The 2010 CIA World Factbook (part 6 of 25)

Fiji, endowed with forest, mineral, and fish resources, is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies though still with a large subsistence sector. Sugar exports, remittances from Fijians working abroad, and a growing tourist industry - with 400,000 to 500,000 tourists annually - are the major sources of foreign exchange. Fiji's sugar has special access to European Union markets but will be harmed by the EU's decision to cut sugar subsidies. Sugar processing makes up one-third of industrial activity but is not efficient. Fiji's tourism industry was damaged by the December 2006 coup and is facing an uncertain recovery time. In 2007 tourist arrivals were down almost 6%, with substantial job losses in the service sector, and GDP dipped. The coup has created a difficult business climate. The EU has suspended all aid until the interim government takes steps toward new elections. Long-term problems include low investment, uncertain land ownership rights, and the government's inability to manage its budget. Overseas remittances from Fijians working in Kuwait and Iraq have decreased significantly. Fiji's current account deficit reached 23% of GDP in 2006.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.792 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $3.725 billion (2009 est.)

$3.821 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.154 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 -2.5% (2009 est.)

-0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 $4,300 (2009 est.)

$4,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 8.9%

industry: 13.5%

services: 77.6% (2004 est.)

Labor force:

335,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 161

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 70%

industry and services: 30% (2001 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.6% (1999) country comparison to the world: 81

Population below poverty line:

25.5% (FY90/91)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (2007) country comparison to the world: 138

Central bank discount rate:

3% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 70 6.32% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

7.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 7.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$748 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 147 $1.042 billion (31 December 2007)

Stock of broad money:

$NA (31 December 2009)

$1.76 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$NA (31 December 2008)

$1.799 billion (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 104 $568.2 million (31 December 2008)

$522.2 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, coconuts, cassava (tapioca), rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; cattle, pigs, horses, goats; fish

Industries:

tourism, sugar, clothing, copra, gold, silver, lumber, small cottage industries

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

928 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Electricity - consumption:

863 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Oil - consumption:

11,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Oil - exports:

2,455 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

Oil - imports:

20,340 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Current account balance:

-$507 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

Exports:

$1.202 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 147

Exports - commodities:

sugar, garments, gold, timber, fish, molasses, coconut oil

Exports - partners:

US 15.21%, Australia 12.11%, UK 11.23%, Samoa 5.39%, Tonga 4.74%, Japan 4.44% (2009)

Imports:

$3.12 billion (2006) country comparison to the world: 137

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products, food, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Singapore 27.27%, Australia 19.36%, NZ 15.15%, China 6.92%, India 5.23%, Thailand 4.25% (2009)

Debt - external:

$127 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Fijian dollars (FJD) per US dollar - NA (2007), 1.7313 (2006), 1.691 (2005), 1.7331 (2004), 1.8958 (2003)

Communications ::Fiji

Telephones - main lines in use:

136,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 135

Telephones - mobile cellular:

640,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 156

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities; regional radio communications center

domestic: telephone or radio telephone links to almost all inhabited islands; most towns and large villages have automatic telephone exchanges and direct dialing; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity is about 80 per 100 persons

international: country code - 679; access to important cable links between US and Canada as well as between NZ and Australia; satellite earth stations - 2 Inmarsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

Fiji TV, a publicly-traded company, operates a free-to-air channel as well as the Sky Fiji and Sky Pacific multi-channel pay-TV services; state-owned commercial company, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Ltd, operates 6 radio stations - 2 public broadcasters and 4 commercial broadcasters with multiple repeaters; 5 radio stations with repeaters operated by Communications Fiji, Ltd; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2009)

Internet country code:

.fj

Internet hosts:

17,088 (2010) country comparison to the world: 113

Internet users:

114,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 157

Transportation ::Fiji

Airports:

28 (2010) country comparison to the world: 118

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 24

914 to 1,523 m: 5

under 914 m: 19 (2010)

Railways:

total: 597 km country comparison to the world: 110 narrow gauge: 597 km 0.600-m gauge

note: belongs to the government-owned Fiji Sugar Corporation; used to haul sugarcane during the harvest season, which runs from May to December (2008)

Roadways:

total: 3,440 km country comparison to the world: 162 paved: 1,692 km

unpaved: 1,748 km (2000)

Waterways:

203 km country comparison to the world: 98 note: 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 10 country comparison to the world: 112 by type: passenger 4, passenger/cargo 4, roll on/roll off 2

foreign-owned: 2 (Australia 2) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Lautoka, Levuka, Suva

Military ::Fiji

Military branches:

Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF): Land Forces, Naval Forces (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 248,020

females age 16-49: 243,468 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 195,414

females age 16-49: 206,386 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 9,131

female: 8,776 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 80

Transnational Issues ::Fiji

Disputes - international:

none

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Fiji is a source country for children trafficked for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation and a destination country for a small number of women from China and India trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Fiji does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so; the government has demonstrated no action to investigate or prosecute traffickers, assist victims, take steps to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts, or support any anti-trafficking information or education campaigns; Fiji has not ratified the 2000 UN TIP Protocol (2009)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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@Finland (Europe)

Introduction ::Finland

Background:

Finland was a province and then a grand duchy under Sweden from the 12th to the 19th centuries, and an autonomous grand duchy of Russia after 1809. It won its complete independence in 1917. During World War II, it was able to successfully defend its freedom and resist invasions by the Soviet Union - albeit with some loss of territory. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe. A member of the European Union since 1995, Finland was the only Nordic state to join the euro system at its initiation in January 1999. In the 21st century, the key features of Finland's modern welfare state are a high standard of education, equality promotion, and national social security system; currently challenged by an aging population and the fluctuations of an export-driven economy.

Geography ::Finland

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland, between Sweden and Russia

Geographic coordinates:

64 00 N, 26 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 338,145 sq km country comparison to the world: 64 land: 303,815 sq km

water: 34,330 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 2,654 km

border countries: Norway 727 km, Sweden 614 km, Russia 1,313 km

Coastline:

1,250 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm (in the Gulf of Finland - 3 nm)

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm; extends to continental shelf boundary with Sweden

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

Climate:

cold temperate; potentially subarctic but comparatively mild because of moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and more than 60,000 lakes

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m

highest point: Haltiatunturi 1,328 m

Natural resources:

timber, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, nickel, gold, silver, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 6.54%

permanent crops: 0.02%

other: 93.44% (2005)

Irrigated land:

640 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

110 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.33 cu km/yr (14%/84%/3%)

per capita: 444 cu m/yr (1999)

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain; water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals; habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic 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: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on European continent; population concentrated on small southwestern coastal plain

People ::Finland

Population:

5,255,068 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.4% (male 438,425/female 422,777)

15-64 years: 66.8% (male 1,773,495/female 1,732,792)

65 years and over: 16.8% (male 357,811/female 524,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.3 years

male: 40.7 years

female: 44 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.084% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187

Birth rate:

10.37 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Death rate:

10.15 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Net migration rate:

0.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

Urbanization:

urban population: 63% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.45 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 213 male: 3.75 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.13 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.13 years country comparison to the world: 39 male: 75.64 years

female: 82.76 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,400 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 136

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 146

Nationality:

noun: Finn(s)

adjective: Finnish

Ethnic groups:

Finn 93.4%, Swede 5.6%, Russian 0.5%, Estonian 0.3%, Roma (Gypsy) 0.1%, Sami 0.1% (2006)

Religions:

Lutheran Church of Finland 82.5%, Orthodox Church 1.1%, other Christian 1.1%, other 0.1%, none 15.1% (2006)

Languages:

Finnish 91.2% (official), Swedish 5.5% (official), other 3.3% (small Sami- and Russian-speaking minorities) (2007)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 18 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 51

Government ::Finland

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Finland

conventional short form: Finland

local long form: Suomen tasavalta/Republiken Finland

local short form: Suomi/Finland

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 60 10 N, 24 56 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

20 regions (maakunnat, singular - maakunta (Finnish); landskapen, singular - landskapet (Swedish)); Aland (Swedish), Ahvenanmaa (Finnish); Etela-Karjala (Finnish), Sodra Karelen (Swedish) [South Karelia]; Etela-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Sodra Osterbotten (Swedish) [South Ostrobothnia]; Etela-Savo (Finnish), Sodra Savolax (Swedish) [South Savo]; Kanta-Hame (Finnish), Egentliga Tavastland (Swedish); Ita-Uusimaa (Finnish), Ostra Nyland (Swedish) [East Newland]; Kainuu (Finnish), Kajanaland (Swedish); Keski-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Mellersta Osterbotten (Swedish) [Central Ostrobothnia]; Keski-Suomi (Finnish), Mellersta Finland (Swedish) [Central Finland]; Kymenlaakso (Finnish), Kymmenedalen (Swedish); Lappi (Finnish), Lappland (Swedish); Paijat-Hame (Finnish), Paijanne-Tavastland (Swedish); Pirkanmaa (Finnish), Birkaland (Swedish) [Tampere]; Osterbotten (Swedish), Pohjanmaa (Finnish) [Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Karjala (Finnish), Norra Karelen (Swedish) [North Karelia]; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Finnish), Norra Osterbotten (Swedish) [North Ostrobothnia]; Pohjois-Savo (Finnish), Norra Savolax (Swedish) [North Savo]; Satakunta (Finnish and Swedish); Uusimaa (Finnish), Nyland (Swedish) [Newland]; Varsinais-Suomi (Finnish), Egentliga Finland (Swedish) [Southwest Finland]

Independence:

6 December 1917 (from Russia)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Constitution:

1 March 2000

Legal system:

civil law system based on Swedish law; the president may request the Supreme Court to review laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Tarja HALONEN (since 1 March 2000)

head of government: Prime Minister Mari KIVINIEMI (since 22 June 2010); Deputy Prime Minister Jyrki KATAINEN (since 19 April 2007)

cabinet: Council of State or Valtioneuvosto appointed by the president, responsible to parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 15 January 2006 (next to be held in January 2012); the president appoints the prime minister and deputy prime minister from the majority party or the majority coalition after parliamentary elections and the parliament must approve the appointment; Prime Minister VANHANEN reelected on 17 April 2007

election results: percent of vote - Tarja HALONEN (SDP) 46.3%, Sauli NIINISTO (Kok) 24.1%, Matti VANHANEN (Kesk) 18.6%, Heidi HAUTALA (VIHR) 3.5%; a runoff election between HALONEN and NIINISTO was held 29 January 2006 - HALONEN 51.8%, NIINISTO 48.2%; Matti VANHANEN reelected prime minister; election results 121-71

note: government coalition - Kesk, KOK, VIHR, and SFP

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Eduskunta (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 18 March 2007 (next to be held in April 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - Kesk 23.1%, Kok 22.3%, SDP 21.4%, VAS 8.8%, VIHR 8.5%, KD 4.9%, SFP 4.5%, True Finns 4.1%, other 3.4%; seats by party - Kesk 51, Kok 50, SDP 45, VAS 17, VIHR 15, SFP 9, KD 7, True Finns 5, other 1 (the constituency of Aland)

Judicial branch:

general courts - deal with criminal and civil cases (include district courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court or Korkein Oikeus, whose judges are appointed by the president); administrative courts

Political parties and leaders:

Center Party or Kesk [Mari KIVINIEMI]; Christian Democrats or KD [Paivi RASANEN]; Green Party or VIHR [Anni SINNEMAKI]; Left Alliance or VAS [Paavo ARHINMAKI]; National Coalition Party or Kok [Jyrki KATAINEN]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Jutta URPILAINEN]; Swedish People's Party or SFP [Stefan WALLIN]; True Finns [Timo SOINI]

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PFP, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMOGIP, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Pekka LINTU

chancery: 3301 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 298-5800

FAX: [1] (202) 298-6030

consulate(s) general: Los Angeles, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bruce J. ORECK

embassy: Itainen Puistotie 14B, 00140 Helsinki

mailing address: APO AE 09723

telephone: [358] (9) 616250

FAX: [358] (9) 6162 5800

Flag description:

white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); the blue represents the thousands of lakes scattered across the country, while the white is for the snow that covers the land in winter

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Johan Ludvig RUNEBERG/Fredrik PACIUS

note: in use since 1848; although never officially adopted by law, the anthem has been popular since it was first sung by a student group in 1848; Estonia's anthem uses the same melody as that of Finland

Economy ::Finland

Economy - overview:

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy with per capita output roughly that of Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Trade is important with exports accounting for over one third of GDP in recent years. Finland is strongly competitive in manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries. Finland excels in high-tech exports such as mobile phones. Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of raw materials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because of the climate, agricultural development is limited to maintaining self-sufficiency in basic products. Forestry, an important export earner, provides a secondary occupation for the rural population. Finland had been one of the best performing economies within the EU in recent years and its banks and financial markets avoided the worst of global financial crisis. However, the world slowdown hit exports and domestic demand hard in 2009, with Finland experiencing one of the deepest contractions in the euro zone. A recovery of exports stimulated economic growth in 2010, and led to a lowering of unemployment. The recession left a deep mark on general government finances and the debt ratio, turning previously strong budget surpluses into deficits. In the next few years, the great challenge of economic policy will be to implement a post-recession exit strategy in which measures supporting growth will be combined with general government adjustment measures. Longer-term, Finland must address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$185.4 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $181.6 billion (2009 est.)

$197.6 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$232 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -8.1% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34 $34,600 (2009 est.)

$37,700 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 2.6%

industry: 29.1%

services: 68.2% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

2.68 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture and forestry: 4.5%

industry: 18.2%

construction: 7.3%

commerce: 15.9%

finance, insurance, and business services: 14.5%

transport and communications: 6.9%

public services: 32.7% (2008)

Unemployment rate:

7.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 8.2% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 24.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

29.5 (2007) country comparison to the world: 115 25.6 (1991)

Investment (gross fixed):

18.7% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Public debt:

45.4% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 59 40.3% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 21 0% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 114 3% (31 December 2008)

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:

3.51% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 5.79% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$108 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 29 $110.4 billion (31 December 2009 est)

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 circulating within their own borders

Stock of broad money:

$160.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $168.5 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$259.2 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36 $241.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$91.02 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 27 $154.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$369.2 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

barley, wheat, sugar beets, potatoes; dairy cattle; fish

Industries:

metals and metal products, electronics, machinery and scientific instruments, shipbuilding, pulp and paper, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Electricity - production:

77.44 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

Electricity - consumption:

87.25 billion kWh (2008) country comparison to the world: 32

Electricity - exports:

3.335 billion kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

16.11 billion kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

8,718 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - consumption:

206,200 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Oil - exports:

130,500 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Oil - imports:

337,900 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 31

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

NA (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 63

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - imports:

4.289 billion cu m (2009) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Current account balance:

$4.696 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32 $3.444 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$73.53 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $62.69 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

electrical and optical equipment, machinery, transport equipment, paper and pulp, chemicals, basic metals; timber

Exports - partners:

Germany 10.32%, Sweden 9.79%, Russia 9%, US 7.85%, Netherlands 5.9%, UK 5.24%, China 4.1% (2009)

Imports:

$69.11 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $57.68 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, grains

Imports - partners:

Russia 16.28%, Germany 15.76%, Sweden 14.65%, Netherlands 6.99%, China 5.29%, France 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$9.128 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56 $11.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$370.8 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 23 $339.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$87.99 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $85.71 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$122.2 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 24 $118.7 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Finland

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.43 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 65

Telephones - mobile cellular:

7.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 76

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system with excellent service

domestic: digital fiber-optic fixed-line network and an extensive mobile-cellular network provide domestic needs

international: country code - 358; submarine cables provide links to Estonia and Sweden; satellite earth stations - access to Intelsat transmission service via a Swedish satellite earth station, 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Finland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden)

Broadcast media:

a mix of publicly-operated TV stations and privately-owned TV stations; the 2 publicly-owned TV stations recently expanded services and the largest private TV station has introduced several special-interest pay-TV channels; cable and satellite multi-channel subscription services are available; all TV signals have been broadcast digitally since September 2007; analog broadcasts via cable networks were terminated in February 2008; public broadcasting maintains a network of 13 national and 25 regional radio stations; a large number of private radio broadcasters (2008)

Internet country code:

.fi; note - Aland Islands assigned .ax

Internet hosts:

4.394 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Internet users:

4.393 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 55

Transportation ::Finland

Airports:

148 (2010) country comparison to the world: 37

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 75

over 3,047 m: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 26

1,524 to 2,437 m: 10

914 to 1,523 m: 22

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 73

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 70 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 694 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 5,794 km country comparison to the world: 31 broad gauge: 5,794 km 1.524-m gauge (3,047 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 78,141 km country comparison to the world: 62 paved: 50,914 km (includes 739 km of expressways)

unpaved: 27,227 km (2009)

Waterways:

7,842 km (includes Saimaa Canal system of 3,577 km; southern part leased from Russia; water transport is used frequently in the summer and is widely replaced with sledges on the ice in winter; there are 187,888 lakes in Finland that cover 31,500 km) (2010) country comparison to the world: 18

Merchant marine:

total: 93 country comparison to the world: 53 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 26, carrier 1, chemical tanker 6, container 3, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 16, petroleum tanker 5, roll on/roll off 28, vehicle carrier 3

foreign-owned: 6 (Cyprus 1, Estonia 2, Iceland 1, Norway 2)

registered in other countries: 52 (Bahamas 8, Germany 5, Gibraltar 2, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Netherlands 14, Norway 1, Panama 2, Sweden 16) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Helsinki, Kotka, Naantali, Porvoo, Raahe, Rauma

Military ::Finland

Military branches:

Finnish Defense Forces (FDF): Army, Navy (includes Coastal Defense Forces), Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) (2007)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male voluntary and compulsory - and female voluntary - national military and nonmilitary service; service obligation 6-12 months; mandatory retirement at age 60 (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,160,812

females age 16-49: 1,111,743 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 958,949

females age 16-49: 916,818 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 33,297

female: 32,233 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Transnational Issues ::Finland

Disputes - international:

various groups in Finland advocate restoration of Karelia and other areas ceded to the Soviet Union, but the Finnish Government asserts no territorial demands

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@France (Europe)

Introduction ::France

Background:

Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed a hybrid presidential-parliamentary governing system resistant to the instabilities experienced in earlier more purely parliamentary administrations. In recent years, its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany have proved central to the economic integration of Europe, including the introduction of a common exchange currency, the euro, in January 1999.

