction and public sectors also enjoy significant investment in support of tourism. With limited fresh water resources, all food must be imported, as must all energy resources and most manufactured goods. Employment is strong and attracts labor from Brazil and Portugal.

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Barthelemy

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Internet country code:

.bl; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Barthelemy

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 215

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten (Netherlands Antilles)

Military ::Saint Barthelemy

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,594

females age 16-49: 1,340 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 21

female: 20 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on September 22, 2009

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

@Saint Helena (Africa)

Introduction ::Saint Helena

Background:

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory consisting of Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, and the island group of Tristan da Cunha.

Saint Helena: Uninhabited when first discovered by the Portuguese in 1502, Saint Helena was garrisoned by the British during the 17th century. It acquired fame as the place of Napoleon BONAPARTE's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, but its importance as a port of call declined after the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. During the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, several thousand Boer prisoners were confined on the island between 1900 and 1903.

Ascension Island: This barren and uninhabited island was discovered and named by the Portuguese in 1503. The British garrisoned the island in 1815 to prevent a rescue of Napoleon from Saint Helena. It served as a provisioning station for the Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron on anti-slavery patrol. The island remained under Admiralty control until 1922, when it became a dependency of Saint Helena. During World War II, the UK permitted the US to construct an airfield on Ascension in support of trans-Atlantic flights to Africa and anti-submarine operations in the South Atlantic. In the 1960s the island became an important space tracking station for the US. In 1982, Ascension was an essential staging area for British forces during the Falklands War. It remains a critical refueling point in the air-bridge from the UK to the South Atlantic.

Tristan da Cunha: The island group consists of the islands of Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale, Inaccessible, and Gough. Tristan da Cunha is named after its Portuguese discoverer (1506); it was garrisoned by the British in 1816 to prevent any attempt to rescue Napoleon from Saint Helena. Gough and Inaccessible Islands have been designated World Heritage Sites. South Africa leases a site for a meteorological station on Gough Island.

Geography ::Saint Helena

Location:

islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about midway between South America and Africa; Ascension Island lies 700 nm northwest of Saint Helena; Tristan da Cunha lies 2,300 nm southwest of Saint Helena

Geographic coordinates:

Saint Helena: 15 57 S, 5 42 W

Ascension Island: 7 57 S, 14 22 W

Tristan da Cunha island group: 37 15 S, 12 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 308 sq km country comparison to the world: 208 land: Saint Helena Island 122 sq km; Ascension Island 88 sq km; Tristan da Cunha island group 98 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Saint Helena: 60 km

Ascension Island: NA

Tristan da Cunha: 40 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

Saint Helena: tropical marine; mild, tempered by trade winds

Ascension Island: tropical marine; mild, semi-arid

Tristan da Cunha: temperate marine; mild, tempered by trade winds (tends to be cooler than Saint Helena)

Terrain:

the islands of this group result from volcanic activity associated with the Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge

Saint Helena: rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

Ascension: surface covered by lava flows and cinder cones of 44 dormant volcanoes; ground rises to the east

Tristan da Cunha: sheer cliffs line the coastline of the nearly circular island; the flanks of the central volcanic peak are deeply dissected; narrow coastal plain lies between The Peak and the coastal cliffs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha 2,062 m; Green Mountain on Ascension Island 859 m; Mount Actaeon on Saint Helena Island 818 m

Natural resources:

fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land: 12.9%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

active volcanism on Tristan da Cunha, last eruption in 1961

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

Saint Helena harbors at least 40 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns; Queen Mary's Peak on Tristan da Cunha is the highest island mountain in the South Atlantic and a prominent landmark on the sea lanes around southern Africa

People ::Saint Helena

Population:

7,637 country comparison to the world: 225 note: only Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha islands are inhabited (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.3% (male 712/female 685)

15-64 years: 70.4% (male 2,744/female 2,629)

65 years and over: 11.4% (male 412/female 455) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 37.6 years

male: 37.7 years

female: 37.5 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.445% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Birth rate:

11.13 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Death rate:

6.68 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 39% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.5% 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: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.63 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 116 male: 20.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.44 years country comparison to the world: 44 male: 75.52 years

female: 81.5 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.56 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Saint Helenian(s)

adjective: Saint Helenian

note: referred to locally as "Saints"

Ethnic groups:

African descent 50%, white 25%, Chinese 25%

Religions:

Anglican (majority), Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 20 and over can read and write

total population: 97%

male: 97%

female: 98% (1987 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Saint Helena

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Helena

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 15 56 S, 5 44 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha*

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

Birthday of Queen ELIZABETH II, second Saturday in June (1926)

Constitution:

1 January 1989

Legal system:

English common law and statutes supplemented by local statutes

Suffrage:

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

head of government: Governor and Commander in Chief Andrew GURR (since 11 November 2007)

cabinet: Executive Council consists of the governor, 3 ex-officio officers, and 5 elected members of the Legislative Council

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by the monarch

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (16 seats, including the speaker, three ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 31 August 2005 (next to be held in November 2009)

election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 12

Judicial branch:

Magistrate's Court; Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: private sector; unions

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

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 Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship

Economy ::Saint Helena

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on financial assistance from the UK, which amounted to about $27 million in FY06/07 or more than twice the level of annual budgetary revenues. The local population earns income from fishing, raising livestock, and sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, 25% of the work force has left to seek employment on Ascension Island, on the Falklands, and in the UK.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$18 million (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 225

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,500 (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

2,486 country comparison to the world: 217 note: 1,200 work offshore (1998 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6%

industry: 48%

services: 46% (1987 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1998 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $12.33 million

expenditures: $30.28 million

note: revenue data reflect locally raised revenues only; the budget deficit is resolved by grant aid from the United Kingdom (FY06/07 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.2% (1997 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 3.2% (1997 est.)

Agriculture - products:

coffee, corn, potatoes, vegetables; timber; fish, lobster (on Tristan da Cunha); livestock

Industries:

construction, crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing, philatelic sales

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - consumption:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Oil - imports:

79.73 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Exports:

$19 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Exports - commodities:

fish (frozen, canned, and salt-dried skipjack, tuna), coffee, handicrafts

Imports:

$45 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Imports - commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds (SHP) per US dollar - 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005), 0.5462 (2004)

note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound

Communications ::Saint Helena

Telephones - main lines in use:

2,300 (2008) country comparison to the world: 223

Telephone system:

general assessment: can communicate worldwide

domestic: automatic digital network

international: country code (Saint Helena) - 290, (Ascension Island) - 247; international direct dialing; satellite voice and data communications; satellite earth stations - 5 (Ascension Island - 4, Saint Helena - 1)

Radio broadcast stations:

Saint Helena: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 0

Ascension: AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (2005)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (3 television channels are received via satellite and distributed by UHF) (2005)

Internet country code:

.sh; note - Ascension Island assigned .ac

Internet hosts:

343 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Internet users:

1,100; note - includes Ascension Island (2008) country comparison to the world: 213

Communications - note:

South Africa maintains a meteorological station on Gough Island

Transportation ::Saint Helena

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 216

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 198 km (Saint Helena 138 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 20 km) country comparison to the world: 207 paved: 168 km (Saint Helena 118 km, Ascension 40 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km)

unpaved: 30 km (Saint Helena 20 km, Ascension 0 km, Tristan da Cunha 10 km) (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Saint Helena: Jamestown

Ascension Island: Georgetown

Tristan da Cunha: Calshot Harbor

Transportation - note:

there is no air connection to Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha; an international airport for Saint Helena is in development for 2010

Military ::Saint Helena

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,586

females age 16-49: 1,600 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 47

female: 45 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Saint Helena

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Saint Kitts and Nevis (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Background:

Carib Indians occupied the islands for hundreds of years before the British began settlement in 1623. The islands became an associated state of the UK with full internal autonomy in 1967. The island of Anguilla rebelled and was allowed to secede in 1971. Saint Kitts and Nevis achieved independence in 1983. In 1998, a vote in Nevis on a referendum to separate from Saint Kitts fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. Nevis continues in its efforts to separate from Saint Kitts.

Geography ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Location:

Caribbean, islands in the Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

17 20 N, 62 45 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 261 sq km (Saint Kitts 168 sq km; Nevis 93 sq km) country comparison to the world: 211 land: 261 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 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:

tropical, tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Liamuiga 1,156 m

Natural resources:

arable land

Land use:

arable land: 19.44%

permanent crops: 2.78%

other: 77.78% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

0.02 cu km (2000)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes (July to October)

Environment - current issues:

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, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

with coastlines in the shape of a baseball bat and ball, the two volcanic islands are separated by a 3-km-wide channel called The Narrows; on the southern tip of long, baseball bat-shaped Saint Kitts lies the Great Salt Pond; Nevis Peak sits in the center of its almost circular namesake island and its ball shape complements that of its sister island

People ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Population:

40,131 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Age structure:

0-14 years: 26.3% (male 5,397/female 5,138)

15-64 years: 65.9% (male 13,231/female 13,196)

65 years and over: 7.9% (male 1,326/female 1,843) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.6 years

male: 27.9 years

female: 29.3 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.847% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Birth rate:

17.67 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Death rate:

8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Net migration rate:

-1.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Urbanization:

urban population: 32% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% 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: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 130 male: 15.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.11 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.2 years country comparison to the world: 109 male: 70.33 years

female: 76.25 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.26 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Kittitian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective: Kittitian, Nevisian

Ethnic groups:

predominantly black; some British, Portuguese, and Lebanese

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 97.8%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 13 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

9.3% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 8

Government ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Country name:

conventional long form: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

conventional short form: Saint Kitts and Nevis

former: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 17 18 N, 62 43 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint George Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre, Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

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 Cuthbert Montraville SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996)

head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July 1995); Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general in consultation with the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (14 seats, 3 appointed and 11 popularly elected from single-member constituencies; members serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 25 October 2004 (next to be held by 2009)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SKNLP 7, CCM 2, NRP 1, PAM 1

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a Court of Appeal and a High Court; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Kitts and Nevis); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Vance AMORY]; Nevis Reformation Party or NRP [Joseph PARRY]; People's Action Movement or PAM [Lindsay GRANT]; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party or SKNLP [Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Izben Cordinal WILLIAMS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 686-2636

FAX: [1] (202) 686-5740

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing two white, five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper triangle is green, the lower triangle is red

Economy ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Kitts and Nevis is heavily dependent upon tourism revenues, which has replaced sugar, the traditional mainstay of the economy until the 1970s. Following the 2005 harvest, the government closed the sugar industry after decades of losses of 3-4% of GDP annually. To compensate for employment losses, the government has embarked on a program to diversify the agricultural sector and to stimulate other sectors of the economy, such as tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking. Economic growth was above average for Latin America from 2004 to 2006, but has since slowed. Like other tourist destinations in the Caribbean, the St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to damage from natural disasters and shifts in tourism demand. The current government is constrained by a high public debt burden equivalent to nearly 185% of GDP by the end of 2006, largely attributable to public enterprise losses.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$759.5 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 207 $742 million (2007 est.)

$735.8 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$546 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 0.9% (2007 est.)

5.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$19,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $18,800 (2007 est.)

$18,700 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 25.8%

services: 70.7% (2001)

Labor force:

18,170 (June 1995) country comparison to the world: 202

Unemployment rate:

4.5% (1997) country comparison to the world: 57

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $89.7 million

expenditures: $128.2 million (2003 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 63 6.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.69% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 94 8.89% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$107.2 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 110 $97.31 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$680.6 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 $688.6 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$790.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 113 $782.4 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 104 $439.7 million (31 December 2007)

$304.5 million (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, yams, vegetables, bananas; fish

Industries:

tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear, beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

130 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Electricity - consumption:

120.9 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Oil - imports:

1,225 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 185

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Current account balance:

-$163 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Exports:

$84 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 197

Exports - commodities:

machinery, food, electronics, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 65.7%, Azerbaijan 7.5%, Canada 6% (2008)

Imports:

$383 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 187

Imports - commodities:

machinery, manufactures, food, fuels

Imports - partners:

US 46.8%, Trinidad and Tobago 14.8%, UK 4.1% (2008)

Debt - external:

$314 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 174

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Telephones - main lines in use:

20,400 (2008) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephones - mobile cellular:

80,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 187

Telephone system:

general assessment: good interisland and international connections

domestic: interisland links via Eastern Caribbean Fiber Optic cable; construction of enhanced wireless infrastructure launched in November 2004

international: country code - 1-869; connected internationally by the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 3, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2003)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 3 repeaters) (2003)

Internet country code:

.kn

Internet hosts:

53 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Internet users:

16,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 195

Transportation ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Airports:

2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 206

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Railways:

total: 50 km country comparison to the world: 131 narrow gauge: 50 km 0.762-m gauge on Saint Kitts for tourists (2008)

Roadways:

total: 383 km country comparison to the world: 197 paved: 163 km

unpaved: 220 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 159 country comparison to the world: 40 by type: bulk carrier 10, cargo 109, chemical tanker 7, container 1, liquefied gas 1, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 2, petroleum tanker 19, refrigerated cargo 7, roll on/roll off 1, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 121 (Belgium 1, Cyprus 1, Egypt 2, Estonia 3, Finland 1, Greece 3, India 1, Italy 1, Japan 3, Kuwait 1, Latvia 5, Malaysia 1, Pakistan 3, Romania 1, Russia 19, Singapore 1, Spain 1, Syria 7, Turkey 35, Ukraine 9, UAE 18, UK 3, Yemen 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Basseterre

Military ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Military branches:

Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Defense Force (includes Coast Guard), Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force (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: 10,095

females age 16-49: 10,081 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,159

females age 16-49: 8,517 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 376

female: 362 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Transnational Issues ::Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disputes - international:

joins other Caribbean states to counter Venezuela's claim that Aves Island sustains human habitation, a criterion under UNCLOS, which permits Venezuela to extend its EEZ/continental shelf over a large portion of the eastern Caribbean Sea

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; some money-laundering activity

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Saint Lucia (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Lucia

Background:

The island, with its fine natural harbor at Castries, was contested between England and France throughout the 17th and early 18th centuries (changing possession 14 times); it was finally ceded to the UK in 1814. Even after the abolition of slavery on its plantations in 1834, Saint Lucia remained an agricultural island, dedicated to producing tropical commodity crops. Self-government was granted in 1967 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Lucia

Location:

Caribbean, island between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 53 N, 60 58 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 616 sq km country comparison to the world: 193 land: 606 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 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:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season January to April, rainy season May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Gimie 950 m

Natural resources:

forests, sandy beaches, minerals (pumice), mineral springs, geothermal potential

Land use:

arable land: 6.45%

permanent crops: 22.58%

other: 70.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 81 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; volcanic activity

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

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, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton), striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere, are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean

People ::Saint Lucia

Population:

160,267 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.4% (male 20,035/female 19,021)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 51,593/female 54,843)

65 years and over: 9.2% (male 6,668/female 8,107) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.8 years

male: 28.7 years

female: 30.8 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.416% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Birth rate:

15.1 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Death rate:

6.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Net migration rate:

-4.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% 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: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 13.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 134 male: 12.47 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 14.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.45 years country comparison to the world: 67 male: 73.78 years

female: 79.27 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.84 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Saint Lucian(s)

adjective: Saint Lucian

Ethnic groups:

black 82.5%, mixed 11.9%, East Indian 2.4%, other or unspecified 3.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Seventh Day Adventist 8.5%, Pentecostal 5.7%, Rastafarian 2.1%, Anglican 2%, Evangelical 2%, other Christian 5.1%, other 1.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.5% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 90.1%

male: 89.5%

female: 90.6% (2001 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

6.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 29

Government ::Saint Lucia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Lucia

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 01 N, 61 00 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse-la-Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros-Islet, Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux-Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

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 Dame Pearlette LOUISY (since September 1997)

head of government: Prime Minister Stephenson KING (since 9 September 2007); note - Sir John COMPTON died in office 7 September 2007

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (11 seats; six members appointed on the advice of the prime minister, three on the advice of the leader of the opposition, and two after consultation with religious, economic, and social groups) and the House of Assembly (17 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: House of Assembly - last held 11 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: House of Assembly - percent of vote by party - UWP 50%, SLP 46.9%, other 3.1%; seats by party - UWP 11, SLP 6

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consists of a High Court and a Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; three judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Lucia); member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

National Alliance or NA [George ODLUM]; Saint Lucia Freedom Party or SFP [Martinus FRANCOIS]; Saint Lucia Labor Party or SLP [Kenneth ANTHONY]; Sou Tout Apwe Fete Fini or STAFF [Christopher HUNTE]; United Workers Party or UWP [Stephenson KING]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OIF, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael LOUIS

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6792 through 6795

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6723

consulate(s) general: Miami, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

blue, with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges of the arrowhead have a white border

Economy ::Saint Lucia

Economy - overview:

The island nation has been able to attract foreign business and investment, especially in its offshore banking and tourism industries, with a surge in foreign direct investment in 2006, attributed to the construction of several tourism projects. Although crops such as bananas, mangos, and avocados continue to be grown for export, tourism provides Saint Lucia's main source of income and the industry is the island's biggest employer. The tourism sector is likely to face declining revenues with the global economic downturn as US and European travel declines. The manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean area, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry, although recent hurricanes have caused exports to contract. Saint Lucia is vulnerable to a variety of external shocks including volatile tourism receipts, natural disasters, and dependence on foreign oil. The public debt-to-GDP ratio is about 70% and high debt servicing obligations constrain the KING administration's ability to respond to adverse external shocks. Economic fundamentals remain solid, even though unemployment needs to be reduced.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.774 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 $1.762 billion (2007 est.)

$1.733 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$987 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 189 1.7% (2007 est.)

5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$11,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $11,100 (2007 est.)

$11,000 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5%

industry: 15%

services: 80% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

79,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 178

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 21.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 53.6% (2002 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $141.2 million

expenditures: $146.7 million (2000 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 62 6.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

10.08% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 102 8.34% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$261.3 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 $264.7 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$800.1 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 100 $720.9 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.378 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 99 $1.217 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, citrus, root crops, cocoa

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated cardboard boxes, tourism; lime processing, coconut processing

Industrial production growth rate:

Electricity - production:

325 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Electricity - consumption:

302.2 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - imports:

2,747 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Current account balance:

-$199 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Exports:

$288 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 176

Exports - commodities:

bananas 41%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

UK 23.6%, US 19.3%, South Korea 16.6%, Antigua and Barbuda 5.9%, Dominica 5.8%, Barbados 5.2%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.8% (2008)

Imports:

$791 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 178

Imports - commodities:

food 23%, manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 19%, chemicals, fuels

Imports - partners:

Brazil 68%, US 11.7%, Trinidad and Tobago 7.4% (2008)

Debt - external:

$257 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 176

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Lucia

Telephones - main lines in use:

40,900 (2008) country comparison to the world: 168

Telephones - mobile cellular:

169,600 (2008) country comparison to the world: 174

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: system is automatically switched

international: country code - 1-758; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables, along with Intelsat from Martinique, carry calls internationally; direct microwave radio relay link with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; tropospheric scatter to Barbados

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 7, shortwave 0 (2003)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1 commercial broadcast station and 1 community antenna television or CATV channel) (2003)

Internet country code:

.lc

Internet hosts:

103 (2009) country comparison to the world: 198

Internet users:

100,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 155

Transportation ::Saint Lucia

Airports:

2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 201

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

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

Roadways:

total: 1,210 km (2002) country comparison to the world: 180

Ports and terminals:

Castries, Cul-de-Sac, Vieux-Fort

Military ::Saint Lucia

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (includes Special Service Unit and Coast Guard) (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 48,358 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 32,094

females age 16-49: 36,110 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,607

female: 1,511 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Transnational Issues ::Saint Lucia

Disputes - international:

Illicit drugs:

transit point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Saint Martin (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Martin

Background:

Although sighted by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1493 and claimed for Spain, it was the Dutch who occupied the island in 1631 and set about exploiting its salt deposits. The Spanish retook the island in 1633, but continued to be harassed by the Dutch. The Spanish finally relinquished St. Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it amongst themselves in 1648. The cultivation of sugar cane introduced slavery to the island in the late 18th century; the practice was not abolished until 1848. The island became a free port in 1939; the tourism industry was dramatically expanded during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, the populace of St. Martin voted to secede from Guadeloupe and in 2007, the northern portion of the island became a French overseas collectivity.

Geography ::Saint Martin

Location:

island 300 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Geographic coordinates:

18 05 N, 63 57 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 54.4 sq km country comparison to the world: 230 land: 54.4 sq km

water: NEGL

Area - comparative:

more than one-third the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 15 km

border countries: Netherlands Antilles (Sint Maarten) 15 km

Coastline:

58.9 km (for entire island)

Climate:

temperature averages 80-85 degrees all year long; low humidity, gentle trade winds, brief, intense rain showers; July-November is the hurricane season

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pic du Paradis 424 m

Natural resources:

salt

Environment - current issues:

fresh water supply is dependent on desalinization of sea water

Geography - note:

the island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, the French territory of Saint Martin and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten

People ::Saint Martin

Population:

29,820 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 213

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27% (male 3,991/female 4,048)

15-64 years: 67.5% (male 9,596/female 10,532)

65 years and over: 5.5% (male 742/female 911) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 30.5 years

male: 29.5 years

female: 31.3 years (2009 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.91 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female

total population: 0.92 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Ethnic groups:

creole (mulatto), black, Guadeloupe Mestizo (French-East Asia), white, East Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Protestant, Hindu

Languages:

French (official language), English, Dutch, French Patois, Spanish, Papiamento (dialect of Netherlands Antilles)

Government ::Saint Martin

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Collectivity of Saint Martin

conventional short form: Saint Martin

local long form: Collectivity d'outre mer de Saint-Martin

local short form: Saint-Martin

Dependency status:

overseas collectivity of France

Capital:

geographical coordinates: 18 04 N, 63 05 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

daylight savings: +1 hour

Independence:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789); note - local holiday is Schoalcher Day (Slavery Abolition Day) 12 July (1848)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Prefect Dominique LACROIX (since 21 March 2007)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Frantz GUMBS (since 5 May 2009)

cabinet: Executive Council; note - there is also an advisory economic, social, and cultural council

election: French president elected by popular vote to a five-year term; prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is elected by the members of the Council for a five-year term

election results: Frantz GUMBS elected president by the Territorial Council on 7 August 2008 but election was declared invalid on 10 April 2009

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council (23 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 1 and 8 July 2007 (next to be held in July 2012)

election results: percent of seats by party - UPP 49%, RRR 42.2%, Reussir Saint-Martin 8.9%; seats by party - UPP 16, RRR 6, Reussir Saint-Martin 1

note: Saint Martin elects one seat to the French Senate; election last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1

Political parties and leaders:

Union Pour le Progres or UPP [Louis-Constant FLEMING]; Rassemblement Responsabilite Reussite or RRR [Alain RICHARDSON]; Reussir Saint-Martin [Jean-Luc HAMLET]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

Economy ::Saint Martin

Economy - overview:

The economy of Saint Martin centers around tourism with 85% of the labor force engaged in this sector. Over one million visitors come to the island each year with most arriving through the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten. No significant agriculture and limited local fishing means that almost all food must be imported. Energy resources and manufactured goods are also imported, primarily from Mexico and the United States. Saint Martin is reported to have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean.

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1%

industry: 15%

services: 84% (2000)

Labor force - by occupation:

85% directly or indirectly employed in tourist industry

Industries:

tourism, light industry and manufacturing, heavy industry

Imports - commodities:

crude petroleum, food, manufactured items

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004)

Communications ::Saint Martin

Telephone system:

general assessment: fully integrated access

domestic: direct dial capability with both fixed and wireless systems

international: country code - 590; undersea fiber-optic cable provides voice and data connectivity to Puerto Rico and Guadeloupe

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 0 (2007)

Internet country code:

.mf; note - .gp, the internet country code for Guadeloupe, and .fr, the internet country code for France, might also be encountered

Transportation ::Saint Martin

Airports:

1 (2009) country comparison to the world: 226

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Transportation - note:

nearest airport for international flights is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) located in Sint Maarten

Military ::Saint Martin

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,336

females age 16-49: 6,925 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 177

female: 162 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

page last updated on September 22, 2009

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

@Saint Pierre and Miquelon (North America)

Introduction ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Background:

First settled by the French in the early 17th century, the islands represent the sole remaining vestige of France's once vast North American possessions.