Geography ::France

Location:

metropolitan France: Western Europe, bordering the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Spain

French Guiana: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Brazil and Suriname

Guadeloupe: Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Puerto Rico

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

Reunion: Southern Africa, island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar

Geographic coordinates:

metropolitan France: 46 00 N, 2 00 E

French Guiana: 4 00 N, 53 00 W

Guadeloupe: 16 15 N, 61 35 W

Martinique: 14 40 N, 61 00 W

Reunion: 21 06 S, 55 36 E

Map references:

metropolitan France: Europe

French Guiana: South America

Guadeloupe: Central America and the Caribbean

Martinique: Central America and the Caribbean

Reunion: World

Area:

total: 643,427 sq km; 551,500 sq km (metropolitan France) country comparison to the world: 42 land: 640,053 sq km; 549,970 sq km (metropolitan France)

water: 3,374 sq km; 1,530 sq km (metropolitan France)

note: the first numbers include the overseas regions of French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion

Area - comparative:

slightly less than the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

metropolitan France - total: 2,889 km

border countries: Andorra 56.6 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488 km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km

French Guiana - total: 1,183 km

border countries: Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

Coastline:

total: 4,668 km

metropolitan France: 3,427 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm (does not apply to the Mediterranean)

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

Climate:

metropolitan France: generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean; occasional strong, cold, dry, north-to-northwesterly wind known as mistral

French Guiana: tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation

Guadeloupe and Martinique: subtropical tempered by trade winds; moderately high humidity; rainy season (June to October); vulnerable to devastating cyclones (hurricanes) every eight years on average

Reunion: tropical, but temperature moderates with elevation; cool and dry (May to November), hot and rainy (November to April)

Terrain:

metropolitan France: mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

French Guiana: low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

Guadeloupe: Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grande-Terre is low limestone formation; most of the seven other islands are volcanic in origin

Martinique: mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Reunion: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Rhone River delta -2 m

highest point: Mont Blanc 4,807 m

note: in order to assess the possible effects of climate change on the ice and snow cap of Mont Blanc, its surface and peak have been extensively and periodically measured in recent years; these new peak measurements have exceeded the traditional height of 4,807 m and have varied between 4,808 m and 4,811 m; the actual rock summit is 4,792 m and is 40 m away from the ice-covered summit

Natural resources:

metropolitan France: coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, uranium, antimony, arsenic, potash, feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, fish

French Guiana: gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, clay

Land use:

arable land: 33.46%

permanent crops: 2.03%

other: 64.51%

note: French Guiana - arable land 0.13%, permanent crops 0.04%, other 99.83% (90% forest, 10% other); Guadeloupe - arable land 11.70%, permanent crops 2.92%, other 85.38%; Martinique - arable land 9.09%, permanent crops 10.0%, other 80.91%; Reunion - arable land 13.94%, permanent crops 1.59%, other 84.47% (2005)

Irrigated land:

total: 26,190 sq km;

metropolitan France: 26,000 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

189 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 33.16 cu km/yr (16%/74%/10%)

per capita: 548 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

metropolitan France: flooding; avalanches; midwinter windstorms; drought; forest fires in south near the Mediterranean

overseas departments: hurricanes (cyclones); flooding; volcanic activity (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

Environment - current issues:

some forest damage from acid rain; air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Seals, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, 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: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

largest West European nation

People ::France

Population:

64,768,389 country comparison to the world: 21 note: the above figure is for metropolitan France and its four overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 18.6% (male 6,129,729/female 5,838,925)

15-64 years: 65% (male 20,963,124/female 20,929,280)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 4,403,248/female 6,155,767) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 39.7 years

male: 38.2 years

female: 41.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.525% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Birth rate:

12.43 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160

Death rate:

8.65 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Net migration rate:

1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Urbanization:

urban population: 77% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.8% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.051 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: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.31 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 215 male: 3.63 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.98 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 81.09 years country comparison to the world: 12 male: 77.91 years

female: 84.44 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 131

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.4% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

140,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,600 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

Nationality:

noun: Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective: French

Ethnic groups:

Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, Basque minorities

overseas departments: black, white, mulatto, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%-88%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim 5%-10%, unaffiliated 4%

overseas departments: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, pagan

Languages:

French (official) 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal, Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

overseas departments: French, Creole patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

5.6% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 42

Government ::France

Country name:

conventional long form: French Republic

conventional short form: France

local long form: Republique francaise

local short form: France

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 48 52 N, 2 20 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

note: applies to metropolitan France only, not to its overseas departments, collectivities, or territories

Administrative divisions:

26 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne, Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy), Bourgogne (Burgundy), Bretagne (Brittany), Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse (Corsica), Franche-Comte, Guadeloupe, Guyane (French Guiana), Haute-Normandie (Upper Normandy), Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin, Lorraine, Martinique, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire, Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Reunion, Rhone-Alpes

note: France is divided into 22 metropolitan regions (including the "territorial collectivity" of Corse or Corsica) and 4 overseas regions (including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Reunion) and is subdivided into 96 metropolitan departments and 4 overseas departments (which are the same as the overseas regions)

Dependent areas:

Clipperton Island, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Wallis and Futuna

note: the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica; New Caledonia has been considered a "sui generis" collectivity of France since 1998, a unique status falling between that of an independent country and a French overseas department

Independence:

no official date of independence: 486 (Frankish tribes unified under Merovingian kingship); 10 August 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 14 July 1789 (French monarchy overthrown); 22 September 1792 (First French Republic founded); 4 October 1958 (Fifth French Republic established)

National holiday:

Fete de la Federation, 14 July (1790); note - although often incorrectly referred to as Bastille Day, the celebration actually commemorates the holiday held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille (on 14 July 1789) and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy; other names for the holiday are Fete Nationale (National Holiday) and quatorze juillet (14th of July)

Constitution:

adopted by referendum 28 September 1958; effective 4 October 1958; amended many times

note: amended concerning election of president in 1962; amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1997 Amsterdam Treaty, 2003 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in 1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to a five-year term; amended in 2005 to make the EU constitutional treaty compatible with the Constitution of France and to ensure that the decision to ratify EU accession treaties would be made by referendum

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007)

head of government: Prime Minister Francois FILLON (since 17 May 2007)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president at the suggestion of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held on 22 April and 6 May 2007 (next to be held in the spring of 2012); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: Nicolas SARKOZY elected; first round: percent of vote - Nicolas SARKOZY 31.2%, Segolene ROYAL 25.9%, Francois BAYROU 18.6%, Jean-Marie LE PEN 10.4%, others 13.9%; second round: SARKOZY 53.1%, ROYAL 46.9%

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament or Parlement consists of the Senate or Senat (343 seats; 321 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms; one third elected every three years); note - between 2006 and 2011, 15 new seats will be added to the Senate for a total of 348 seats - 326 for metropolitan France and overseas departments, 2 for New Caledonia, 2 for Mayotte, 1 for Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, 1 for Saint-Barthelemy, 1 for Saint-Martin, 3 for overseas territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad; starting in 2008, members will be indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms with one-half elected every three years; and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (577 seats; 555 for metropolitan France, 15 for overseas departments, 7 for dependencies; members elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); National Assembly - last held on 10 and 17 June 2007 (next to be held in June 2012)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 151, PS 102, PCF 22, MoDem 11, NC 11, Greens 5, PG 2, other 39; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - UMP 46.4%, PS 42.2%, miscellaneous left wing parties 2.5%, PCF 2.3%, NC 2.1%, PRG 1.6%, miscellaneous right wing parties 1.2%, the Greens 0.4%, other 1.2%; seats by party - UMP 313, PS 186, NC 22, miscellaneous left wing parties 15, PCF 16, miscellaneous right wing parties 9, PRG 7, the Greens 3, other 6

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Appeals or Cour de Cassation (judges are appointed by the president from nominations of the High Council of the Judiciary); Constitutional Council or Conseil Constitutionnel (three members appointed by the president, three appointed by the president of the National Assembly, and three appointed by the president of the Senate); Council of State or Conseil d'Etat

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Movement or MoDem [Francois BAYROU] (previously Union for French Democracy or UDF); French Communist Party or PCF [Pierre LAURENT]; Greens [Cecile DUFLOT]; Left Party or PG [Jean-Luc MELENCHON]; Left Radical Party or PRG [Jean-Michel BAYLET] (previously Radical Socialist Party or PRS and the Left Radical Movement or MRG); Movement for France or MPF [Philippe DE VILLIERS]; National Front or FN [Jean-Marie LE PEN]; New Anticapitalist Party or NPA [Olivier BESANCENOT]; New Center or NC [Herve MORIN]; Radical Party [Jean-Louis BORLOO]; Rally for France or RPF [Charles PASQUA]; Republican and Citizen Movement or MRC [Jean Pierre CHEVENEMENT]; Socialist Party or PS [Martine AUBRY]; Union for a Popular Movement or UMP [Jean-Francois COPE]; Worker's Struggle or LO [Nathalie ARTHAUD]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Confederation francaise democratique du travail or CFDT, left-leaning labor union with approximately 803,000 members; Confederation francaise de l'encadrement - Confederation generale des cadres or CFE-CGC, independent white-collar union with 196,000 members; Confederation francaise des travailleurs chretiens of CFTC, independent labor union founded by Catholic workers that claims 132,000 members; Confederation generale du travail or CGT, historically communist labor union with approximately 700,000 members; Confederation generale du travail - Force ouvriere or FO, independent labor union with an estimated 300,000 members; Mouvement des entreprises de France or MEDEF, employers' union with 750,000 companies as members (claimed)

French Guiana: conservationists; gold mining pressure groups; hunting pressure groups

Guadeloupe: Christian Movement for the Liberation of Guadeloupe or KLPG; General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers or CGT-G; General Union of Guadeloupe Workers or UGTG; Movement for an Independent Guadeloupe or MPGI; The Socialist Renewal Movement

Martinique: Caribbean Revolutionary Alliance or ARC; Central Union for Martinique Workers or CSTM; Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants; Proletarian Action Group or GAP

Reunion: NA

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS (observer), CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, FZ, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, InOC, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, PIF (partner), Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SPC, UN, UN Security Council, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNRWA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant)

chancery: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 944-6000

FAX: [1] (202) 944-6166

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. RIVKIN

embassy: 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08

mailing address: PSC 116, APO AE 09777

telephone: [33] (1) 43-12-22-22

FAX: [33] (1) 42 66 97 83

consulate(s) general: Marseille, Strasbourg

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as the "Le drapeau tricolore" (French Tricolor), the origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution when the "ancient French color" of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Parisian militia; the official flag for all French dependent areas

note: the design and/or colors are similar to a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Netherlands

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Claude-Joseph ROUGET de Lisle

note: adopted 1795, restored 1870; originally known as "Chant de Guerre pour l'Armee du Rhin" (War Song for the Army of the Rhine), the National Guard of Marseille made the song famous by singing it while marching into Paris in 1792 during the French Revolutionary Wars

Economy ::France

Economy - overview:

France is in the midst of transition from a well-to-do modern economy that has featured extensive government ownership and intervention to one that relies more on market mechanisms. The government has partially or fully privatized many large companies, banks, and insurers, and has ceded stakes in such leading firms as Air France, France Telecom, Renault, and Thales. It maintains a strong presence in some sectors, particularly power, public transport, and defense industries. With at least 75 million foreign tourists per year, France is the most visited country in the world and maintains the third largest income in the world from tourism. France's leaders remain committed to a capitalism in which they maintain social equity by means of laws, tax policies, and social spending that reduce income disparity and the impact of free markets on public health and welfare. France has weathered the global economic crisis better than most other big EU economies because of the relative resilience of domestic consumer spending, a large public sector, and less exposure to the downturn in global demand than in some other countries. Nonetheless, France's real GDP contracted 2.5% in 2009, but recovered somewhat in 2010, while the unemployment rate increased from 7.4% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2010. The government pursuit of aggressive stimulus and investment measures in response to the economic crisis, however, are contributing to a deterioration of France's public finances. The government budget deficit rose sharply from 3.4% of GDP in 2008 to 7.8% of GDP in 2010, while France's public debt rose from 68% of GDP to 84% over the same period. Paris is terminating stimulus measures, eliminating tax credits, and freezing most government spending to bring the budget deficit under the 3% euro-zone ceiling by 2013, and to highlight France's commitment to fiscal discipline at a time of intense financial market scrutiny of euro zone debt levels. President SARKOZY - who secured passage of pension reform in 2010 - is expected to seek passage of some tax reforms in 2011, but he may delay additional, more costly, reforms until after the 2012 election.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.16 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10 $2.126 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.18 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.555 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 165 -2.5% (2009 est.)

0.1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$33,300 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40 $33,000 (2009 est.)

$34,000 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 1.8%

industry: 19.2%

services: 79% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

28.21 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 3.8%

industry: 24.3%

services: 71.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

9.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 9.1% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

6.2% (2004)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3%

highest 10%: 24.8% (2004)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

32.7 (2008) country comparison to the world: 98 32.7 (1995)

Investment (gross fixed):

19.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Public debt:

83.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 77.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 0.1% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 116 3% (31 December 2008)

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:

7.46% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 116 8.13% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$858.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 8 $862.3 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.292 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 8 $2.306 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$4.319 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 7 $4.121 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.972 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.492 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.771 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; beef, dairy products; fish

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics; textiles, food processing; tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

3.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Electricity - production:

535.7 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - consumption:

447.2 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Electricity - exports:

58.69 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

10.68 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

70,820 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - consumption:

1.875 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

Oil - exports:

597,800 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 24

Oil - imports:

2.386 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 9

Oil - proved reserves:

101.2 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67

Natural gas - production:

877 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Natural gas - consumption:

44.84 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 18

Natural gas - exports:

1.931 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Natural gas - imports:

45.85 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - proved reserves:

7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Current account balance:

-$53.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 187 -$51.86 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$508.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $473.9 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, aircraft, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, iron and steel, beverages

Exports - partners:

Germany 15.88%, Italy 8.16%, Spain 7.8%, Belgium 7.44%, UK 7.04%, US 5.65%, Netherlands 3.99% (2009)

Imports:

$577.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $535.8 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, vehicles, crude oil, aircraft, plastics, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 19.41%, Belgium 11.61%, Italy 7.97%, Netherlands 7.15%, Spain 6.68%, UK 4.9%, US 4.72%, China 4.44% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$133.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.698 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 5 $4.935 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.207 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.151 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.837 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 2 $1.711 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::France

Telephones - main lines in use:

36.431 million; 35.5 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 7

Telephones - mobile cellular:

60.95 million; 59.543 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 18

Telephone system:

general assessment: highly developed

domestic: extensive cable and microwave radio relay; extensive use of fiber-optic cable; domestic satellite system

international: country code - 33; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and US; satellite earth stations - more than 3 (2 Intelsat (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for Indian Ocean and 3 for Atlantic Ocean), NA Eutelsat, 1 Inmarsat - Atlantic Ocean region); HF radiotelephone communications with more than 20 countries

overseas departments: country codes: French Guiana - 594; Guadeloupe - 590; Martinique - 596; Reunion - 262

Broadcast media:

a mix of both publicly-operated and privately-owned TV stations; state-owned France Televisions operates 4 networks, one of which is a network of regional stations, and has part-interest in several thematic cable/satellite channels and international channels; a large number of privately-owned regional and local TV stations; multi-channel satellite and cable services provide a large number of channels; public broadcaster Radio France operates 7 national networks, a series of regional networks, and operates services for overseas territories and foreign audiences; Radio France Internationale (RFI), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a leading international broadcaster; a large number of commercial FM stations, with many of them consolidating into commercial networks (2008)

Internet country code:

metropolitan France - .fr; French Guiana - .gf; Guadeloupe - .gp; Martinique - .mq; Reunion - .re

Internet hosts:

15.182 million; 15.161 million (metropolitan France) (2010) country comparison to the world: 7

Internet users:

45.262 million; 44.625 million (metropolitan France) (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Transportation ::France

Airports:

474 (2010) country comparison to the world: 16

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 297

over 3,047 m: 14

2,438 to 3,047 m: 27

1,524 to 2,437 m: 97

914 to 1,523 m: 83

under 914 m: 76 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 177

914 to 1,523 m: 69

under 914 m: 108 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 14,688 km; oil 2,943 km; refined products 5,080 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 29,213 km country comparison to the world: 9 standard gauge: 29,046 km 1.435-m gauge (15,164 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 167 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 1,027,183 km (metropolitan France; includes 10,958 km of expressways) country comparison to the world: 7 note: there are another 5,100 km of roadways in overseas departments (2007)

Waterways:

metropolitan France: 8,501 km (1,621 km accessible to craft of 3,000 metric tons) country comparison to the world: 16 French Guiana: 3,760 km (460 km navigable by small oceangoing vessels and coastal and river steamers, 3,300 km by native craft) (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 167 country comparison to the world: 38 by type: bulk carrier 2, cargo 8, chemical tanker 36, container 25, liquefied gas 12, passenger 11, passenger/cargo 44, petroleum tanker 17, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 11

foreign-owned: 57 (Belgium 7, China 5, Denmark 12, French Polynesia 12, Germany 1, New Caledonia 3, Norway 1, NZ 1, Singapore 3, Spain 1, Sweden 6, Switzerland 5)

registered in other countries: 146 (Bahamas 19, Belgium 5, Bermuda 1, Canada 1, Cyprus 16, Egypt 1, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 1, Italy 2, Luxembourg 16, Malta 13, Morocco 4, Netherlands 2, Norway 4, Panama 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 3, South Korea 1, Taiwan 1, UK 33, US 4, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Calais, Dunkerque, Le Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Paris, Rouen

Military ::France

Military branches:

Army (Armee de Terre; includes Marines, Foreign Legion, Army Light Aviation), Navy (Marine Nationale, includes Naval Air, Maritime Gendarmerie (Coast Guard)), Air Force (Armee de l'Air (AdlA), includes Air Defense), National Gendarmerie (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

17-40 years of age for male or female voluntary military service (with parental consent); no conscription; 12-month service obligation; women serve in noncombat military posts (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 14,591,656

females age 16-49: 14,285,551 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,053,912

females age 16-49: 11,763,951 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 389,956

female: 372,312 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

2.6% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Transnational Issues ::France

Disputes - international:

Madagascar claims the French territories of Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, and Juan de Nova Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims Tromelin Island; territorial dispute between Suriname and the French overseas department of French Guiana; France asserts a territorial claim in Antarctica (Adelie Land); France and Vanuatu claim Matthew and Hunter Islands, east of New Caledonia

Illicit drugs:

metropolitan France: transshipment point for South American cocaine, Southwest Asian heroin, and European synthetics

French Guiana: small amount of marijuana grown for local consumption; minor transshipment point to Europe

Martinique: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@French Polynesia (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::French Polynesia

Background:

The French annexed various Polynesian island groups during the 19th century. In September 1995, France stirred up widespread protests by resuming nuclear testing on the Mururoa atoll after a three-year moratorium. The tests were suspended in January 1996. In recent years, French Polynesia's autonomy has been considerably expanded.