Geography ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Location:

Northern North America, islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Geographic coordinates:

46 50 N, 56 20 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 242 sq km country comparison to the world: 213 land: 242 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes eight small islands in the Saint Pierre and the Miquelon groups

Area - comparative:

1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

cold and wet, with much mist and fog; spring and autumn are windy

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne de la Grande Montagne 240 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 12.5%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 87.5% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

persistent fog throughout the year can be a maritime hazard

Environment - current issues:

recent test drilling for oil in waters around Saint Pierre and Miquelon may bring future development that would impact the environment

Geography - note:

vegetation scanty

People ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Population:

7,051 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Age structure:

0-14 years: 21.9% (male 788/female 756)

15-64 years: 66.5% (male 2,378/female 2,312)

65 years and over: 11.6% (male 379/female 438) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 35.2 years

male: 34.6 years

female: 35.7 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.085% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Birth rate:

12.76 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Death rate:

6.95 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Net migration rate:

-4.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Urbanization:

urban population: 89% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% 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: 1.03 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: 6.87 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 170 male: 7.86 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.07 years country comparison to the world: 34 male: 76.69 years

female: 81.57 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other 1%

Languages:

French (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1982 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Country name:

conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon

conventional short form: Saint Pierre and Miquelon

local long form: Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

local short form: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Dependency status:

self-governing territorial overseas collectivity of France

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 46 46 N, 56 11 W

time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France); note - there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are two communes - Saint Pierre, Miquelon at the second order

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France; has been under French control since 1763)

National holiday:

Bastille Day, 14 July (1789)

Constitution:

4 October 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the laws of France, where applicable, apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007); represented by Prefect Jean-Pierre BERCOT (since 28 July 2008)

head of government: President of the Territorial Council Stephane ARTANO (since 21 February 2007)

cabinet: NA

elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 6 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prefect appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the Territorial Council is elected by the members of the council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Council or Conseil Territorial (19 seats, 15 from Saint Pierre and four from Miquelon; members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms)

elections: elections last held 19 and 26 in March 2006 (next to be held in March 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - AD 16, Cap sur l'Avenir 2, SPM 2000/AM 1

note: Saint Pierre and Miquelon elect one seat to the French Senate; elections last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1; Saint Pierre and Miquelon also elects one seat to the French National Assembly; elections last held, first round - 10 June 2007, second round - 17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Left Radical Party 1

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals or Tribunal Superieur d'Appel

Political parties and leaders:

Archipelago Tomorrow or AD affiliated with UDF/RPR list; Cap sur l'Avenir affiliated with PRG; Left Radical Party or PRG; Rassemblement pour la Republique or RPR (now UMP); Saint Pierre and Miquelon 2000/Avenir Miquelon or SPM 2000/AM; Socialist Party or PS; Union pour la Democratie Francaise or UDF

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

UPU, WFTU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territorial overseas collectivity of France)

Flag description:

a yellow three-masted sailing ship facing the hoist side rides on a blue background with scattered, white, wavy lines under the ship; a continuous black-over-white wavy line divides the ship from the white wavy lines; on the hoist side, a vertical band is divided into three parts: the top part (called ikkurina) is red with a green diagonal cross extending to the corners overlaid by a white cross dividing the rectangle into four sections; the middle part has a white background with an ermine pattern; the third part has a red background with two stylized yellow lions outlined in black, one above the other; these three heraldic arms represent settlement by colonists from the Basque Country (top), Brittany, and Normandy

note: the flag of France used for official occasions

Economy ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Economy - overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The economy has been declining, however, because of disputes with Canada over fishing quotas and a steady decline in the number of ships stopping at Saint Pierre. In 1992, an arbitration panel awarded the islands an exclusive economic zone of 12,348 sq km to settle a longstanding territorial dispute with Canada, although it represents only 25% of what France had sought. France heavily subsidizes the islands to the great betterment of living standards. The government hopes an expansion of tourism will boost economic prospects. Fish farming, crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the local economy. Recent test drilling for oil may pave the way for development of the energy sector.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$48.3 million (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 223 note: supplemented by annual payments from France of about $60 million

GDP (official exchange rate):

$NA

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$7,000 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

3,450 (2005) country comparison to the world: 215

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 18%

industry: 41%

services: 41% (1996 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.3% (1999) country comparison to the world: 125

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $70 million

expenditures: $60 million (1996 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (2005) country comparison to the world: 127

Agriculture - products:

vegetables; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

53 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - consumption:

49.29 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Oil - imports:

563.6 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 123

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 142

Exports:

$5.5 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 214

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products, soybeans, animal feed, mollusks and crustaceans, fox and mink pelts

Imports:

$68.2 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Imports - commodities:

meat, clothing, fuel, electrical equipment, machinery, building materials

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.6734 (2008 est.), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004)

Communications ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 213

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: NA

international: country code - 508; radiotelephone communication with most countries in the world; satellite earth station - 1 in French domestic satellite system

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (2 repeaters rebroadcast programs from France, Canada, and the US) (1997)

Internet country code:

.pm

Internet hosts:

0 (2009) country comparison to the world: 231

Transportation ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Airports:

2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 200

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 117 km country comparison to the world: 212 paved: 80 km

unpaved: 37 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint-Pierre

Military ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,427

females age 16-49: 1,406 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 61

female: 57 (2009 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 10, 2009

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

@Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Background:

Resistance by native Caribs prevented colonization on St. Vincent until 1719. Disputed between France and the United Kingdom for most of the 18th century, the island was ceded to the latter in 1783. Between 1960 and 1962, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was a separate administrative unit of the Federation of the West Indies. Autonomy was granted in 1969 and independence in 1979.

Geography ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Location:

Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago

Geographic coordinates:

13 15 N, 61 12 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 389 sq km (Saint Vincent 344 sq km) country comparison to the world: 202 land: 389 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: La Soufriere 1,234 m

Natural resources:

hydropower, cropland

Land use:

arable land: 17.95%

permanent crops: 17.95%

other: 64.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.01

per capita: 83 cu m/yr (1995)

Natural hazards:

hurricanes; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent is a constant threat

Environment - current issues:

pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents; in some areas, pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

Environment - international agreements:

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the administration of the islands of the Grenadines group is divided between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is comprised of 32 islands and cays

People ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Population:

104,574 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Age structure:

0-14 years: 25.9% (male 13,637/female 13,425)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 35,693/female 33,701)

65 years and over: 7.8% (male 3,659/female 4,459) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.9 years

male: 29 years

female: 28.9 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.344% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 223

Birth rate:

15.27 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Death rate:

6.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Net migration rate:

-11.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.14 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 127 male: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.76 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.65 years country comparison to the world: 102 male: 71.82 years

female: 75.54 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.98 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective: Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Ethnic groups:

black 66%, mixed 19%, East Indian 6%, European 4%, Carib Amerindian 2%, other 3%

Religions:

Anglican 47%, Methodist 28%, Roman Catholic 13%, other (includes Hindu, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Protestant) 12%

Languages:

English, French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 96%

male: 96%

female: 96% (1970 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

8.1% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 14

Government ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 13 09 N, 61 14 W

time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes; Charlotte, Grenadines, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick

Independence:

27 October 1979 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Constitution:

27 October 1979

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 Fredrick Nathaniel BALLANTYNE (since 2 September 2002)

head of government: Prime Minister Ralph E. GONSALVES (since 29 March 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

elections: the monarch is hereditary; the governor general is appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (21 seats, 15 elected representatives and six appointed senators; representatives are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 7 December 2005 (next to be held in 2010)

election results: percent of vote by party - ULP 55.3%, NDP 44.7%; seats by party - ULP 12, NDP 3

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (consisting of a High Court and Court of Appeals; based on Saint Lucia; two judges of the Supreme Court reside in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)

Political parties and leaders:

New Democratic Party or NDP [Arnhim EUSTACE]; Unity Labor Party or ULP [Ralph GONSALVES] (formed by the coalition of Saint Vincent Labor Party or SVLP and the Movement for National Unity or MNU)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador La Celia A. PRINCE

chancery: 3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone: [1] (202) 364-6730

FAX: [1] (202) 364-6736

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green; the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern

Economy ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Economy - overview:

Economic growth slowed in 2008 after reaching a 10-year high of nearly 7% in 2006, and will likely slow in 2009 with the global economic downturn, though it will be above average for Latin America. Success of the economy hinges upon seasonal variations in agriculture, tourism, and construction activity as well as remittance inflows. Much of the workforce is employed in banana production and tourism, but persistent high unemployment has prompted many to leave the islands. This lower-middle-income country is vulnerable to natural disasters - tropical storms wiped out substantial portions of crops in 1994, 1995, and 2002. In 2007, the islands had more than 200,000 tourist arrivals, mostly to the Grenadines. Saint Vincent is home to a small offshore banking sector and has moved to adopt international regulatory standards. The government's ability to invest in social programs and respond to external shocks is constrained by its high debt burden - 25% of current revenues are directed towards debt servicing. An agreement with Italy to write-off debt reduced the public debt-to-GDP ratio to about 70%. The GONSALVES administration is directing government resources to infrastructure projects, including a new international airport that is expected to be completed in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.072 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1.063 billion (2007 est.)

$993.4 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$601 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 7% (2007 est.)

7.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,200 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $10,100 (2007 est.)

$9,400 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 10%

industry: 26%

services: 64% (2001 est.)

Labor force:

57,520 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 17%

services: 57% (1980 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $94.6 million

expenditures: $85.8 million (2000 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 61 6.5% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

9.52% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 95 8.8% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$150.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 108 $155.5 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$302.7 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 113 $280.2 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$417.4 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 116 $387.8 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats; fish

Industries:

food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch

Electricity - production:

133.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Electricity - consumption:

124.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 158

Oil - imports:

1,451 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 94

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Current account balance:

-$149 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Exports:

$193 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 182

Exports - commodities:

bananas, eddoes and dasheen (taro), arrowroot starch; tennis racquets

Exports - partners:

Greece 31.8%, France 18.9%, India 9.9%, China 8.3%, Italy 7.5% (2008)

Imports:

$578 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 184

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, chemicals and fertilizers, minerals and fuels

Imports - partners:

Singapore 27.1%, Trinidad and Tobago 13.2%, US 12.1%, China 8.5%, Italy 7.1%, Norway 5.1% (2008)

Debt - external:

$223 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 178

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (XCD) per US dollar - 2.7 (2007), 2.7 (2006), 2.7 (2005), 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003)

Communications ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephones - mobile cellular:

130,100 (2008) country comparison to the world: 178

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system

domestic: islandwide, fully automatic telephone system; VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to the other islands of the Grenadines; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 1-784; the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) and Southern Caribbean fiber optic system (SCF) submarine cables carry international calls; connectivity also provided by VHF/UHF radiotelephone from Saint Vincent to Barbados; SHF radiotelephone to Grenada and Saint Lucia; access to Intelsat earth station in Martinique through Saint Lucia

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 6, shortwave 0 (2004)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (plus 3 repeaters) (2004)

Internet country code:

.vc

Internet hosts:

181 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Internet users:

66,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 165

Transportation ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Airports:

6 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 829 km country comparison to the world: 185 paved: 580 km

unpaved: 249 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 525 country comparison to the world: 21 by type: barge carrier 1, bulk carrier 83, cargo 315, carrier 20, chemical tanker 2, liquefied gas 6, passenger 3, passenger/cargo 17, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 20, roll on/roll off 18, specialized tanker 2, container 21

foreign-owned: 476 (Austria 2, Barbados 1, Belgium 8, Bulgaria 15, Canada 1, China 94, Croatia 7, Cyprus 1, Czech Republic 1, Denmark 16, Egypt 3, Estonia 16, France 6, Germany 3, Gibraltar 1, Greece 71, Guyana 2, Hong Kong 6, Iceland 7, India 7, Iran 1, Israel 2, Italy 17, Japan 3, Kenya 2, Latvia 17, Lebanon 6, Lithuania 9, Monaco 5, Montenegro 1, Namibia 1, Netherlands 3, Norway 13, Poland 1, Puerto Rico 1, Romania 1, Russia 21, Singapore 4, Slovenia 5, South Africa 1, Sweden 2, Switzerland 6, Syria 13, Turkey 20, Ukraine 11, UAE 9, UK 14, US 18, Venezuela 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Kingstown

Military ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 34,373 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,975

females age 16-49: 22,250 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,020

female: 1,009 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Transnational Issues ::Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Disputes - international:

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US and Europe; small-scale cannabis cultivation

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Samoa (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Samoa

Background:

New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until 1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.

Geography ::Samoa

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Geographic coordinates:

13 35 S, 172 20 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 2,831 sq km country comparison to the world: 177 land: 2,821 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

403 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (November to April), dry season (May to October)

Terrain:

two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mauga Silisili (Savaii) 1,857 m

Natural resources:

hardwood forests, fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 21.13%

permanent crops: 24.3%

other: 54.57% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

occasional typhoons; active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

soil erosion, deforestation, invasive species, overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

occupies an almost central position within Polynesia

People ::Samoa

Population:

219,998 country comparison to the world: 184 note: prior estimates used official net migration data by sex, but a highly unusual pattern for 1993 lead to a significant imbalance in the sex ratios (more men and fewer women) and a seeming reduction in the female population; the revised total was calculated using a 1993 number that was an average of the 1992 and 1994 migration figures (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.6% (male 42,117/female 40,603)

15-64 years: 56.7% (male 65,541/female 59,292)

65 years and over: 5.7% (male 5,538/female 6,907) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 20.8 years

male: 21 years

female: 20.5 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.346% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Birth rate:

28.06 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Death rate:

5.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Net migration rate:

-8.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Urbanization:

urban population: 23% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.7% 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: 1.1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 24.22 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 90 male: 28.61 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 19.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.86 years country comparison to the world: 124 male: 69.03 years

female: 74.84 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.16 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Samoan(s)

adjective: Samoan

Ethnic groups:

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians (persons of European and Polynesian blood) 7%, Europeans 0.4% (2001 census)

Religions:

Congregationalist 34.8%, Roman Catholic 19.6%, Methodist 15%, Latter-Day Saints 12.7%, Assembly of God 6.6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3.5%, Worship Centre 1.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.9%, unspecified 0.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

Samoan (Polynesian), English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.6%

female: 99.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2002) country comparison to the world: 95

Government ::Samoa

Country name:

conventional long form: Independent State of Samoa

conventional short form: Samoa

local long form: Malo Sa'oloto Tuto'atasi o Samoa

local short form: Samoa

former: Western Samoa

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 13 50 S, 171 44 W

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

Administrative divisions:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga, Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Independence:

1 January 1962 (from New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship)

National holiday:

Independence Day Celebration, 1 June (1962); note - 1 January 1962 is the date of independence from the New Zealand-administered UN trusteeship; it is observed in June

Constitution:

1 January 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi (since 20 June 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA (since 1998); Deputy Prime Minister MISA Telefoni (since 2001)

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 12 members appointed by the chief of state on the prime minister's advice

elections: chief of state is elected by the Legislative Assembly to serve a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 15 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party is usually appointed prime minister by the chief of state with the approval of the Legislative Assembly

election results: TUIATUA Tupua Tamasese Efi unanimously elected by the Legislative Assembly

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly or Fono (49 seats, 47 elected by voters affiliated with traditional village-based electoral districts, 2 elected by independent, mostly non-Samoan or part-Samoan, voters who cannot, (or choose not to) establish a village affiliation; only chiefs (matai) may stand for election to the Fono from the 47 village-based electorates; members serve five-year terms)

elections: election last held 31 March 2006 (next election to be held not later than March 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - HRPP 35, SDUP 10, independents 4

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; District Court; Land and Titles Court

Political parties and leaders:

Human Rights Protection Party or HRPP [Sailele Malielegaoi TUILA'EPA]; Samoa Christian Party or TCP [Tuala Tiresa MALIETOA]; Samoa Democratic United Party or SDUP [LE MAMEA Ropati]; Samoa Party or SP [Su'a Rimoni Ah CHONG]; Samoa Progressive Political Party or SPPP [Toeolesulusulu SIUEVA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, C, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, IPU, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Aliioaiga Feturi ELISAIA

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6196 through 6197

FAX: [1] (212) 599-0797

consulate(s) general: Pago Pago (American Samoa)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: none; US Ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Samoa

embassy: Accident Corporation Building, 5th Floor, Matafele, Apia

mailing address: P. O. Box 3430, Matafele, Apia

telephone: [685] 21436/21631/21452/22696

FAX: [685] 22030

Flag description:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation

Economy ::Samoa

Economy - overview:

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90% of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra. The fish catch declined during the El Nino of 2002-03 but returned to normal by mid-2005. The manufacturing sector mainly processes agricultural products. One factory in the Foreign Trade Zone employs 3,000 people to make automobile electrical harnesses for an assembly plant in Australia. Tourism is an expanding sector accounting for 25% of GDP; 122,000 tourists visited the islands in 2007. The Samoan Government has called for deregulation of the financial sector, encouragement of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while at the same time protecting the environment. Observers point to the flexibility of the labor market as a basic strength for future economic advances. Foreign reserves are in a relatively healthy state, the external debt is stable, and inflation is low.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.021 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 198 $1.057 billion (2007 est.)

$996.5 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$500 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-3.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 214 6.1% (2007 est.)

1.9% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,700 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 $4,900 (2007 est.)

$4,700 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11.6%

industry: 13.1%

services: 75.3% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

66,270 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $171.3 million

expenditures: $78.1 million (FY04/05 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

12.66% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 66 12.65% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$60.13 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 116 $69.97 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$162.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 118 $168.7 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$208.5 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 123 $215.1 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, bananas, taro, yams, coffee, cocoa

Industries:

food processing, building materials, auto parts

Industrial production growth rate:

2.8% (2000) country comparison to the world: 90

Electricity - production:

109 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Electricity - consumption:

101.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - imports:

1,105 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Current account balance:

-$24 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Exports:

$131 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 187

Exports - commodities:

fish, coconut oil and cream, copra, taro, automotive parts, garments, beer

Exports - partners:

Australia 36.8%, American Samoa 35.3%, US 2.9% (2008)

Imports:

$324 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 191

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, industrial supplies, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

NZ 20.1%, Fiji 18.2%, Singapore 18.1%, China 8.7%, Australia 6.4% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$70.15 million (FY03/04) country comparison to the world: 150

Debt - external:

$177 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 182

Exchange rates:

tala (SAT) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2.7594 (2006), 2.7103 (2005), 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003)

Communications ::Samoa

Telephones - main lines in use:

28,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Telephones - mobile cellular:

124,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 70 telephones per 100 persons; coverage extended to roughly 95 percent of the country

international: country code - 685; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 2, FM 5, shortwave 0 (2004)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2002)

Internet country code:

.ws

Internet hosts:

13,985 (2009) country comparison to the world: 112

Internet users:

9,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 200

Transportation ::Samoa

Airports:

4 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 2,337 km country comparison to the world: 170 paved: 332 km

unpaved: 2,005 km (2001)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 154 by type: cargo 1

foreign-owned: 1 (Cyprus 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Apia

Military ::Samoa

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Samoa Police Force (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 53,417 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 43,169

females age 16-49: 40,957 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,597

female: 2,477 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Military - note:

Samoa has no formal defense structure or regular armed forces; informal defense ties exist with NZ, which is required to consider any Samoan request for assistance under the 1962 Treaty of Friendship

Transnational Issues ::Samoa

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@San Marino (Europe)

Introduction ::San Marino

Background:

The third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy; social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Geography ::San Marino

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 61 sq km country comparison to the world: 228 land: 61 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

about one third times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 39 km

border countries: Italy 39 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Torrente Ausa 55 m

highest point: Monte Titano 755 m

Natural resources:

building stone

Land use:

arable land: 16.67%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 83.33% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution

Geography - note:

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and Monaco; dominated by the Apennines

People ::San Marino

Population:

30,324 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 212

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.8% (male 2,636/female 2,451)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 9,539/female 10,428)

65 years and over: 17.4% (male 2,273/female 2,997) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.5 years

male: 41.1 years

female: 41.9 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.148% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Birth rate:

9.63 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

Death rate:

8.48 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Net migration rate:

10.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Urbanization:

urban population: 94% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.09 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.34 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 186 male: 5.76 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.88 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.97 years country comparison to the world: 5 male: 78.53 years

female: 85.72 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.36 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 201

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective: Sammarinese

Ethnic groups:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Literacy:

definition: age 10 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97%

female: 95%

Education expenditures:

Government ::San Marino

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of San Marino

conventional short form: San Marino

local long form: Repubblica di San Marino

local short form: San Marino

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 43 56 N, 12 25 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:

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Montegiardino, San Marino Citta, Serravalle

Independence:

3 September 301

National holiday:

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (AD 301)

Constitution:

8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system with Italian law influences; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Co-chiefs of State Captain Regent Francesco MUSSONI and Captain Regent Stefano PALMIERI (for the period 1 October 2009-31 March 2010)

head of government: Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Antonella MULARONI (since 3 December 2008)

cabinet: Congress of State elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term

elections: co-chiefs of state (captains regent) elected by the Great and General Council for a six-month term; election last held in September 2009 (next to be held in March 2010); secretary of state for foreign and political affairs elected by the Great and General Council for a five-year term; election last held 9 November 2008 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: Francesco MUSSONI and Stefano PALMIERI elected captains regent; percent of legislative vote - NA; Antonella MULARONI elected secretary of state for foreign and political affairs; percent of legislative vote - NA

note: the popularly elected parliament (Grand and General Council) selects two of its members to serve as the Captains Regent (co-chiefs of state) for a six-month period; they preside over meetings of the Grand and General Council and its cabinet (Congress of State), which has 10 other members, all selected by the Grand and General Council; assisting the captains regent are 10 secretaries of state; the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs has assumed some prime ministerial roles

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand and General Council or Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 9 November 2008 (next to be held by June 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 54.2%: PDCS 31.9%, AP 11.5%, Freedom List 6.3%, San Marino Union of Moderates 4.2%; Reforms and Freedom coalition 45.8%: Party of Socialists and Democrats 32%, United Left 8.6%, Democrats of the Center 4.9%; seats by party - Pact for San Marino coalition 35: PDCS 22, AP 7, the Freedom List 4, San Marino Union of Moderates 2; Reforms and Freedom coalition 25: Party of Socialists and Democrats 18, United Left 5, Democrats of the Center 2

Judicial branch:

Council of Twelve or Consiglio dei XII

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democrats or PDCS [Pasquale VALENTINI]; Communist Refoundation or RC [Ivan FOSHI]; Democrats of the Center or DdC [Giovanni LONGERNINI]; Freedom List (including NPS and We Sammarinesi or NS [Gabriele GATTEI]; New Socialist Party or NPS [Augusto CASALI]; Party of Socialists and Democrats or PDS [Paride ANDREOLI]; Popular Alliance or AP [Carlo FRANCIOSI]; Union of Moderates (including National Alliance or ANS [Glcuco SANSOVINI] and San Marino Populars or pop [Romeo MORRI and Angela VENTURINI]; United Left of SU [Alessandro ROSSI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

CE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, OPCW, OSCE, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paolo RONDELLI

chancery: 888 27th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: 202-337-2260

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US does not have an embassy in San Marino; the ambassador to Italy is accredited to San Marino

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield (featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty)

Economy ::San Marino

Economy - overview:

San Marino's economy relies heavily on its tourism and banking industries, as well as from the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The economy also benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. The San Marino government, sworn in on 3 December 2008, will continue to work towards an economic cooperation agreement with Italy - a longstanding priority - as well as harmonizing its fiscal laws with EU members. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.662 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 188 $850 million (2004 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.048 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$41,900 (2007) country comparison to the world: 19

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 46.5%

services: 53.4% (2007)

Labor force:

22,660 (2008) country comparison to the world: 201

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 0.1%

industry: 37.7%

services: 62.2% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (2008) country comparison to the world: 35

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $690.6 million

expenditures: $652.9 million (2006)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-3.5% (2008) country comparison to the world: 1 -1.5% (2006)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 113 7.58% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.326 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$4.584 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$7.511 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

wheat, grapes, corn, olives; cattle, pigs, horses, beef, cheese, hides

Industries:

tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

3.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 78

Exports:

$4.628 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 114 $1.291 billion (2004)

Exports - commodities:

building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, ceramics

Imports:

$3.744 billion (2007) country comparison to the world: 130 $2.035 billion (2004)

Imports - commodities:

wide variety of consumer manufactures, food

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.6734 (2008 est.), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006), 0.8041 (2005), 0.8054 (2004)

Communications ::San Marino

Telephones - main lines in use:

21,300 (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17,700 (2008) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate connections

domestic: automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity 130 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 378; connected to Italian international network (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (San Marino residents also receive broadcasts from Italy) (1997)

Internet country code:

.sm

Internet hosts:

6,734 (2009) country comparison to the world: 132

Internet users:

17,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 193

Transportation ::San Marino

Roadways:

total: 292 km country comparison to the world: 202 paved: 292 km (2006)

Military ::San Marino

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Voluntary Military Force (Corpi Militari Voluntar) performs ceremonial duties and limited police support functions (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

16-55 for voluntary service in Voluntary Military Force (2006)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,613 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,343

females age 16-49: 6,048 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 161

female: 160 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy

Transnational Issues ::San Marino

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Sao Tome and Principe (Africa)

Introduction ::Sao Tome and Principe

Background:

Discovered and claimed by Portugal in the late 15th century, the islands' sugar-based economy gave way to coffee and cocoa in the 19th century - all grown with plantation slave labor, a form of which lingered into the 20th century. While independence was achieved in 1975, democratic reforms were not instituted until the late 1980s. The country held its first free elections in 1991, but frequent internal wrangling between the various political party's precipitated repeated changes in leadership and two failed coup attempts in 1995 and 2003. The recent discovery of oil in the Gulf of Guinea promises to attract increased attention to the small island nation.

Geography ::Sao Tome and Principe

Location:

Western Africa, islands in the Gulf of Guinea, straddling the Equator, west of Gabon

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 N, 7 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 964 sq km country comparison to the world: 184 land: 964 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than five times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

209 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; one rainy season (October to May)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Sao Tome 2,024 m

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 8.33%

permanent crops: 48.96%

other: 42.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

100 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the smallest country in Africa; the two main islands form part of a chain of extinct volcanoes and both are mountainous

People ::Sao Tome and Principe

Population:

212,679 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Age structure:

0-14 years: 46.9% (male 50,475/female 49,188)

15-64 years: 49.7% (male 51,325/female 54,289)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 3,335/female 4,067) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 16.4 years

male: 15.9 years

female: 17 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.093% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Birth rate:

38.54 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Death rate:

5.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Net migration rate:

-1.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female

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

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.12 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 68 male: 38.84 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 35.35 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 68.32 years country comparison to the world: 149 male: 66.65 years

female: 70.04 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.33 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

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

vectorborne disease: malaria

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sao Tomean(s)

adjective: Sao Tomean

Ethnic groups:

mestico, angolares (descendants of Angolan slaves), forros (descendants of freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans (primarily Portuguese)

Religions:

Catholic 70.3%, Evangelical 3.4%, New Apostolic 2%, Adventist 1.8%, other 3.1%, none 19.4% (2001 census)

Languages:

Portuguese (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 84.9%

male: 92.2%

female: 77.9% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 10 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Sao Tome and Principe

Country name:

conventional long form: Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

conventional short form: Sao Tome and Principe

local long form: Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

local short form: Sao Tome e Principe

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 0 12 N, 6 39 E

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

2 provinces; Principe, Sao Tome

note: Principe has had self government since 29 April 1995

Independence:

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Constitution:

approved March 1990, effective 10 September 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese legal system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Fradique Bandiera Melo DE MENEZES (since 3 September 2001)

head of government: Prime Minister Joachim Rafael BRANCO (since 22 June 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on the proposal of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 30 July 2006 (next to be held July 2011); prime minister chosen by the National Assembly and approved by the president

election results: Fradique DE MENEZES elected president; percent of vote - Fradique DE MENEZES 60%, Patrice TROVOADA 38.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assembleia Nacional (55 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 26 March 2006 (next to be held in March 2010)

election results: percent of vote by party - MDFM-PCD 37.2%, MLSTP 28.9%, ADI 20.0%, NR 4.7%, others 9.2%; seats by party - MDFM-PCD 23, MLSTP 19, ADI 12, NR 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are appointed by the National Assembly)

Political parties and leaders:

Force for Change Democratic Movement or MDFM [Tome Soares da VERA CRUZ]; Independent Democratic Action or ADI [[Patrice TROVOADA]; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe-Social Democratic Party or MLSTP-PSD [Rafael BRANCO]; New Way Movement or NR; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Delfim NEVES]; Ue-Kedadji coalition; other small parties

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Sao Tome and Principe NGOs or FONG

other: the media

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ITU, ITUC, NAM, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 400 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022

telephone: [1] (212) 317-0580

FAX: [1] (212) 935-7348

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy ::Sao Tome and Principe

Economy - overview:

This small, poor island economy has become increasingly dependent on cocoa since independence in 1975. Cocoa production has substantially declined in recent years because of drought and mismanagement. Sao Tome has to import all fuels, most manufactured goods, consumer goods, and a substantial amount of food. Over the years, it has had difficulty servicing its external debt and has relied heavily on concessional aid and debt rescheduling. Sao Tome benefited from $200 million in debt relief in December 2000 under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which helped bring down the country's $300 million debt burden. In August 2005, Sao Tome signed on to a new 3-year IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program worth $4.3 million. Considerable potential exists for development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to expand facilities in recent years. The government also has attempted to reduce price controls and subsidies. Potential exists for the development of petroleum resources in Sao Tome's territorial waters in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, which are being jointly developed in a 60-40 split with Nigeria, but any actual production is at least several years off. The first production licenses were sold in 2004, though a dispute over licensing with Nigeria delayed Sao Tome's receipt of more than $20 million in signing bonuses for almost a year. Real GDP growth averaged about 6% in 2006-08, as a result of increases in public expenditures and oil-related capital investment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$277.1 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $262.7 million (2007 est.)

$247.8 million (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$175 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74 6% (2007 est.)

6.7% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,300 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 205 $1,300 (2007 est.)

$1,300 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 14.6%

industry: 14.6%

services: 70.8% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

52,490 (2007) country comparison to the world: 182

Labor force - by occupation:

note: population mainly engaged in subsistence agriculture and fishing; shortages of skilled workers

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

54% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

38.8% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Budget:

revenues: $47.65 million

expenditures: $51.48 million (2008 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

26% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 215 18% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

28% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 3 28% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

32.4% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 5 32.4% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$27.84 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 118 $19.99 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$36.95 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 125 $33.5 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$20.42 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 127 $31.84 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels, copra, cinnamon, pepper, coffee, bananas, papayas, beans; poultry; fish

Industries:

light construction, textiles, soap, beer, fish processing, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

9.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Electricity - production:

19 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Electricity - consumption:

17.67 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Oil - consumption:

1,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Oil - imports:

725.5 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 102

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128

Current account balance:

-$67 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 -$44 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$8 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 $7 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

cocoa 80%, copra, coffee, palm oil

Exports - partners:

Japan 77.5%, Belgium 7.7%, Netherlands 6.4% (2008)

Imports:

$87 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 208 $65 million (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment, food products, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 55.8%, Belgium 9.6%, Japan 9.3% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$43 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $39 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$318 million (2002) country comparison to the world: 173

Exchange rates:

dobras (STD) per US dollar - 14,900 (2008 est.), 13,700 (2007), 12,050 (2006), 9,900.4 (2005), 9,902.3 (2004)

Communications ::Sao Tome and Principe

Telephones - main lines in use:

7,700 (2008) country comparison to the world: 208

Telephones - mobile cellular:

49,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 194

Telephone system:

general assessment: local telephone network of adequate quality with most lines connected to digital switches

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity approaching 30 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 239; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 1 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (2001)

Internet country code:

.st

Internet hosts:

1,345 (2009) country comparison to the world: 155

Internet users:

24,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 183

Transportation ::Sao Tome and Principe

Airports:

2 (2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 320 km country comparison to the world: 201 paved: 218 km

unpaved: 102 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 6 country comparison to the world: 130 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 5

foreign-owned: 1 (Greece 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Sao Tome

Military ::Sao Tome and Principe

Military branches:

Armed Forces of Sao Tome and Principe (FASTP): Army, Coast Guard of Sao Tome e Principe (Guarda Costeira de Sao Tome e Principe, GCSTP), Presidential Guard (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 42,340

females age 16-49: 43,781 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 35,216

females age 16-49: 38,329 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,534

female: 2,485 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 148

Military - note:

Sao Tome and Principe's army is a tiny force with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly ineffective operating unilaterally; infantry equipment is considered simple to operate and maintain but may require refurbishment or replacement after 25 years in tropical climates; poor pay, working conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have been problems in the past, as reflected in the 1995 and 2003 coups; these issues are being addressed with foreign assistance aimed at improving the army and its focus on realistic security concerns; command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff (2005)

Transnational Issues ::Sao Tome and Principe

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Saudi Arabia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Saudi Arabia

Background:

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to Islam's two holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina. The king's official title is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The modern Saudi state was founded in 1932 by ABD AL-AZIZ bin Abd al-Rahman AL SAUD (Ibn Saud) after a 30-year campaign to unify most of the Arabian Peninsula. A male descendent of Ibn Saud, his son ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz, rules the country today as required by the country's 1992 Basic Law. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saudi Arabia accepted the Kuwaiti royal family and 400,000 refugees while allowing Western and Arab troops to deploy on its soil for the liberation of Kuwait the following year. The continuing presence of foreign troops on Saudi soil after the liberation of Kuwait became a source of tension between the royal family and the public until all operational US troops left the country in 2003. Major terrorist attacks in May and November 2003 spurred a strong on-going campaign against domestic terrorism and extremism. King ABDALLAH has continued the cautious reform program begun when he was crown prince. To promote increased political participation, the government held elections nationwide from February through April 2005 for half the members of 179 municipal councils. In December 2005, King ABDALLAH completed the process by appointing the remaining members of the advisory municipal councils. The king instituted an Inter-Faith Dialogue initiative in 2008 to encourage religious tolerance on a global level; in February 2009, he reshuffled the cabinet, which led to more moderates holding ministerial and judicial positions, and appointed the first female to the cabinet. The country remains a leading producer of oil and natural gas and holds more than 20% of the world's proven oil reserves. The government continues to pursue economic reform and diversification, particularly since Saudi Arabia's accession to the WTO in December 2005, and promotes foreign investment in the kingdom. A burgeoning population, aquifer depletion, and an economy largely dependent on petroleum output and prices are all ongoing governmental concerns.

Geography ::Saudi Arabia

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, north of Yemen

Geographic coordinates:

25 00 N, 45 00 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 2,149,690 sq km country comparison to the world: 14 land: 2,149,690 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than one-fifth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total: 4,431 km

border countries: Iraq 814 km, Jordan 744 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km, Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Coastline:

2,640 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

continental shelf: not specified

Climate:

harsh, dry desert with great temperature extremes

Terrain:

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m

highest point: Jabal Sawda' 3,133 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Land use:

arable land: 1.67%

permanent crops: 0.09%

other: 98.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

16,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

2.4 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 17.32 cu km/yr (10%/1%/89%)

per capita: 705 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

frequent sand and dust storms

Environment - current issues:

desertification; depletion of underground water resources; the lack of perennial rivers or permanent water bodies has prompted the development of extensive seawater desalination facilities; coastal pollution from oil spills

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

People ::Saudi Arabia

Population:

28,686,633 country comparison to the world: 41 note: includes 5,576,076 non-nationals (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38% (male 5,557,453/female 5,340,614)

15-64 years: 59.5% (male 9,608,032/female 7,473,543)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 363,241/female 343,750) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.6 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 19.9 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.848% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Birth rate:

28.55 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 52

Death rate:

2.47 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Net migration rate:

-7.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Urbanization:

urban population: 82% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.5% 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: 1.29 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female

total population: 1.18 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.57 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 148 male: 13.15 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.91 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.3 years country comparison to the world: 69 male: 74.23 years

female: 78.48 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.83 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.01% (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Saudi(s)

adjective: Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Ethnic groups:

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 78.8%

male: 84.7%

female: 70.8% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

6.8% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 28

Government ::Saudi Arabia

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form: Saudi Arabia

local long form: Al Mamlakah al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

local short form: Al Arabiyah as Suudiyah

Government type:

monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 24 38 N, 46 43 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

13 provinces (mintaqat, singular - mintaqah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah (Northern Border), Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Ar Riyad (Riyadh), Ash Sharqiyah (Eastern), 'Asir, Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk

Independence:

23 September 1932 (unification of the kingdom)

National holiday:

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Constitution:

governed according to Islamic law; the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was promulgated by royal decree in 1992

Legal system:

based on Sharia law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; male

Executive branch:

chief of state: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SULTAN bin Abd al- Aziz Al Saud (half brother of the monarch); note - the monarch is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: King and Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud (since 1 August 2005); Deputy Prime Minister SULTAN bin Abd al-Aziz Al Saud; Second Deputy Prime Minister NAYIF bin Abd Al-Aziz Al Saud

cabinet: Council of Ministers is appointed by the monarch every four years and includes many royal family members

elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; note - a new Allegiance Commission created by royal decree in October 2006 established a committee of Saudi princes that will play a role in selecting future Saudi kings, but the new system will not take effect until after Crown Prince Sultan becomes king

Legislative branch:

Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura (150 members and a chairman appointed by the monarch for four-year terms); note - though the Council of Ministers announced in October 2003 its intent to introduce elections for half of the members of local and provincial assemblies and a third of the members of the national Consultative Council or Majlis al-Shura incrementally over a period of four to five years, to date no such elections have been held or announced

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of Justice

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Ansar Al Marah (supports women's rights)

other: gas companies; religious groups

International organization participation:

ABEDA, AfDB (nonregional member), AFESD, AMF, BIS, FAO, G-20, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, 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, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Adil al-Ahmad al-JUBAYR

chancery: 601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 342-3800

FAX: [1] (202) 944-3113

consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Ford M. FRAKER

embassy: Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

mailing address: American Embassy, Unit 61307, APO AE 09803-1307; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693

telephone: [966] (1) 488-3800

FAX: [966] (1) 488-7360

consulate(s) general: Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Flag description:

green, a traditional color in Islamic flags, with the Shahada or Muslim creed in large white Arabic script (translated as "There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God") above a white horizontal saber (the tip points to the hoist side); design dates to the early twentieth century and is closely associated with the Al Saud family which established the kingdom in 1932

Economy ::Saudi Arabia

Economy - overview:

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses more than 20% of the world's proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. About 40% of GDP comes from the private sector. Roughly 6.4 million foreign workers play an important role in the Saudi economy, particularly in the oil and service sectors. High oil prices through mid-2008 have boosted growth, government revenues, and Saudi ownership of foreign assets, while enabling Riyadh to pay down domestic debt. The government is encouraging private sector growth - especially in power generation, telecommunications, natural gas exploration, and petrochemicals - to lessen the kingdom's dependence on oil exports and to increase employment opportunities for the swelling Saudi population, nearly 40% of which are youths under 15 years old. Unemployment is high, and the large youth population generally lacks the education and technical skills the private sector needs. Riyadh has substantially boosted spending on job training and education, infrastructure development, and government salaries. As part of its effort to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy, Saudi Arabia acceded to the WTO in December 2005 after many years of negotiations. The government has announced plans to establish six "economic cities" in different regions of the country to promote development and diversification. The last five years of high oil prices have given the Kingdom ample financial reserves to manage the impact of the global financial crisis, but tight international credit, falling oil prices, and the global economic slowdown will reduce Saudi economic growth in 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$577.9 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23 $553.5 billion (2007 est.)

$535.8 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$469.4 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 3.3% (2007 est.)

3.1% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$20,500 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $20,100 (2007 est.)

$19,800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.1%

industry: 61.9%

services: 35% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

6.74 million country comparison to the world: 63 note: about 80% of the labor force is non-national (2008 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 6.7%

industry: 21.4%

services: 71.9% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 13% (2004 est.)

note: data are for Saudi males only (local bank estimates; some estimates range as high as 25%)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

19.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Budget:

revenues: $293.7 billion

expenditures: $136 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

18.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 75% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 4.1% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

2.5% (31 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of money:

$113.2 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 11 $102.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$134.3 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 17 $109.5 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$66.94 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$246.3 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 22 $515.1 billion (31 December 2007)

$326.9 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus; mutton, chickens, eggs, milk

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, ammonia, industrial gases, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), cement, fertilizer, plastics, metals, commercial ship repair, commercial aircraft repair, construction

Industrial production growth rate:

2.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - production:

179.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Electricity - consumption:

165.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

10.78 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - consumption:

2.38 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - exports:

8.728 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Oil - imports:

79,250 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Oil - proved reserves:

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

Natural gas - production:

80.44 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Natural gas - consumption:

80.44 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 124

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.319 trillion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Current account balance:

$132.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $96.77 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$313.4 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $234.1 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 90%

Exports - partners:

US 17.1%, Japan 15.2%, South Korea 10.1%, China 9.3%, India 7%, Singapore 4.4% (2008)

Imports:

$108.3 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 $82.6 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, motor vehicles, textiles

Imports - partners:

US 12.2%, China 10.5%, Japan 7.7%, Germany 7.4%, South Korea 5.1%, Italy 4.8%, India 4.2%, UK 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$30.59 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 43 $34.01 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$82.13 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $58.6 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$108.5 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $92 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$18.07 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $16.99 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Saudi riyals (SAR) per US dollar - 3.75 (2008 est.), 3.745 (2007), 3.745 (2006), 3.747 (2005), 3.75 (2004)

Communications ::Saudi Arabia

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.1 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 39

Telephones - mobile cellular:

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

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system

domestic: extensive microwave radio relay, coaxial cable, and fiber-optic cable systems; mobile-cellular subscribership has been increasing rapidly

international: country code - 966; landing point for the international submarine cable Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and for both the SEA-ME-WE-3 and SEA-ME-WE-4 submarine cable networks providing connectivity to Asia, Middle East, Europe, and US; microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; satellite earth stations - 5 Intelsat (3 Atlantic Ocean and 2 Indian Ocean), 1 Arabsat, and 1 Inmarsat (Indian Ocean region) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 43, FM 31, shortwave 2 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

117 (1997)

Internet country code:

.sa

Internet hosts:

471,217 (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Internet users:

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

Transportation ::Saudi Arabia

Airports:

217 (2009) country comparison to the world: 27

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 80

over 3,047 m: 31

2,438 to 3,047 m: 16

1,524 to 2,437 m: 27

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 4 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 137

2,438 to 3,047 m: 8

1,524 to 2,437 m: 72

914 to 1,523 m: 41

under 914 m: 16 (2009)

Heliports:

9 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 212 km; gas 1,880 km; liquid petroleum gas 1,183 km; oil 4,239 km; refined products 1,148 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 1,392 km country comparison to the world: 83 standard gauge: 1,392 km 1.435-m gauge (with branch lines and sidings) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 221,372 km country comparison to the world: 24 paved: 47,529 km (includes 3,891 km of expressways)

unpaved: 173,843 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 62 country comparison to the world: 64 by type: cargo 5, chemical tanker 13, container 5, passenger/cargo 8, petroleum tanker 20, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 8

foreign-owned: 12 (Egypt 1, Greece 3, Kuwait 7, UAE 1)

registered in other countries: 71 (Bahamas 16, Comoros 1, Dominica 2, France 1, Liberia 27, Marshall Islands 5, Norway 3, Panama 16) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Ad Dammam, Al Jubayl, Jiddah, Yanbu' al Sinaiyah

Military ::Saudi Arabia

Military branches:

Ministry of Defense and Aviation Forces: Royal Saudi Land Forces, Royal Saudi Naval Forces (includes Marine Forces and Special Forces), Royal Saudi Air Force (Al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Malakiya as-Sa'udiya), Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces, Royal Saudi Strategic Rocket Forces, Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (est.); no conscription (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 8,547,441

females age 16-49: 6,381,098 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,486,622

females age 16-49: 5,652,819 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 278,179

female: 267,905 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

10% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 3

Transnational Issues ::Saudi Arabia

Disputes - international:

Saudi Arabia has reinforced its concrete-filled security barrier along sections of the now fully demarcated border with Yemen to stem illegal cross-border activities; Kuwait and Saudi Arabia continue discussions on a maritime boundary with Iran

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 240,015 (Palestinian Territories) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Saudi Arabia is a destination country for workers from South and Southeast Asia who are subjected to conditions that constitute involuntary servitude including being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement, and withholding of passports as a restriction on their movement; domestic workers are particularly vulnerable because some are confined to the house in which they work unable to seek help; Saudi Arabia is also a destination country for Nigerian, Yemeni, Pakistani, Afghan, Somali, Malian, and Sudanese children trafficked for forced begging and involuntary servitude as street vendors; some Nigerian women were reportedly trafficked into Saudi Arabia for commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 3 - Saudi Arabia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government continues to lack adequate anti-trafficking laws and, despite evidence of widespread trafficking abuses, did not report any criminal prosecutions, convictions, or prison sentences for trafficking crimes committed against foreign domestic workers (2008)

Illicit drugs:

death penalty for traffickers; improving anti-money-laundering legislation and enforcement

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Senegal (Africa)

Introduction ::Senegal

Background:

The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982, but the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC) has led a low-level separatist insurgency in southern Senegal since the 1980s, and several peace deals have failed to resolve the conflict. Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal was ruled by a Socialist Party for 40 years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. He was reelected in February 2007, but complaints of fraud led opposition parties to boycott June 2007 legislative polls. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.

Geography ::Senegal

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Geographic coordinates:

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 196,722 sq km country comparison to the world: 87 land: 192,530 sq km

water: 4,192 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total: 2,640 km

border countries: The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline:

531 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:

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind

Terrain:

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha 581 m

Natural resources:

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land: 12.51%

permanent crops: 0.24%

other: 87.25% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,200 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

39.4 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.22 cu km/yr (4%/3%/93%)

per capita: 190 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

lowlands seasonally flooded; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

wildlife populations threatened by poaching; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal

People ::Senegal

Population:

13,711,597 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.2% (male 2,911,324/female 2,877,804)

15-64 years: 54.8% (male 3,728,664/female 3,786,000)

65 years and over: 3% (male 190,343/female 217,462) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 18.8 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.709% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Birth rate:

36.84 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Death rate:

9.75 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Urbanization:

urban population: 42% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.1% 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: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.88 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 58.94 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 40 male: 65.7 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 51.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 59 years country comparison to the world: 186 male: 57.12 years

female: 60.93 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.95 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

67,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,800 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne diseases: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, malaria, Rift Valley fever, and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective: Senegalese

Ethnic groups:

Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 39.3%

male: 51.1%

female: 29.2% (2002 est.)

Education expenditures:

5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 74

Government ::Senegal

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Senegal

conventional short form: Senegal

local long form: Republique du Senegal

local short form: Senegal

former: Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 40 N, 17 26 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Independence:

4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 7 January 2001

Legal system:

based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court; the Council of State audits the government's accounting office; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Abdoulaye WADE (since 1 April 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Soulayemane Ndene NDIAYE (since 1 May 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) under new constitution; election last held on 25 February 2007 (next to be held in 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Abdoulaye WADE reelected president; percent of vote - Abdoulaye WADE 55.9%, Idrissa SECK 14.9%, Ousmane Tanor DIENG 13.6%, Moustapha NIASSE 5.9%, other 9.7%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate, reinstituted in 2007, (100 seats; 35 indirectly elected with the remaining 65 members to be appointed by the president) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (150 seats; 90 members elected by direct popular vote with the remaining members elected by proportional representation from party lists to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held 19 August 2007 (next to be held - NA); National Assembly - last held on 3 June 2007 (next to be held 2012); note - the National Assembly in December 2005 voted to postpone legislative elections originally scheduled for 2006; legislative elections were first rescheduled to coincide with the 25 February 2007 presidential elections and later rescheduled for 3 June 2007; the June election was boycotted by 12 opposition parties, including the former ruling Socialist Party, which resulted in a record-low 35% voter turnout

election results: Senate results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDS 34, AJ/PADS 1, 65 appointed by the president; National Assembly results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - SOPI Coalition 131, other 19

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Council of State; Court of Final Appeals or Cour de Cassation; Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

African Party of Independence [Majhemout DIOP]; Alliance for the Republic-Yakaar [Macky Sall]; And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]; Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP [Moustapha NIASSE]; Democratic League-Labor Party Movement or LD-MPT [Dr. Abdoulaye BATHILY]; Front for Socialism and Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE]; Gainde Centrist Bloc or BGC [Jean-Paul DIAS]; Independence and Labor Party or PIT [Amath DANSOKHO]; Jef-Jel [Talla SYLLA]; National Democratic Rally or RND [Madior DIOUF]; People's Labor Party or PTP [El Hadji DIOUF]; Reform Party or PR [Abdourahim AGNE]; Rewmi Party [Idrissa Seck]; Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Abdoulaye WADE]; Socialist Party or PS [Ousmane Tanor DIENG]; SOPI Coalition [Abdoulaye WADE] (a coalition led by the PDS); Union for Democratic Renewal or URD [Djibo Leyti KA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: labor; students; Sufi brotherhoods, including the Mourides and Tidjanes; teachers

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, CPLP (associate), ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURCAT, MONUC, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Amadou Lamine BA

chancery: 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540

FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315

consulate(s) general: Houston, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Marcia S. BERNICAT

embassy: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar

mailing address: B. P. 49, Dakar

telephone: [221] 33-829-2100

FAX: [221] 33-822-2991

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

Economy ::Senegal

Economy - overview:

In January 1994, Senegal undertook a bold and ambitious economic reform program with the support of the international donor community. This reform began with a 50% devaluation of Senegal's currency, the CFA franc, which was linked at a fixed rate to the French franc. Government price controls and subsidies have been steadily dismantled. After seeing its economy contract by 2.1% in 1993, Senegal made an important turnaround, thanks to the reform program, with real growth in GDP averaging over 5% annually during 1995-2008. Annual inflation had been pushed down to the single digits. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff and a more stable monetary policy. High unemployment, however, continues to prompt illegal migrants to flee Senegal in search of better job opportunities in Europe. Senegal was also beset by an energy crisis that caused widespread blackouts in 2006 and 2007. The phosphate industry has struggled for two years to secure capital, and reduced output has directly impacted GDP. In 2007, Senegal signed agreements for major new mining concessions for iron, zircon, and gold with foreign companies. Firms from Dubai have agreed to manage and modernize Dakar's maritime port, and create a new special economic zone. Senegal still relies heavily upon outside donor assistance. Under the IMF's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief program, Senegal has benefited from eradication of two-thirds of its bilateral, multilateral, and private-sector debt. In 2007, Senegal and the IMF agreed to a new, non-disbursing, Policy Support Initiative program.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$21.78 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $21.25 billion (2007 est.)