Geography ::French Polynesia

Location:

Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean about half way between South America and Australia

Geographic coordinates:

15 00 S, 140 00 W

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 4,167 sq km (118 islands and atolls) country comparison to the world: 174 land: 3,827 sq km

water: 340 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,525 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical, but moderate

Terrain:

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Orohena 2,241 m

Natural resources:

timber, fish, cobalt, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 0.75%

permanent crops: 5.5%

other: 93.75% (2005)

Irrigated land:

10 sq km (2003)

Natural hazards:

occasional cyclonic storms in January

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

includes five archipelagoes (four volcanic, one coral); Makatea in French Polynesia is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Nauru

People ::French Polynesia

Population:

291,000 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Age structure:

0-14 years: 24.3% (male 35,631/female 34,097)

15-64 years: 68.9% (male 102,537/female 95,317)

65 years and over: 6.8% (male 9,821/female 9,629) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.5 years

male: 29.8 years

female: 29.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.355% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Birth rate:

15.67 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

Death rate:

4.8 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Net migration rate:

2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 30

Urbanization:

urban population: 52% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.02 male(s)/female

total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 7.41 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 165 male: 8.51 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 6.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.91 years country comparison to the world: 64 male: 74.44 years

female: 79.5 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: French Polynesian(s)

adjective: French Polynesian

Ethnic groups:

Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%

Religions:

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%

Languages:

French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%, unspecified 6% (2002 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 14 and over can read and write

total population: 98%

male: 98%

female: 98% (1977 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::French Polynesia

Country name:

conventional long form: Overseas Lands of French Polynesia

conventional short form: French Polynesia

local long form: Pays d'outre-mer de la Polynesie Francaise

local short form: Polynesie Francaise

former: French Colony of Oceania

Dependency status:

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

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 17 32 S, 149 34 W

time difference: UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas lands of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five archipelagic divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des Tubuai, Iles du Vent, Iles Sous-le-Vent

Independence:

none (overseas lands of France)

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 High Commissioner of the Republic Adolphe COLRAT (since 7 July 2008); note - will be replaced in 2011 by Richard DIDIER

head of government: President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong SANG (since 24 November 2009); President of the Territorial Assembly Oscar TEMARU (since 10 April 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president submits a list of members of the Territorial Assembly for approval by them to serve as ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: French president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; high commissioner appointed by the French president on the advice of the French Ministry of Interior; president of the territorial government and the president of the Territorial Assembly elected by the members of the assembly for five-year terms (no term limits)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly or Assemblee Territoriale (57 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 27 January 2008 (first round) and 10 February 2008 (second round) (next to be held in 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - Our Home alliance 45.2%, Union for Democracy alliance 37.2%, Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira) 17.2% other 0.5%; seats by party - Our Home alliance 27, Union for Democracy alliance 20, Popular Rally 10

note: two seats were elected to the French Senate on 21 September 2008 (next to be held in September 2014); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 1, independent 1; two seats were elected to the French National Assembly on 10-17 June 2007 (next to be held in 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - UMP 2

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for a New Democracy or ADN(includes the parties The New Star and This Country is Yours); New Fatherland Party (Ai'a Api); Our Home alliance; People's Servant Party (Tavini Huiraatira); Popular Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira); Union for Democracy alliance or UPD

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ITUC, PIF (associate member), SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas lands of France)

Flag description:

two red horizontal bands encase a wide white band in a 1:2:1 ratio; centered on the white band is a disk with a blue and white wave pattern depicting the sea on the lower half and a gold and white ray pattern depicting the sun on the upper half; a stylized red, blue, and white ship rides on the wave pattern; the ship has a crew of five represented by five stars that symbolize the five island groups; red and white are traditional Polynesian colors

note: similar to the red-white-red flag of Tahiti, the largest of the islands in French Polynesia, which has no emblem in the white band; the flag of France is used for official occasions

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Maeva BOUGES, Irmine TEHEI, Angele TEROROTUA, Johanna NOUVEAU, Patrick AMARU, Louis MAMATUI and Jean-Pierre CELESTIN

note: adopted 1993; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Government - note:

under certain acts of France, French Polynesia has acquired autonomy in all areas except those relating to police and justice, monetary policy, tertiary education, immigration, and defense and foreign affairs; the duties of its president are fashioned after those of the French prime minister

Economy ::French Polynesia

Economy - overview:

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence agricultural economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. With the halt of French nuclear testing in 1996, the military contribution to the economy fell sharply. Tourism accounts for about one-fourth of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. Other sources of income are pearl farming and deep-sea commercial fishing. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory benefits substantially from development agreements with France aimed principally at creating new businesses and strengthening social services.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$4.718 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 163 $4.58 billion (2003 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$6.1 billion (2004)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 134 5.1% (2002)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$18,000 (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 $17,500 (2003 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3.5%

industry: 20.4%

services: 76.1% (2005)

Labor force:

116,000 (2007) country comparison to the world: 180

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 13%

industry: 19%

services: 68% (2002)

Unemployment rate:

11.7% (2005) country comparison to the world: 125

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.1% (2007) country comparison to the world: 22 1.1% (2006 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

fish; coconuts, vanilla, vegetables, fruits, coffee; poultry, beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts, phosphates

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

650 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Electricity - consumption:

604.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 155

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - consumption:

7,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 159

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

6,701 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 183

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 178

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Exports:

$211 million (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Exports - commodities:

cultured pearls, coconut products, mother-of-pearl, vanilla, shark meat

Imports:

$1.706 billion (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Imports - commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) per US dollar - 87.59 (2007), 94.97 (2006), 95.89 (2005), 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003)

note: pegged at the rate of 119.25 XPF to the euro

Communications ::French Polynesia

Telephones - main lines in use:

54,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephones - mobile cellular:

208,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 171

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: combined fixed and mobile-cellular density is roughly 90 per 100 persons

international: country code - 689; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

the publicly-owned French Overseas Network (RFO), which operates in France's overseas departments and territories, broadcasts on 2 television channels and 1 radio station; a government-owned TV station is operating; a small number of privately-owned radio stations also broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.pf

Internet hosts:

36,056 (2010) country comparison to the world: 95

Internet users:

120,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 154

Transportation ::French Polynesia

Airports:

53 (2010) country comparison to the world: 90

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 46

over 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 4 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 2,590 km country comparison to the world: 169 paved: 1,735 km

unpaved: 855 km (1999)

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 13 (Cambodia 1, France 12) (2010) country comparison to the world: 109

Ports and terminals:

Papeete

Military ::French Polynesia

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 81,794 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 66,451

females age 16-49: 65,306 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 2,592

female: 2,481 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Polynesia

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Antarctica)

Introduction ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Background:

In February 2007, the Iles Eparses became an integral part of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). The Southern Lands are now divided into five administrative districts, two of which are archipelagos, Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen; the third is a district composed of two volcanic islands, Ile Saint-Paul and Ile Amsterdam; the fourth, Iles Eparses, consists of five scattered tropical islands around Madagascar. They contain no permanent inhabitants and are visited only by researchers studying the native fauna, scientists at the various scientific stations, fishermen, and military personnel. The fifth district is the Antarctic portion, which consists of "Adelie Land," a thin slice of the Antarctic continent discovered and claimed by the French in 1840.

Ile Amsterdam: Discovered but not named in 1522 by the Spanish, the island subsequently received the appellation of Nieuw Amsterdam from a Dutchman; it was claimed by France in 1843. A short-lived attempt at cattle farming began in 1871. A French meteorological station established on the island in 1949 is still in use.

Ile Saint Paul: Claimed by France since 1893, the island was a fishing industry center from 1843 to 1914. In 1928, a spiny lobster cannery was established, but when the company went bankrupt in 1931, seven workers were abandoned. Only two survived until 1934 when rescue finally arrived.

Iles Crozet: A large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau, Iles Crozet is divided into two main groups: L'Occidental (the West), which includes Ile aux Cochons, Ilots des Apotres, Ile des Pingouins, and the reefs Brisants de l'Heroine; and L'Oriental (the east), which includes Ile d'Est and Ile de la Possession (the largest island of the Crozets). Discovered and claimed by France in 1772, the islands were used for seal hunting and as a base for whaling. Originally administered as a dependency of Madagascar, they became part of the TAAF in 1955.

Iles Kerguelen: This island group, discovered in 1772, is made up of one large island (Ile Kerguelen) and about 300 smaller islands. A permanent group of 50 to 100 scientists resides at the main base at Port-aux-Francais.

Adelie Land: The only non-insular district of the TAAF is the Antarctic claim known as "Adelie Land." The US Government does not recognize it as a French dependency.

Bassas da India: A French possession since 1897, this atoll is a volcanic rock surrounded by reefs and is awash at high tide.

Europa Island: This heavily wooded island has been a French possession since 1897; it is the site of a small military garrison that staffs a weather station.

Glorioso Islands: A French possession since 1892, the Glorioso Islands are composed of two lushly vegetated coral islands (Ile Glorieuse and Ile du Lys) and three rock islets. A military garrison operates a weather and radio station on Ile Glorieuse.

Juan de Nova Island: Named after a famous 15th century Spanish navigator and explorer, the island has been a French possession since 1897. It has been exploited for its guano and phosphate. Presently a small military garrison oversees a meteorological station.

Tromelin Island: First explored by the French in 1776, the island came under the jurisdiction of Reunion in 1814. At present, it serves as a sea turtle sanctuary and is the site of an important meteorological station.

Geography ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Location:

southeast and east of Africa, islands in the southern Indian Ocean, some near Madagascar and others about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica, and Australia; note - French Southern and Antarctic Lands include Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the southern Indian Ocean, along with the French-claimed sector of Antarctica, "Adelie Land"; the US does not recognize the French claim to "Adelie Land"

Geographic coordinates:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 37 50 S, 77 32 E

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 38 72 S, 77 53 E

Iles Crozet: 46 25 S, 51 00 E

Iles Kerguelen: 49 15 S, 69 35 E

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 21 30 S, 39 50 E

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22 20 S, 40 22 E

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 11 30 S, 47 20 E

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 17 03 S, 42 45 E

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 15 52 S, 54 25 E

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 55 sq km; land - 55 sq km; water - 0 sq km country comparison to the world: 229 Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): total - 7 sq km; land - 7 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Crozet: total - 352 sq km; land - 352 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Iles Kerguelen: total - 7,215 sq km; land - 7,215 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): total - 80 sq km; land - 0.2 sq km; water - 79.8 sq km (lagoon)

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): total - 28 sq km; land - 28 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): total - 5 sq km; land - 5 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): total - 4.4 sq km; land - 4.4 sq km; water - 0 sq km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): total - 1 sq km; land - 1 sq km; water - 0 sq km

note: excludes "Adelie Land" claim of about 500,000 sq km in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Area - comparative:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): less than one-half the size of Washington, DC

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): more than 10 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Iles Crozet: about twice the size of Washington, DC

Iles Kerguelen: slightly larger than Delaware

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): land area about one-third the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): about one-sixth the size of Washington, DC

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): about eight times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): about seven times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): 28 km

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul):

Iles Kerguelen: 2,800 km

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Europa Island (Iles Eparses): 22.2 km

Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses): 35.2 km

Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): 24.1 km

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): 3.7 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm from Iles Kerguelen and Iles Eparses (does not include the rest of French Southern and Antarctic Lands); Juan de Nova Island and Tromelin Island claim a continental shelf of 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate:

Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul: oceanic with persistent westerly winds and high humidity

Iles Crozet: windy, cold, wet, and cloudy

Iles Kerguelen: oceanic, cold, overcast, windy

Iles Eparses: tropical

Terrain:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): a volcanic island with steep coastal cliffs; the center floor of the volcano is a large plateau

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): triangular in shape, the island is the top of a volcano, rocky with steep cliffs on the eastern side; has active thermal springs

Iles Crozet: a large archipelago formed from the Crozet Plateau is divided into two groups of islands

Iles Kerguelen: the interior of the large island of Ile Kerguelen is composed of rugged terrain of high mountains, hills, valleys, and plains with a number of peninsulas stretching off its coasts

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): atoll, awash at high tide; shallow (15 m) lagoon

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island: low, flat, and sandy

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): low, flat, sandy; likely volcanic seamount

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont de la Dives on Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 867 m; unnamed location on Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) 272 m; Pic Marion-Dufresne in Iles Crozet 1,090 m; Mont Ross in Iles Kerguelen 1,850 m; unnamed location on Bassas de India (Iles Eparses) 2.4 m; unnamed location on Europa Island (Iles Eparses) 24 m; unnamed location on Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) 12 m; unnamed location on Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) 10 m; unnamed location on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) 7 m

Natural resources:

fish, crayfish

note: Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) have guano, phosphates, and coconuts

Land use:

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% trees, grasses, ferns, and moss; Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul) - 100% grass, ferns, and moss; Iles Crozet - 100% tossock grass, heath, and fern; Iles Kerguelen - 100% tossock grass and Kerguelen cabbage; Bassas da India (Iles Eparses) - 100% rock, coral reef, and sand; Europa Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% mangrove swamp and dry woodlands; Glorioso Islands (Iles Eparses) - 100% lush vegetation and coconut palms; Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses) - 90% forest, 10% other; Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) - 100% grasses and scattered brush (2005)

Irrigated land:

0 sq km

Natural hazards:

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are inactive volcanoes; Iles Eparses subject to periodic cyclones; Bassas da India is a maritime hazard since it is under water for a period of three hours prior to and following the high tide and surrounded by reefs

volcanism: Reunion Island - Piton de la Fournaise (elev. 2,632 m, 8,635 ft), which has erupted many times in recent years, including 2010, is one of the world's most active volcanoes; although rare, eruptions outside the volcano's caldera could threaten nearby cities

Environment - current issues:

introduction of foreign species on Iles Crozet has caused severe damage to the original ecosystem; overfishing of Patagonian toothfish around Iles Crozet and Iles Kerguelen

Geography - note:

islands component is widely scattered across remote locations in the southern Indian Ocean

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): the atoll is a circular reef that sits atop a long-extinct, submerged volcano

Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): wildlife sanctuary for seabirds and sea turtles

Glorioso Island (Iles Eparses): the islands and rocks are surrounded by an extensive reef system

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones in the western Indian Ocean; wildlife sanctuary (seabirds, tortoises)

People ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

Ile Amsterdam (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): has no permanent residents but has a meteorological station

Ile Saint-Paul (Ile Amsterdam et Ile Saint-Paul): is uninhabited but is frequently visited by fishermen and has a scientific research cabin for short stays

Iles Crozet: are uninhabited except for 18 to 30 people staffing the Alfred Faure research station on Ile del la Possession

Iles Kerguelen: 50 to 100 scientists are located at the main base at Port-aux-Francais on Ile Kerguelen

Bassas da India (Iles Eparses): uninhabitable

Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): a small French military garrison and a few meteorologists on each possession; visited by scientists

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): uninhabited, except for visits by scientists

Government ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands

conventional short form: French Southern and Antarctic Lands

local long form: Territoire des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

local short form: Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises

abbreviation: TAAF

Dependency status:

overseas territory of France since 1955

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are five administrative districts named Iles Crozet, Iles Eparses, Iles Kerguelen, Ile Saint-Paul et Ile Amsterdam; the fifth district is the "Adelie Land" claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Legal system:

the laws of France where applicable apply

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Nicolas SARKOZY (since 16 May 2007), represented by Senior Administrator Christian GAUDIN (since 4 November 2010)

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag description:

the flag of France is used

National anthem:

note: as a territory of France, "La Marseillaise" is official (see France)

Economy ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Economy - overview:

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical research stations, military bases, and French and other fishing fleets. The fish catches landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and Reunion.

Communications ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Internet country code:

.tf

Internet hosts:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 212

Communications - note:

one or more meteorological stations on each possession; note - meteorological station on Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses) is important for forecasting cyclones

Transportation ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Airports:

4 (note - one each on Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, and Tromelin Island in the Iles Eparses district) (2010) country comparison to the world: 188

Ports and terminals:

none; offshore anchorage only

Transportation - note:

aids to navigation - lighthouses: Europa Island 18m; Juan de Nova Island (W side) 37m; Tromelin Island (NW point) 11m (all in the Iles Eparses district)

Military ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of France

Transnational Issues ::French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Disputes - international:

French claim to "Adelie Land" in Antarctica is not recognized by the US

Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Madagascar; the vegetated drying cays of Banc du Geyser, which were claimed by Madagascar in 1976, also fall within the EEZ claims of the Comoros and France (Glorioso Islands)

Tromelin Island (Iles Eparses): claimed by Mauritius

page last updated on December 29, 2010

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

@Gabon (Africa)

Introduction ::Gabon

Background:

Until recently, only two autocratic presidents had ruled Gabon since its independence from France in 1960. The recent president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - had dominated the country's political scene for four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. President BONGO died in June 2009. New elections in August 2009 brought Ali Ben BONGO, son of the former president, to power. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries. In January 2010, Gabon assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2010-11 term.

Geography ::Gabon

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator, between Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Geographic coordinates:

1 00 S, 11 45 E

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 267,667 sq km country comparison to the world: 76 land: 257,667 sq km

water: 10,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total: 2,551 km

border countries: Cameroon 298 km, Republic of the Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Coastline:

885 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; hilly interior; savanna in east and south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Iboundji 1,575 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, diamond, niobium, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 1.21%

permanent crops: 0.64%

other: 98.15% (2005)

Irrigated land:

70 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

164 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.12 cu km/yr (50%/8%/42%)

per capita: 87 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; poaching

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

a small population and oil and mineral reserves have helped Gabon become one of Africa's wealthier countries; in general, these circumstances have allowed the country to maintain and conserve its pristine rain forest and rich biodiversity

People ::Gabon

Population:

1,545,255 country comparison to the world: 151 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 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.1% (male 320,414/female 318,027)

15-64 years: 53.9% (male 407,461/female 409,633)

65 years and over: 3.9% (male 24,799/female 34,659) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.6 years

male: 18.4 years

female: 18.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.025% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 53

Birth rate:

35.39 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Death rate:

12.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Net migration rate:

-2.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Urbanization:

urban population: 85% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 2.1% 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: 1 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 50.88 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 49 male: 59 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 42.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 52.75 years country comparison to the world: 206 male: 51.96 years

female: 53.58 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.62 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

5.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 13

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

49,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 65

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

2,300 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne disease: malaria and chikungunya

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective: Gabonese

Ethnic groups:

Bantu tribes, including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Bapounou, Nzebi, Obamba); other Africans and Europeans, 154,000, including 10,700 French and 11,000 persons of dual nationality

Religions:

Christian 55%-75%, animist, Muslim less than 1%

Languages:

French (official), Fang, Myene, Nzebi, Bapounou/Eschira, Bandjabi

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 63.2%

male: 73.7%

female: 53.3% (1995 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 12 years (1999)

Education expenditures:

3.8% of GDP (2000) country comparison to the world: 120

Government ::Gabon

Country name:

conventional long form: Gabonese Republic

conventional short form: Gabon

local long form: Republique Gabonaise

local short form: Gabon

Government type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 0 23 N, 9 27 E

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

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Estuaire, Haut-Ogooue, Moyen-Ogooue, Ngounie, Nyanga, Ogooue-Ivindo, Ogooue-Lolo, Ogooue-Maritime, Woleu-Ntem

Independence:

17 August 1960 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1960)

Constitution:

adopted 14 March 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba (since 16 October 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Paul BIYOGHE MBA (since 15 July 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); election last held on 30 August 2009 (next to be held in 2016); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba elected; percent of vote - Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba 41.7%, Andre MBA OBAME 25.9%, Pierre MAMBOUNDOU 25.2%, Zacharie MYBOTO 3.9%, other 3.3%

note: President BONGO died on 8 June 2009 after serving as president for 32 years; in accordance with the constitution he was replaced on an interim basis by the president of the Senate, Rose Francine ROGOMBE on 10 June 2009; new elections where held on 30 August 2009 and the son of the former president, Ali Ben BONGO Ondimba, was elected president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Senate (102 seats; members elected by members of municipal councils and departmental assemblies to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale (120 seats; members are elected by direct, popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: Senate - last held on 18 January 2009 (next to be held in January 2015); National Assembly - last held on 17 and 24 December 2006 (next to be held in December 2011)

election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 75, RPG 6, UGDD 3, CLR 2, PGCI 2, PSD 2, UPG 2, ADERE 1, independents 9; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - PDG 82, RPG 8, UPG 8, UGDD 4, ADERE 3, CLR 2, PGP-Ndaot 2, PSD 2, independents 4, others 5

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Cour Supreme consisting of three chambers - Judicial, Administrative, and Accounts; Constitutional Court; Courts of Appeal; Court of State Security; County Courts

Political parties and leaders:

Circle of Liberal Reformers or CLR [General Jean Boniface ASSELE]; Congress for Democracy and Justice or CDJ [Jules Aristide Bourdes OGOULIGUENDE]; Democratic and Republican Alliance or ADERE [Divungui-di-Ndinge DIDJOB]; Gabonese Democratic Party or PDG [Simplice Nguedet MANZELA] (former sole party); Gabonese Party for Progress or PGP [Benoit Mouity NZAMBA]; Gabonese Union for Democracy and Development or UGDD [Zacherie MYBOTO]; National Rally of Woodcutters or RNB; National Rally of Woodcutters-Rally for Gabon or RNB-RPG (Bucherons) [Fr. Paul M'BA-ABESSOLE]; Party of Development and Social Solidarity or PDS [Seraphin Ndoat REMBOGO]; People's Unity Party or PUP [Louis Gaston MAYILA]; Social Democratic Party or PSD [Pierre Claver MAGANGA-MOUSSAVOU]; Union for Democracy and Social Integration or UDIS; Union of Gabonese Patriots or UPG [Pierre MAMBOUNDOU]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, BDEAC, CEMAC, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Carlos Victor BOUNGOU

chancery: Suite 200, 2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 797-1000

FAX: [1] (202) 332-0668

consulate(s): New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Eunice S. REDDICK

embassy: Boulevard du Bord de Mer, Libreville

mailing address: Centre Ville, B. P. 4000, Libreville; pouch:2270 Libreville Place, Washington, DC 20521-2270

telephone: [241] 76 20 03 through 76 20 04, after hours - 07380171

FAX: [241] 74 55 07

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue; green represents the country's forests and natural resources, gold represents the equator (which transects Gabon) as well as the sun, blue represents the sea

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Georges Aleka DAMAS

note: adopted 1960

Economy ::Gabon

Economy - overview:

Gabon enjoys a per capita income four times that of most sub-Saharan African nations, but because of high income inequality, a large proportion of the population remains poor. Gabon depended on timber and manganese until oil was discovered offshore in the early 1970s. The oil sector now accounts for more than 50% of GDP although the industry is in decline as fields pass their peak production. Gabon continues to face fluctuating prices for its oil, timber, and manganese exports and the global recession led to a GDP contraction of 1.4% in 2009. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, poor fiscal management hobbles the economy. In 1997, an IMF mission to Gabon criticized the government for overspending on off-budget items, overborrowing from the central bank, and slipping on its schedule for privatization and administrative reform. The rebound of oil prices from 1999 to 2008 helped growth, but drops in production have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains. Gabon signed a 14-month Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF in May 2007, and later that year issued a $1 billion sovereign bond to buy back a sizable portion of its Paris Club debt.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.54 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120 $21.39 billion (2009 est.)