$20.27 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$13.35 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 4.8% (2007 est.)

2.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 196 $1,600 (2007 est.)

$1,600 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 16.1%

industry: 19.3%

services: 64.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

4.973 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 77.5%

industry and services: 22.5% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

48% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Population below poverty line:

54% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 30.1% (2005)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

41.3 (2001) country comparison to the world: 57 41.3 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.3% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

Budget:

revenues: $3.077 billion

expenditures: $3.802 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

21.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 55.2% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 98 5.9% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.75% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 119 4.25% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$2.842 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.579 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$2.97 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish

Industries:

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining; iron ore, zircon, and gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair

Industrial production growth rate:

4.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Electricity - production:

1.88 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - consumption:

1.384 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Oil - consumption:

38,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - exports:

5,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - imports:

42,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 96

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - production:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Natural gas - consumption:

50 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 119

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m country comparison to the world: 139

Current account balance:

-$975 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 -$1.18 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$2.053 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131 $1.65 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton

Exports - partners:

Mali 19.6%, India 7.2%, France 5.5%, Gambia, The 5.4%, Italy 4.9% (2008)

Imports:

$4.263 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 125 $3.732 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

food and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Imports - partners:

France 19.7%, UK 15.2%, China 6.7%, Belgium 4.6%, Thailand 4.4%, Netherlands 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$1.601 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 115 $1.66 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.627 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $2.19 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 447.81 (2008 est.), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006), 527.47 (2005), 528.29 (2004)

note: since 1 January 1999, the West African CFA franc (XOF) has been pegged to the euro at a rate of 655.957 CFA francs per euro; West African CFA franc (XOF) coins and banknotes are not accepted in countries using Central African CFA francs (XAF), and vice versa, even though the two currencies trade at par

Communications ::Senegal

Telephones - main lines in use:

237,800 (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.389 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 83

Telephone system:

general assessment: good system

domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network; nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly; microwave radio relay, coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system

international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber optic cable provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2007)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 8, FM 20, shortwave 1 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (2007)

Internet country code:

.sn

Internet hosts:

227 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Internet users:

1.02 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 86

Transportation ::Senegal

Airports:

19 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 9

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 43 km; refined products 8 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 906 km country comparison to the world: 94 narrow gauge: 906 km 1.000 meter gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 13,576 km country comparison to the world: 127 paved: 3,972 km (includes 7 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,604 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,000 km (primarily on Senegal, Saloum, and Casamance rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 64

Ports and terminals:

Dakar

Military ::Senegal

Military branches:

Army, Senegalese Navy (Marine Senegalaise), Senegalese Air Force (Armee de l'Air du Senegal) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscript service obligation - 2 years (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,943,619

females age 16-49: 2,955,179 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,038,508

females age 16-49: 2,207,510 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 154,249

female: 153,679 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 115

Transnational Issues ::Senegal

Disputes - international:

The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau attempt to stem separatist violence, cross border raids, and arms smuggling into their countries from Senegal's Casamance region, and in 2006, respectively accepted 6,000 and 10,000 Casamance residents fleeing the conflict; 2,500 Guinea-Bissau residents fled into Senegal in 2006 to escape armed confrontations along the border

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 19,630 (Mauritania)

IDPs: 22,400 (approximately 65% of the IDP population returned in 2005, but new displacement is occurring due to clashes between government troops and separatists in Casamance region) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and South American cocaine moving to Europe and North America; illicit cultivator of cannabis

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Serbia (Europe)

Introduction ::Serbia

Background:

The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed in 1918; its name was changed to Yugoslavia in 1929. Various paramilitary bands resisted Nazi Germany's occupation and division of Yugoslavia from 1941 to 1945, but fought each other and ethnic opponents as much as the invaders. The military and political movement headed by Josip TITO (Partisans) took full control of Yugoslavia when German and Croatian separatist forces were defeated in 1945. Although Communist, TITO's new government and his successors (he died in 1980) managed to steer their own path between the Warsaw Pact nations and the West for the next four and a half decades. In 1989, Slobodan MILOSEVIC became president of the Serbian Republic and his ultranationalist calls for Serbian domination led to the violent breakup of Yugoslavia along ethnic lines. In 1991, Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia declared independence, followed by Bosnia in 1992. The remaining republics of Serbia and Montenegro declared a new Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in April 1992 and under MILOSEVIC's leadership, Serbia led various military campaigns to unite ethnic Serbs in neighboring republics into a "Greater Serbia." These actions led to Yugoslavia being ousted from the UN in 1992, but Serbia continued its - ultimately unsuccessful - campaign until signing the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. MILOSEVIC kept tight control over Serbia and eventually became president of the FRY in 1997. In 1998, an ethnic Albanian insurgency in the formerly autonomous Serbian province of Kosovo provoked a Serbian counterinsurgency campaign that resulted in massacres and massive expulsions of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo. The MILOSEVIC government's rejection of a proposed international settlement led to NATO's bombing of Serbia in the spring of 1999 and to the eventual withdrawal of Serbian military and police forces from Kosovo in June 1999. UNSC Resolution 1244 in June 1999 authorized the stationing of a NATO-led force (KFOR) in Kosovo to provide a safe and secure environment for the region's ethnic communities, created a UN interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to foster self-governing institutions, and reserved the issue of Kosovo's final status for an unspecified date in the future. In 2001, UNMIK promulgated a constitutional framework that allowed Kosovo to establish institutions of self-government and led to Kosovo's first parliamentary election. FRY elections in September 2000 led to the ouster of MILOSEVIC and installed Vojislav KOSTUNICA as president. A broad coalition of democratic reformist parties known as DOS (the Democratic Opposition of Serbia) was subsequently elected to parliament in December 2000 and took control of the government. DOS arrested MILOSEVIC in 2001 and allowed for him to be tried in The Hague for crimes against humanity. (MILOSEVIC died in March 2006 before the completion of his trial.) In 2001, the country's suspension from the UN was lifted. In 2003, the FRY became Serbia and Montenegro, a loose federation of the two republics with a federal level parliament. Widespread violence predominantly targeting ethnic Serbs in Kosovo in March 2004 caused the international community to open negotiations on the future status of Kosovo in January 2006. In May 2006, Montenegro invoked its right to secede from the federation and - following a successful referendum - it declared itself an independent nation on 3 June 2006. Two days later, Serbia declared that it was the successor state to the union of Serbia and Montenegro. A new Serbian constitution was approved in October 2006 and adopted the following month. After 15 months of inconclusive negotiations mediated by the UN and four months of further inconclusive negotiations mediated by the US, EU, and Russia, on 17 February 2008, the UNMIK-administered province of Kosovo declared itself independent of Serbia.

Geography ::Serbia

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between Macedonia and Hungary

Geographic coordinates:

44 00 N, 21 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 77,474 sq km country comparison to the world: 116 land: 77,474 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 2,026 km

border countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina 302 km, Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia 241 km, Hungary 151 km, Kosovo 352 km, Macedonia 62 km, Montenegro 124 km, Romania 476 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

in the north, continental climate (cold winters and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall); in other parts, continental and Mediterranean climate (relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall and hot, dry summers and autumns)

Terrain:

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountains and hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: NA

highest point: Midzor 2,169 m

Natural resources:

oil, gas, coal, iron ore, copper, zinc, antimony, chromite, gold, silver, magnesium, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt, arable land

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

208.5 cu km (note - includes Kosovo) (2003)

Natural hazards:

destructive earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial cities; water pollution from industrial wastes dumped into the Sava which flows into the Danube

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, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the Near East

People ::Serbia

Population:

7,379,339 country comparison to the world: 95 note: does not include the population of Kosovo (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.4% (male 586,806/female 549,900)

15-64 years: 67.8% (male 2,503,194/female 2,502,807)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 508,606/female 728,026) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 41 years

male: 39.3 years

female: 42.7 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.468% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 227

Birth rate:

9.19 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 207

Death rate:

13.86 deaths/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and above: 0.7 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.75 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 173 male: 7.79 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.9 years country comparison to the world: 96 male: 71.09 years

female: 76.89 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.38 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

6,400 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea

vectorborne disease: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever

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: Serb(s)

adjective: Serbian

Ethnic groups:

Serb 82.9%, Hungarian 3.9%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.4%, Yugoslavs 1.1%, Bosniaks 1.8%, Montenegrin 0.9%, other 8% (2002 census)

Religions:

Serbian Orthodox 85%, Catholic 5.5%, Protestant 1.1%, Muslim 3.2%, unspecified 2.6%, other, unknown, or atheist 2.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Serbian 88.3% (official), Hungarian 3.8%, Bosniak 1.8%, Romany (Gypsy) 1.1%, other 4.1%, unknown 0.9% (2002 census)

note: Romanian, Hungarian, Slovak, Ukrainian, and Croatian all official in Vojvodina

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96.4%

male: 98.9%

female: 94.1% (2003 census)

note: includes Montenegro

Education expenditures:

Government ::Serbia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Serbia

conventional short form: Serbia

local long form: Republika Srbija

local short form: Srbija

former: People's Republic of Serbia, Socialist Republic of Serbia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 44 50 N, 20 30 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:

167 municipalities (opcstine, singular - opcstina)

Serbia Proper: Belgrade City (Beograd): Barajevo, Cukarica, Grocka, Lazarevac, Mladenovac, Novi Beograd, Obrenovac, Palilula, Rakovica, Savski Venac, Sopot, Stari Grad, Surcin, Vozdovac, Vracar, Zemun, Zvezdara; Bor: Bor, Kladovo, Majdanpek, Negotin; Branicevo: Golubac, Kucevo, Malo Crnice, Petrovac, Pozarevac, Veliko Gradiste, Zabari, Zagubica; Grad Nis: Crveni Krst, Mediana, Niska Banja, Palilula, Pantelej Jablanica: Bojnik, Crna Trava, Lebane, Leskovac, Medveda, Vlasotince; Kolubara: Lajkovac, Ljig, Mionica, Osecina, Ub, Valjevo; Macva: Bogatic, Koceljeva, Krupanj, Ljubovija, Loznica, Mali Zvornik, Sabac, Vladimirci; Moravica: Cacak, Gornkji Milanovac, Ivanjica, Lucani; Nisava: Aleksinac, Doljevac, Gadzin Han, Merosina, Nis, Razanj, Svrljig; Pcinja: Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Vladicin Han, Vranje; Pirot: Babusnica, Bela Palanka, Dimitrovgrad, Pirot; Podunavlje: Smederevo, Smederevskia Palanka, Velika Plana; Pomoravlje: Cuprija, Despotovac, Jagodina, Paracin, Rekovac, Svilajnac; Rasina: Aleksandrovac, Brus, Cicevac, Krusevac, Trstenik, Varvarin; Raska: Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Raska, Tutin, Vrnjacka Banja; Sumadija: Arandelovac, Batocina, Knic, Kragujevac, Lapovo, Raca, Topola; Toplica: Blace, Kursumlija, Prokuplje, Zitorada; Zajecar: Boljevac, Knjazevac, Sokobanja, Zajecar; Zlatibor: Arilje, Bajina Basta, Cajetina, Kosjeric, Nova Varos, Pozega, Priboj, Prijepolje, Sjenica, Uzice

Vojvodina Autonomous Province: South Backa: Bac, Backa Palanka, Backi Petrovac, Becej, Beocin, Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, Srobobran, Temerin, Titel, Vrbas, Zabalj; South Banat: Alibunar, Bela Crkva, Kovacica, Kovin, Opovo, Pancevo, Plandiste, Vrsac; North Backa: Backa Topola, Mali Idjos, Subotica; North Banat: Ada, Coka, Kanjiza, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac, Senta; Central Banat: Nova Crnja, Novi Becej, Secanj, Zitiste, Zrenjanin; Srem: Indija, Irig, Pecinci, Ruma, Sid, Sremska Mitrovica, Stara Pazova; West Backa: Apatin, Kula, Odzaci, Sombor

Independence:

5 June 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)

National holiday:

National Day, 15 February

Constitution:

adopted 8 November 2006; effective 10 November 2006

Legal system:

based on civil law system

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Boris TADIC (since 11 July 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Mirko CVETKOVIC (since 7 July 2008)

cabinet: Federal Ministries act as cabinet

elections: president elected by direct vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 3 February 2008 (next to be held in 2013); prime minister elected by the National Assembly

election results: Boris TADIC elected president in the second round of voting; Boris TADIC received 51.2% of the vote and Tomislav NIKOLIC 48.8%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (250 seats; deputies elected according to party lists to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 May 2008 (next to be held in May 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - For a European Serbia coalition 38.4%, SRS 29.5%, DSS-NS 11.6%, SPS-led coalition 7.6%, LPD 5.2%, other 7.7%; seats by party - For a European Serbia coalition 102, SRS 77, DSS-NS 30, SNS 21, SPS-led coalition 20, LDP 13, other 7; note - the seat allocation for the SNS and SRS is uncertain because of an ongoing dispute with the SRS

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (to become court of cassation under new constitution), appellate courts, district courts, municipal courts

Political parties and leaders:

Coalition of Albanians of the Presevo Valley or KAPD [Riza HALIMI]; Coalition for Sandzak or KZS [Sulejman UGLJANIN]; Democratic Party of Albanians or PDSh [Ragmi MUSTAFA]; Democratic Party of Serbia or DSS [Vojislav KOSTUNICA]; Democratic Party or DS [Boris TADIC]; Democratic Union of the Valley or BDL [Skender DESTANI]; For a European Serbia [Boris TADIC]; Force of Serbia Movement or PSS [Bogoljub KARIC]; G17 Plus [Mladjan DINKIC]; League of Vojvodina Hungarians or SVM [Istvan PASTOR]; Liberal Democratic Party or LDP [Cedomir JOVANOVIC]; Movement for Democratic Progress or LPD [Jonuz MUSLIU]; New Serbia or NS [Velimir ILIC]; Party of Democratic Action or PVD [Riza HALIMI]; People's Party or NS [Maja GOJKOVIC]; Roma Party or RP [Srdjan SAJN]; Serbian Progressive Party or SNS [Tomislav NIKOLIC]; Serbian Radical Party or SRS [Vojislav SESELJ (currently on trial at The Hague), with Dragan TODOROVIC as acting leader]; Socialist Party of Serbia or SPS [Ivica DACIC]; Union of Roma of Serbia or URS [Rajko DJURIC]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

BSEC, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD (suspended), IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUC, NAM (observer), OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, PFP, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vladimir PETROVIC

chancery: 2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 332-0333

FAX: [1] (202) 332-3933

consulate(s) general: Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Cameron MUNTER

embassy: Kneza Milosa 50, 11000 Belgrade

mailing address: 5070 Belgrade Place, Washington, DC 20521-5070

telephone: [381] (11) 361-9344

FAX: [381] (11) 361-8230

Flag description:

three equal horizontal stripes of red (top), blue, and white; charged with the coat of arms of Serbia shifted slightly to the hoist side

Economy ::Serbia

Economy - overview:

MILOSEVIC-era mismanagement of the economy, an extended period of international economic sanctions, and the damage to Yugoslavia's infrastructure and industry during the NATO airstrikes in 1999 left the economy only half the size it was in 1990. After the ousting of former Federal Yugoslav President MILOSEVIC in September 2000, the Democratic Opposition of Serbia (DOS) coalition government implemented stabilization measures and embarked on a market reform program. After renewing its membership in the IMF in December 2000, Yugoslavia continued to reintegrate into the international community by rejoining the World Bank (IBRD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A World Bank-European Commission sponsored Donors' Conference held in June 2001 raised $1.3 billion for economic restructuring. In November 2001, the Paris Club agreed to reschedule the country's $4.5 billion public debt and wrote off 66% of the debt. In July 2004, the London Club of private creditors forgave $1.7 billion of debt just over half the total owed. Belgrade has made progress in trade liberalization and enterprise restructuring and privatization, including telecommunications and small- and medium-size firms. It has made halting progress towards EU membership despite signing a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Brussels in May 2008. Serbia is also pursuing membership in the World Trade Organization. Unemployment and the large current account deficit remain ongoing political and economic problems.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$79.77 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $75.68 billion (2007 est.)

$70.8 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$50.06 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 6.9% (2007 est.)

5.2% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,800 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $10,200 (2007 est.)

$9,500 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 12.3%

industry: 24.2%

services: 63.5% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

2.961 million (2002 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 30%

industry: 46%

services: 24% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

18.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Population below poverty line:

6.5% (2007 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

30 (2003) country comparison to the world: 116

Investment (gross fixed):

20.1% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Budget:

revenues: $9.6 billion

expenditures: $9.8 billion (2007 est.)

Public debt:

37% of GDP (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2007) country comparison to the world: 114

Central bank discount rate:

17.75% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 45 9.57% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

18.11% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 73 11.13% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$3.831 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 60 $4.632 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$11.95 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 48 $12.19 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$17.06 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 63 $13.44 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 66 $23.93 billion (31 December 2007)

$10.99 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, maize, sugar beets, sunflower, raspberries, beef, pork, milk

Industries:

sugar, agricultural machinery, electrical and communication equipment, paper and pulp, lead, transportation equipment

Industrial production growth rate:

1.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Electricity - production:

33.87 billion kWh (2004) country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

12.05 billion kWh (2004 est.)

Electricity - imports:

11.23 billion kWh (2004)

Oil - production:

11,420 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Oil - consumption:

NA bbl/day

Oil - exports:

3,641 bbl/day (2005) country comparison to the world: 108

Oil - imports:

70,760 bbl/day (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Oil - proved reserves:

77.5 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - production:

650 million cu m (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Natural gas - consumption:

2.55 billion cu m (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2005) country comparison to the world: 129

Natural gas - imports:

2.1 billion cu m (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Natural gas - proved reserves:

48.14 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Current account balance:

-$6.889 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Exports:

$8.824 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Exports - commodities:

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

Imports:

$18.35 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$14.22 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $14.22 billion (2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$26.24 billion (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$11.95 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Serbian dinars (RSD) per US dollar - 54.5 (2007), 59.98 (2006)

Communications ::Serbia

Telephones - main lines in use:

3.085 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephones - mobile cellular:

9.619 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 61

Telephone system:

general assessment: modernization of the telecommunications network has been slow as a result of damage stemming from the 1999 war and transition to a competitive market-based system; network was 90% digitalized in 2006

domestic: teledensity remains below the average for neighboring states; GSM wireless service, available through multiple providers with national coverage, is growing very rapidly; best telecommunications service centered in urban centers

international: country code - 381

Radio broadcast stations:

153 (station types NA) (2001)

Internet country code:

.rs

Internet hosts:

181,313 (2009) country comparison to the world: 64

Internet users:

2.936 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 59

Transportation ::Serbia

Airports:

28 (2009) country comparison to the world: 121

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 18

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 9

under 914 m: 8 (2009)

Heliports:

2 (2007)

Pipelines:

gas 1,921 km; oil 323 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 3,379 km country comparison to the world: 52 standard gauge: 3,379 km 1.435-m gauge (electrified 1,254 km) (2006)

Roadways:

total: 36,875 km country comparison to the world: 92 paved: 31,392 km

unpaved: 5,483 km (2006)

Waterways:

587 km (primarily on Danube and Sava rivers) (2008) country comparison to the world: 81

Military ::Serbia

Military branches:

Serbian Armed Forces (Vojska Srbije, VS): Land Forces Command (includes Riverine Component, consisting of a river flotilla on the Danube), Joint Operations Command, Air and Air Defense Forces Command (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

19-35 years of age for male compulsory military service; under a state of war or impending war, conscription can begin at age 16; conscription is to be abolished in 2010; 6-month service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 60 for men and 50 for women (2007)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,415,007

females age 16-49: 1,379,541 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 44,601

female: 41,845 (2009 est.)

Transnational Issues ::Serbia

Disputes - international:

Serbia with several other states protest the U.S. and other states' recognition of Kosovo's declaring itself as a sovereign and independent state in February 2008; ethnic Serbian municipalities along Kosovo's northern border challenge final status of Kosovo-Serbia boundary; several thousand NATO-led KFOR peacekeepers under UNMIK authority continue to keep the peace within Kosovo between the ethnic Albanian majority and the Serb minority in Kosovo; Serbia delimited about half of the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the Drina River remain in dispute

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 71,111 (Croatia); 27,414 (Bosnia and Herzegovina); 206,000 (Kosovo), note - mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999 (2007)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Seychelles (Africa)

Introduction ::Seychelles

Background:

A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James MICHEL took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term.

Geography ::Seychelles

Location:

archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

4 35 S, 55 40 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 455 sq km country comparison to the world: 198 land: 455 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

491 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:

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Terrain:

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are coral, flat, elevated reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Morne Seychellois 905 m

Natural resources:

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Land use:

arable land: 2.17%

permanent crops: 13.04%

other: 84.79% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts possible

Environment - current issues:

water supply depends on catchments to collect rainwater

Environment - international agreements:

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

41 granitic and about 75 coralline islands

People ::Seychelles

Population:

87,476 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

Age structure:

0-14 years: 22.8% (male 10,201/female 9,732)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 31,870/female 29,439)

65 years and over: 7.1% (male 2,321/female 3,913) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 31.4 years

male: 30.9 years

female: 32 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.999% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Birth rate:

15.87 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Death rate:

6.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Net migration rate:

1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Urbanization:

urban population: 54% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.59 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 12.3 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 142 male: 15.44 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 9.06 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.02 years country comparison to the world: 112 male: 68.33 years

female: 77.85 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.93 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective: Seychellois

Ethnic groups:

mixed French, African, Indian, Chinese, and Arab

Religions:

Roman Catholic 82.3%, Anglican 6.4%, Seventh Day Adventist 1.1%, other Christian 3.4%, Hindu 2.1%, Muslim 1.1%, other non-Christian 1.5%, unspecified 1.5%, none 0.6% (2002 census)

Languages:

Creole 91.8%, English 4.9% (official), other 3.1%, unspecified 0.2% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 91.8%

male: 91.4%

female: 92.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

6.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 31

Government ::Seychelles

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Seychelles

conventional short form: Seychelles

local long form: Republic of Seychelles

local short form: Seychelles

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 4 38 S, 55 27 E

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

Administrative divisions:

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe), Grand' Anse (on Praslin), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, Takamaka

Independence:

29 June 1976 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Constitution Day (National Day), 18 June (1993)

Constitution:

18 June 1993

Legal system:

based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President James Alix MICHEL (since 14 April 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President James MICHEL (since 14 April 2004)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for two more terms); election last held 28-30 July 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: President James MICHEL elected president; percent of vote - James MICHEL 53.73%, Wavel RAMKALAWAN 45.71%, Philippe BOULLE 0.56%; note - this was the first election in which President James MICHEL participated; he was originally sworn in as president after former president France Albert RENE stepped down in April 2004

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (34 seats; 25 members elected by popular vote, 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote; to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held 10-12 May 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SPPF 56.2%, SNP 43.8%; seats by party - SPPF 23, SNP 11

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the president

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party or DP [James MANCHAM, Paul CHOW]; Seychelles National Party or SNP [Wavel RAMKALAWAN] (formerly the United Opposition or UO); People's Party (Parti Lepep) or PL [France Albert RENE, James MICHEL] (the governing party)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Roman Catholic Church

other: trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jean Ronald JUMEAU

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 972-1785

FAX: [1] (212) 972-1786

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side

Economy ::Seychelles

Economy - overview:

Since independence in 1976, per capita output in this Indian Ocean archipelago has expanded to roughly seven times the pre-independence, near-subsistence level, moving the island into the upper-middle income group of countries. Growth has been led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency earnings, and by tuna fishing. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the government has moved to reduce the dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. GDP grew about 7-8% per year in 2006-07, driven by tourism and a boom in tourism-related construction. The Seychelles rupee was allowed to depreciate in 2006 after being overvalued for years and fell by 10% in the first 9 months of 2007. Despite these actions, the Seychelles economy has struggled to maintain its gains and in 2008 suffered from food and oil price shocks, a foreign exchange shortage, high inflation and large financing gaps, with GDP growth reduced to about 3% in 2008. In July 2008 the government defaulted on a Euro amortizing note worth roughly US$80 million, leading to a downgrading of Seychelles credit rating. Seychelles requested an IMF Stand-By Agreement in December 2008.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.821 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 185 $1.838 billion (2007 est.)

$1.675 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$822 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-0.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 206 9.7% (2007 est.)

9.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$21,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 $21,400 (2007 est.)

$19,800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2%

industry: 28.9%

services: 69.2% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

39,560 (2006) country comparison to the world: 191

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 23%

services: 74% (2006)

Unemployment rate:

2% (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Investment (gross fixed):

13.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Budget:

revenues: $260.5 million

expenditures: $291.2 million (2008 est.)

Public debt:

74.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 122.8% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

37% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 220 5.3% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 90 5.13% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.81% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 76 10.89% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$164.8 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 107 $330.8 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$188.5 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 117 $249 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$375.6 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 117 $660.2 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

coconuts, cinnamon, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas; poultry; tuna

Industries:

fishing, tourism, processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture; beverages

Industrial production growth rate:

2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Electricity - production:

250 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Electricity - consumption:

232.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Oil - imports:

7,653 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Current account balance:

-$430 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 102 -$274.8 million (2007 est.)

Exports:

$495 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 $391.7 million (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

canned tuna, frozen fish, cinnamon bark, copra, petroleum products (reexports)

Exports - partners:

UK 21.1%, France 19.1%, Mauritius 10.1%, Japan 7.9%, Italy 7.8%, Netherlands 6% (2008)

Imports:

$1.018 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 $804 million (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Saudi Arabia 17.5%, Singapore 12.4%, France 10.3%, Spain 8.1%, Germany 7%, India 5.4%, South Africa 4.7% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$64 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151 $40.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$1.422 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 145 $1.059 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Seychelles rupees (SCR) per US dollar - 8 (2008 est.), 6.5 (2007), 5.5 (2006), 5.5 (2005), 5.5 (2004)

Communications ::Seychelles

Telephones - main lines in use:

23,200 (2008) country comparison to the world: 188

Telephones - mobile cellular:

85,300 (2008) country comparison to the world: 184

Telephone system:

general assessment: effective system

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is 130 telephones per 100 persons; radiotelephone communications between islands in the archipelago

international: country code - 248; direct radiotelephone communications with adjacent island countries and African coastal countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 2 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (plus 9 repeaters) (1997)

Internet country code:

.sc

Internet hosts:

324 (2009) country comparison to the world: 179

Internet users:

32,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Transportation ::Seychelles

Airports:

14 (2009) country comparison to the world: 149

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 6

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 5 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 458 km country comparison to the world: 193 paved: 440 km

unpaved: 18 km (2003)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 121 by type: cargo 1, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6

foreign-owned: 3 (Hong Kong 1, Nigeria 1, South Africa 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Victoria

Military ::Seychelles

Military branches:

Seychelles Defense Force: Army, Coast Guard (includes Naval Wing, Air Wing), National Guard (2005)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 23,598

females age 16-49: 24,424 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,702

females age 16-49: 19,780 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 714

female: 685 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Transnational Issues ::Seychelles

Disputes - international:

together with Mauritius, Seychelles claims the Chagos Archipelago (UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Sierra Leone (Africa)

Introduction ::Sierra Leone

Background:

Democracy is slowly being reestablished after the civil war from 1991 to 2002 that resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of more than 2 million people (about one-third of the population). The military, which took over full responsibility for security following the departure of UN peacekeepers at the end of 2005, is increasingly developing as a guarantor of the country's stability. The armed forces remained on the sideline during the 2007 presidential election, but still look to the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL) - a civilian UN mission - to support efforts to consolidate peace. The new government's priorities include furthering development, creating jobs, and stamping out endemic corruption.

Geography ::Sierra Leone

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Liberia

Geographic coordinates:

8 30 N, 11 30 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 71,740 sq km country comparison to the world: 118 land: 71,620 sq km

water: 120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 958 km

border countries: Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry season (December to April)

Terrain:

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau, mountains in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Loma Mansa (Bintimani) 1,948 m

Natural resources:

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use:

arable land: 7.95%

permanent crops: 1.05%

other: 91% (2005)

Irrigated land:

300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

160 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.38 cu km/yr (5%/3%/92%)

per capita: 69 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, sand-laden harmattan winds blow from the Sahara (December to February); sandstorms, dust storms

Environment - current issues:

rapid population growth pressuring the environment; overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion; civil war depleted natural resources; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

Geography - note:

rainfall along the coast can reach 495 cm (195 inches) a year, making it one of the wettest places along coastal, western Africa

People ::Sierra Leone

Population:

6,440,053 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.5% (male 1,407,226/female 1,460,366)

15-64 years: 52.2% (male 1,613,554/female 1,750,250)

65 years and over: 3.2% (male 95,533/female 113,124) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.2 years

female: 17.8 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.282% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Birth rate:

44.73 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Death rate:

21.91 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 80 note: refugees currently in surrounding countries are slowly returning (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 38% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 0.96 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.92 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 154.43 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 2 male: 171.57 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 136.78 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 41.24 years country comparison to the world: 219 male: 38.92 years

female: 43.64 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.88 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 37

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

55,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne diseases: malaria and yellow fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective: Sierra Leonean

Ethnic groups:

20 African ethnic groups 90% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 30%), Creole (Krio) 10% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area in the late-18th century), refugees from Liberia's recent civil war, small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians

Religions:

Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%

Languages:

English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write English, Mende, Temne, or Arabic

total population: 35.1%

male: 46.9%

female: 24.4% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 7 years

male: 8 years

female: 6 years (2001)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 116

Government ::Sierra Leone

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

conventional short form: Sierra Leone

local long form: Republic of Sierra Leone

local short form: Sierra Leone

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 8 30 N, 13 15 W

time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*

Independence:

27 April 1961 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1961)

Constitution:

1 October 1991; amended several times

Legal system:

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Ernest Bai KOROMA (since 17 September 2007)

cabinet: Ministers of State appointed by the president with the approval of the House of Representatives; the cabinet is responsible to the president

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 11 August 2007 and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: second round results; percent of vote - Ernest Bai KOROMA 54.6%, Solomon BEREWA 45.4%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in separate elections; serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APC 59, SLPP 43, PMDC 10

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court

Political parties and leaders:

All People's Congress or APC [Ernest Bai KOROMA]; Peace and Liberation Party or PLP [Darlington MORRISON]; People's Movement for Democratic Change or PMDC [Charles MARGAI]; Sierra Leone People's Party or SLPP [Solomon BEREWA]; numerous others

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: student unions; trade unions

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIT, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bockari Kortu STEVENS

chancery: 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 939-9261 through 9263

FAX: [1] (202) 483-1793

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador June Carter PERRY

embassy: Southridge-Hill Station, Freetown

mailing address: use embassy street address

telephone: [232] (22) 515 000 or (76) 515 000

FAX: [232] (22) 515 355

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue

Economy ::Sierra Leone

Economy - overview:

Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses substantial mineral, agricultural, and fishery resources, its physical and social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social disorders continue to hamper economic development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining remains the major source of hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's exports. The fate of the economy depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to offset the severe trade imbalance and supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility program that helped stabilize economic growth and reduce inflation. A recent increase in political stability has led to a revival of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite and rutile mining.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.388 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $4.159 billion (2007 est.)

$3.909 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.953 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 6.4% (2007 est.)

7.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$900 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 217 $800 (2007 est.)

$800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 49%

industry: 31%

services: 21% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

2.207 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

70.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 33.6% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

62.9 (1989) country comparison to the world: 5

Budget:

revenues: $96 million

expenditures: $351 million (2000 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

24.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 12 25% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$184.6 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$177.7 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$162.9 million (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts; poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs; fish

Industries:

diamond mining; small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear); petroleum refining, small commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

80 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - consumption:

74.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

2.99 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Oil - exports:

502.4 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

Oil - imports:

8,316 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 116

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

Current account balance:

-$63 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Exports:

$216 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 179

Exports - commodities:

diamonds, rutile, cocoa, coffee, fish

Exports - partners:

Belgium 35.6%, US 20.1%, India 15.2%, France 4.9% (2008)

Imports:

$560 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, fuels and lubricants, chemicals

Imports - partners:

China 10.3%, Cote d'Ivoire 8.8%, US 7.8%, Belgium 6.6%, UK 6.6%, Thailand 5.2%, India 4.2% (2008)

Debt - external:

$1.61 billion (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Exchange rates:

leones (SLL) per US dollar - NA (2007), 2,961.7 (2006), 2,889.6 (2005), 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003)

Communications ::Sierra Leone

Telephones - main lines in use:

31,500 (2008) country comparison to the world: 176

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.009 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephone system:

general assessment: marginal telephone service

domestic: the national microwave radio relay trunk system connects Freetown to Bo and Kenema; mobile-cellular service is growing rapidly from a small base

international: country code - 232; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 9, shortwave 1 (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

2 (1999)

Internet country code:

.sl

Internet hosts:

273 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Internet users:

13,900 (2008) country comparison to the world: 196

Transportation ::Sierra Leone

Airports:

9 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 8

914 to 1,523 m: 7

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Heliports:

2 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 11,300 km country comparison to the world: 134 paved: 904 km

unpaved: 10,396 km (2002)

Waterways:

800 km (600 km year round) (2007) country comparison to the world: 73

Merchant marine:

total: 182 country comparison to the world: 37 by type: bulk carrier 4, cargo 143, carrier 2, chemical tanker 3, container 6, liquefied gas 2, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 10, roll on/roll off 3, specialized tanker 2

foreign-owned: 95 (Belgium 1, China 15, Egypt 3, Greece 1, Hong Kong 1, Lebanon 1, Nigeria 1, Panama 1, Romania 3, Russia 11, Syria 18, Taiwan 1, Turkey 15, Ukraine 10, UAE 8, UK 2, US 1, Yemen 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Freetown, Pepel, Sherbro Islands

Military ::Sierra Leone

Military branches:

Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF): Army (includes Maritime Wing and Air Wing) (2008)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years 6 months of age for voluntary military service (younger with parental consent); no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,315,561 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 692,469

females age 16-49: 762,239 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 71,524

female: 75,491 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 73

Transnational Issues ::Sierra Leone

Disputes - international:

as domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups, rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone gradually abate, the number of refugees in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; Sierra Leone considers excessive Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests Guinea's continued occupation of these lands including the hamlet of Yenga occupied since 1998

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Singapore (East & Southeast Asia)

Introduction ::Singapore

Background:

Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe.

Geography ::Singapore

Location:

Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia

Geographic coordinates:

1 22 N, 103 48 E

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total: 697 sq km country comparison to the world: 192 land: 687 sq km

water: 10 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: within and beyond territorial sea, as defined in treaties and practice

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September); inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms

Terrain:

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and nature preserve

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Singapore Strait 0 m

highest point: Bukit Timah 166 m

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land: 1.47%

permanent crops: 1.47%

other: 97.06% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

0.6 cu km (1975)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.19 cu km/yr (45%/51%/4%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (1975)

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

industrial pollution; limited natural fresh water resources; limited land availability presents waste disposal problems; seasonal smoke/haze resulting from forest fires in Indonesia

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:

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

People ::Singapore

Population:

4,657,542 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.4% (male 348,382/female 324,050)

15-64 years: 76.7% (male 1,737,972/female 1,833,415)

65 years and over: 8.9% (male 184,393/female 229,330) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 39 years

male: 38.5 years

female: 39.4 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.998% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

Birth rate:

8.82 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 216

Death rate:

4.66 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Net migration rate:

5.82 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.08 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 2.31 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 224 male: 2.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.09 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.98 years country comparison to the world: 4 male: 79.37 years

female: 84.78 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.09 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 221

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

4,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 126

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Nationality:

noun: Singaporean(s)

adjective: Singapore

Ethnic groups:

Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)

Religions:

Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%, other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 census)

Languages:

Mandarin 35%, English 23%, Malay 14.1%, Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil 3.2%, other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.5%

male: 96.6%

female: 88.6% (2000 census)

Education expenditures:

3.7% of GDP (2001) country comparison to the world: 122

Government ::Singapore

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Singapore

conventional short form: Singapore

local long form: Republic of Singapore

local short form: Singapore

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 1 17 N, 103 51 E

time difference: UTC+8 (13 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

9 August 1965 (from Malaysian Federation)

National holiday:

National Day, 9 August (1965)

Constitution:

3 June 1959; amended 1965 (based on pre-independence State of Singapore Constitution)

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President S R NATHAN (since 1 September 1999)

note: uses S R NATHAN but his full name and the one used in formal communications is Sellapan RAMANATHAN

head of government: Prime Minister LEE Hsien Loong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 12 August 2004); Senior Minister Shunmugam JAYAKUMAR (since 1 April 2009); Minister Mentor LEE Kuan Yew (since 12 August 2004); Deputy Prime Minister TEO Chee Huan (since 1 April 2009) and Deputy Prime Minister WONG Kan Seng (since 1 September 2005)

cabinet: appointed by president, responsible to parliament

elections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; appointed on 17 August 2005 (next election to be held by August 2011); following legislative elections, leader of majority party or leader of majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by president; deputy prime ministers appointed by president

election results: Sellapan Rama (S R) NATHAN appointed president in August 2005 after Presidential Elections Committee disqualified three other would-be candidates; scheduled election not held

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (84 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms); note - in addition, there are up to nine nominated members; up to three losing opposition candidates who came closest to winning seats may be appointed as "nonconstituency" members

elections: last held on 6 May 2006 (next to be held by 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAP 66.6%, WP 16.3%, SDA 13%, SDP 4.1%; seats by party - PAP 82, WP 1, SDA 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (chief justice is appointed by the president with the advice of the prime minister, other judges are appointed by the president with the advice of the chief justice); Court of Appeals

Political parties and leaders:

People's Action Party or PAP [LEE Hsien Loong]; Reform Party [NG Teck Siong]; Singapore Democratic Alliance or SDA [CHIAM See Tong]; Singapore Democratic Party or SDP [CHEE Soon Juan]; Workers' Party or WP [Sylvia LIM Swee Lian]

note: SDA includes Singapore Justice Party or SJP, Singapore National Malay Organization or PKMS, Singapore People's Party or SPP

Political pressure groups and leaders:

none

International organization participation:

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, C, CP, EAS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIT, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador CHAN Heng Chee

chancery: 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 537-3100

FAX: [1] (202) 537-0876

consulate(s) general: San Francisco

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Daniel L. SHIELDS III

embassy: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508

mailing address: FPO AP 96507-0001

telephone: [65] 6476-9100

FAX: [65] 6476-9340

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged in a circle

Economy ::Singapore

Economy - overview:

Singapore has a highly developed and successful free-market economy. It enjoys a remarkably open and corruption-free environment, stable prices, and a per capita GDP higher than that of most developed countries. The economy depends heavily on exports, particularly in consumer electronics, information technology products, pharmaceuticals, and on a growing service sector. Real GDP growth averaged 7% between 2004 and 2007, but dropped to 1.1% in 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis. The economy contracted in the last three quarters of 2008. Prime Minister LEE and other senior officials have dampened expectations for a quick rebound in 2009. Over the longer term, the government hopes to establish a new growth path that will be less vulnerable to global demand cycles especially for information technology products. It has attracted major investments in pharmaceuticals and medical technology production and will continue efforts to establish Singapore as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech hub.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$237.9 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $235.3 billion (2007 est.)

$218.3 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$181.9 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 7.8% (2007 est.)

8.4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$51,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $51,700 (2007 est.)

$48,600 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 27.8%

services: 72.2% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

2.94 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 0%, industry 22.6%, services 77.4% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 2.1% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 4.4%

highest 10%: 23.2% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

48.1 (2008) country comparison to the world: 30

Investment (gross fixed):

28.5% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Budget:

revenues: $29.25 billion

expenditures: $26.48 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

99.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 102.5% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 2.1% (2007 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

5.38% (31 December 2008)

Stock of money:

$52.57 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 21 $44.4 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$179 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 15 $162.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$143.6 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 33 $129.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$268.6 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 28 $353.5 billion (31 December 2007)

$276.3 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

orchids, vegetables; poultry, eggs; fish, ornamental fish

Industries:

electronics, chemicals, financial services, oil drilling equipment, petroleum refining, rubber processing and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, offshore platform construction, life sciences, entrepot trade

Industrial production growth rate:

-0.8% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Electricity - production:

38.67 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Electricity - consumption:

36.6 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

8,553 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Oil - consumption:

896,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Oil - exports:

1.289 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Oil - imports:

2.109 million bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 11

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - consumption:

8.27 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 115

Natural gas - imports:

8.27 billion cu m country comparison to the world: 27 note: from Indonesia and Malaysia (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Current account balance:

$25.78 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 17 $39.11 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$342.7 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 15 $303.1 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and equipment (including electronics), consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and other chemicals, mineral fuels

Exports - partners:

Malaysia 12.1%, Indonesia 10.5%, Hong Kong 10.3%, China 9.2%, US 7.1%, Japan 4.9%, Australia 4.1% (2008)

Imports:

$309.6 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 16 $254 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, mineral fuels, chemicals, foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners:

Malaysia 11.9%, US 11.8%, China 10.5%, Japan 8.1%, South Korea 5.6%, Indonesia 5.5%, Saudi Arabia 4.6% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$174.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9 $163 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$25.52 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 $25.59 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$250.2 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 $232.8 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$173.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 18 $169.9 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Singapore dollars (SGD) per US dollar - 1.415 (2008 est.), 1.507 (2007), 1.5889 (2006), 1.6644 (2005), 1.6902 (2004)

Communications ::Singapore

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.857 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 59

Telephones - mobile cellular:

6.375 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 77

Telephone system:

general assessment: excellent service

domestic: excellent domestic facilities; launched 3G wireless service in February 2005; combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity is nearly 175 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 65; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations -4; supplemented by VSAT coverage (2008)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 19, shortwave 1 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

1 (broadcasting on 8 channels); additional reception of numerous UHF and VHF signals originating in Malaysia and Indonesia (2008)

Internet country code:

.sg

Internet hosts:

864,943 (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Internet users:

3.37 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 55

Transportation ::Singapore

Airports:

8 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 8

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 106 km (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,297 km country comparison to the world: 164 paved: 3,297 km (includes 150 km of expressways) (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 1,292 country comparison to the world: 5 by type: bulk carrier 167, cargo 87, carrier 5, chemical tanker 209, container 273, liquefied gas 96, petroleum tanker 386, refrigerated cargo 5, roll on/roll off 4, specialized tanker 7, vehicle carrier 53

foreign-owned: 774 (Australia 12, Bangladesh 2, Belgium 8, Chile 6, China 14, Cyprus 1, Denmark 87, France 1, Germany 24, Greece 15, Hong Kong 47, India 13, Indonesia 66, Italy 5, Japan 131, South Korea 3, Malaysia 27, Norway 143, Slovenia 1, Sweden 20, Switzerland 2, Taiwan 72, Thailand 23, UAE 12, UK 17, US 22)

registered in other countries: 331 (Australia 1, Bahamas 17, Belize 2, Bolivia 1, Cambodia 4, Cayman Islands 10, Comoros 1, Cyprus 3, Dominica 7, France 2, Honduras 12, Hong Kong 18, Indonesia 27, Isle of Man 1, Kiribati 4, Liberia 32, Malaysia 16, Marshall Islands 18, Mongolia 9, Norway 1, Panama 100, Philippines 1, Saint Kitts and Nevis 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 4, Thailand 2, Tuvalu 23, US 12, unknown 2) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Singapore

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 ::Singapore

Military branches:

Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,277,862 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,033,961

females age 16-49: 1,104,952 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 27,715

female: 26,290 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Transnational Issues ::Singapore

Disputes - international:

disputes persist with Malaysia over deliveries of fresh water to Singapore, Singapore's extensive land reclamation works, bridge construction, and maritime boundaries in the Johor and Singapore Straits; in November 2007, the ICJ will hold public hearings as a consequence of the Memorials and Countermemorials filed by the parties in 2003 and 2005 over sovereignty of Pedra Branca Island/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge; Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalization of their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island; piracy remains a problem in the Malacca Strait

Illicit drugs:

drug abuse limited because of aggressive law enforcement efforts; as a transportation and financial services hub, Singapore is vulnerable, despite strict laws and enforcement, as a venue for money laundering

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Slovakia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovakia

Background:

The dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the close of World War I allowed the Slovaks to join the closely related Czechs to form Czechoslovakia. Following the chaos of World War II, Czechoslovakia became a Communist nation within Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe. Soviet influence collapsed in 1989 and Czechoslovakia once more became free. The Slovaks and the Czechs agreed to separate peacefully on 1 January 1993. Slovakia joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004 and the euro area on 1 January 2009.