$21.69 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$12.56 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47 -1.4% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$14,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 78 $14,100 (2009 est.)

$14,600 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.5%

industry: 62.7%

services: 32.8% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

712,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 60%

industry: 15%

services: 25% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

21% (2006 est.); NA% country comparison to the world: 170

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 32.7% (2005)

Investment (gross fixed):

28.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Public debt:

25.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 94 27.6% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 99 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.835 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 122 $1.623 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.764 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.468 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$1.074 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 148 $826.8 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, coffee, sugar, palm oil, rubber; cattle; okoume (a tropical softwood); fish

Industries:

petroleum extraction and refining; manganese, gold; chemicals, ship repair, food and beverages, textiles, lumbering and plywood, cement

Industrial production growth rate:

4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Electricity - production:

1.774 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Electricity - consumption:

1.446 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

241,700 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Oil - consumption:

14,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 139

Oil - exports:

227,300 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Oil - imports:

4,185 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 164

Oil - proved reserves:

2 billion bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - production:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Natural gas - consumption:

90 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - proved reserves:

28.32 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Current account balance:

$591 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $887 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$6.803 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 100 $6.04 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

crude oil 70%, timber, manganese, uranium

Exports - partners:

Russia 30.62%, US 16.56%, China 15.87%, France 4.28% (2009)

Imports:

$2.433 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 $2.298 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals, construction materials

Imports - partners:

France 32.21%, US 7.92%, China 7.02%, Belgium 4.99%, Italy 4.81%, Cameroon 4.56%, Netherlands 4.35% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.602 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $1.993 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$2.374 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135 $2.352 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

Cooperation Financiere en Afrique Centrale francs per US dollar - 507.71 (2010), 472.19 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 481.83 (2007), 522.89 (2006)

Communications ::Gabon

Telephones - main lines in use:

26,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 181

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.373 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 141

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate system of cable, microwave radio relay, tropospheric scatter, radiotelephone communication stations, and a domestic satellite system with 12 earth stations

domestic: a growing mobile-cellular network with multiple providers is making telephone service more widely available; subscribership reached 90 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 241; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic submarine cable that provides connectivity to Europe and Asia; satellite earth stations - 3 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state owns and operates 2 TV stations and 2 radio broadcast stations; a few private radio and TV stations are operational; transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible; satellite service subscriptions are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.ga

Internet hosts:

90 (2010) country comparison to the world: 205

Internet users:

98,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Transportation ::Gabon

Airports:

44 (2010) country comparison to the world: 97

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 9

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 31

1,524 to 2,437 m: 6

914 to 1,523 m: 11

under 914 m: 14 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 240 km; oil 858 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 814 km country comparison to the world: 100 standard gauge: 814 km 1.435-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 9,170 km country comparison to the world: 138 paved: 937 km

unpaved: 8,233 km (2004)

Waterways:

1,600 km (310 km on Ogooue River) (2010) country comparison to the world: 51

Merchant marine:

registered in other countries: 2 (Cambodia 1, Panama 1) (2010) country comparison to the world: 148

Ports and terminals:

Gamba, Libreville, Lucinda, Owendo, Port-Gentil

Military ::Gabon

Military branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Military service age and obligation:

20 years of age for voluntary military service; there is no conscription (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 344,147

females age 16-49: 345,292 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 198,970

females age 16-49: 192,807 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,283

female: 17,276 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 145

Transnational Issues ::Gabon

Disputes - international:

UN urges Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to resolve the sovereignty dispute over Gabon-occupied Mbane Island and lesser islands and to establish a maritime boundary in hydrocarbon-rich Corisco Bay

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,178 (Republic of Congo) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Gabon is predominantly a destination country for children trafficked from other African countries for the purpose of forced labor; girls are primarily trafficked for domestic servitude, forced market vending, forced restaurant labor, and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced street hawking and forced labor in small workshops

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Gabon is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat human trafficking in 2007, particularly in terms of efforts to convict and punish trafficking offenders; the government has not reported the convictions or sentences of any trafficking offenders; the government did not take steps to reduce demand for commercial sex acts (2008)

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Gambia, The (Africa)

Introduction ::Gambia, The

Background:

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.

Geography ::Gambia, The

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 11,295 sq km country comparison to the world: 166 land: 10,000 sq km

water: 1,295 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:

total: 740 km

border countries: Senegal 740 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 18 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: extent not specified

Climate:

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)

Terrain:

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation 53 m

Natural resources:

fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon

Land use:

arable land: 27.88%

permanent crops: 0.44%

other: 71.68% (2005)

Irrigated land:

20 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

8 cu km (1982)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)

per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

People ::Gambia, The

Population:

1,824,158 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Age structure:

0-14 years: 43.6% (male 389,877/female 386,218)

15-64 years: 53.5% (male 472,216/female 479,595)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 24,985/female 25,190) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18 years

male: 17.9 years

female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.528% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Birth rate:

37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Death rate:

12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 29

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Urbanization:

urban population: 57% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 22 male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 54.07 years country comparison to the world: 201 male: 52.32 years

female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

8,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 111

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

600 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Gambian(s)

adjective: Gambian

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Languages:

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 40.1%

male: 47.8%

female: 32.8% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 7 years

female: 7 years (2004)

Education expenditures:

2% of GDP (2004) country comparison to the world: 170

Government ::Gambia, The

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form: The Gambia

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W

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

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Independence:

18 February 1965 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Constitution:

approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective 16 January 1997

Legal system:

based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to be held in 2011)

election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa SALLAH 6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's Democratic Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for Democracy and Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace Building Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment Network Gambia or YENGambia

other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Alieu Momodou NGUM

chancery: Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425

FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Cindy GREGG

embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul

mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170

FAX: [220] 439-2475

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE

note: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"

Economy ::Gambia, The

Economy - overview:

The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, The Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. The quality of fiscal management, however, is weak. The government has promised to raise civil service wages over the next two years and the deficit is projected to worsen.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$3.406 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 $3.244 billion (2009 est.)

$3.073 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.04 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 57 5.6% (2009 est.)

6.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190 $1,800 (2009 est.)

$1,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 30.1%

industry: 16.3%

services: 53.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

777,100 (2007) country comparison to the world: 146

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 75%

industry: 19%

services: 6% (1996)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

50.2 (1998) country comparison to the world: 23

Investment (gross fixed):

28% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 4.6% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

9% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 38 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

27% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 27.92% (31 December 2007)

Stock of narrow money:

$222.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 172 $210.2 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$453.9 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172 $438.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$293.5 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 169 $283.7 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Industries:

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Industrial production growth rate:

8.9% country comparison to the world: 21 note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2010 est.)

Electricity - production:

160 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Electricity - consumption:

148.8 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Oil - consumption:

2,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - exports:

42 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Oil - imports:

2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 177

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 193

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Current account balance:

-$90 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 -$81 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$107 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191 $95 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports

Exports - partners:

India 42.06%, France 15.34%, UK 9.03%, China 7.38%, Hong Kong 4.55%, Belgium 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$306 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 $280 million (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment

Imports - partners:

China 20.45%, Senegal 11.97%, Brazil 8.48%, Cote d'Ivoire 4.71%, Netherlands 4.68%, US 4.49% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$203 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $224 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$530 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $489 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 28.5193 (2010), 26.67 (2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006)

Communications ::Gambia, The

Telephones - main lines in use:

49,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 162

Telephones - mobile cellular:

1.433 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 140

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007

domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, approached 85 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned radio station and 4 privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; foreign cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Internet country code:

.gm

Internet hosts:

1,453 (2010) country comparison to the world: 162

Internet users:

130,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 150

Transportation ::Gambia, The

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 211

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,742 km country comparison to the world: 159 paved: 723 km

unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)

Waterways:

390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2008) country comparison to the world: 90

Merchant marine:

total: 5 country comparison to the world: 130 by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Banjul

Military ::Gambia, The

Military branches:

Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 402,073

females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 238,006

females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 20,858

female: 20,762 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.9% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 139

Transnational Issues ::Gambia, The

Disputes - international:

attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Gaza Strip (Middle East)

Introduction ::Gaza Strip

Background:

The September 1993 Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements provided for a transitional period of Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Under a series of agreements signed between May 1994 and September 1999, Israel transferred to the Palestinian Authority (PA) security and civilian responsibility for many Palestinian-populated areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Negotiations to determine the permanent status of the West Bank and Gaza Strip stalled following the outbreak of an intifada in September 2000. In April 2003, the Quartet (US, EU, UN, and Russia) presented a roadmap to a final settlement of the conflict by 2005 based on reciprocal steps by the two parties leading to two states, Israel and a democratic Palestine. Following Palestinian leader Yasir ARAFAT's death in late 2004, Mahmud ABBAS was elected PA president in January 2005. A month later, Israel and the PA agreed to the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments in an effort to move the peace process forward. In September 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew all its settlers and soldiers and dismantled its military facilities in the Gaza Strip and withdrew settlers and redeployed soldiers from four small northern West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Israel still controls maritime, airspace, and most access to the Gaza Strip; and it enforces a restricted zone along the border inside Gaza. In January 2006, the Islamic Resistance Movement, HAMAS, won control of the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC). HAMAS took control of the PA government in March 2006, but President ABBAS had little success negotiating with HAMAS to present a political platform acceptable to the international community so as to lift economic sanctions on Palestinians. Violent clashes between Fatah and HAMAS supporters in the Gaza Strip in 2006 and early 2007 resulted in numerous Palestinian deaths and injuries. In February 2007, ABBAS and HAMAS Political Bureau Chief MISHAL signed the Mecca Agreement in Saudi Arabia that resulted in the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG) headed by HAMAS member Ismail HANIYA. However, fighting continued in the Gaza Strip, and in June 2007, HAMAS militants succeeded in a violent takeover of all military and governmental institutions in the Gaza Strip. ABBAS dismissed the NUG and through a series of presidential decrees formed a PA government in the West Bank led by independent Salam FAYYAD. HAMAS rejected the NUG's dismissal, and despite multiple rounds of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation negotiations, the two groups have failed to bridge their differences. Late November 2007 through June 2008 witnessed a substantial increase in Israeli-Palestinian violence. An Egyptian-brokered truce in June 2008 between Israel and HAMAS brought about a five-month pause in hostilities, but spiraling end-of-year violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1,100 to 1,400 Palestinians and left tens of thousands of people homeless. International donors pledged $4.5 billion in aid to rebuild the Gaza Strip, but by the end of 2010 large-scale reconstruction had not begun.

Geography ::Gaza Strip

Location:

Middle East, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Egypt and Israel

Geographic coordinates:

31 25 N, 34 20 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 360 sq km country comparison to the world: 205 land: 360 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total: 62 km

border countries: Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation

Climate:

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Terrain:

flat to rolling, sand- and dune-covered coastal plain

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Abu 'Awdah (Joz Abu 'Awdah) 105 m

Natural resources:

arable land, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 29%

permanent crops: 21%

other: 50% (2002)

Irrigated land:

155 sq km; (note - includes West Bank) (2003)

Natural hazards:

droughts

Environment - current issues:

desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; depletion and contamination of underground water resources

Geography - note:

strategic strip of land along Mideast-North African trade routes has experienced an incredibly turbulent history; the town of Gaza itself has been besieged countless times in its history

People ::Gaza Strip

Population:

1,604,238 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Age structure:

0-14 years: 44.4% (male 353,489/female 334,770)

15-64 years: 53% (male 420,618/female 402,297)

65 years and over: 2.6% (male 16,483/female 24,202) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 17.5 years

male: 17.4 years

female: 17.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.29% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6

Birth rate:

36.26 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Death rate:

3.36 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 217

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

Urbanization:

urban population: 72% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.68 male(s)/female

total population: 1.04 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 17.71 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 107 male: 18.87 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 16.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.68 years country comparison to the world: 111 male: 72.05 years

female: 75.4 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.9 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: NA

adjective: NA

Ethnic groups:

Palestinian Arab

Religions:

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99.3%, Christian 0.7%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by many Palestinians), English (widely understood)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 92.4%

male: 96.7%

female: 88% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 14 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Gaza Strip

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gaza Strip

local long form: none

local short form: Qita' Ghazzah

Economy ::Gaza Strip

Economy - overview:

High population density, limited land and sea access, continuing isolation, and strict internal and external security controls have degraded economic conditions in the Gaza Strip - the smaller of the two areas in the Palestinian Territories. Israeli-imposed crossings closures, which became more restrictive after HAMAS violently took over the territory in June 2007, and fighting between HAMAS and Israel during December 2008-January 2009, resulted in the near collapse of most of the private sector, extremely high unemployment, and high poverty rates. Shortages of goods are met through large-scale humanitarian assistance - led by UNRWA - and the HAMAS-regulated black market tunnel trade that flourishes under the Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. However, chnages to the blockade in 2010 included moving from a white list - in which only approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings - to a black list, where all but non-approved items were allowed into Gaza through the crossings. Israeli authorities have recently signaled that exports from the territory might be possible in the future, but currently regular exports from Gaza are not permitted.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - real growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

GDP - per capita (PPP):

see entry for West Bank

GDP - composition by sector:

see entry for West Bank

Labor force:

339,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 160

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12%

industry: 5%

services: 83% (June 2008)

Unemployment rate:

40% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186 40% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

70% (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.9% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 11.5% (2008)

note: includes West Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

see entry for West Bank

Stock of domestic credit:

note: see entry for West Bank

Agriculture - products:

olives, fruit, vegetables, flowers; beef, dairy products

Industries:

textiles, food processing

Industrial production growth rate:

see entry for West Bank

Electricity - production:

65,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Electricity - consumption:

202,000 kWh (2009) country comparison to the world: 213

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

120,000 kWh; note - from Israeli Electric Company (2009)

Oil - production:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - consumption:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - exports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - imports:

See entry for West Bank

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl NA bbl

Exports - commodities:

strawberries, carnations

Imports:

see entry for West Bank

Imports - commodities:

food, consumer goods

note: Israel permits limited imports through crossings with Gaza, but many "dual use" goods, such as construction materials, are smuggled through tunnels beneath Gaza's border with Egypt

Debt - external:

see entry for West Bank

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (ILS) per US dollar - 3.7461 (2010), 3.9326 (2009), 3.56 (2008), 4.14 (2007), 4.4565 (2006)

Communications ::Gaza Strip

Telephones - main lines in use:

360,400 (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 108

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.405 million (includes West Bank) (2010) country comparison to the world: 124

Telephone system:

general assessment: Gaza continues to repair the damage to its telecommunications infrastructure caused by fighting in 2009

domestic: Israeli company BEZEK and the Palestinian company PALTEL are responsible for fixed line services; the Palestinian JAWWAL company provides cellular services

international: country code - 970 (2009)

Broadcast media:

1 television station and about 10 radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.ps; note - same as West Bank

Internet users:

1.379 million (includes West Bank) (2009) country comparison to the world: 87

Transportation ::Gaza Strip

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 223

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

over 3,047 m: 1 (2010)

Heliports:

1 (2010)

Roadways:

note: see entry for West Bank

Ports and terminals:

Gaza

Military ::Gaza Strip

Military branches:

Palestinian Authority security forces have operated only in the West Bank, not in the Gaza Strip, since HAMAS seized power in June 2007; law and order and other security functions are performed by HAMAS security organizations (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 372,843 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 324,203

females age 16-49: 308,835 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 18,931

female: 18,010 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

Transnational Issues ::Gaza Strip

Disputes - international:

West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli-occupied with current status subject to the Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement - permanent status to be determined through further negotiation; Israel removed settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip in August 2005

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1.017 million (Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA)) (2007)

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Georgia (Middle East)

Introduction ::Georgia

Background:

The region of present day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by the Mongol invasion of 1236. Subsequently, the Ottoman and Persian empires competed for influence in the region. Georgia was absorbed into the Russian Empire in the 19th century. Independent for three years (1918-1921) following the Russian revolution, it was forcibly incorporated into the USSR until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. An attempt by the incumbent Georgian government to manipulate national legislative elections in November 2003 touched off widespread protests that led to the resignation of Eduard SHEVARDNADZE, president since 1995. New elections in early 2004 swept Mikheil SAAKASHVILI into power along with his National Movement party. Progress on market reforms and democratization has been made in the years since independence, but this progress has been complicated by Russian assistance and support to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. After a series of Russian and separatist provocations in summer 2008, Georgian military action in South Ossetia in early August led to a Russian military response that not only occupied the breakaway areas, but large portions of Georgia proper as well. Russian troops pulled back from most occupied Georgian territory, but in late August 2008 Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This action was strongly condemned by most of the world's nations and international organizations.