Geography ::Slovakia

Location:

Central Europe, south of Poland

Geographic coordinates:

48 40 N, 19 30 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 49,035 sq km country comparison to the world: 130 land: 48,105 sq km

water: 930 sq km

Area - comparative:

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total: 1,474 km

border countries: Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 197 km, Hungary 676 km, Poland 420 km, Ukraine 90 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none (landlocked)

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Bodrok River 94 m

highest point: Gerlachovsky Stit 2,655 m

Natural resources:

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore; salt; arable land

Land use:

arable land: 29.23%

permanent crops: 2.67%

other: 68.1% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,830 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.04

per capita: 193 cu m/yr (2003)

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from metallurgical plants presents human health risks; acid rain damaging forests

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 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, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

landlocked; most of the country is rugged and mountainous; the Tatra Mountains in the north are interspersed with many scenic lakes and valleys

People ::Slovakia

Population:

5,463,046 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Age structure:

0-14 years: 15.8% (male 442,168/female 422,055)

15-64 years: 71.7% (male 1,952,527/female 1,965,646)

65 years and over: 12.5% (male 254,510/female 426,140) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 36.9 years

male: 35.2 years

female: 38.6 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.137% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Birth rate:

10.6 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Death rate:

9.53 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Net migration rate:

0.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Urbanization:

urban population: 56% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.2% 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: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.6 male(s)/female

total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.84 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 171 male: 7.99 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 75.4 years country comparison to the world: 78 male: 71.47 years

female: 79.53 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.35 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

fewer than 200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 157

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Nationality:

noun: Slovak(s)

adjective: Slovak

Ethnic groups:

Slovak 85.8%, Hungarian 9.7%, Roma 1.7%, Ruthenian/Ukrainian 1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 68.9%, Protestant 10.8%, Greek Catholic 4.1%, other or unspecified 3.2%, none 13% (2001 census)

Languages:

Slovak (official) 83.9%, Hungarian 10.7%, Roma 1.8%, Ukrainian 1%, other or unspecified 2.6% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99.6%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6% (2004)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 15 years

male: 14 years

female: 15 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

3.9% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 111

Government ::Slovakia

Country name:

conventional long form: Slovak Republic

conventional short form: Slovakia

local long form: Slovenska Republika

local short form: Slovensko

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 48 09 N, 17 07 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:

8 regions (kraje, singular - kraj); Banskobystricky, Bratislavsky, Kosicky, Nitriansky, Presovsky, Trenciansky, Trnavsky, Zilinsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 1 September (1992)

Constitution:

ratified 1 September 1992, effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998; amended February 2001

note: the change in September 1998 allowed direct election of the president; the amendment of February 2001 allowed Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; legal code modified to comply with the obligations of Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ivan GASPAROVIC (since 15 June 2004)

head of government: Prime Minister Robert FICO (since 4 July 2006); Deputy Prime Ministers Dusan CAPLOVIC, Robert KALINAK, Stefan HARABIN, Jan MIKOLAJ (since 4 July 2006)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 21 March and 4 April 2009 (next to be held no later than April 2014); following National Council elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president

election results: Ivan GASPAROVIC reelected president in runoff; percent of vote - Ivan GASPAROVIC 55.5%, Iveta RADICOVA 44.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council of the Slovak Republic or Narodna Rada Slovenskej Republiky (150 seats; members are elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held 17 June 2006 (next to be held in 2010)

election results: percent of vote by party - Smer 29.1%, SDKU 18.4%, SMK 11.7%, SNS 11.7%, LS-HZDS 8.8%, KDH 8.3%, other 12%; seats by party - Smer 50, SDKU-DS 31, SMK 20, SNS 19, LS-HZDS 16, KDH 14; note - seats by party as of December 2008 - Smer 50, SDKU-DS 28, SMK 20, SNS 19, LS-HZDS 15, KDH 9, nonaffiliated 9

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Council); Constitutional Court (judges appointed by president from group of nominees approved by the National Council); Special Court (judges elected by a council of judges and appointed by president)

Political parties and leaders:

parties in the Parliament:: Christian Democratic Movement or KDH [Pavol HRUSOVSKY]; Direction-Social Democracy or Smer-SD [Robert FICO]; Party of the Hungarian Coalition or SMK [Pal CSAKY]; People's Party - Movement for a Democratic Slovakia or LS-HZDS [Vladimir MECIAR]; Slovak Democratic and Christian Union-Democratic Party or SDKU-DS [Mikulas DZURINDA]; Slovak National Party or SNS [Jan SLOTA]

selected parties outside the Parliament:: Agrarian Party of the Provinces or ASV [Vladimir GOZORA]; Alliance of the New Citizen or ANO [Pavol RUSKO]; Civic Conservative Party or OKS [Peter ZAJAC]; Free Forum [Zuzana MARTINAKOVA]; Mission 21 - New Christian Democracy or MISIA 21 [Ivan SIMKO]; Movement for Democracy or HZD [Jozef GRAPA]; Party of the Democratic Left or SDL [Ladislav KOZMON]; Prosperita Slovenska or PS [Frantisek A. ZVRSKOVEC]; Slovak Communist Party or KSS [Jozef HRDLICKA]; Slovak People's Party or SLS [Jozef SASIK]; Union of the Workers of Slovakia or ZRS [Jan LUPTAK]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association of Towns and Villages or ZMOS; Confederation of Trade Unions or KOZ; Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia or ZPS; Federation of Employers' Associations of the Slovak Republic; National Union of Employers or RUZ; Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry or SOPK; The Business Alliance of Slovakia or PAS

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CEI, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EU, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter BURIAN

chancery: 3523 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 237-1054

FAX: [1] (202) 237-6438

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Keith EDDINS

embassy: Hviezdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava

mailing address: P.O. Box 309, 814 99 Bratislava

telephone: [421] (2) 5443-3338

FAX: [421] (2) 5441-8861

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red superimposed with the coat of arms of Slovakia (consisting of a red shield bordered in white and bearing a white Cross of Lorraine surmounting three blue hills); the coat of arms is centered vertically and offset slightly to the hoist side

Economy ::Slovakia

Economy - overview:

Slovakia has made significant economic reforms since its separation from the Czech Republic in 1993. Reforms to the taxation, healthcare, pension, and social welfare systems helped Slovakia to consolidate its budget and get on track to join the EU in 2004 and to adopt the euro in January 2009. Major privatizations are nearly complete, the banking sector is almost entirely in foreign hands, and the government has helped facilitate a foreign investment boom with business friendly policies such as labor market liberalization and a 19% flat tax. Foreign investment in the automotive and electronic sectors has been strong. Slovakia's economic growth exceeded expectations in 2001-08 despite the general European slowdown. Unemployment, at an unacceptable 18% in 2003-04, dropped to 8.4% in 2008 but remains the economy's Achilles heel. Despite its 2006 pre-election promises to loosen fiscal policy and reverse the previous DZURINDA government's pro-market reforms, FICO's cabinet has thus far been careful to keep a lid on spending in order to meet euro adoption criteria and has focused on regulating energy and food prices instead. The OECD expects Slovakia's GDP growth to be positive in 2009.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$119.8 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 60 $112.6 billion (2007 est.)

$102 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$95.4 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

6.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 10.4% (2007 est.)

8.5% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$22,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $20,700 (2007 est.)

$18,700 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.7%

industry: 37.2%

services: 59% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

2.254 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture 4%, industry 39%, services 56.9% (30 September 2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104 8.4% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

21% (2002)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.1%

highest 10%: 20.9% (1996)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

26 (2005) country comparison to the world: 128 26.3 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

25.9% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Budget:

revenues: $31.23 billion

expenditures: $33.32 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

28.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 46.6% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80 2.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 115 4.25% (31 December 2007)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks from the euro area; as of 1 January 2009 Slovakia became a member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

6.42% (31 December 2008)

Stock of money:

$25.52 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 32 $26.17 billion (31 December 2007)

note: this figure represents the US dollar value of Slovak koruny in circulation prior to Slovakia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); 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:

$27.71 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 38 $21.11 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$50.94 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 46 $41.76 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$5.079 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 77 $6.971 billion (31 December 2007)

$5.574 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit; pigs, cattle, poultry; forest products

Industries:

metal and metal products; food and beverages; electricity, gas, coke, oil, nuclear fuel; chemicals and manmade fibers; machinery; paper and printing; earthenware and ceramics; transport vehicles; textiles; electrical and optical apparatus; rubber products

Industrial production growth rate:

-3.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163

Electricity - production:

26.53 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - consumption:

26.81 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 62

Electricity - exports:

8.891 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

9.412 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

14,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - consumption:

84,990 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Oil - exports:

74,070 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Oil - imports:

148,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - proved reserves:

9 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - production:

102 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Natural gas - consumption:

6.308 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Natural gas - exports:

186 million cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas - imports:

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

Natural gas - proved reserves:

14.16 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 78

Current account balance:

-$6.43 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 -$4.482 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$72.57 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $64.5 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

vehicles 25.9%, machinery and electrical equipment 21.3%, base metals 14.6%, chemicals and minerals 10.1%, plastics 5.4% (2004)

Exports - partners:

Germany 20%, Czech Republic 13.1%, France 6.7%, Poland 6.6%, Hungary 6.3%, Austria 5.9%, Italy 5.8%, UK 4.7% (2008)

Imports:

$73.62 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $65.47 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 41.1%, intermediate manufactured goods 19.3%, fuels 12.3%, chemicals 9.8%, miscellaneous manufactured goods 10.2% (2003)

Imports - partners:

Germany 20%, Czech Republic 17.7%, Russia 10.6%, Hungary 6.9%, South Korea 5.2%, Austria 5%, Poland 4.9%, China 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$18.78 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53 $18.96 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$52.53 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 52 $44.31 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$44.12 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 51 $40.7 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.867 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $1.609 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

Slovak koruny (SKK) per US dollar - 21.05 (2008 est.), 24.919 (2007), 29.611 (2006), 31.018 (2005), 32.257 (2004)

note: on 1 January 2009 Slovakia adopted the euro as legal tender

Communications ::Slovakia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.098 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 75

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.52 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 82

Telephone system:

general assessment: Slovakia has a modern telecommunications system that has expanded dramatically in recent years with the growth in cellular services

domestic: analog system is now receiving digital equipment and is being enlarged with fiber-optic cable, especially in the larger cities; 3 companies provide nationwide cellular services

international: country code - 421; 3 international exchanges (1 in Bratislava and 2 in Banska Bystrica) are available; Slovakia is participating in several international telecommunications projects that will increase the availability of external services

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 22, shortwave 1 (2008)

Television broadcast stations:

37 (2008)

Internet country code:

.sk

Internet hosts:

867,615 (2009) country comparison to the world: 41

Internet users:

3.566 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 53

Transportation ::Slovakia

Airports:

35 (2009) country comparison to the world: 110

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 20

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 10 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 15

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 7 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 6,769 km; oil 416 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 3,622 km country comparison to the world: 48 broad gauge: 99 km 1.520-m gauge

standard gauge: 3,473 km 1.435-m gauge (1,577 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 50 km (1.000-m or 0.750-m gauge) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 43,761 km country comparison to the world: 83 paved: 38,085 km (includes 316 km of expressways)

unpaved: 5,676 km (2006)

Waterways:

172 km (on Danube River) (2008) country comparison to the world: 100

Merchant marine:

total: 51 country comparison to the world: 70 by type: bulk carrier 5, cargo 42, refrigerated cargo 4

foreign-owned: 47 (Bulgaria 6, Germany 3, Greece 2, Ireland 1, Israel 4, Italy 2, Poland 2, Russia 1, Slovenia 1, Syria 2, Turkey 10, Ukraine 12, UK 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bratislava, Komarno

Military ::Slovakia

Military branches:

Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (Ozbrojene Sily Slovenskej Republiky): Land Forces (Pozemne Sily), Air Forces (Vzdusne Sily) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

17-30 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2006; women are eligible to serve (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,420,966

females age 16-49: 1,386,259 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,165,470

females age 16-49: 1,152,941 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 36,552

female: 34,783 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.87% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Transnational Issues ::Slovakia

Disputes - international:

bilateral government, legal, technical and economic working group negotiations continued in 2006 between Slovakia and Hungary over Hungary's completion of its portion of the Gabcikovo-Nagymaros hydroelectric dam project along the Danube; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovakia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe; producer of synthetic drugs for regional market; consumer of ecstasy

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Slovenia (Europe)

Introduction ::Slovenia

Background:

The Slovene lands were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the latter's dissolution at the end of World War I. In 1918, the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, which was named Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Dissatisfied with the exercise of power by the majority Serbs, the Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography ::Slovenia

Location:

Central Europe, eastern Alps bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia

Geographic coordinates:

46 07 N, 14 49 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 20,273 sq km country comparison to the world: 154 land: 20,151 sq km

water: 122 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total: 1,086 km

border countries: Austria 330 km, Croatia 455 km, Hungary 102 km, Italy 199 km

Coastline:

46.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Terrain:

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Adriatic Sea 0 m

highest point: Triglav 2,864 m

Natural resources:

lignite coal, lead, zinc, building stone, hydropower, forests

Land use:

arable land: 8.53%

permanent crops: 1.43%

other: 90.04% (2005)

Irrigated land:

30 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

32.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.9

per capita: 457 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

flooding; earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; pollution of coastal waters with heavy metals and toxic chemicals; forest damage near Koper from air pollution (originating at metallurgical and chemical plants) and resulting acid rain

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

despite its small size, this eastern Alpine country controls some of Europe's major transit routes

People ::Slovenia

Population:

2,005,692 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.5% (male 139,880/female 131,826)

15-64 years: 69.9% (male 707,219/female 695,470)

65 years and over: 16.5% (male 129,662/female 201,635) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.7 years

male: 40.1 years

female: 43.3 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.113% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Birth rate:

8.97 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 211

Death rate:

10.62 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Net migration rate:

0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Urbanization:

urban population: 48% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.64 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 206 male: 4.82 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.65 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.92 years country comparison to the world: 60 male: 73.25 years

female: 80.84 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.28 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

280 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Nationality:

noun: Slovene(s)

adjective: Slovenian

Ethnic groups:

Slovene 83.1%, Serb 2%, Croat 1.8%, Bosniak 1.1%, other or unspecified 12% (2002 census)

Religions:

Catholic 57.8%, Muslim 2.4%, Orthodox 2.3%, other Christian 0.9%, unaffiliated 3.5%, other or unspecified 23%, none 10.1% (2002 census)

Languages:

Slovenian 91.1%, Serbo-Croatian 4.5%, other or unspecified 4.4% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: 99.7%

male: 99.7%

female: 99.6%

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

6% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 41

Government ::Slovenia

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form: Slovenia

local long form: Republika Slovenija

local short form: Slovenija

former: People's Republic of Slovenia, Socialist Republic of Slovenia

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 46 03 N, 14 31 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:

182 municipalities (obcine, singular - obcina) and 11 urban municipalities* (mestne obcine , singular - mestna obcina ) Ajdovscina, Beltinci, Benedikt, Bistrica ob Sotli, Bled, Bloke, Bohinj, Borovnica, Bovec, Braslovce, Brda, Brezice, Brezovica, Cankova, Celje*, Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Cerknica, Cerkno, Cerkvenjak, Crensovci, Crna na Koroskem, Crnomelj, Destrnik, Divaca, Dobje, Dobrepolje, Dobrna, Dobrova-Horjul-Polhov Gradec, Dobrovnik-Dobronak, Dolenjske Toplice, Dol pri Ljubljani, Domzale, Dornava, Dravograd, Duplek, Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gorisnica, Gornja Radgona, Gornji Grad, Gornji Petrovci, Grad, Grosuplje, Hajdina, Hoce-Slivnica, Hodos-Hodos, Horjul, Hrastnik, Hrpelje-Kozina, Idrija, Ig, Ilirska Bistrica, Ivancna Gorica, Izola-Isola, Jesenice, Jezersko, Jursinci, Kamnik, Kanal, Kidricevo, Kobarid, Kobilje, Kocevje, Komen, Komenda, Koper-Capodistria*, Kostel, Kozje, Kranj*, Kranjska Gora, Krizevci, Krsko, Kungota, Kuzma, Lasko, Lenart, Lendava-Lendva, Litija, Ljubljana*, Ljubno, Ljutomer, Logatec, Loska Dolina, Loski Potok, Lovrenc na Pohorju, Luce, Lukovica, Majsperk, Maribor*, Markovci, Medvode, Menges, Metlika, Mezica, Miklavz na Dravskem Polju, Miren-Kostanjevica, Mirna Pec, Mislinja, Moravce, Moravske Toplice, Mozirje, Murska Sobota*, Muta, Naklo, Nazarje, Nova Gorica*, Novo Mesto*, Odranci, Oplotnica, Ormoz, Osilnica, Pesnica, Piran-Pirano, Pivka, Podcetrtek, Podlehnik, Podvelka, Polzela, Postojna, Prebold, Preddvor, Prevalje, Ptuj*, Puconci, Race-Fram, Radece, Radenci, Radlje ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne na Koroskem, Razkrizje, Ribnica, Ribnica na Pohorju, Rogasovci, Rogaska Slatina, Rogatec, Ruse, Salovci, Selnica ob Dravi, Semic, Sempeter-Vrtojba, Sencur, Sentilj, Sentjernej, Sentjur pri Celju, Sevnica, Sezana, Skocjan, Skofja Loka, Skofljica, Slovenj Gradec*, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje pri Jelsah, Smartno ob Paki, Smartno pri Litiji, Sodrazica, Solcava, Sostanj, Starse, Store, Sveta Ana, Sveti Andraz v Slovenskih Goricah, Sveti Jurij, Tabor, Tisina, Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trnovska Vas, Trzic, Trzin, Turnisce, Velenje*, Velika Polana, Velike Lasce, Verzej, Videm, Vipava, Vitanje, Vodice, Vojnik, Vransko, Vrhnika, Vuzenica, Zagorje ob Savi, Zalec, Zavrc, Zelezniki, Zetale, Ziri, Zirovnica, Zuzemberk, Zrece

note: the Government of Slovenia has reported 210 municipalities

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

National holiday:

Independence Day/Statehood Day, 25 June (1991)

Constitution:

adopted 23 December 1991, amended 14 July 1997 and 25 July 2000

Legal system:

based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal (16 years of age, if employed)

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Danilo TURK (since 22 December 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Borut PAHOR (since 7 November 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister and elected by the National Assembly

elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 21 October and 11 November 2007 (next to be held in the 8 October 2012); following National Assembly elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually nominated to become prime minister by the president and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 21 September 2008 (next National Assembly elections to be held in 8 October 2012)

election results: Danilo TURK elected president; percent of vote - Danilo TURK 68.2%, Alojze PETERLE 31.8%; Borut PAHOR elected prime minister by National Assembly vote

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of a National Council or Drzavni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda) and the National Assembly or Drzavni Zbor (90 seats; 40 members are directly elected and 50 are elected on a proportional basis; note - the number of directly elected and proportionally elected seats varies with each election; the constitution mandates 1 seat each for Slovenia's Hungarian and Italian minorities; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: National Assembly - last held 21 September 2008 (next to be held 8 October 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - SD 30.5%, SDS 29.3%, ZARES 9.4%, DeSUS 7.5%, SNS 5.5%, SLS+SMS 5.2%, LDS 5.2%, other 7.4%; seats by party - SD 29, SDS 28, ZARES 9, DeSUS 7, SNS 5, SLS+SMS 5, LDS 5, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges are elected by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the Judicial Council); Constitutional Court (judges elected for nine-year terms by the National Assembly and nominated by the president)

Political parties and leaders:

Liberal Democracy of Slovenia or LDS [Katarina KRESAL]; New Slovenia or NSi [Ljudmila NOVAK (acting)]; Slovenian Democratic Party or SDS [Janez JANSA]; Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia or DeSUS [Karl ERJAVEC]; Slovene National Party or SNS [Zmago JELINCIC]; Slovene People's Party or SLS [Bojan SROT]; Slovene Youth Party or SMS [Darko KRANJC]; Social Democrats or SD [Borut PAHOR] (formerly ZLSD); ZARES [Gregor Golobic]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Democratic Party of Slovenian Pensioners or DeSUS (protecting the rights of the older generation); Slovenian Roma Association [Jozek Horvat MUC]

other: Catholic Church

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, CE, CEI, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, EU, FAO, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM (guest), NATO, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD (accession state), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WEU (associate partner), WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Roman KIRN

chancery: 2410 California Street N.W., Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 386-6601

FAX: [1] (202) 386-6633

consulate(s) general: Cleveland, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Brad FREDEN

embassy: Presernova 31, 1000 Ljubljana

mailing address: American Embassy Ljubljana, US Department of State, 7140 Ljubljana Place, Washington, DC 20521-7140

telephone: [386] (1) 200-5500

FAX: [386] (1) 200-5555

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red, with the Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav, Slovenia's highest peak, in white against a blue background at the center; beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas and rivers, and above it are three six-pointed stars arranged in an inverted triangle, which are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, the great Slovene dynastic house of the late 14th and early 15th centuries); the seal is in the upper hoist side of the flag centered on the white and blue bands

Economy ::Slovenia

Economy - overview:

Slovenia, which on 1 January 2007 became the first 2004 European Union entrant to adopt the euro, is a model of economic success and stability for the region. With the highest per capita GDP in Central Europe, Slovenia has excellent infrastructure, a well-educated work force, and a strategic location between the Balkans and Western Europe. Privatization has lagged since 2002, and the economy has one of highest levels of state control in the EU. Structural reforms to improve the business environment have allowed for somewhat greater foreign participation in Slovenia's economy and have helped to lower unemployment. In March 2004, Slovenia became the first transition country to graduate from borrower status to donor partner at the World Bank. In December 2007, Slovenia was invited to begin the accession process for joining the OECD. Despite its economic success, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Slovenia has lagged behind the region average, and taxes remain relatively high. Furthermore, the labor market is often seen as inflexible, and legacy industries are losing sales to more competitive firms in China, India, and elsewhere.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$59.49 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $57.47 billion (2007 est.)

$53.81 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$54.64 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 110 6.8% (2007 est.)

5.9% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$29,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 $28,600 (2007 est.)

$26,800 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.2%

industry: 33.4%

services: 64.3% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

940,000 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.5%

industry: 36%

services: 61.5% (2007)

Unemployment rate:

6.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 84 7.7% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

12.9% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.4%

highest 10%: 24.6% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

24 (2005) country comparison to the world: 133 28.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

28% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Budget:

revenues: $22.55 billion

expenditures: $22.7 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

23% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88 31.5% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 96 3.6% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 103 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:

7.41% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 123 6.82% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$9.347 billion (31 December 2006)

note: the figure for 2006 represents the US dollar value of tolars in circulation prior to Slovenia joining the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); 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 (31 December 2008)

$12.69 billion (31 December 2006)

Stock of domestic credit:

$50.31 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 47 $41.63 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$11.77 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 64 $28.96 billion (31 December 2007)

$15.18 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, hops, wheat, sugar beets, corn, grapes; cattle, sheep, poultry

Industries:

ferrous metallurgy and aluminum products, lead and zinc smelting; electronics (including military electronics), trucks, automobiles, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles, chemicals, machine tools

Industrial production growth rate:

1.7% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Electricity - production:

14.14 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 79

Electricity - consumption:

13.5 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Electricity - exports:

7.82 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

6.218 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

5 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Oil - consumption:

61,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Oil - exports:

8,450 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Oil - imports:

63,080 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 117

Natural gas - imports:

1 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Current account balance:

-$3.323 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149 -$1.982 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$29.61 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $27.09 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, food

Exports - partners:

Germany 18.7%, Italy 11.7%, Croatia 8.3%, Austria 7.5%, France 5.7%, Russia 4.8% (2008)

Imports:

$33.49 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 61 $29.42 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, fuels and lubricants, food

Imports - partners:

Germany 17.2%, Italy 16.6%, Austria 11.2%, France 4.7%, Croatia 4.1% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$7.57 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $5.682 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$54.61 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 51 $50.58 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$11.96 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 $10.41 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$7.592 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49 $6.127 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.6827 (2008 est.), 0.7345 (2007)

note: Slovenia adopted the euro as its currency on 1 January 2007

Communications ::Slovenia

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.01 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 81

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.055 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Telephone system:

general assessment: well-developed telecommunications infrastructure

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 150 telephones per 100 persons

international: country code - 386

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 10, FM 230, shortwave 0 (2006)

Television broadcast stations:

31 (2006)

Internet country code:

.si

Internet hosts:

88,567 (2009) country comparison to the world: 75

Internet users:

1.126 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 84

Transportation ::Slovenia

Airports:

16 (2009) country comparison to the world: 143

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 6

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 5 (2009)

Pipelines:

gas 840 km; oil 11 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 1,228 km country comparison to the world: 85 standard gauge: 1,228 km 1.435-m gauge (503 km electrified) (2007)

Roadways:

total: 38,709 km country comparison to the world: 90 paved: 38,709 km (includes 579 km of expressways) (2007)

Waterways:

some transport on Danube River (2008)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 29 (Antigua and Barbuda 6, Bahamas 1, Cyprus 4, Liberia 3, Malta 4, Marshall Islands 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 5, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1) (2008) country comparison to the world: 88

Ports and terminals:

Koper

Military ::Slovenia

Military branches:

Slovenian Army (includes air and naval forces)

Military service age and obligation:

17 years of age for voluntary military service; conscription abolished in 2003 (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 494,496

females age 16-49: 481,180 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 402,484

females age 16-49: 390,559 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 10,192

female: 9,717 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Transnational Issues ::Slovenia

Disputes - international:

the Croatia-Slovenia land and maritime boundary agreement, which would have ceded most of Piran Bay and maritime access to Slovenia and several villages to Croatia, remains unratified and in dispute; Slovenia also protests Croatia's 2003 claim to an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic; as a member state that forms part of the EU's external border, Slovenia has implemented the strict Schengen border rules to curb illegal migration and commerce through southeastern Europe while encouraging close cross-border ties with Croatia

Illicit drugs:

minor transit point for cocaine and Southwest Asian heroin bound for Western Europe, and for precursor chemicals

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Solomon Islands (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Solomon Islands

Background:

The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, then Prime Minister Sir Allan KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has generally been effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

Geography ::Solomon Islands

Location:

Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Papua New Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 S, 159 00 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 28,896 sq km country comparison to the world: 143 land: 27,986 sq km

water: 910 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

5,313 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Makarakomburu 2,447 m

Natural resources:

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates, lead, zinc, nickel

Land use:

arable land: 0.62%

permanent crops: 2.04%

other: 97.34% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

44.7 cu km (1987)

Natural hazards:

typhoons, but rarely destructive; geologically active region with frequent earthquakes, tremors, and volcanic activity; tsunamis

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; many of the surrounding coral reefs are dead or dying

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on sea routes between the South Pacific Ocean, the Solomon Sea, and the Coral Sea; on 2 April 2007 an undersea earthquake measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale occurred 345 km WNW of the capital Honiara; the resulting tsunami devastated coastal areas of Western and Choiseul provinces with dozens of deaths and thousands dislocated; the provincial capital of Gizo was especially hard hit

People ::Solomon Islands

Population:

595,613 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.5% (male 119,875/female 115,127)

15-64 years: 57.1% (male 171,792/female 168,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 9,849/female 10,947) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.5 years

female: 19.8 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.392% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 35

Birth rate:

27.69 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Death rate:

3.77 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 209

Net migration rate:

NA (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 18% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.1% 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: 1.02 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.9 male(s)/female

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

Infant mortality rate:

total: 19.03 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 107 male: 21.65 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.28 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.69 years country comparison to the world: 100 male: 71.14 years

female: 76.37 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.52 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Solomon Islander(s)

adjective: Solomon Islander

Ethnic groups:

Melanesian 94.5%, Polynesian 3%, Micronesian 1.2%, other 1.1%, unspecified 0.2% (1999 census)

Religions:

Church of Melanesia 32.8%, Roman Catholic 19%, South Seas Evangelical 17%, Seventh-Day Adventist 11.2%, United Church 10.3%, Christian Fellowship Church 2.4%, other Christian 4.4%, other 2.4%, unspecified 0.3%, none 0.2% (1999 census)

Languages:

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca; English (official but spoken by only 1%-2% of the population); 120 indigenous languages

Literacy:

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 8 years

male: 9 years

female: 8 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

3.3% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 135

Government ::Solomon Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Solomon Islands

local long form: none

local short form: Solomon Islands

former: British Solomon Islands

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 9 26 S, 159 57 E

time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces and 1 capital territory*; Central, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Rennell and Bellona, Temotu, Western

Independence:

7 July 1978 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Constitution:

7 July 1978

Legal system:

English common law, which is widely disregarded; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor General Frank KABUI (since 7 July 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Derek SIKUA (since 20 December 2007); note - Prime Minister Manasseh SOGAVARE defeated in a no confidence vote in parliament on 13 December 2007; SIKUA elected on 20 December 2007

cabinet: Cabinet consists of 20 members appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of Parliament

elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch on the advice of parliament for up to five years (eligible for a second term); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of a majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by parliament; deputy prime minister appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the members of parliament

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (50 seats; members elected from single-member constituencies by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 5 April 2006 (next to be held in 2010)

election results: percent of vote by party - National Party 6.9%, PAP 6.3%, SIPRA 6.3%, Liberal 5%, Democratic 4.9%, SOCRED 4.3%, LAFARI 2.8%, independents 60.3%; seats by party - National Party 4, SIPRA 4, Democratic 3, PAP 3, LAFARI 2, Liberal 2, SOCRED 2, independents 30

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Association of Independent Members or AIM [Thomas CHAN]; Christian Alliance Solomon Islands or CASI [Edward RONIA]; LAFARI Party [John GARO]; National Party [Francis HILLY]; People's Alliance Party or PAP [Sir Allan KEMAKEZA]; Social Credit Party or SOCRED [Manasseh Damukana SOGAVARE]; Solomon First Party [David QUAN]; Solomon Islands Democratic Party [Gabriel SURI]; Solomon Islands Labor Party or SILP [Joses TUHANUKU]; Solomon Islands Liberal Party [Bartholomew ULUFA'ALU]; Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement or SIPRA [Job D. TAUSINGA]; United Party [Sir Peter KENILOREA]

note: in general, Solomon Islands politics is characterized by fluid coalitions

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Isatabu Freedom Movement (IFM); Malaita Eagle Force (MEF); note - these rival armed ethnic factions crippled the Solomon Islands in a wave of violence from 1999 to 2003

International organization participation:

ACP, ADB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOC, ITU, MIGA, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Collin David BECK

chancery: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017

telephone: [1] (212) 599-6192, 6193

FAX: [1] (212) 661-8925

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green

Government - note:

by the end of 2007, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) - originally made up of police and troops from Australia, NZ, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga - had been scaled back to 303 police officers, 197 civilian technical advisers, and 72 military advisers from 15 countries across the region

Economy ::Solomon Islands

Economy - overview:

The bulk of the population depends on agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of its livelihood. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc, nickel, and gold. Prior to the arrival of RAMSI, severe ethnic violence, the closing of key businesses, and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI's efforts to restore law and order and economic stability have led to modest growth as the economy rebuilds.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.546 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192 $1.441 billion (2007 est.)