Geography ::Georgia

Location:

Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia, with a sliver of land north of the Caucasus extending into Europe

Geographic coordinates:

42 00 N, 43 30 E

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total: 69,700 sq km country comparison to the world: 120 land: 69,700 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total: 1,461 km

border countries: Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252 km

Coastline:

310 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

warm and pleasant; Mediterranean-like on Black Sea coast

Terrain:

largely mountainous with Great Caucasus Mountains in the north and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the south; Kolkhet'is Dablobi (Kolkhida Lowland) opens to the Black Sea in the west; Mtkvari River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood plains, foothills of Kolkhida Lowland

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m

highest point: Mt'a Shkhara 5,201 m

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ore, copper, minor coal and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and citrus growth

Land use:

arable land: 11.51%

permanent crops: 3.79%

other: 84.7% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,690 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

63.3 cu km (1997)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 3.61 cu km/yr (20%/21%/59%)

per capita: 808 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes

Environment - current issues:

air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi; heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea; inadequate supplies of potable water; soil pollution from toxic chemicals

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategically located east of the Black Sea; Georgia controls much of the Caucasus Mountains and the routes through them

People ::Georgia

Population:

4,600,825 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

Age structure:

0-14 years: 16.1% (male 395,929/female 345,071)

15-64 years: 67.6% (male 1,503,360/female 1,616,234)

65 years and over: 16.4% (male 302,103/female 453,110) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 38.8 years

male: 36.3 years

female: 41.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.325% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Birth rate:

10.7 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Death rate:

9.79 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Net migration rate:

-4.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Urbanization:

urban population: 53% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: -0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.12 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 15.67 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 120 male: 17.64 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 13.48 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.93 years country comparison to the world: 63 male: 73.61 years

female: 80.64 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.44 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 194

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

less than 0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

2,700 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 133

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 200 (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 113

Nationality:

noun: Georgian(s)

adjective: Georgian

Ethnic groups:

Georgian 83.8%, Azeri 6.5%, Armenian 5.7%, Russian 1.5%, other 2.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Orthodox Christian 83.9%, Muslim 9.9%, Armenian-Gregorian 3.9%, Catholic 0.8%, other 0.8%, none 0.7% (2002 census)

Languages:

Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%

note: Abkhaz is the official language in Abkhazia

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2004 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 13 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

2.9% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 151

Government ::Georgia

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Georgia

local long form: none

local short form: Sak'art'velo

former: Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 41 43 N, 44 47 E

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

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (mkharebi, singular - mkhare), 1 city (k'alak'i), and 2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika)

regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli

city: Tbilisi

autonomous republics: Abkhazia or Ap'khazet'is Avtonomiuri Respublika (Sokhumi), Ajaria or Acharis Avtonomiuri Respublika (Bat'umi)

note: the administrative centers of the two autonomous republics are shown in parentheses

Independence:

9 April 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 May (1918); note - 26 May 1918 was the date of independence from Soviet Russia, 9 April 1991 was the date of independence from the Soviet Union

Constitution:

adopted 24 August 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January 2004); the president is the chief of state and serves as head of government for the power ministries of internal affairs and defense

head of government: Prime Minister Nikoloz GILAURI (since 6 February 2009); the prime minister is head of government for all the ministries of government except the power ministries of internal affairs and defense

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 5 January 2008 (next to be held in January 2013)

election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI reelected president; percent of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 53.5%, Levan GACHECHILADZE 25.7%, Badri PATARKATSISHVILI 7.1%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Parlamenti (also known as Supreme Council or Umaghlesi Sabcho) (150 seats; 75 members elected by proportional representation, 75 from single-seat constituencies; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 21 May 2008 (next to be held in the spring of 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - United National Movement 59.2%, National Council-New Rights (a Joint Opposition, nine-party bloc) 17.7%, Christian Democratic Movement 8.8%, Labor Party 7.4%, Republican Party 3.8%; seats by party - United National Movement 120, National Council-New Rights 16, Christian Democratic Movement 6, Labor Party 6, Republican Party 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (judges elected by the Supreme Council on the president's or chairman of the Supreme Court's recommendation); Constitutional Court; first and second instance courts

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Movement [Giorgi TARGAMADZE]; Conservative Party [Kakha KUKAVA]; Democratic Movement United Georgia [Nino BURJANADZE]; For Fair Georgia [Zurab NOGAIDELI]; Georgian Party [Sozar SUBARI]; Georgian People's Front [Nodar NATADZE]; Greens [Giorgi GACHECHILADZE]; Industry Will Save Georgia (Industrialists) or IWSG [Georgi TOPADZE]; Labor Party [Shalva NATELASHVILI]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Bachuki KARDAVA]; National Forum [Kakhaber SHARTAVA]; New Rights [David GAMKRELIDZE]; Our Georgia-Free Democrats (OGFD) [Irakli ALASANIA]; People's Party [Koba DAVITASHVILI; Republican Party [David USUPASHVILI]; Socialist Party or SPG [Irakli MINDELI]; Traditionalists [Akaki ASATIANI]; United National Movement or UNM [Mikheil SAAKASHVILI]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

separatists in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia

International organization participation:

ADB, BSEC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, FAO, G-11, GCTU, GUAM, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, OAS (observer), OIF (observer), OPCW, OSCE, PFP, SECI (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Temur IAKOBASHVILI

chancery: 2209 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-2390

FAX: [1] (202) 393-4537

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador John BASS

embassy: 11 George Balanchine Street, T'bilisi 0131

mailing address: 7060 T'bilisi Place, Washington, DC 20521-7060

telephone: [995] (32) 27-70-00

FAX: [995] (32) 53-23-10

Flag description:

white rectangle with a central red cross extending to all four sides of the flag; each of the four quadrants displays a small red bolnur-katskhuri cross; although adopted as the official Georgian flag in 2004, the five-cross flag design appears to date back to the 14th century

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Dawit MAGRADSE/Zakaria PALIASHVILI (adapted by Joseb KETSCHAKMADSE)

note: adopted 2004; after the Rose Revolution, a new anthem with music based on the operas "Abesalom da Eteri" and "Daisi" was adopted

Economy ::Georgia

Economy - overview:

Georgia's economy sustained GDP growth of more than 10% in 2006-07, based on strong inflows of foreign investment and robust government spending. However, GDP growth slowed in 2008 following the August 2008 conflict with Russia, and turned negative in 2009 as foreign direct investment and workers' remittances declined in the wake of the global financial crisis, but rebounded in 2010. Georgia's main economic activities include the cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, aircraft and chemicals. Areas of recent improvement include growth in the construction, banking services, and mining sectors, but reduced availability of external investment and the slowing regional economy are emerging risks. The country imports nearly all its needed supplies of natural gas and oil products. It has sizeable hydropower capacity, a growing component of its energy supplies. Georgia has overcome the chronic energy shortages and gas supply interruptions of the past by renovating hydropower plants and by increasingly relying on natural gas imports from Azerbaijan instead of from Russia. The construction on the Baku-T'bilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-T'bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline, and the Kars-Akhalkalaki Railroad are part of a strategy to capitalize on Georgia's strategic location between Europe and Asia and develop its role as a transit point for gas, oil and other goods. Georgia has historically suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues; however, the government, since coming to power in 2004, has simplified the tax code, improved tax administration, increased tax enforcement, and cracked down on petty corruption. However, the economic downturn of 2008-09 eroded the tax base and led to a decline in the budget surplus and an increase in public borrowing needs. The country is pinning its hopes for renewed growth on a determined effort to continue to liberalize the economy by reducing regulation, taxes, and corruption in order to attract foreign investment, but the economy faces a more difficult investment climate both domestically and internationally.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$22.32 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 121 $21.16 billion (2009 est.)

$22.02 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$11.23 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

5.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 -3.9% (2009 est.)

2.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$4,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $4,600 (2009 est.)

$4,800 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 11%

industry: 27.1%

services: 62% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

1.918 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 55.6%

industry: 8.9%

services: 35.5% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.4% (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 13.6% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

31% (2006)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 30.6% (2008)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

40.8 (2009) country comparison to the world: 59 37.1 (1996)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.5% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 135

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 1.7% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

8% (25 December 2008)

NA% (31 December 2007)

note: this is the Refinancing Rate, the key monetary policy rate of the Georgian National Bank

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

25.52% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 14 21.24% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.175 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 135 $1.122 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$2.146 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 141 $1.28 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$3.243 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117 $3.569 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$733.3 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 106 $327.3 million (31 December 2008)

$1.389 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

citrus, grapes, tea, hazelnuts, vegetables; livestock

Industries:

steel, aircraft, machine tools, electrical appliances, mining (manganese and copper), chemicals, wood products, wine

Industrial production growth rate:

4% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Electricity - production:

7.97 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Electricity - consumption:

6.902 billion kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 100

Electricity - exports:

628 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

430 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

995 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - consumption:

13,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - exports:

1,486 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - imports:

16,590 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Oil - proved reserves:

35 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Natural gas - production:

8 million cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

Natural gas - consumption:

1.73 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - imports:

1.72 billion cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Natural gas - proved reserves:

8.495 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Current account balance:

-$1.404 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147 -$1.259 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$2.29 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 $1.893 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

scrap metal, wine, mineral water, ores, vehicles, fruits and nuts

Exports - partners:

Turkey 17.87%, Azerbaijan 12.3%, Bulgaria 9.6%, Canada 8.78%, UK 7.49%, Ukraine 6.82%, Spain 5.27%, US 4.99% (2009)

Imports:

$4.828 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 118 $4.293 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, vehicles, machinery and parts, grain and other foods, pharmaceuticals

Imports - partners:

Turkey 16.81%, Azerbaijan 9.72%, Ukraine 9.17%, Russia 7.39%, US 6.63%, Germany 6.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$2.35 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $2.11 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.381 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 122 $7.711 billion (31 December 2008)

Exchange rates:

laris (GEL) per US dollar - 1.8009 (2010), 1.6705 (2009), 1.47 (2008), 1.7 (2007), 1.78 (2006)

Communications ::Georgia

Telephones - main lines in use:

620,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Telephones - mobile cellular:

2.837 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 115

Telephone system:

general assessment: fixed-line telecommunications network has only limited coverage outside Tbilisi; long list of people waiting for fixed line connections; multiple mobile-cellular providers provide services to an increasing subscribership throughout the country

domestic: cellular telephone networks cover the entire country; mobile-cellular teledensity roughly 60 per 100 people; urban fixed-line telephone density is about 20 per 100 people; rural telephone density is about 4 per 100 people; intercity facilities include a fiber-optic line between T'bilisi and K'ut'aisi; nationwide pager service is available

international: country code - 995; the Georgia-Russia fiber optic submarine cable provides connectivity to Russia; international service is available by microwave, landline, and satellite through the Moscow switch; international electronic mail and telex service are available

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned public television station in Tbilisi and 8 privately-owned TV stations; state-run public broadcaster operates 2 networks; dozens of cable TV operators and several major commercial TV stations are operating; state-owned public radio broadcaster operates 2 networks; several dozen private stations broadcast (2008)

Internet country code:

.ge

Internet hosts:

110,680 (2010) country comparison to the world: 76

Internet users:

1.3 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 91

Transportation ::Georgia

Airports:

22 (2010) country comparison to the world: 133

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 18

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Heliports:

3 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,596 km; oil 1,258 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 1,612 km country comparison to the world: 80 broad gauge: 1,575 km 1.520-m gauge (1,575 electrified)

narrow gauge: 37 km 0.912-m gauge (37 electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 20,329 km country comparison to the world: 109 paved: 7,854 km (includes 13 km of expressways)

unpaved: 12,475 km (2006)

Merchant marine:

total: 193 country comparison to the world: 34 by type: bulk carrier 18, cargo 151, carrier 1, chemical tanker 3, container 2, liquefied gas 1, passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 7, vehicle carrier 2

foreign-owned: 132 (China 11, Denmark 1, Egypt 11, Germany 4, Greece 3, Hong Kong 4, Israel 1, Italy 2, Latvia 1, Lebanon 1, Pakistan 1, Romania 7, Russia 7, Syria 35, Turkey 22, UAE 1, UK 4, Ukraine 15, US 1)

registered in other countries: 1 (unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bat'umi, P'ot'i

Transportation - note:

large parts of transportation network are in poor condition because of lack of maintenance and repair

Military ::Georgia

Military branches:

Georgian Armed Forces: Land Forces

note: naval forces have been incorporated into the coast guard and the Air and Air Defense forces were incorporated into the Land Forces (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 to 34 years of age for compulsory and voluntary active duty military service; conscript service obligation - 18 months (2005)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,094,390

females age 16-49: 1,140,758 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 901,307

females age 16-49: 946,357 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,314

female: 28,299 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77

Military - note:

a CIS peacekeeping force of Russian troops is deployed in the Abkhazia region of Georgia together with a UN military observer group; a Russian peacekeeping battalion is deployed in South Ossetia

Transnational Issues ::Georgia

Disputes - international:

Russia and Georgia agree on delimiting 80% of their common border, leaving certain small, strategic segments and the maritime boundary unresolved; OSCE observers monitor volatile areas such as the Pankisi Gorge in the Akhmeti region and the Argun Gorge in Abkhazia; UN Observer Mission in Georgia has maintained a peacekeeping force in Georgia since 1993; Meshkheti Turks scattered throughout the former Soviet Union seek to return to Georgia; boundary with Armenia remains undemarcated; ethnic Armenian groups in Javakheti region of Georgia seek greater autonomy from the Georgian government; Azerbaijan and Georgia continue to discuss the alignment of their boundary at certain crossing areas

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 1,100 (Russia)

IDPs: 220,000-240,000 (displaced from Abkhazia and South Ossetia) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

limited cultivation of cannabis and opium poppy, mostly for domestic consumption; used as transshipment point for opiates via Central Asia to Western Europe and Russia

page last updated on January 19, 2011

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@Germany (Europe)

Introduction ::Germany

Background:

As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation (after Russia), Germany is a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro. In January 2011, Germany assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2011-12 term.

Geography ::Germany

Location:

Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark

Geographic coordinates:

51 00 N, 9 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 357,022 sq km country comparison to the world: 62 land: 348,672 sq km

water: 8,350 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total: 3,621 km

border countries: Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646 km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577 km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Coastline:

2,389 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Climate:

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Terrain:

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Neuendorf bei Wilster -3.54 m

highest point: Zugspitze 2,963 m

Natural resources:

coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 33.13%

permanent crops: 0.6%

other: 66.27% (2005)

Irrigated land:

4,850 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

188 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 38.01 cu km/yr (12%/68%/20%)

per capita: 460 cu m/yr (2001)

Natural hazards:

flooding

Environment - current issues:

emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries contribute to air pollution; acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests; pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany; hazardous waste disposal; government established a mechanism for ending the use of nuclear power over the next 15 years; government working to meet EU commitment to identify nature preservation areas in line with the EU's Flora, Fauna, and Habitat directive

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the Baltic Sea

People ::Germany

Population:

82,282,988 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 15

Age structure:

0-14 years: 13.7% (male 5,768,366/female 5,470,516)

15-64 years: 66.1% (male 27,707,761/female 26,676,759)

65 years and over: 20.3% (male 7,004,805/female 9,701,551) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 44.3 years

male: 43 years

female: 45.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.061% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Birth rate:

8.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219

Death rate:

11 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 40

Net migration rate:

2.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Urbanization:

urban population: 74% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.95 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 205 male: 4.36 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.51 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.41 years country comparison to the world: 36 male: 76.41 years

female: 82.57 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.42 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.1% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 124

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

53,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Nationality:

noun: German(s)

adjective: German

Ethnic groups:

German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Religions:

Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 16 years

male: 16 years

female: 16 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

4.4% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 92

People - note:

second most populous country in Europe after Russia

Government ::Germany

Country name:

conventional long form: Federal Republic of Germany

conventional short form: Germany

local long form: Bundesrepublik Deutschland

local short form: Deutschland

former: German Empire, German Republic, German Reich

Government type:

federal republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 52 31 N, 13 24 E

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

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

Administrative divisions:

16 states (Laender, singular - Land); Baden-Wurttemberg, Bayern (Bavaria), Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen (Hesse), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania), Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia), Rheinland-Pfalz (Rhineland-Palatinate), Saarland, Sachsen (Saxony), Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt), Schleswig-Holstein, Thueringen (Thuringia); note - Bayern, Sachsen, and Thueringen refer to themselves as free states (Freistaaten, singular - Freistaat)

Independence:

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into four zones of occupation (UK, US, USSR, and France) in 1945 following World War II; Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US, and French zones; German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany) proclaimed 7 October 1949 and included the former USSR zone; West Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990; all four powers formally relinquished rights 15 March 1991; notable earlier dates: 10 August 843 (Eastern Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 2 February 962 (crowning of OTTO I, recognized as the first Holy Roman Emperor)

National holiday:

Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Constitution:

23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united Germany 3 October 1990

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Christian WULFF (since 30 June 2010)

head of government: Chancellor Angela MERKEL (since 22 November 2005)

cabinet: Cabinet or Bundesminister (Federal Ministers) appointed by the president on the recommendation of the chancellor (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected for a five-year term (eligible for a second term) by a Federal Assembly, including all members of the Federal Diet and an equal number of delegates elected by the state parliaments; election last held on 30 June 2010 (next to be held by June 2015); chancellor elected by an absolute majority of the Federal Diet for a four-year term; Bundestag vote for Chancellor last held after 27 September 2009 (next to follow the legislative election to be held no later than 2013)

election results: Christian WULFF elected president; received 625 votes of the Federal Assembly against 494 for GAUCK and 121 abstentions; Angela MERKEL reelected chancellor; vote by Federal Diet 323 to 285 with four abstentions

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of the Federal Council or Bundesrat (69 votes; state governments sit in the Council; each has three to six votes in proportion to population and is required to vote as a block) and the Federal Diet or Bundestag (622 seats; members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system of personalized proportional representation; a party must win 5% of the national vote or three direct mandates to gain proportional representation and caucus recognition)

elections: Bundestag - last held on 27 September 2009 (next to be held no later than autumn 2013); note - there are no elections for the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the state-level governments; the composition of the Bundesrat has the potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election

election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU 33.8%, SPD 23%, FDP 14.6%, Left 11.9%, Greens 10.7%, other 6%; seats by party - CDU/CSU 239, SPD 146, FDP 93, Left 76, Greens 68

Judicial branch:

Federal Constitutional Court or Bundesverfassungsgericht (half the judges are elected by the Bundestag and half by the Bundesrat)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance '90/Greens [Claudia ROTH and Cem OZDEMIR]; Christian Democratic Union or CDU [Angela MERKEL]; Christian Social Union or CSU [Horst SEEHOFER]; Free Democratic Party or FDP [Guido WESTERWELLE]; Left Party or Die Linke [Klaus ERNST and Gesine LOETZSCH]; Social Democratic Party or SPD [Sigmar GABRIEL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

business associations and employers' organizations; trade unions; religious, immigrant, expellee, and veterans groups

International organization participation:

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council (observer), Australia Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CDB, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-20, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNRWA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Klaus SCHARIOTH

chancery: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: [1] (202) 298-4000

FAX: [1] (202) 298-4249

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Philip D. MURPHY

embassy: Pariser Platz 2, 14191 Berlin; note - new embassy opened 4 July 2008

mailing address: PSC 120, Box 1000, APO AE 09265, Clayallee 170, 14195 Berlin

telephone: [49] (030) 2385174

FAX: [49] (030) 8305-1215

consulate(s) general: Duesseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold; these colors have played an important role in German history and can be traced back to the medieval banner of the Holy Roman Emperor - a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field

National anthem:

lyrics/music: August Heinrich HOFFMANN VON FALLERSLEBE/Franz Joseph HAYDN

note: adopted 1922, restored 1990; the anthem, also known as "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany), was abolished in 1945 because of the Nazi's use of the first verse, specifically the phrase, "Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles" (Germany, Germany above all) to promote nationalism; since restoration in 1990, only the third verse is sung

Economy ::Germany

Economy - overview:

The German economy - the fifth largest economy in the world in PPP terms and Europe's largest - is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits from a highly skilled labor force. Like its western European neighbors, Germany faces significant demographic challenges to sustained long-term growth. Low fertility rates and declining net immigration are increasing pressure on the country's social welfare system and necessitate structural reforms. The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy - where unemployment can exceed 20% in some municipalities - continues to be a costly long-term process, with annual transfers from west to east amounting in 2008 alone to roughly $12 billion. Reforms launched by the government of Chancellor Gerhard SCHROEDER (1998-2005), deemed necessary to address chronically high unemployment and low average growth, contributed to strong growth in 2006 and 2007 and falling unemployment, which in 2008 reached a new post-reunification low of 7.8%. These advances, as well as a government subsidized, reduced working hour scheme, help explain the relatively modest increase in unemployment during the 2008-09 recession - the deepest since World War II - and its healthy decrease in 2010. GDP contracted nearly 5% in 2009 but grew by 3.3% in 2010. Germany crept out of recession thanks largely to rebounding manufacturing orders and exports - primarily outside the Euro Zone - and relatively steady consumer demand. Stimulus and stabilization efforts initiated in 2008 and 2009 and tax cuts introduced in Chancellor Angela MERKEL's second term increased Germany's budget deficit to 3.3% in 2009 and to 3.6% in 2010. The EU has given Germany until 2013 to get its consolidated budget deficit below 3% of GDP. A new constitutional amendment likewise limits the federal government to structural deficits of no more than 0.35% of GDP per annum as of 2016.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.951 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $2.857 trillion (2009 est.)

$2.998 trillion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$3.306 trillion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 -4.7% (2009 est.)

1% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 31 $34,700 (2009 est.)

$36,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0.8%

industry: 27.9%

services: 71.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

43.35 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 14

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 2.4%

industry: 29.7%

services: 67.8% (2005)

Unemployment rate:

7.1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75 7.5% (2009 est.)

note: this is the International Labor Organization's estimated rate for international comparisons; Germany's Federal Employment Office estimated a seasonally adjusted rate of 10.8%

Population below poverty line:

11% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 3.6%

highest 10%: 24% (2000)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

27 (2006) country comparison to the world: 125 30 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

18% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Public debt:

74.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 22 73.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 20 0.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 120 3% (31 December 2008)

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:

4.96% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 138 5.97% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$1.627 trillion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 6 $1.681 trillion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$4.288 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 6 $4.202 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$5.2 trillion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 $5.019 trillion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$1.298 trillion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 9 $1.108 trillion (31 December 2008)

$2.106 trillion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbages; cattle, pigs, poultry

Industries:

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics, food and beverages, shipbuilding, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

Electricity - production:

593.4 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Electricity - consumption:

547.3 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Electricity - exports:

61.7 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

41.67 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

156,800 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 44

Oil - consumption:

2.437 million bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 8

Oil - exports:

536,600 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Oil - imports:

2.862 million bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 7

Oil - proved reserves:

276 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 54

Natural gas - production:

15.29 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

Natural gas - consumption:

96.26 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 5

Natural gas - exports:

12.64 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 16

Natural gas - imports:

94.57 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 2

Natural gas - proved reserves:

175.6 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Current account balance:

$162.3 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $168.1 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.337 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 3 $1.145 trillion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals and manufactures, foodstuffs, textiles

Exports - partners:

France 10.2%, US 6.7%, Netherlands 6.7%, UK 6.6%, Italy 6.3%, Austria 6%, China 4.5%, Switzerland 4.4% (2009)

Imports:

$1.12 trillion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $956.7 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals

Imports - partners:

Netherlands 8.5%, China 8.2%, France 8.2%, US 5.9%, Italy 5.9%, UK 4.9%, Belgium 4.3%, Austria 4.3%, Switzerland 4.2% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$180.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$4.713 trillion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 4 $5.158 trillion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$1.057 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.054 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$1.484 trillion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4 $1.46 trillion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Germany

Telephones - main lines in use:

48.7 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 3

Telephones - mobile cellular:

105 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 8

Telephone system:

general assessment: Germany has one of the world's most technologically advanced telecommunications systems; as a result of intensive capital expenditures since reunification, the formerly backward system of the eastern part of the country, dating back to World War II, has been modernized and integrated with that of the western part

domestic: Germany is served by an extensive system of automatic telephone exchanges connected by modern networks of fiber-optic cable, coaxial cable, microwave radio relay, and a domestic satellite system; cellular telephone service is widely available, expanding rapidly, and includes roaming service to many foreign countries

international: country code - 49; Germany's international service is excellent worldwide, consisting of extensive land and undersea cable facilities as well as earth stations in the Inmarsat, Intelsat, Eutelsat, and Intersputnik satellite systems (2001)

Broadcast media:

a mixture of publicly-operated and privately-owned TV and radio stations; national and regional public broadcasters compete with nearly 400 privately-owned national and regional TV stations; more than 90% of households have cable or satellite TV; hundreds of radio stations broadcasting including multiple national radio networks, regional radio networks, and a large number of local radio stations (2008)

Internet country code:

.de

Internet hosts:

21.729 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 4

Internet users:

65.125 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 5

Transportation ::Germany

Airports:

549 (2010) country comparison to the world: 13

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 330

over 3,047 m: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 53

1,524 to 2,437 m: 59

914 to 1,523 m: 70

under 914 m: 135 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 219

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 33

under 914 m: 184 (2010)

Heliports:

25 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 24,364 km; oil 3,379 km; refined products 3,843 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 41,896 km country comparison to the world: 6 standard gauge: 41,641 km 1.435-m gauge (20,053 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 75 km 1.000-m gauge (75 km electrified); 180 km 0.750-m gauge (24 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways:

total: 644,480 km country comparison to the world: 11 paved: 644,480 km (includes 12,645 km of expressways)

note: includes local roads (2008)

Waterways:

7,467 km country comparison to the world: 19 note: Rhine River carries most goods; Main-Danube Canal links North Sea and Black Sea (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 421 country comparison to the world: 25 by type: barge carrier 2, bulk carrier 7, cargo 44, carrier 1, chemical tanker 15, container 293, liquefied gas 7, passenger 4, passenger/cargo 27, petroleum tanker 10, refrigerated cargo 1, roll on/roll off 9, vehicle carrier 1

foreign-owned: 10 (China 2, Finland 5, Greece 1, Sweden 1, Switzerland 1)

registered in other countries: 3,287 (Antigua and Barbuda 1050, Australia 2, Bahamas 39, Belize 1, Bermuda 15, Brazil 6, Bulgaria 25, Burma 1, Cayman Islands 6, China 1, Cook Islands 1, Cyprus 189, Denmark 10, Dominica 2, Estonia 1, France 1, Georgia 4, Gibraltar 125, Hong Kong 10, Isle of Man 56, Italy 1, Jamaica 10, Liberia 1049, Luxembourg 9, Malta 127, Marshall Islands 247, Morocco 2, Netherlands 92, former Netherlands Antilles 32, NZ 2, Panama 27, Portugal 13, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, Singapore 30, Slovakia 4, Spain 5, Sri Lanka 5, Sweden 3, Turkey 1, UK 77, US 3, Venezuela 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Bremen, Bremerhaven, Duisburg, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Lubeck, Neuss-Dusseldorf, Rostock, Wilhemshaven

Military ::Germany

Military branches:

Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr): Army (Heer), Navy (Deutsche Marine, includes naval air arm), Air Force (Luftwaffe), Joint Support Services (Streitkraeftbasis), Central Medical Service (Zentraler Sanitaetsdienst) (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age (conscripts serve a 9-month tour of compulsory military service) (2004)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 19,195,804

females age 16-49: 18,159,851 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,564,748

females age 16-49: 14,723,200 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 421,227

female: 398,809 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.5% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Transnational Issues ::Germany

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors; transshipment point for and consumer of Southwest Asian heroin, Latin American cocaine, and European-produced synthetic drugs; major financial center

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Ghana (Africa)

Introduction ::Ghana

Background:

Formed from the merger of the British colony of the Gold Coast and the Togoland trust territory, Ghana in 1957 became the first sub-Saharan country in colonial Africa to gain its independence. Ghana endured a long series of coups before Lt. Jerry RAWLINGS took power in 1981 and banned political parties. After approving a new constitution and restoring multiparty politics in 1992, RAWLINGS won presidential elections in 1992 and 1996, but was constitutionally prevented from running for a third term in 2000. John KUFUOR succeeded him and was reelected in 2004. John Atta MILLS took over as head of state in early 2009.

Geography ::Ghana

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d'Ivoire and Togo

Geographic coordinates:

8 00 N, 2 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 238,533 sq km country comparison to the world: 81 land: 227,533 sq km

water: 11,000 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 2,094 km

border countries: Burkina Faso 549 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Coastline:

539 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north

Terrain:

mostly low plains with dissected plateau in south-central area

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Afadjato 885 m

Natural resources:

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber, hydropower, petroleum, silver, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land: 17.54%

permanent crops: 9.22%

other: 73.24% (2005)

Irrigated land:

310 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

53.2 cu km (2001)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.98 cu km/yr (24%/10%/66%)

per capita: 44 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

dry, dusty, northeastern harmattan winds occur from January to March; droughts

Environment - current issues:

recurrent drought in north severely affects agricultural activities; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations; water pollution; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: Marine Life Conservation

Geography - note:

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

People ::Ghana

Population:

24,339,838 country comparison to the world: 47 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 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 37.2% (male 4,494,633/female 4,394,074)

15-64 years: 59.2% (male 7,065,273/female 7,086,023)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 389,886/female 457,923) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.8 years

female: 21.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.855% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Birth rate:

28.09 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Death rate:

8.93 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Net migration rate:

-0.61 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144

Urbanization:

urban population: 50% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% 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 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.84 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 49.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 52 male: 53.38 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 46.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 60.55 years country comparison to the world: 187 male: 59.36 years

female: 61.78 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.57 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.9% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

260,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 27

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

21,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 22

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: very high

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

vectorborne diseases: malaria

water contact disease: schistosomiasis

respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

animal contact disease: rabies

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

Nationality:

noun: Ghanaian(s)

adjective: Ghanaian

Ethnic groups:

Akan 45.3%, Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)

Languages:

Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron (Brong) 4.6%, Dagomba 4.3%, Dangme 4.3%, Dagarte (Dagaba) 3.7%, Akyem 3.4%, Ga 3.4%, Akuapem 2.9%, other 36.1% (includes English (official)) (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 57.9%

male: 66.4%

female: 49.8% (2000 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 10 years

male: 10 years

female: 9 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

5.4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 52

Government ::Ghana

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Ghana

conventional short form: Ghana

former: Gold Coast

Government type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 5 33 N, 0 13 W

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

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Independence:

6 March 1957 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Constitution:

approved 28 April 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President John Evans Atta MILLS (since 7 January 2009); Vice President John Dramani MAHAMA (since 7 January 2009)

cabinet: Council of Ministers; president nominates members subject to approval by Parliament (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held on 7 and 28 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: John Evans Atta MILLS elected president in run-off election; percent of vote - John Evans Atta MILLS 50.23%, Nana Addo Dankwa AKUFO-ADDO 49.77%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (230 seats; members elected by direct, popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 7 December 2008 (next to be held on 7 December 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 114, NPP 107, PNC 2, CPP 1, independent 4, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Political parties and leaders:

Convention People's Party or CPP [Ladi NYLANDER]; Democratic Freedom Party or DFP [Alhaji Abudu Rahman ISSAKAH]; Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere or EGLE; Great Consolidated Popular Party or GCPP [Dan LARTEY]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Dr. Kwabena ADJEI]; New Patriotic Party or NPP [Peter MAC-MANU]; People's National Convention or PNC [Alhaji Amed RAMADAN]; Reform Party [Kyeretwie OPUKU]; United Renaissance Party or URP [Charles WAYO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Christian Aid (water rights); Committee for Joint Action or CJA (education reform); National Coalition Against the Privatization of Water or CAP (water rights); Oxfam (water rights); Public Citizen (water rights); Students Coalition Against EPA [Kwabena Ososukene OKAI] (education reform); Third World Network (education reform)

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIF (associate member), OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Ohene AGYEKUM

chancery: 3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 686-4520

FAX: [1] (202) 686-4527

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Donald G. TEITELBAUM

embassy: 24 4th Circular Rd. Cantonments, Accra

mailing address: P. O. Box 194, Accra

telephone: [233] (21) 741-000

FAX: [233] (21) 741-389

Flag description:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green, with a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; red symbolizes the blood shed for independence, yellow represents the country's mineral wealth, while green stands for its forests and natural wealth; the black star is said to be the lodestar of African freedom

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Bolivia, which has a coat of arms centered in the yellow band

National anthem:

lyrics/music: unknown/Philip GBEHO

note: music adopted 1957, lyrics adopted 1966; the lyrics were changed twice, once when a republic was declared in 1960 and again after a 1966 coup

Economy ::Ghana

Economy - overview:

Ghana is well endowed with natural resources and agriculture accounts for roughly one-third of GDP and employs more than half of the workforce, mainly small landholders. The services sector accounts for 50% of GDP. Gold and cocoa production and individual remittances are major sources of foreign exchange. Oil production at Ghana's offshore Jubilee field began in mid-December and is expected to boost economic growth. Ghana signed a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact in 2006, which aims to assist in transforming Ghana's agricultural sector. Ghana opted for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) program in 2002, and is also benefiting from the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative that took effect in 2006. In 2009 Ghana signed a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility with the IMF to improve macroeconomic stability, private sector competitiveness, human resource development, and good governance and civic responsibility. Sound macro-economic management along with high prices for gold and cocoa helped sustain GDP growth in 2008-10. In early 2010 President John Atta MILLS targeted recovery from high inflation and current account and budget deficits as his priorities.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$38.24 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $36.53 billion (2009 est.)

$35.09 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$18.06 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

4.7% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 4.1% (2009 est.)

7.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,600 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 201 $1,500 (2009 est.)

$1,500 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 33.7%

industry: 24.7%

services: 41.6% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

10.56 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 56%

industry: 15%

services: 29% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11% (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Population below poverty line:

28.5% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2%

highest 10%: 32.8% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

39.4 (2005-06) country comparison to the world: 65 40.7 (1999)

Investment (gross fixed):

39.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Public debt:

59.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 33 55.2% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 200 19.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

18% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 15 17% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2009 est.)

NA% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.26 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 82 $5.203 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$9.583 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 103 $7.823 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$7.155 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 106 $6.987 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$2.508 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 88 $3.394 billion (31 December 2008)

$2.38 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

cocoa, rice, cassava (tapioca), peanuts, corn, shea nuts, bananas; timber

Industries:

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum smelting, food processing, cement, small commercial ship building

Industrial production growth rate:

5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

Electricity - production:

6.746 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 102

Electricity - consumption:

5.702 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Electricity - exports:

249 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

435 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

7,081 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 88

Oil - consumption:

57,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 94

Oil - exports:

4,843 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Oil - imports:

45,380 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - proved reserves:

15 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 87

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - proved reserves:

22.65 billion cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Current account balance:

-$1.871 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 155 -$1.199 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$7.326 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99 $5.84 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

gold, cocoa, timber, tuna, bauxite, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds, horticulture

Exports - partners:

Netherlands 13.45%, UK 7.87%, France 5.85%, Ukraine 5.84%, Malaysia 3.97% (2009)

Imports:

$10.18 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 $8.046 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 16.8%, Nigeria 11.88%, US 6.63%, Cote d'Ivoire 5.99%, India 5.57%, France 5.09%, UK 4.23% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$3.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $3.165 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$6.483 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 $5.427 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$NA

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$NA

Exchange rates:

cedis (GHC) per US dollar - 1.4 (2010), 1.4 (2009), 1.1 (2008), 0.95 (2007), 9,174.8 (2006)

Communications ::Ghana

Telephones - main lines in use:

267,400 (2009) country comparison to the world: 120

Telephones - mobile cellular:

15.109 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 49

Telephone system:

general assessment: primarily microwave radio relay; wireless local loop has been installed; outdated and unreliable fixed-line infrastructure heavily concentrated in Accra

domestic: competition among multiple mobile-cellular providers has spurred growth with a subscribership of more than 60 per 100 persons and rising

international: country code - 233; landing point for the SAT-3/WASC, Main One, and GLO-1 fiber-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South Africa, Europe, and Asia; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbors (2009)

Broadcast media:

state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately-owned TV stations and a large number of privately-owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable (2007)

Internet country code:

.gh

Internet hosts:

41,082 (2010) country comparison to the world: 93

Internet users:

1.297 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 93

Transportation ::Ghana

Airports:

11 (2010) country comparison to the world: 155

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 7

over 3,047 m: 1

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 2 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 4

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 5 km; refined products 309 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 947 km country comparison to the world: 93 narrow gauge: 947 km 1.067-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 62,221 km country comparison to the world: 74 paved: 9,955 km

unpaved: 52,266 km (2006)

Waterways:

1,293 km country comparison to the world: 58 note: 168 km for launches and lighters on Volta, Ankobra, and Tano rivers; 1,125 km of arterial and feeder waterways on Lake Volta (2008)

Merchant marine:

total: 4 country comparison to the world: 135 by type: petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 3

foreign-owned: 2 (Brazil 1, South Korea 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Takoradi, Tema

Military ::Ghana

Military branches:

Ghanaian Army, Ghanaian Navy, Ghanaian Air Force (2010)

Military service age and obligation:

18 years of age for voluntary military service, with basic education certificate; no conscription (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,126,707

females age 16-49: 6,058,958 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 4,022,056

females age 16-49: 4,101,964 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 270,993

female: 263,961 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Transnational Issues ::Ghana

Disputes - international:

Ghana struggles to accommodate returning nationals who worked in the cocoa plantations and escaped fighting in Cote d'Ivoire

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 35,653 (Liberia); 8,517 (Togo) (2007)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; major transit hub for Southwest and Southeast Asian heroin and, to a lesser extent, South American cocaine destined for Europe and the US; widespread crime and money laundering problem, but the lack of a well developed financial infrastructure limits the country's utility as a money laundering center; significant domestic cocaine and cannabis use

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Gibraltar (Europe)

Introduction ::Gibraltar

Background:

Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links. A series of talks were held by the UK and Spain between 1997 and 2002 on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, tripartite talks among Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have been held with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols. A new noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008, but the UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.