$1.306 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$642 million (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

7.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30 10.3% (2007 est.)

6.1% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$2,700 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $2,500 (2007 est.)

$2,400 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 42%

industry: 11%

services: 47% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

202,500 (2007) country comparison to the world: 164

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry: 5%

services: 20% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $49.7 million

expenditures: $75.1 million (2003)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.3% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.44% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 51 14.12% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$86.96 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 114 $94 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$96.79 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 121 $85.47 million (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$166.1 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 124 $126.5 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa beans, coconuts, palm kernels, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit; timber; cattle, pigs; fish

Industries:

fish (tuna), mining, timber

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

71 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - consumption:

66.03 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 118

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

1,323 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 202

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 47

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 107

Current account balance:

-$143 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Exports:

$237 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 178

Exports - commodities:

timber, fish, copra, palm oil, cocoa

Exports - partners:

China 47.7%, Thailand 6.7%, Spain 5.4%, South Korea 5.2%, Philippines 4.6% (2008)

Imports:

$256 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 196

Imports - commodities:

food, plant and equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 26.7%, Australia 18.1%, India 7.5%, Fiji 4.4%, Malaysia 4.4%, Papua New Guinea 4.3%, NZ 4% (2008)

Debt - external:

$166 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 183

Exchange rates:

Solomon Islands dollars (SBD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 7.3447 (2006), 7.5299 (2005), 7.4847 (2004), 7.5059 (2003)

Communications ::Solomon Islands

Telephones - main lines in use:

8,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 207

Telephones - mobile cellular:

14,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 209

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: country code - 677; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 1, FM 1, shortwave 1 (2004)

Internet country code:

.sb

Internet hosts:

4,067 (2009) country comparison to the world: 136

Internet users:

10,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 199

Transportation ::Solomon Islands

Airports:

36 (2009) country comparison to the world: 106

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 34

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 8

under 914 m: 25 (2009)

Heliports:

3 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 1,360 km country comparison to the world: 177 paved: 33 km

unpaved: 1,327 km

note: includes 800 km of private plantation roads (2002)

Ports and terminals:

Honiara, Malloco Bay, Viru Harbor

Military ::Solomon Islands

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Solomon Islands Police Force (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 141,051 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 121,368

females age 16-49: 122,821 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 7,091

female: 6,837 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

3% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 47

Transnational Issues ::Solomon Islands

Disputes - international:

since 2003, RAMSI, consisting of police, military, and civilian advisors drawn from 15 countries, has assisted in reestablishing and maintaining civil and political order while reinforcing regional stability and security

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 5,400 (displaced by tsunami on 2 April 2007) (2007)

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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

@Somalia (Africa)

Introduction ::Somalia

Background:

Britain withdrew from British Somaliland in 1960 to allow its protectorate to join with Italian Somaliland and form the new nation of Somalia. In 1969, a coup headed by Mohamed SIAD Barre ushered in an authoritarian socialist rule that managed to impose a degree of stability in the country for a couple of decades. After the regime's collapse early in 1991, Somalia descended into turmoil, factional fighting, and anarchy. In May 1991, northern clans declared an independent Republic of Somaliland that now includes the administrative regions of Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Sanaag, and Sool. Although not recognized by any government, this entity has maintained a stable existence and continues efforts to establish a constitutional democracy, including holding municipal, parliamentary, and presidential elections. The regions of Bari, Nugaal, and northern Mudug comprise a neighboring self-declared autonomous state of Puntland, which has been self-governing since 1998 but does not aim at independence; it has also made strides toward reconstructing a legitimate, representative government but has suffered some civil strife. Puntland disputes its border with Somaliland as it also claims portions of eastern Sool and Sanaag. Beginning in 1993, a two-year UN humanitarian effort (primarily in the south) was able to alleviate famine conditions, but when the UN withdrew in 1995, having suffered significant casualties, order still had not been restored. A two-year peace process, led by the Government of Kenya under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), concluded in October 2004 with the election of Abdullahi YUSUF Ahmed as President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and the formation of an interim government, known as the Somalia Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs). The TFIs included a 275-member parliamentary body, known as the Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA). President YUSUF resigned late in 2008 while United Nations-sponsored talks between the TFG and the opposition Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS) were underway in Djibouti. In January 2009, following the creation of a TFG-ARS unity government, Ethiopian military forces, which had entered Somalia in December 2006 to support the TFG in the face of advances by the opposition Council of Islamic Courts (CIC), withdrew from the country. The TFA was increased to 550 seats with the addition of 275 ARS members of parliament. The expanded parliament elected Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed, the former CIC and ARS chairman as president on 31 January 2009, in Djibouti. Subsequently, President SHARIF appointed Omar Abdirashid ali SHARMARKE, son of a former president of Somalia, as prime minister on 13 February 2009. The TFIs are based on the Transitional Federal Charter (TFC), which outlines a five-year mandate leading to the establishment of a new Somali constitution and a transition to a representative government following national elections. However, in January 2009 the TFA amended the TFC to extend TFG's mandate until 2011. While its institutions remain weak, the TFG continues to reach out to Somali stakeholders and work with international donors to help build the governance capacity of the TFIs and work toward national elections in 2011.

Geography ::Somalia

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, east of Ethiopia

Geographic coordinates:

10 00 N, 49 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 637,657 sq km country comparison to the world: 43 land: 627,337 sq km

water: 10,320 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 2,340 km

border countries: Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,600 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline:

3,025 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 200 nm

Climate:

principally desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), moderate temperatures in north and hot in south; southwest monsoon (May to October), torrid in the north and hot in the south, irregular rainfall, hot and humid periods (tangambili) between monsoons

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Shimbiris 2,416 m

Natural resources:

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, likely oil reserves

Land use:

arable land: 1.64%

permanent crops: 0.04%

other: 98.32% (2005)

Irrigated land:

2,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

15.7 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.29 cu km/yr (0%/0%/100%)

per capita: 400 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer; floods during rainy season

Environment - current issues:

famine; use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Biodiversity, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

People ::Somalia

Population:

9,832,017 country comparison to the world: 83 note: this estimate was derived from an official census taken in 1975 by the Somali Government; population counting in Somalia is complicated by the large number of nomads and by refugee movements in response to famine and clan warfare (July 2009 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 45% (male 2,215,331/female 2,204,503)

15-64 years: 52.6% (male 2,588,356/female 2,579,737)

65 years and over: 2.5% (male 101,764/female 142,326) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.6 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.815% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Birth rate:

43.7 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Death rate:

15.55 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Urbanization:

urban population: 37% 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 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 109.19 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 6 male: 118.31 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 99.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 49.63 years country comparison to the world: 208 male: 47.78 years

female: 51.53 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.52 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

24,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

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

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Rift Valley fever

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Somali(s)

adjective: Somali

Ethnic groups:

Somali 85%, Bantu and other non-Somali 15% (including Arabs 30,000)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 37.8%

male: 49.7%

female: 25.8% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Somalia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Somalia

local long form: Jamhuuriyada Demuqraadiga Soomaaliyeed

local short form: Soomaaliya

former: Somali Republic, Somali Democratic Republic

Government type:

no permanent national government; transitional, parliamentary federal government

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 2 04 N, 45 22 E

time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool, Banaadir, Bari, Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe, Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal, Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi Galbeed

Independence:

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960, to form the Somali Republic)

National holiday:

Foundation of the Somali Republic, 1 July (1960); note - 26 June (1960) in Somaliland

Constitution:

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979

note: the formation of transitional governing institutions, known as the Transitional Federal Government, is currently ongoing

Legal system:

no national system; a mixture of English common law, Italian law, Islamic Sharia, and Somali customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Transitional Federal President Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed (since 31 January 2009); note - a transitional governing entity with a five-year mandate, known as the Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs), was established in October 2004; the TFIs relocated to Somalia in June 2004

head of government: Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali SHARMARKE (since 13 February 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by the Transitional Federal Assembly

election results: Sheikh SHARIF Sheikh Ahmed was elected president by the expanded Transitional Federal Assembly in Djibouti

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

note: unicameral Transitional Federal Assembly (TFA) (550 seats; 475 members appointed according to the 4.5 clan formula, with the remaining 75 seats reserved for civil society and business persons)

Judicial branch:

following the breakdown of the central government, most regions have reverted to local forms of conflict resolution, either secular, traditional Somali customary law, or Sharia (Islamic) law with a provision for appeal of all sentences

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in support and in opposition to the transitional government

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AMF, AU, CAEU, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

Somalia does not have an embassy in the US (ceased operations on 8 May 1991); note - the Transitional Federal Government is represented in the United States through its Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Diplomatic representation from the US:

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

Flag description:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; blue field influenced by the flag of the UN

Government - note:

although an interim government was created in 2004, other regional and local governing bodies continue to exist and control various regions of the country, including the self-declared Republic of Somaliland in northwestern Somalia and the semi-autonomous State of Puntland in northeastern Somalia

Economy ::Somalia

Economy - overview:

Despite the lack of effective national governance, Somalia has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and semi-pastoralists, who are dependent upon livestock for their livelihood, make up a large portion of the population. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia's principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia's small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has largely been looted and sold as scrap metal. Somalia's service sector also has grown. Telecommunication firms provide wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest international call rates on the continent. In the absence of a formal banking sector, money transfer/remittance services have sprouted throughout the country, handling roughly $2 billion in remittances annually. Mogadishu's main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate and are supported with private-security militias. Somalia's arrears to the IMF continued to grow in 2008. Statistics on Somalia's GDP, growth, per capita income, and inflation should be viewed skeptically.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.524 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $5.387 billion (2007 est.)

$5.252 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.6 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.6% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 2.6% (2007 est.)

2.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 225 $600 (2007 est.)

$600 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 65%

industry: 10%

services: 25% (2005 est.)

Labor force:

3.447 million (few skilled laborers) (2007) country comparison to the world: 96

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 71%

industry and services: 29% (1975)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Budget:

revenues: $NA

expenditures: $NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

note: businesses print their own money, so inflation rates cannot be easily determined

Agriculture - products:

bananas, sorghum, corn, coconuts, rice, sugarcane, mangoes, sesame seeds, beans; cattle, sheep, goats; fish

Industries:

a few light industries, including sugar refining, textiles, wireless communication

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

280 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Electricity - consumption:

260.4 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Oil - consumption:

5,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Oil - exports:

1,475 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Oil - imports:

6,387 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 130

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 114

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Natural gas - proved reserves:

5.663 billion cu m (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Exports:

$300 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports - commodities:

livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal

Exports - partners:

UAE 56.2%, Yemen 21%, Saudi Arabia 3.6% (2008)

Imports:

$798 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 177

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat

Imports - partners:

Djibouti 29.2%, India 11.9%, Kenya 7.6%, US 6%, Oman 5.6%, UAE 5.5%, Yemen 4.7% (2008)

Debt - external:

$3 billion (2001 est.) country comparison to the world: 127

Exchange rates:

Somali shillings (SOS) per US dollar - NA (2007-08), 1,438.3 (2006) official rate; the unofficial black market rate was about 23,000 shillings per dollar as of February 2007

note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independent country not recognized by any foreign government, issues its own currency, the Somaliland shilling

Communications ::Somalia

Telephones - main lines in use:

100,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 144

Telephones - mobile cellular:

627,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 150

Telephone system:

general assessment: the public telecommunications system was almost completely destroyed or dismantled during the civil war; private companies offer limited local fixed-line service and private wireless companies offer service in most major cities while charging the lowest international rates on the continent

domestic: local cellular telephone systems have been established in Mogadishu and in several other population centers

international: country code - 252; international connections are available from Mogadishu by satellite (2001)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 0, FM 11 (also 1 station each in Puntland and Somaliland), shortwave 1 (in Mogadishu) (2001)

Television broadcast stations:

4 (2 in Mogadishu and 2 in Hargeisa) (2001)

Internet country code:

.so

Internet hosts:

0 (2009) country comparison to the world: 232

Internet users:

102,000 (2008) country comparison to the world: 154

Transportation ::Somalia

Airports:

59 (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 4

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

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

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 52

2,438 to 3,047 m: 4

1,524 to 2,437 m: 19

914 to 1,523 m: 23

under 914 m: 6 (2009)

Roadways:

total: 22,100 km country comparison to the world: 106 paved: 2,608 km

unpaved: 19,492 km (2000)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 157 by type: cargo 1

foreign-owned: 1 (UAE 1) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Berbera, Kismaayo

Transportation - note:

the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous vessels, including commercial shipping and pleasure craft, have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; crew, passengers, and cargo are held for ransom; the presence of several naval task forces in the Gulf of Aden and additional anti-piracy measures on the part of ship operators have reduced the piracy incidents; in response local pirates shifted operations farther south along the east coast of Somalia and eastward along the coast of Oman

Military ::Somalia

Military branches:

no national-level armed forces (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,181,050

females age 16-49: 2,125,558 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,301,026

females age 16-49: 1,351,649 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 93,763

female: 93,738 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 143

Transnational Issues ::Somalia

Disputes - international:

Ethiopian forces invaded southern Somalia and routed Islamist Courts from Mogadishu in January 2007; "Somaliland" secessionists provide port facilities in Berbera to landlocked Ethiopia and have established commercial ties with other regional states; "Puntland" and "Somaliland" "governments" seek international support in their secessionist aspirations and overlapping border claims; the undemarcated former British administrative line has little meaning as a political separation to rival clans within Ethiopia's Ogaden and southern Somalia's Oromo region; Kenya works hard to prevent the clan and militia fighting in Somalia from spreading south across the border, which has long been open to nomadic pastoralists

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: 1.1 million (civil war since 1988, clan-based competition for resources) (2007)

page last updated on November 10, 2009

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

@South Africa (Africa)

Introduction ::South Africa

Background:

Dutch traders landed at the southern tip of modern day South Africa in 1652 and established a stopover point on the spice route between the Netherlands and the East, founding the city of Cape Town. After the British seized the Cape of Good Hope area in 1806, many of the Dutch settlers (the Boers) trekked north to found their own republics. The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) spurred wealth and immigration and intensified the subjugation of the native inhabitants. The Boers resisted British encroachments but were defeated in the Boer War (1899-1902); however, the British and the Afrikaners, as the Boers became known, ruled together under the Union of South Africa. In 1948, the National Party was voted into power and instituted a policy of apartheid - the separate development of the races. The first multi-racial elections in 1994 brought an end to apartheid and ushered in black majority rule under the African National Congress (ANC). ANC infighting, which has grown in recent years, came to a head in September 2008 after President Thabo MBEKI resigned. Kgalema MOTLANTHE, the party's General-Secretary, succeeded as interim president until general elections scheduled for 2009.

Geography ::South Africa

Location:

Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa

Geographic coordinates:

29 00 S, 24 00 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 1,219,090 sq km country comparison to the world: 25 land: 1,214,470 sq km

water: 4,620 sq km

note: includes Prince Edward Islands (Marion Island and Prince Edward Island)

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total: 4,862 km

border countries: Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km, Namibia 967 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

Coastline:

2,798 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Climate:

mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights

Terrain:

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Njesuthi 3,408 m

Natural resources:

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates, tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 12.1%

permanent crops: 0.79%

other: 87.11% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,980 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

50 cu km (1990)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 12.5 cu km/yr (31%/6%/63%)

per capita: 264 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

prolonged droughts

Environment - current issues:

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain; soil erosion; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland

People ::South Africa

Population:

49,052,489 country comparison to the world: 24 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: 28.9% (male 7,093,328/female 7,061,579)

15-64 years: 65.8% (male 16,275,424/female 15,984,181)

65 years and over: 5.4% (male 1,075,117/female 1,562,860) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 24.4 years

male: 24.1 years

female: 24.8 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.281% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Birth rate:

19.93 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Death rate:

16.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 12

Net migration rate:

-0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 95 note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities (2009 est.)

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 1.4% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.02 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 44.42 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 59 male: 48.66 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 40.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.98 years country comparison to the world: 209 male: 49.81 years

female: 48.13 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.38 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

18.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

5.7 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

350,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 1

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: intermediate

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

water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: South African(s)

adjective: South African

Ethnic groups:

black African 79%, white 9.6%, colored 8.9%, Indian/Asian 2.5% (2001 census)

Religions:

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3%, unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1% (2001 census)

Languages:

IsiZulu 23.8%, IsiXhosa 17.6%, Afrikaans 13.3%, Sepedi 9.4%, English 8.2%, Setswana 8.2%, Sesotho 7.9%, Xitsonga 4.4%, other 7.2% (2001 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 86.4%

male: 87%

female: 85.7% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 53

Government ::South Africa

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of South Africa

conventional short form: South Africa

former: Union of South Africa

abbreviation: RSA

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 25 42 S, 28 13 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

note: Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital)

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North-West, Western Cape

Independence:

31 May 1910 (Union of South Africa formed from four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and Orange Free State); 31 May 1961 (republic declared) 27 April 1994 (majority rule)

National holiday:

Freedom Day, 27 April (1994)

Constitution:

10 December 1996; note - certified by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996; was signed by then President MANDELA on 10 December 1996; and entered into effect on 4 February 1997

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Jacob ZUMA (since 9 May 2009); Executive Deputy President Kgalema MOTLANTHE (since 11 May 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president

elections: president elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 6 May 2009 (next to be held in 2014)

election results: Jacob ZUMA elected president; National Assembly vote - Jacob ZUMA 277, Mvume DANDALA 47, other 76

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consisting of the National Council of Provinces (90 seats, 10 members elected by each of the nine provincial legislatures for five-year terms; has special powers to protect regional interests, including the safeguarding of cultural and linguistic traditions among ethnic minorities) and the National Assembly (400 seats; members are elected by popular vote under a system of proportional representation to serve five-year terms); note - following the implementation of the new constitution on 4 February 1997, the former Senate was disbanded and replaced by the National Council of Provinces with essentially no change in membership and party affiliations, although the new institution's responsibilities have been changed somewhat by the new constitution

elections: National Assembly and National Council of Provinces - last held on 22 April 2009 (next to be held in April 2014)

election results: National Council of Provinces - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - ANC 65.9%, DA 16.7%, COPE 7.4%, IFP 4.6%, other 5.4%; seats by party - ANC 264, DA 67, COPE 30, IFP 18, other 21

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court; Supreme Court of Appeals; High Courts; Magistrate Courts

Political parties and leaders:

African Christian Democratic Party or ACDP [Kenneth MESHOE]; African National Congress or ANC [Jacob ZUMA]; Congress of the People or COPE [Mosiuoa LEKOTA]; Democratic Alliance or DA [Helen ZILLE]; Freedom Front Plus or FF+ [Pieter MULDER]; Independent Democrats or ID [Patricia DE LILLE]; Inkatha Freedom Party or IFP [Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI]; Pan-Africanist Congress or PAC [Motsoko PHEKO]; United Christian Democratic Party or UCDP [Lucas MANGOPE]; United Democratic Movement or UDM [Bantu HOLOMISA]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Congress of South African Trade Unions or COSATU [Zwelinzima VAVI, general secretary]; South African Communist Party or SACP [Blade NZIMANDE, general secretary]; South African National Civics Organization or SANCO [Mlungisi HLONGWANE, national president]

note: note - COSATU and SACP are in a formal alliance with the ANC

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BIS, C, FAO, G-20, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUC, NAM, NSG, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Welile Augustine NHLAPO

chancery: 3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 232-4400

FAX: [1] (202) 265-1607

consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eric BOST

embassy: 877 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

mailing address: P. O. Box 9536, Pretoria 0001

telephone: [27] (12) 431-4000

FAX: [27] (12) 342-2299

consulate(s) general: Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

Flag description:

two equal width horizontal bands of red (top) and blue separated by a central green band that splits into a horizontal Y, the arms of which end at the corners of the hoist side; the Y embraces a black isosceles triangle from which the arms are separated by narrow yellow bands; the red and blue bands are separated from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes

Economy ::South Africa

Economy - overview:

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors; a stock exchange that is 17th largest in the world; and modern infrastructure supporting an efficient distribution of goods to major urban centers throughout the region. Growth was robust from 2004 to 2008 as South Africa reaped the benefits of macroeconomic stability and a global commodities boom, but began to slow in the second half of 2008 due to the global financial crisis' impact on commodity prices and demand. However, unemployment remains high and outdated infrastructure has constrained growth. At the end of 2007, South Africa began to experience an electricity crisis because state power supplier Eskom suffered supply problems with aged plants, necessitating "load-shedding" cuts to residents and businesses in the major cities. Daunting economic problems remain from the apartheid era - especially poverty, lack of economic empowerment among the disadvantaged groups, and a shortage of public transportation. South African economic policy is fiscally conservative but pragmatic, focusing on controlling inflation, maintaining a budget surplus, and using state-owned enterprises to deliver basic services to low-income areas as a means to increase job growth and household income.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$492.2 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $477.4 billion (2007 est.)

$454.2 billion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$276.8 billion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 122 5.1% (2007 est.)

5.3% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,100 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105 $9,900 (2007 est.)