Geography ::Gibraltar

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain

Geographic coordinates:

36 08 N, 5 21 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 6.5 sq km country comparison to the world: 242 land: 6.5 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries:

total: 1.2 km

border countries: Spain 1.2 km

Coastline:

12 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain:

a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking water) and adequate desalination plant

Geography - note:

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

People ::Gibraltar

Population:

28,877 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 215

Age structure:

0-14 years: 20.9% (male 3,088/female 2,922)

15-64 years: 66.4% (male 9,667/female 9,467)

65 years and over: 12.7% (male 1,754/female 1,898) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.1 years

male: 32.2 years

female: 34.1 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.27% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Birth rate:

14.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 147

Death rate:

8.17 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 101

Net migration rate:

-3.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Urbanization:

urban population: 100% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.1% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.071 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

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

65 years and over: 0.93 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 6.82 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 168 male: 7.6 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.99 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.53 years country comparison to the world: 46 male: 75.69 years

female: 81.56 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.96 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Gibraltarian(s)

adjective: Gibraltar

Ethnic groups:

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German, North Africans

Religions:

Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)

Languages:

English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Literacy:

definition: NA

total population: above 80%

male: NA

female: NA

Education expenditures:

Government ::Gibraltar

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Gibraltar

Dependency status:

overseas territory of the UK

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 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

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National holiday:

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain

Constitution:

5 June 2006; came into force 2 January 2007

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have been residents six months or more

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Vice Admiral Sir Adrian JOHNS (since 26 October 2009)

head of government: Chief Minister Peter CARUANA (since 17 May 1996)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 11 October 2007 (next to be held not later than October 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 49.3%, GSLP 31.8%, Gibraltar Liberal Party 13.6%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 4, Gibraltar Liberal Party 3

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Political parties and leaders:

Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]; Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Peter CARUANA]; Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Joseph John BOSSANO]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives Organization; Women's Association

International organization participation:

Interpol (subbureau), UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (overseas territory of the UK)

Flag description:

two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY

note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Gibraltar

Economy - overview:

Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 199 $1.066 billion (2005 est.)

$769 million (2000 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$1.106 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3.7% (2006) country comparison to the world: 91 7% (2005 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$38,400 (2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $38,200 (2005 est.)

$27,900 (2000 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 0%

industry: 0%

services: 100% (2008)

Labor force:

12,690 (including non-Gibraltar laborers) (2001) country comparison to the world: 214

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: negligible

industry: 40%

services: 60% (2001)

Unemployment rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Public debt:

15.5% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 119 15.7% of GDP (2005 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (2006) country comparison to the world: 83 2.9% (2005)

Agriculture - products:

none

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

146 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 182

Electricity - consumption:

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

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 192

Oil - consumption:

21,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 122

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 153

Oil - imports:

25,610 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Exports:

$271 million (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Exports - commodities:

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods

Imports:

$2.967 billion (2004 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Imports - commodities:

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar - 0.6494 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Gibraltar

Telephones - main lines in use:

24,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 186

Telephones - mobile cellular:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 203

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities

domestic: automatic exchange facilities

international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides television and radio broadcasting services via 1 television station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible (2008)

Internet country code:

.gi

Internet hosts:

2,053 (2010) country comparison to the world: 154

Internet users:

20,200 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Transportation ::Gibraltar

Airports:

1 (2010) country comparison to the world: 222

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 29 km country comparison to the world: 218 paved: 29 km (2007)

Merchant marine:

total: 265 country comparison to the world: 32 by type: bulk carrier 1, cargo 139, chemical tanker 65, container 35, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 11, roll on/roll off 4, vehicle carrier 8

foreign-owned: 250 (Belgium 2, Cyprus 1, Denmark 6, Finland 2, Germany 125, Greece 7, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4, Netherlands 33, Norway 42, Singapore 1, Sweden 12, UAE 5, UK 4)

registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Gibraltar

Military ::Gibraltar

Military branches:

Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 6,949 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 5,955

females age 16-49: 5,687 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 250

female: 233 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces in 1992

Transnational Issues ::Gibraltar

Disputes - international:

in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomy

page last updated on January 26, 2011

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

@Greece (Europe)

Introduction ::Greece

Background:

Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and other anti-Communists and Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a group of military officers seized power, establishing a military dictatorship that suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country. In 1974, democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. In 2010, the prospect of a Greek default on its euro-denominated debt created severe strains within the EMU and raised the question of whether a member country might voluntarily leave the common currency or be removed.

Geography ::Greece

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey

Geographic coordinates:

39 00 N, 22 00 E

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 131,957 sq km country comparison to the world: 96 land: 130,647 sq km

water: 1,310 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries:

total: 1,228 km

border countries: Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, Macedonia 246 km

Coastline:

13,676 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

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

Climate:

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m

Natural resources:

lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land: 20.45%

permanent crops: 8.59%

other: 70.96% (2005)

Irrigated land:

14,530 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

72 cu km (2005)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 8.7 cu km/yr (16%/3%/81%)

per capita: 782 cu m/yr (1997)

Natural hazards:

severe earthquakes

volcanism: Santorini (elev. 367 m, 1,204 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; although there have been very few eruptions in recent centuries, Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are classified as historically active

Environment - current issues:

air pollution; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, 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, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Geography - note:

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about 2,000 islands

People ::Greece

Population:

10,749,943 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 75

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.3% (male 788,722/female 742,270)

15-64 years: 66.6% (male 3,568,660/female 3,578,344)

65 years and over: 19.2% (male 902,617/female 1,156,815) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 42.2 years

male: 41.1 years

female: 43.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.106% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 186

Birth rate:

9.34 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 206

Death rate:

10.6 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

Net migration rate:

2.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Urbanization:

urban population: 61% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.064 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.08 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 185 male: 5.58 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 4.54 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 79.8 years country comparison to the world: 29 male: 77.24 years

female: 82.52 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 203

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

11,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 145

Nationality:

noun: Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic groups:

population: Greek 93%, other (foreign citizens) 7% (2001 census)

note: percents represent citizenship, since Greece does not collect data on ethnicity

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages:

Greek 99% (official), other 1% (includes English and French)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: 97.8%

female: 94.2% (2001 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 17 years

male: 16 years

female: 17 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

4% of GDP (2005) country comparison to the world: 105

Government ::Greece

Country name:

conventional long form: Hellenic Republic

conventional short form: Greece

local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia

local short form: Ellas or Ellada

former: Kingdom of Greece

Government type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E

time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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

Administrative divisions:

51 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos) and 1 autonomous region*; Achaia, Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Aitolia kai Akarnania, Argolis, Arkadia, Arta, Attiki, Chalkidiki, Chania, Chios, Dodekanisos, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evvoia, Florina, Fokidos, Fthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia, Ioannina, Irakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Kyklades, Lakonia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesvos, Magnisia, Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Preveza, Rethymnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serres, Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos

Independence:

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 March (1821)

Constitution:

11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001

Legal system:

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and administrative courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Karolos PAPOULIAS (since 12 March 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Georgios Andreas PAPANDREOU (since 6 October 2009)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by parliament for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 3 February 2010 (next to be held by February 2015); president appoints leader of the party securing plurality of vote in election to become prime minister and form a government

election results: Karolos PAPOULIAS reelected president; number of parliamentary votes, 266 out of 300

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon (300 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 4 October 2009 (next to be held by 2013)

election results: percent of vote by party - PASOK 43.9%, ND 33.5%, KKE 7.5%, LAOS 5.6%, SYRIZA 4.6%, other 4.9%; seats by party - PASOK 160, ND 91, KKE 21, LAOS 15, SYRIZA 13; note - seats by party as of 15 December 2010 - PASOK 156, ND 86, KKE 21 LAOS 15, SYRIZA 9, DISY 5, Democratic Left 4, independents 4 (DISY and Democratic Left entered parliament as members of ND and SYRIZA, respectively, and the independents entered parliament as members of PASOK); only parties supassing a 3% threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups, but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court; Special Supreme Tribunal; all judges are appointed for life by the president after consultation with a judicial council

Political parties and leaders:

Anticapitalist Left Cooperation for the Overthrow or ANTARSYA [Petros KONSTANTINOU]; Coalition of the Radical Left or SYRIZA [Alexis TSIPRAS]; Communist Party of Greece or KKE [Aleka PAPARIGA]; Democratic Left [Fotis KOUVELIS]; Democratic Alliance or DISY [Theodora BAKOGIANNI]; Ecologist Greens [Nikos CHRYSOGELOS]; Golden Dawn [Nikolaos MICHALOLIAKOS]; New Democracy or ND [Antonis SAMARAS]; Panhellenic Socialist Movement or PASOK [Georgios PAPANDREOU]; Popular Orthodox Rally or LAOS [Georgios KARATZAFERIS]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Civil Servants Confederation or ADEDY [Spyros PAPASPYROS]; Federation of Greek Industries or SEV [Dimitris DASKALOPOULOS]; General Confederation of Greek Workers or GSEE [Ioannis PANAGOPOULOS]

International organization participation:

Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SECI, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Vassilis KASKARELIS

chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300

FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Tampa

consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston, New Orleans

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Daniel Bennett SMITH

embassy: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens

mailing address: PSC 108, APO AE 09842-0108

telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951

FAX: [30] (210) 645-6282

consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki

Flag description:

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square bearing a white cross appears in the upper hoist-side corner; the cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country; there is no agreed upon meaning for the nine stripes or for the colors; the exact shade of blue has never been set by law and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS

note: adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158 verse poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans; Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Liberty" as its anthem

Economy ::Greece

Economy - overview:

Greece has a capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for about 40% of GDP and with per capita GDP about two-thirds that of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in agricultural and unskilled jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of annual GDP. The Greek economy grew by nearly 4.0% per year between 2003 and 2007, due partly to infrastructural spending related to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and in part to an increased availability of credit, which has sustained record levels of consumer spending. But the economy went into recession in 2009 as a result of the world financial crisis, tightening credit conditions, and Athens' failure to address a growing budget deficit, which was triggered by falling state revenues, and increased government expenditures. The economy contracted by 2% in 2009, and 4.8% in 2010. Greece violated the EU's Growth and Stability Pact budget deficit criterion of no more than 3% of GDP from 2001 to 2006, but finally met that criterion in 2007-08, before exceeding it again in 2009, with the deficit reaching 15.4% of GDP. Austerity measures reduced the deficit to 9.4% of GDP in 2010. Public debt, inflation, and unemployment are above the euro-zone average while per capita income is below; unemployment rose to 12% in 2010. Eroding public finances, a credibility gap stemming from inaccurate and misreported statistics, and consistent underperformance on following through with reforms prompted major credit rating agencies in late 2009 to downgrade Greece's international debt rating, and has led the country into a financial crisis. Under intense pressure by the EU and international market participants, the government has adopted a medium-term austerity program that includes cutting government spending, reducing the size of the public sector, decreasing tax evasion, reforming the health care and pension systems, and improving competitiveness through structural reforms to the labor and product markets. Athens, however, faces long-term challenges to push through unpopular reforms in the face of often vocal opposition from the country's powerful labor unions and the general public. Greek labor unions are striking over new austerity measures, but the strikes so far have had a limited impact on the government's will to adopt reforms. An uptick in widespread unrest, however, could challenge the government's ability to implement reforms and meet budget targets, and could also lead to rioting or violence. In April 2010 a leading credit agency assigned Greek debt its lowest possible credit rating; in May, the International Monetary Fund and Eurozone governments provided Greece emergency short- and medium-term loans worth $147 billion so that the country could make debt repayments to creditors. In exchange for the largest bailout ever assembled, the government announced combined spending cuts and tax increases totaling $40 billion over three years, on top of the tough austerity measures already taken. Greece, however, struggled to boost revenues and cut spending to meet 2010 targets set by the EU and the IMF, especially after Eurostat - the EU's statistical office - revised upward Greece's deficit and debt numbers for 2009 and 2010. Greece's lenders are calling on Athens to step up efforts in 2011 to increase tax collection, shore up public enterprises, and rein in health spending, and are planning to give Greece more time to repay its EU-IMF loan. Greece responded by introducing major structural reforms, but investors still question whether Greece can sustain fiscal efforts in the face of a bleak economic outlook and public discontent.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$321.7 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 39 $337.9 billion (2009 est.)

$344.8 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$302 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

-4.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 211 -2% (2009 est.)

2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$30,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 44 $31,500 (2009 est.)

$32,200 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4%

industry: 17.6%

services: 78.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

5.05 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 73

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 12.4%

industry: 22.4%

services: 65.1% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 9.4% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line:

20% (2009 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.5%

highest 10%: 26% (2000 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

33 (2005) country comparison to the world: 96 35.4 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.8% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132

Public debt:

144% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 5 126.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 129 1.2% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

1.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 117 3% (31 December 2008)

note: this is the European Central Bank's rate on the marginal lending facility, which offers overnight credit to banks in the euro area

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

8.59% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 109 8.65% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$152.8 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 22 $172.8 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$335.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 $368.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$419.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 25 $394.6 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$54.72 billion (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 37 $90.4 billion (31 December 2008)

$264.9 billion (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; beef, dairy products

Industries:

tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum

Industrial production growth rate:

3.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - production:

58.79 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

Electricity - consumption:

58.28 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 42

Electricity - exports:

1.962 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

7.575 billion kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

6,779 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 89

Oil - consumption:

414,400 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 33

Oil - exports:

153,000 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 57

Oil - imports:

520,900 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Oil - proved reserves:

10 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Natural gas - production:

9 million cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 91

Natural gas - consumption:

3.528 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 74

Natural gas - imports:

3.556 billion cu m (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

Natural gas - proved reserves:

991.1 million cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

Current account balance:

-$17.1 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 179 -$34.43 billion (2009 est.)

Exports:

$21.14 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 67 $21.34 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

food and beverages, manufactured goods, petroleum products, chemicals, textiles

Exports - partners:

Germany 11.11%, Italy 11.05%, Cyprus 7.28%, Bulgaria 6.74%, US 4.95%, UK 4.4%, Turkey 4.23% (2009)

Imports:

$44.9 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 $64.2 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, chemicals

Imports - partners:

Germany 13.73%, Italy 12.71%, China 7.08%, France 6.1%, Netherlands 6.02%, South Korea 5.68%, Belgium 4.34%, Spain 4.08% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$5.546 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$532.9 billion (30 June 2010) country comparison to the world: 19 $504.6 billion (31 December 2008)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:

$48.1 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55 $44.93 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad:

$38.66 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 35 $40.45 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

euros (EUR) per US dollar - 0.7715 (2010), 0.7179 (2009), 0.6827 (2008), 0.7345 (2007), 0.7964 (2006)

Communications ::Greece

Telephones - main lines in use:

5.93 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 29

Telephones - mobile cellular:

13.295 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 54

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate, modern networks reach all areas; good mobile telephone and international service

domestic: microwave radio relay trunk system; extensive open-wire connections; submarine cable to offshore islands

international: country code - 30; landing point for the SEA-ME-WE-3 optical telecommunications submarine cable that provides links to Europe, Middle East, and Asia; a number of smaller submarine cables provide connectivity to various parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Cyprus; tropospheric scatter; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Eutelsat, and 1 Inmarsat - Indian Ocean region)

Broadcast media:

broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150 private TV channels, about a dozen of the private channels broadcast at the national or regional level; 3 publicly-owned terrestrial TV channels with national coverage, 1 publicly-owned satellite channel, and 3 stations designed for digital terrestrial transmissions; multi-channel satellite and cable TV services obtainable; upwards of 1,500 radio stations broadcasting, nearly all of them privately-owned; state-run broadcaster has 7 national stations, 2 international stations, and 19 regional stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gr

Internet hosts:

2.574 million (2010) country comparison to the world: 31

Internet users:

4.971 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 46

Transportation ::Greece

Airports:

81 (2010) country comparison to the world: 68

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 67

over 3,047 m: 6

2,438 to 3,047 m: 14

1,524 to 2,437 m: 20

914 to 1,523 m: 18

under 914 m: 9 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 14

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 12 (2010)

Heliports:

9 (2010)

Pipelines:

gas 1,197 km; oil 75 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 2,548 km country comparison to the world: 66 standard gauge: 1,565 km 1.435-m gauge (764 km electrified)

narrow gauge: 961 km 1.000-m gauge; 22 km 0.750-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 117,533 km country comparison to the world: 38 paved: 107,895 km (includes 880 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,638 km (2005)

Waterways:

6 km country comparison to the world: 108 note: Corinth Canal (6 km) crosses the Isthmus of Corinth; shortens sea voyage by 325 km (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 886 country comparison to the world: 12 by type: bulk carrier 263, cargo 53, carrier 1, chemical tanker 72, container 34, liquefied gas 13, passenger 8, passenger/cargo 116, petroleum tanker 312, roll on/roll off 13, specialized tanker 1

foreign-owned: 62 (Belgium 16, Bermuda 3, Cyprus 4, Italy 5, UK 27, US 7)

registered in other countries: 2,391 (Antigua and Barbuda 5, Bahamas 209, Barbados 14, Belize 2, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Cambodia 2, Cayman Islands 11, Comoros 3, Cyprus 216, Denmark 1, Dominica 9, Egypt 8, Georgia 3, Germany 1, Gibraltar 7, Honduras 4, Hong Kong 22, Indonesia 1, Isle of Man 57, Italy 8, Jamaica 8, Liberia 454, Malta 458, Marshall Islands 358, Mexico 1, Moldova 4, Panama 402, Philippines 4, Portugal 5, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 63, Sao Tome and Principe 1, Saudi Arabia 4, Singapore 19, Slovakia 1, Togo 1, UAE 3, UK 1, Uruguay 1, Vanuatu 4, Venezuela 4, unknown 8) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Agioi Theodoroi, Aspropyrgos, Pachi, Piraeus, Thessaloniki

Military ::Greece

Military branches:

Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES), Hellenic Navy (Ellinikos Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polimiki Aeroporia, EPA) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

19-45 years of age for compulsory military service; during wartime the law allows for recruitment beginning January of the year of inductee's 18th birthday, thus including 17 year olds; 17 years of age for volunteers; conscript service obligation - 1 year for all services; women are eligible for voluntary military service (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,502,268

females age 16-49: 2,486,171 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,050,018

females age 16-49: 2,033,450 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 53,222

female: 49,828 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

4.3% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 23

Transnational Issues ::Greece

Disputes - international:

Greece and Turkey continue discussions to resolve their complex maritime, air, territorial, and boundary disputes in the Aegean Sea; Cyprus question with Turkey; Greece rejects the use of the name Macedonia or Republic of Macedonia; the mass migration of unemployed Albanians still remains a problem for developed countries, chiefly Greece and Italy

Illicit drugs:

a gateway to Europe for traffickers smuggling cannabis and heroin from the Middle East and Southwest Asia to the West and precursor chemicals to the East; some South American cocaine transits or is consumed in Greece; money laundering related to drug trafficking and organized crime

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Greenland (North America)

Introduction ::Greenland

Background:

Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.