$9,500 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.3%

industry: 33.7%

services: 63% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

17.79 million economically active (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 9%

industry: 26%

services: 65% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

22.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 24.3% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

50% (2000 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 44.7% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

65 (2005) country comparison to the world: 2 59.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

23.2% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 66

Budget:

revenues: $77.43 billion

expenditures: $79.9 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

31.6% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71 45.9% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 162 6.5% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

11.5% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 32 11% (31 December 2007)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

15.13% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 57 13.17% (31 December 2007)

Stock of money:

$44.66 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 23 $58.49 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of quasi money:

$124.1 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 19 $141.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of domestic credit:

$214.8 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 30 $254.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$491.3 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 19 $833.5 billion (31 December 2007)

$715 billion (31 December 2006)

Agriculture - products:

corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; beef, poultry, mutton, wool, dairy products

Industries:

mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile assembly, metalworking, machinery, textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, fertilizer, foodstuffs, commercial ship repair

Industrial production growth rate:

1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 123

Electricity - production:

240.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Electricity - consumption:

215.1 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 17

Electricity - exports:

14.16 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.57 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

195,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - consumption:

583,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Oil - exports:

128,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 63

Oil - imports:

490,500 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Natural gas - production:

3.25 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Natural gas - consumption:

6.45 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 120

Natural gas - imports:

3.2 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Natural gas - proved reserves:

27.16 million cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Current account balance:

-$20.98 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177 -$20.78 billion (2007 est.)

Exports:

$86.12 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 41 $75.92 billion (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, diamonds, platinum, other metals and minerals, machinery and equipment

Exports - partners:

Japan 11.1%, US 11.1%, Germany 8%, UK 6.8%, China 6%, Netherlands 5.2% (2008)

Imports:

$90.57 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $81.66 billion (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum products, scientific instruments, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 11.2%, China 11.1%, US 7.9%, Saudi Arabia 6.2%, Japan 5.5%, UK 4% (2008)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$34.07 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $32.94 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Debt - external:

$71.81 billion (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 43 $75.28 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$120 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $110.4 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$63.57 billion (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 29 $65.88 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Exchange rates:

rand (ZAR) per US dollar - 7.9576 (2008 est.), 7.05 (2007), 6.7649 (2006), 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004)

Communications ::South Africa

Telephones - main lines in use:

4.425 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 35

Telephones - mobile cellular:

45 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 24

Telephone system:

general assessment: the system is the best developed and most modern in Africa

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 110 telephones per 100 persons; consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables, microwave radio relay links, fiber-optic cable, radiotelephone communication stations, and wireless local loops; key centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Pretoria

international: country code - 27; the SAT-3/WASC and SAFE fiber optic cable systems connect South Africa to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean)

Radio broadcast stations:

AM 14, FM 347 (plus 243 repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

Television broadcast stations:

556 (plus 144 network repeaters) (1997)

Internet country code:

.za

Internet hosts:

1.73 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Internet users:

4.187 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 49

Transportation ::South Africa

Airports:

607 (2009) country comparison to the world: 11

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 148

over 3,047 m: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 6

1,524 to 2,437 m: 52

914 to 1,523 m: 68

under 914 m: 12 (2009)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 459

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 34

914 to 1,523 m: 298

under 914 m: 125 (2009)

Heliports:

1 (2009)

Pipelines:

condensate 11 km; gas 908 km; oil 980 km; refined products 1,379 km (2008)

Railways:

total: 20,872 km country comparison to the world: 14 narrow gauge: 20,436 km 1.065-m gauge (8,271 km electrified); 436 km 0.610-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 362,099 km country comparison to the world: 18 paved: 73,506 km (includes 239 km of expressways)

unpaved: 288,593 km (2002)

Merchant marine:

total: 3 country comparison to the world: 138 by type: container 1, petroleum tanker 2

foreign-owned: 1 (Denmark 1)

registered in other countries: 8 (Bahamas 1, Nigeria 1, NZ 1, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1, Seychelles 1, UK 3) (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saldanha Bay

Military ::South Africa

Military branches:

South African National Defense Force (SANDF): South African Army, South African Navy (SAN), South African Air Force (SAAF), Joint Operations Command, Military Intelligence, South African Military Health Services (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service; women are eligible to serve in noncombat roles; 2-year service obligation (2007)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 11,622,507

females age 16-49: 11,501,537 (2008 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 7,641,557

females age 16-49: 6,518,793 (2009 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 511,616

female: 510,540 (2009 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 98

Military - note:

with the end of apartheid and the establishment of majority rule, former military, black homelands forces, and ex-opposition forces were integrated into the South African National Defense Force (SANDF); as of 2003 the integration process was considered complete

Transnational Issues ::South Africa

Disputes - international:

South Africa has placed military along the border to apprehend the thousands of Zimbabweans fleeing economic dysfunction and political persecution; as of January 2007, South Africa also supports large numbers of refugees and asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (33,000), Somalia (20,000), Burundi (6,500), and other states in Africa (26,000); managed dispute with Namibia over the location of the boundary in the Orange River; in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 10,772 (Democratic Republic of Congo); 7,818 (Somalia); 5,759 (Angola) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: South Africa is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for forced labor and sexual exploitation; women and girls are trafficked internally - and occasionally to European and Asian countries - for sexual exploitation; women from other African countries are trafficked to South Africa and, less frequently, onward to Europe for sexual exploitation; men and boys are trafficked from neighboring countries for forced agricultural labor; Asian and Eastern European women are trafficked to South Africa for debt-bonded sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - South Africa is on the Tier 2 Watch List for a fourth consecutive year for its failure to show increasing efforts to address trafficking; the government provided inadequate data in 2007 on trafficking crimes investigated or prosecuted, or on resulting convictions or sentences; it also did not provide information on its efforts to protect victims of trafficking; the country continues to deport and/or prosecute suspected foreign victims without providing appropriate protective services (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment center for heroin, hashish, and cocaine, as well as a major cultivator of marijuana in its own right; cocaine and heroin consumption on the rise; world's largest market for illicit methaqualone, usually imported illegally from India through various east African countries, but increasingly producing its own synthetic drugs for domestic consumption; attractive venue for money launderers given the increasing level of organized criminal and narcotics activity in the region and the size of the South African economy

page last updated on November 11, 2009

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@Southern Ocean (Oceans)

Introduction ::Southern Ocean

Background:

A large body of recent oceanographic research has shown that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica, plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation. The region where the cold waters of the ACC meet and mingle with the warmer waters of the north defines a distinct border - the Antarctic Convergence - which fluctuates with the seasons, but which encompasses a discrete body of water and a unique ecologic region. The Convergence concentrates nutrients, which promotes marine plant life, and which in turn allows for a greater abundance of animal life. In the spring of 2000, the International Hydrographic Organization decided to delimit the waters within the Convergence as a fifth world ocean - the Southern Ocean - by combining the southern portions of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean. The Southern Ocean extends from the coast of Antarctica north to 60 degrees south latitude, which coincides with the Antarctic Treaty Limit and which approximates the extent of the Antarctic Convergence. As such, the Southern Ocean is now the fourth largest of the world's five oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean, but larger than the Arctic Ocean). It should be noted that inclusion of the Southern Ocean does not imply recognition of this feature as one of the world's primary oceans by the US Government.

Geography ::Southern Ocean

Location:

body of water between 60 degrees south latitude and Antarctica

Geographic coordinates:

60 00 S, 90 00 E (nominally), but the Southern Ocean has the unique distinction of being a large circumpolar body of water totally encircling the continent of Antarctica; this ring of water lies between 60 degrees south latitude and the coast of Antarctica and encompasses 360 degrees of longitude

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total: 20.327 million sq km

note: includes Amundsen Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, part of the Drake Passage, Ross Sea, a small part of the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of the US

Coastline:

17,968 km

Climate:

sea temperatures vary from about 10 degrees Celsius to -2 degrees Celsius; cyclonic storms travel eastward around the continent and frequently are intense because of the temperature contrast between ice and open ocean; the ocean area from about latitude 40 south to the Antarctic Circle has the strongest average winds found anywhere on Earth; in winter the ocean freezes outward to 65 degrees south latitude in the Pacific sector and 55 degrees south latitude in the Atlantic sector, lowering surface temperatures well below 0 degrees Celsius; at some coastal points intense persistent drainage winds from the interior keep the shoreline ice-free throughout the winter

Terrain:

the Southern Ocean is deep, 4,000 to 5,000 m over most of its extent with only limited areas of shallow water; the Antarctic continental shelf is generally narrow and unusually deep, its edge lying at depths of 400 to 800 m (the global mean is 133 m); the Antarctic icepack grows from an average minimum of 2.6 million sq km in March to about 18.8 million sq km in September, better than a sixfold increase in area; the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (21,000 km in length) moves perpetually eastward; it is the world's largest ocean current, transporting 130 million cubic meters of water per second - 100 times the flow of all the world's rivers

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: -7,235 m at the southern end of the South Sandwich Trench

highest point: sea level 0 m

Natural resources:

probable large and possible giant oil and gas fields on the continental margin; manganese nodules, possible placer deposits, sand and gravel, fresh water as icebergs; squid, whales, and seals - none exploited; krill, fish

Natural hazards:

huge icebergs with drafts up to several hundred meters; smaller bergs and iceberg fragments; sea ice (generally 0.5 to 1 m thick) with sometimes dynamic short-term variations and with large annual and interannual variations; deep continental shelf floored by glacial deposits varying widely over short distances; high winds and large waves much of the year; ship icing, especially May-October; most of region is remote from sources of search and rescue

Environment - current issues:

increased solar ultraviolet radiation resulting from the Antarctic ozone hole in recent years, reducing marine primary productivity (phytoplankton) by as much as 15% and damaging the DNA of some fish; illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in recent years, especially the landing of an estimated five to six times more Patagonian toothfish than the regulated fishery, which is likely to affect the sustainability of the stock; large amount of incidental mortality of seabirds resulting from long-line fishing for toothfish

note: the now-protected fur seal population is making a strong comeback after severe overexploitation in the 18th and 19th centuries

Environment - international agreements:

the Southern Ocean is subject to all international agreements regarding the world's oceans; in addition, it is subject to these agreements specific to the Antarctic region: International Whaling Commission (prohibits commercial whaling south of 40 degrees south [south of 60 degrees south between 50 degrees and 130 degrees west]); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Seals (limits sealing); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (regulates fishing)

note: many nations (including the US) prohibit mineral resource exploration and exploitation south of the fluctuating Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), which is in the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and serves as the dividing line between the cold polar surface waters to the south and the warmer waters to the north

Geography - note:

the major chokepoint is the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica; the Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence) is the best natural definition of the northern extent of the Southern Ocean; it is a distinct region at the middle of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current that separates the cold polar surface waters to the south from the warmer waters to the north; the Front and the Current extend entirely around Antarctica, reaching south of 60 degrees south near New Zealand and near 48 degrees south in the far South Atlantic coinciding with the path of the maximum westerly winds

Economy ::Southern Ocean

Economy - overview:

Fisheries in 2006-07 landed 126,976 metric tons, of which 82% (104,586 tons) was krill (Euphausia superba) and 9.5% (12,027 tons) Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides - also known as Chilean sea bass), compared to 127,910 tons in 2005-06 of which 83% (106,591 tons) was krill and 9.7% (12,396 tons) Patagonian toothfish (estimated fishing from the area covered by the Convention of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which extends slightly beyond the Southern Ocean area). International agreements were adopted in late 1999 to reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, which in the 2000-01 season landed, by one estimate, 8,376 metric tons of Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish. In the 2007-08 Antarctic summer, 45,213 tourists visited the Southern Ocean, compared to 35,552 in 2006-2007, and 29,799 in 2005-2006 (estimates provided to the Antarctic Treaty by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), and does not include passengers on overflights and those flying directly in and out of Antarctica).

Transportation ::Southern Ocean

Ports and terminals:

McMurdo, Palmer, and offshore anchorages in Antarctica

note: few ports or harbors exist on southern side of Southern Ocean; ice conditions limit use of most to short periods in midsummer; even then some cannot be entered without icebreaker escort; most Antarctic ports are operated by government research stations and, except in an emergency, are not open to commercial or private vessels (2007)

Transportation - note:

Drake Passage offers alternative to transit through the Panama Canal

Transnational Issues ::Southern Ocean

Disputes - international:

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctica entry), but Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, NZ, Norway, and UK assert claims (some overlapping), including the continental shelf in the Southern Ocean; several states have expressed an interest in extending those continental shelf claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to include undersea ridges; the US and most other states do not recognize the land or maritime claims of other states and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia have reserved the right to do so); no formal claims exist in the waters in the sector between 90 degrees west and 150 degrees west

page last updated on October 22, 2009

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

@South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (South America)

Introduction ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Background:

The islands, which have large bird and seal populations, lie approximately 1,000 km east of the Falkland Islands and have been under British administration since 1908 - except for a brief period in 1982 when Argentina occupied them. Grytviken, on South Georgia, was a 19th and early 20th century whaling station. Famed explorer Ernest SHACKLETON stopped there in 1914 en route to his ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica on foot. He returned some 20 months later with a few companions in a small boat and arranged a successful rescue for the rest of his crew, stranded off the Antarctic Peninsula. He died in 1922 on a subsequent expedition and is buried in Grytviken. Today, the station houses scientists from the British Antarctic Survey. Recognizing the importance of preserving the marine stocks in adjacent waters, the UK, in 1993, extended the exclusive fishing zone from 12 nm to 200 nm around each island.

Geography ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Location:

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the tip of South America

Geographic coordinates:

54 30 S, 37 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 3,903 sq km country comparison to the world: 176 land: 3,903 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Shag Rocks, Black Rock, Clerke Rocks, South Georgia Island, Bird Island, and the South Sandwich Islands, which consist of 11 islands

Area - comparative:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Climate:

variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year interspersed with periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Terrain:

most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some active volcanoes

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Paget (South Georgia) 2,934 m

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation consisting of grass, moss, and lichen) (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

the South Sandwich Islands have prevailing weather conditions that generally make them difficult to approach by ship; they are also subject to active volcanism

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good anchorage; reindeer, introduced early in the 20th century, live on South Georgia

People ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note: the small military garrison on South Georgia withdrew in March 2001 replaced by a permanent group of scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, which also has a biological station on Bird Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

Government ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Country name:

conventional long form: South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

conventional short form: South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

abbreviation: SGSSI

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina; administered from the Falkland Islands by a commissioner, who is concurrently governor of the Falkland Islands, representing Queen ELIZABETH II

Legal system:

the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply; the senior magistrate from the Falkland Islands presides over the Magistrates Court

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK, also claimed by Argentina)

Flag description:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a shield with a golden lion centered; the shield is supported by a fur seal on the left and a penguin on the right; a reindeer appears above the shield, and below it on a scroll is the motto LEO TERRAM PROPRIAM PROTEGAT (Let the Lion Protect its Own Land)

Economy ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Economy - overview:

Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of income from harvesting finfish and krill. The islands receive income from postage stamps produced in the UK, sale of fishing licenses, and harbor and landing fees from tourist vessels. Tourism from specialized cruise ships is increasing rapidly.

Communications ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: NA

international: coastal radiotelephone station at Grytviken

Radio broadcast stations:

0 (2003)

Television broadcast stations:

0 (2003)

Internet country code:

.gs

Internet hosts:

363 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Transportation ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Ports and terminals:

Grytviken

Military ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

Disputes - international:

Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force

page last updated on October 28, 2009

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

@Spain (Europe)

Introduction ::Spain

Background:

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) gave Spain a dynamic and rapidly growing economy and made it a global champion of freedom and human rights. The government continues to battle the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorist organization, but its major focus for the immediate future will be on measures to reverse the severe economic recession that started in mid-2008.

Geography ::Spain

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay, Mediterranean Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Pyrenees Mountains, southwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

40 00 N, 4 00 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 505,370 sq km country comparison to the world: 51 land: 498,980 sq km

water: 6,390 sq km

note: there are two autonomous cities - Ceuta and Melilla - and 17 autonomous communities including Balearic Islands and Canary Islands, and three small Spanish possessions off the coast of Morocco - Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 1,917.8 km

border countries: Andorra 63.7 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal 1,214 km, Morocco (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Morocco (Melilla) 9.6 km

Coastline:

4,964 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (applies only to the Atlantic Ocean)

Climate:

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain:

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in north

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Pico de Teide (Tenerife) on Canary Islands 3,718 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, uranium, tungsten, mercury, pyrites, magnesite, fluorspar, gypsum, sepiolite, kaolin, potash, hydropower, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 27.18%

permanent crops: 9.85%

other: 62.97% (2005)

Irrigated land:

37,800 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.1 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 37.22 cu km/yr (13%/19%/68%)

per capita: 864 cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards:

periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

pollution of the Mediterranean Sea from raw sewage and effluents from the offshore production of oil and gas; water quality and quantity nationwide; air pollution; deforestation; desertification

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, 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

Geography - note:

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar; Spain controls a number of territories in northern Morocco including the enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, and the islands of Penon de Velez de la Gomera, Penon de Alhucemas, and Islas Chafarinas

People ::Spain

Population:

40,525,002 (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 3,021,822/female 2,842,597)

15-64 years: 67.4% (male 13,705,107/female 13,601,399)

65 years and over: 18.1% (male 3,071,394/female 4,282,683) (2009 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.1 years

male: 39.7 years

female: 42.5 years (2009 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.072% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Birth rate:

9.72 births/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 198

Death rate:

9.99 deaths/1,000 population (July 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Net migration rate:

0.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.72 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2009 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 4.21 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 208 male: 4.59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 80.05 years country comparison to the world: 23 male: 76.74 years

female: 83.57 years (2009 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.31 children born/woman (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 59

Nationality:

noun: Spaniard(s)

adjective: Spanish

Ethnic groups:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 97.9%

male: 98.7%

female: 97.2% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

4.2% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 97

Government ::Spain

Country name:

conventional long form: Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form: Spain

local long form: Reino de Espana

local short form: Espana

Government type:

parliamentary monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 40 24 N, 3 41 W

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

note: Spain is divided into two time zones including the Canary Islands

Administrative divisions:

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad autonoma) and 2 autonomous cities* (ciudades autonomas, singular - ciudad autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Baleares (Balearic Islands), Ceuta*, Canarias (Canary Islands), Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna (Catalonia), Comunidad Valenciana (Valencian Community), Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Melilla*, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco (Basque Country)

note: the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla plus three small islands of Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera, administered directly by the Spanish central government, are all along the coast of Morocco and are collectively referred to as Places of Sovereignty (Plazas de Soberania)

Independence:

1492; the Iberian peninsula was characterized by a variety of independent kingdoms prior to the Muslim occupation that began in the early 8th century A.D. and lasted nearly seven centuries; the small Christian redoubts of the north began the reconquest almost immediately, culminating in the seizure of Granada in 1492; this event completed the unification of several kingdoms and is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

National holiday:

National Day, 12 October (1492); year when Columbus first set foot in the Americas

Constitution:

approved by legislature 31 October 1978; passed by referendum 6 December 1978; signed by the king 27 December 1978

Legal system:

civil law system, with regional applications; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975); Heir Apparent Prince FELIPE, son of the monarch, born 30 January 1968

head of government: President of the Government (Prime Minister equivalent) Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO (since 17 April 2004); First Vice President (and Minister of the Presidency) Maria Teresa FERNANDEZ DE LA VEGA (since 18 April 2004), Second Vice President (and Minister of Economy and Finance) Elena SALGADO Mendez (since 8 April 2009), and Third Vice President (and Minister of Regional Affairs) Manuel CHAVES Gonzalez (since 8 April 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers designated by the president

note: there is also a Council of State that is the supreme consultative organ of the government, but its recommendations are non-binding

elections: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually proposed president by the monarch and elected by the National Assembly; election last held on 9 and 11 April 2008 (next to be held in March 2012); vice presidents appointed by the monarch on the proposal of the president

election results: Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO reelected President of the Government; percent of National Assembly vote - 46.94%

Legislative branch:

bicameral; General Courts or Las Cortes Generales (National Assembly) consists of the Senate or Senado (264 seats as of 2008; 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 56 - as of 2008 - appointed by the regional legislatures; to serve four-year terms) and the Congress of Deputies or Congreso de los Diputados (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term; the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held not later than March 2012); Congress of Deputies - last held on 9 March 2008 (next to be held not later than March 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PP 101, PSOE 88, Entesa Catalona de Progress 12, CiU 4, PNV 2, CC 1, members appointed by regional legislatures 56; Congress of Deputies - percent of vote by party - PSOE 43.6%, PP 40.1%, CiU 3.1%, PNV 1.2%, ERC 1.2%, other 10.8%; seats by party - PSOE 169, PP 154, CiU 10, PNV 6, ERC 3, other 8

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Tribunal Supremo

Political parties and leaders:

Aragonese Party or CHA [Bizen FUSTER]; Basque Nationalist Party or PNV or EAJ [Inigo URKULLU]; Basque Solidarity or EA [Begona ERRAZTI]; Canarian Coalition or CC [Jose Torres STINGA] (a coalition of five parties); Convergence and Union or CiU [Artur MAS i Gavarro] (a coalition of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia or CDC [Artur MAS i Gavarro] and the Democratic Union of Catalonia or UDC [Josep Antoni DURAN i LLEIDA]); Entesa Catalonia de Progress (a Senate coalition grouping four Catalan parties - PSC, ERC, ICV, EUA); Galician Nationalist Bloc or BNG [Anxo Manuel QUINTANA Gonzalez]; Initiative for Catalonia Greens or ICV [Joan SAURA i Laporta]; Navarra yes or Na Bai [Uxue BARKOS Berruezo] (a coalition of four Navarran parties); Popular Party or PP [Mariano RAJOY Brey]; Republican Left of Catalonia or ERC [Joan RIDAO]; Spanish Socialist Workers Party or PSOE [Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO]; United Left or IU [Cayo LARA] (a coalition of parties including the Communist Party of Spain or PCE and other small parties)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Association for Victims of Terrorism or AVT (grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Basta Ya (Spanish for "Enough is Enough"; grassroots organization devoted primarily to opposing ETA terrorist attacks and supporting its victims); Nunca Mais (Galician for "Never Again"; formed in response to the oil Tanker Prestige oil spill); Socialist General Union of Workers or UGT and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union or USO; Trade Union Confederation of Workers' Commissions or CC.OO.

other: business and landowning interests; Catholic Church; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977); university students

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BCIE, BIS, CE, CERN, 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, MONUC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge DEZCALLAR de Mazarredo

chancery: 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone: [1] (202) 452-0100, 728-2340

FAX: [1] (202) 833-5670

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Arnold A. CHACON

embassy: Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address: PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone: [34] (91) 587-2200

FAX: [34] (91) 587-2303

consulate(s) general: Barcelona

Flag description:

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms is quartered to display the emblems of the traditional kingdoms of Spain (clockwise from upper left, Castile, Leon, Navarre, and Aragon) while Granada is represented by the stylized pomegranate at the bottom of the shield; the arms are framed by two columns representing the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar; the red scroll across the two columns bears the imperial motto of "Plus Ultra" (further beyond) referring to Spanish lands beyond Europe

Economy ::Spain

Economy - overview:

The Spanish economy grew every year from 1994 through 2008 before entering a recession that started in the third quarter of 2008. Spain's mixed capitalist economy supports a GDP that on a per capita basis is approaching that of the largest West European economies. The Socialist president, Jose Luis Rodriguez ZAPATERO, in office since 2004, has made mixed progress in carrying out key structural reforms. The economy was greatly affected, especially after Zapatero's second term began in April 2008, by the bursting of the housing bubble and construction boom that had fueled much of the economic growth between 2001 and 2007. The global financial crisis exacerbated the economic downturn. GDP growth in 2008 was 1.2%, well below the 3% or higher growth the country enjoyed from 1997 through 2007. The Spanish banking system is considered solid, thanks in part to conservative oversight by the European Central Bank, and government intervention to rescue banks on the scale seen elsewhere in Europe in 2008 was not necessary. After considerable success since the mid-1990s in reducing unemployment to a 2007 low of 8%, Spain suffered a major spike in unemployment in the last few months of 2008, finishing the year with an unemployment rate over 13%.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.402 trillion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 13 $1.39 trillion (2007 est.)

$1.341 trillion (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.602 trillion (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.9% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180 3.6% (2007 est.)

4% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$34,600 (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $34,400 (2007 est.)

$33,200 (2006 est.)

note: data are in 2008 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.4%

industry: 29%

services: 67.6% (2008 est.)

Labor force:

22.85 million (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 26.4%

services: 69.5% (2008 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 133 8.3% (2007 est.)

Population below poverty line:

19.8% (2005)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.6%

highest 10%: 26.6% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32 (2005) country comparison to the world: 102 32.5 (1990)

Investment (gross fixed):

29.4% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Budget:

revenues: $598.1 billion

expenditures: $659.1 billion (2008 est.)

Public debt:

40.7% of GDP (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 52 53.2% of GDP (2004 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68 2.8% (2007 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 102 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:

11.02% (31 December 2008)

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

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The 2009 CIA World Factbook (part 11 of 25)