Geography ::Greenland

Location:

Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada

Geographic coordinates:

72 00 N, 40 00 W

Map references:

North America

Area:

total: 2,166,086 sq km country comparison to the world: 13 land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km ice-covered)

Area - comparative:

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

44,087 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

Climate:

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain:

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops: 0%

other: 100% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Environment - current issues:

protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting

Geography - note:

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap

People ::Greenland

Population:

57,637 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Age structure:

0-14 years: 23% (male 6,727/female 6,533)

15-64 years: 70.1% (male 21,696/female 18,669)

65 years and over: 6.9% (male 2,000/female 1,975) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 33.5 years

male: 34.9 years

female: 31.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.064% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Birth rate:

14.68 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 140

Death rate:

8.05 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Net migration rate:

-5.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 205

Urbanization:

urban population: 84% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.053 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female

total population: 1.12 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 10.26 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 151 male: 11.71 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 8.73 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.67 years country comparison to the world: 141 male: 68.05 years

female: 73.43 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 117

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

100 (1999) country comparison to the world: 164

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Greenlander(s)

adjective: Greenlandic

Ethnic groups:

Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish, English

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 100%

male: 100%

female: 100% (2001 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Greenland

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Greenland

local long form: none

local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat

Dependency status:

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

Government type:

parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W

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

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

note: Greenland is divided into four time zones

Administrative divisions:

4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq, Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq

note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik (in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest national park in the world and also the most northerly

Independence:

none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland)

National holiday:

June 21 (longest day)

Constitution:

(November 2008) Act on Greenland Self Government

Legal system:

the laws of Denmark where applicable apply

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Soeren Hald MOELLER (since April 2005)

head of government: Prime Minister Kuupik KLEIST (since 12 June 2009)

cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting) on the basis of the strength of parties (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the leader of the majority party)

election results: Kuupik KLEIST elected prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 June 2009 (next to be held by 2014)

election results: percent of vote by party - Inuit Ataqatigiit 43.7%, Siumut 26.5%, Demokratiit 12.7%, Atassut 10.9%; Kattusseqatigiit 3.8%, other 2.4%; seats by party - IA 14, Siumut 9, Demokraatiit 4, Atassut 3, Kattusseqatigiit 1

note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 13 November 2007 (next to be held by November 2011); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1

Judicial branch:

High Court or Landsret (appeals can be made to the Ostre Landsret or Eastern Division of the High Court or Supreme Court in Copenhagen)

Political parties and leaders:

Atassut Party (Solidarity) [Gerhardt PETERSEN] (a conservative party favoring continuing close relations with Denmark); Demokratiit [Jens B. FREDERIKSEN]; Inuit Ataqatigiit or IA (Eskimo Brotherhood) [Kuupik KLEIST] (a leftist party favoring complete independence from Denmark rather than home rule); Kattusseqatigiit (Candidate List) [Anthon FREDERIKSEN] (an independent right-of-center party with no official platform); Siumut (Forward Party) [Alega HAMMOND] (a social democratic party advocating more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

other: conservationists; environmentalists

International organization participation:

Arctic Council, NC, NIB, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of Denmark

National anthem:

name: "Nunarput utoqqarsuanngoravit" ("Our Country, Who's Become So Old" also translated as "You Our Ancient Land")

lyrics/music: Henrik LUND/Jonathan PETERSEN

note: adopted 1916; the government also recognizes "Nuna asiilasooq" as a secondary anthem

Economy ::Greenland

Economy - overview:

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy. Greenland's GDP contracted about 2% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown. Budget surpluses turned to deficits beginning in 2007 and unemployment has risen. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which account for 82% of exports - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production has resumed in south Greenland. Tourism also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.03 billion (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.03 billion (2008)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.5% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 171 4% (2007 est.)

2.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$35,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 4.9%

industry: 31.9%

services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Labor force:

28,240 (January 2009) country comparison to the world: 205

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 4.9%

industry: 31.9%

services: 63.2% (2007 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 66 7.3% (2006 est.)

Population below poverty line:

9.2% (2007 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 195 1% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Industries:

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut); gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining; handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

310.3 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Electricity - consumption:

285.6 million kWh (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008)

Oil - production:

NA bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

4,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Oil - exports:

1,183 bbl/day (2008) country comparison to the world: 121

Oil - imports:

5,172 bbl/day (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Oil - proved reserves:

NA bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 107

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 179

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 73

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008) country comparison to the world: 171

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Exports:

$485 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 167 $428 million (2007)

Exports - commodities:

fish and fish products 72%, metals 10% (2008)

Exports - partners:

Denmark 61.13%, Japan 13.69%, China 6.15%, Sweden 5.21% (2009)

Imports:

$867 million (2008) country comparison to the world: 174 $669 million (2007)

Imports - commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Denmark 74.93%, Sweden 11.73%, Norway 2.29% (2009)

Debt - external:

$58 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 187 $25 million (1999)

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.774 (2009), 5.0236 (2008), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006)

Communications ::Greenland

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 189

Telephones - mobile cellular:

53,500 (2009) country comparison to the world: 195

Telephone system:

general assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally digital since 1995

domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite

international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)

Broadcast media:

the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio and television services throughout the island with a broadcast station and a series of repeaters; a few private local television and radio stations broadcast; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gl

Internet hosts:

15,668 (2010) country comparison to the world: 116

Internet users:

36,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 178

Transportation ::Greenland

Airports:

15 (2010) country comparison to the world: 145

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

2,438 to 3,047 m: 2

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 6 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 5

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 2

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Roadways:

note: although there are short roads in towns, there are no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by sea or air (2005)

Merchant marine:

total: 1 country comparison to the world: 159 by type: passenger 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Sisimiut

Military ::Greenland

Military branches:

no regular military forces

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 15,474 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 10,833

females age 16-49: 11,439 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 511

female: 484 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Transnational Issues ::Greenland

Disputes - international:

managed dispute between Canada and Denmark over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Canada's Ellesmere Island and Greenland

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Grenada (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Grenada

Background:

Carib Indians inhabited Grenada when COLUMBUS discovered the island in 1498, but it remained uncolonized for more than a century. The French settled Grenada in the 17th century, established sugar estates, and imported large numbers of African slaves. Britain took the island in 1762 and vigorously expanded sugar production. In the 19th century, cacao eventually surpassed sugar as the main export crop; in the 20th century, nutmeg became the leading export. In 1967, Britain gave Grenada autonomy over its internal affairs. Full independence was attained in 1974 making Grenada one of the smallest independent countries in the Western Hemisphere. Grenada was seized by a Marxist military council on 19 October 1983. Six days later the island was invaded by US forces and those of six other Caribbean nations, which quickly captured the ringleaders and their hundreds of Cuban advisers. Free elections were reinstituted the following year and have continued since that time. Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada in September of 2004 causing severe damage.

Geography ::Grenada

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

12 07 N, 61 40 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 344 sq km country comparison to the world: 206 land: 344 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Mount Saint Catherine 840 m

Natural resources:

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use:

arable land: 5.88%

permanent crops: 29.41%

other: 64.71% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Total renewable water resources:

Natural hazards:

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Environment - current issues:

Environment - international agreements:

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

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

People ::Grenada

Population:

107,818 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Age structure:

0-14 years: 32% (male 14,608/female 14,410)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 31,278/female 27,873)

65 years and over: 2.8% (male 1,268/female 1,302) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 28.2 years

male: 28.2 years

female: 28.2 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.563% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Birth rate:

17.2 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Death rate:

7.9 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108

Net migration rate:

-3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.097 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

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

total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 11.76 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 144 male: 10.8 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 12.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 72.79 years country comparison to the world: 120 male: 70.27 years

female: 75.55 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 110

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Grenadian(s)

adjective: Grenadian

Ethnic groups:

black 82%, mixed black and European 13%, European and East Indian 5%, and trace of Arawak/Carib Amerindian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 53%, Anglican 13.8%, other Protestant 33.2%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 96%

male: NA

female: NA (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 13 years

male: 13 years

female: 14 years (2005)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (2003) country comparison to the world: 58

Government ::Grenada

Country name:

conventional long form: none

conventional short form: Grenada

Government type:

parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 12 03 N, 61 45 W

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

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petite Martinique*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Independence:

7 February 1974 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Constitution:

19 December 1973

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 Carlyle Arnold GLEAN (since 27 November 2008)

head of government: Prime Minister Tillman THOMAS (since 9 July 2008)

cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice of the prime minister (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the governor general

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of the Senate (13 seats, 10 members appointed by the government and 3 by the leader of the opposition) and the House of Representatives (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 8 July 2008 (next to be held in 2013)

election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NDC 11, NNP 4

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of a court of Appeal and a High Court of Justice (two High Court judges are assigned to and reside in Grenada); Itinerant Court of Appeal three judges; member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Grenada United Labor Party or GULP [Gloria Payne BANFIELD]; National Democratic Congress or NDC [Tillman THOMAS]; New National Party or NNP [Keith MITCHELL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Committee for Human Rights in Grenada or CHRG; New Jewel Movement Support Group; The British Grenada Friendship Society; The New Jewel 19 Committee

International organization participation:

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

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Gillian M.S. BRISTOL

chancery: 1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone: [1] (202) 265-2561

FAX: [1] (202) 265-2468

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Grenada

embassy: Lance-aux-Epines Stretch, Saint George's

mailing address: P. O. Box 54, Saint George's

telephone: [1] (473) 444-1173 through 1177

FAX: [1] (473) 444-4820

Flag description:

a rectangle divided diagonally into yellow triangles (top and bottom) and green triangles (hoist side and outer side), with a red border around the flag; there are seven yellow, five-pointed stars with three centered in the top red border, three centered in the bottom red border, and one on a red disk superimposed at the center of the flag; there is also a symbolic nutmeg pod on the hoist-side triangle (Grenada is the world's second-largest producer of nutmeg, after Indonesia); the seven stars stand for the seven administrative divisions, with the central star denoting the capital, St. George; yellow represents the sun and the warmth of the people, green stands for vegetation and agriculture, and red symbolizes harmony, unity, and courage

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Irva Merle BAPTISTE/Louis Arnold MASANTO

note: adopted 1974

Economy ::Grenada

Economy - overview:

Grenada relies on tourism as its main source of foreign exchange especially since the construction of an international airport in 1985. Hurricanes Ivan (2004) and Emily (2005) severely damaged the agricultural sector - particularly nutmeg and cocoa cultivation - which had been a key driver of economic growth. Grenada has rebounded from the devastating effects of the hurricanes but is now saddled with the debt burden from the rebuilding process. Public debt-to-GDP is nearly 110%, leaving the THOMAS administration limited room to engage in public investments and social spending. Strong performances in construction and manufacturing, together with the development of tourism and an offshore financial industry, have also contributed to growth in national output; however, economic growth was stagnant in 2010 after a sizeable contraction in 2009, because of the global economic slowdown's effects on tourism and remittances.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.127 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 197 $1.118 billion (2009 est.)

$1.211 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$645 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

0.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 183 -7.7% (2009 est.)

2.2% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$10,500 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 108 $10,400 (2009 est.)

$11,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 5.4%

industry: 18%

services: 76.6% (2003)

Labor force:

42,300 (1996) country comparison to the world: 192

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 24%

industry: 14%

services: 62% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.5% (2000) country comparison to the world: 132

Population below poverty line:

32% (2000)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Central bank discount rate:

6.5% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 68 6.5% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

11.06% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 9.53% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$123.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 178 $131.7 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$743.5 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 168 $719.5 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of domestic credit:

$658 million (31 December 2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $575.8 million (31 December 2007 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, mace, citrus, avocados, root crops, sugarcane, corn, vegetables

Industries:

food and beverages, textiles, light assembly operations, tourism, construction

Electricity - production:

178.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 179

Electricity - consumption:

155.7 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 152

Oil - imports:

1,923 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 176

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 106

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Current account balance:

-$138 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 81

Exports:

$38 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Exports - commodities:

bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, fruit and vegetables, clothing, mace

Exports - partners:

Saint Lucia 19.73%, Antigua and Barbuda 13.41%, US 12.21%, Saint Kitts and Nevis 12.03%, Dominica 12% (2009)

Imports:

$343 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 190

Imports - commodities:

food, manufactured goods, machinery, chemicals, fuel

Imports - partners:

Trinidad and Tobago 39.76%, US 18.11% (2009)

Debt - external:

$347 million (2004) country comparison to the world: 167

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 ::Grenada

Telephones - main lines in use:

28,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 180

Telephones - mobile cellular:

64,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 192

Telephone system:

general assessment: automatic, island-wide telephone system

domestic: interisland VHF and UHF radiotelephone links

international: country code - 1-473; landing point for the East Caribbean Fiber Optic System (ECFS) submarine cable with links to 13 other islands in the eastern Caribbean extending from the British Virgin Islands to Trinidad; SHF radiotelephone links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to Trinidad

Broadcast media:

the Grenada Broadcasting Network, jointly owned by the government and the Caribbean Communications Network of Trinidad and Tobago, operates a television station and 2 radio stations; multi-channel cable TV subscription service is available; a dozen private radio stations also broadcast (2007)

Internet country code:

.gd

Internet hosts:

52 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Internet users:

25,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 185

Transportation ::Grenada

Airports:

3 (2010) country comparison to the world: 192

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 3

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,127 km country comparison to the world: 182 paved: 687 km

unpaved: 440 km (2000)

Ports and terminals:

Saint George's

Military ::Grenada

Military branches:

no regular military forces; Royal Grenada Police Force (includes Coast Guard) (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 27,453 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 22,487

females age 16-49: 22,535 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 987

female: 1,026 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

Transnational Issues ::Grenada

Disputes - international:

none

Illicit drugs:

small-scale cannabis cultivation; lesser transshipment point for marijuana and cocaine to US

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Guam (Australia-Oceania)

Introduction ::Guam

Background:

Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898. Captured by the Japanese in 1941, it was retaken by the US three years later. The military installation on the island is one of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific.

Geography ::Guam

Location:

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

Geographic coordinates:

13 28 N, 144 47 E

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total: 544 sq km

land: 544 sq km

water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative:

three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

125.5 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season (January to June), rainy season (July to December); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coralline limestone plateau (source of most fresh water), with steep coastal cliffs and narrow coastal plains in north, low hills in center, mountains in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Lamlam 406 m

Natural resources:

aquatic wildlife (supporting tourism), fishing (largely undeveloped)

Land use:

arable land: 3.64%

permanent crops: 18.18%

other: 78.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

frequent squalls during rainy season; relatively rare but potentially destructive typhoons (June - December)

Environment - current issues:

extirpation of native bird population by the rapid proliferation of the brown tree snake, an exotic, invasive species

Geography - note:

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago; strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

People ::Guam

Population:

180,865 (July 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 27.8% (male 25,651/female 23,904)

15-64 years: 65.2% (male 59,304/female 56,995)

65 years and over: 7% (male 5,786/female 6,790) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 29.3 years

male: 28.9 years

female: 29.7 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.346% (2010 est.)

Birth rate:

18.1 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate:

4.64 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Urbanization:

urban population: 93% of total population (2008)

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

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.85 male(s)/female

total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 5.93 deaths/1,000 live births

male: 6.35 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 5.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 78.18 years

male: 75.14 years

female: 81.41 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.52 children born/woman (2010 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Guamanian(s) (US citizens)

adjective: Guamanian

Ethnic groups:

Chamorro 37.1%, Filipino 26.3%, other Pacific islander 11.3%, white 6.9%, other Asian 6.3%, other ethnic origin or race 2.3%, mixed 9.8% (2000 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, other 15% (1999 est.)

Languages:

English 38.3%, Chamorro 22.2%, Philippine languages 22.2%, other Pacific island languages 6.8%, Asian languages 7%, other languages 3.5% (2000 census)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 99%

male: 99%

female: 99% (1990 est.)

Education expenditures:

Government ::Guam

Country name:

conventional long form: Territory of Guam

conventional short form: Guam

local long form: Guahan

local short form: Guahan

Dependency status:

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

Government type:

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 144 44 E

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

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

National holiday:

Discovery Day, first Monday in March (1521)

Constitution:

Organic Act of Guam, 1 August 1950

Legal system:

modeled on US; US federal laws apply

Suffrage:

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

Executive branch:

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

head of government: Governor Eddie CALVO (since 3 January 2011); Lieutenant Governor Ray TENORIO (since 3 January 2011)

cabinet: heads of executive departments; appointed by the governor with the consent of the Guam legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as Guam, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; however, they may vote in Democratic and Republican presidential primary elections; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for a four-year term (can serve two consecutive terms, then must wait a full term before running again); election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2014)

election results: Eddie CALVO elected governor; percent of vote - 50.6%; Ray TENORIO elected lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature (15 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)

elections: last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 9, Republican Party 6

note: Guam elects one nonvoting delegate to the US House of Representatives; election last held on 2 November 2010 (next to be held in November 2012); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 1

Judicial branch:

Federal District Court (judge is appointed by the president); Territorial Superior Court (judges appointed for eight-year terms by the governor)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party [Michael PHILLIPS]; Republican Party [Philip J. FLORES] (controls the legislature)

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Guam Federation of Teachers' Union; Guam Waterworks Authority Workers

other: activists; indigenous groups

International organization participation:

IOC, SPC, UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (territory of the US)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag description:

territorial flag is dark blue with a narrow red border on all four sides; centered is a red-bordered, pointed, vertical ellipse containing a beach scene, a proa or outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM superimposed in bold red letters; the proa is sailing in Agana Bay with the promontory of Punta Dos Amantes, near the capital, in the background; blue represents the sea and red the blood shed in the struggle against oppression

note: the US flag is the national flag

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Ramon Manalisay SABLAN [English], Lagrimas UNTALAN [Chamoru]/Ramon Manalisay SABLAN

note: adopted 1919; the local anthem is also known as "Guam Hymn"; as a territory of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner," which generally follows the playing of "Stand Ye Guamanians," is official (see United States)

Economy ::Guam

Economy - overview:

The economy depends largely on US military spending and tourism. Total US grants, wage payments, and procurement outlays amounted to $1.3 billion in 2004. Over the past 30 years, the tourist industry has grown to become the largest income source following national defense. The Guam economy continues to experience expansion in both its tourism and military sectors.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.5 billion (2005 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.773 billion (2001)

GDP - real growth rate:

NA%

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$15,000 (2005 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Labor force:

82,950 (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 26%

industry: 10%

services: 64% (2004 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.4% (2002 est.)

Population below poverty line:

23% (2001 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (2005 est.)

Agriculture - products:

fruits, copra, vegetables; eggs, pork, poultry, beef

Industries:

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

1.767 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

1.644 billion kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - consumption:

10,620 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - imports:

14,230 bbl/day (2007 est.)

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.)

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.)

Exports:

$45 million (2004 est.)

Exports - commodities:

transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials, fish, food and beverage products

Imports:

$701 million (2004 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

the US dollar is used

Communications ::Guam

Telephones - main lines in use:

65,500 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular:

98,000 (2004)

Telephone system:

general assessment: modern system, integrated with US facilities for direct dialing, including free use of 800 numbers

domestic: digital system, including mobile-cellular service and local access to the Internet

international: country code - 1-671; major landing point for submarine cables between Asia and the US (Guam is a trans-Pacific communications hub for major carriers linking the US and Asia); satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)

Broadcast media:

about a dozen TV broadcast channels, including digital channels; multi-channel cable TV services are available; roughly 20 radio stations broadcasting (2009)

Internet country code:

.gu

Internet hosts:

24 (2010)

Internet users:

90,000 (2009)

Transportation ::Guam

Airports:

5; note - 2 serviceable (2010)

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 2

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 1,045 km (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Apra Harbor

Military ::Guam

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 37,983

females age 16-49: 36,469 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 1,687

female: 1,597 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

Transnational Issues ::Guam

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 3, 2011

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

@Guatemala (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Guatemala

Background:

The Mayan civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which had left more than 100,000 people dead and had created, by some estimates, some 1 million refugees.

Geography ::Guatemala

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between El Salvador and Mexico, and bordering the Gulf of Honduras (Caribbean Sea) between Honduras and Belize

Geographic coordinates:

15 30 N, 90 15 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 108,889 sq km country comparison to the world: 106 land: 107,159 sq km

water: 1,730 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,687 km

border countries: Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico 962 km

Coastline:

400 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m

highest point: Volcan Tajumulco 4,211 m

Natural resources:

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 13.22%

permanent crops: 5.6%

other: 81.18% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,300 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

111.3 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 2.01 cu km/yr (6%/13%/80%)

per capita: 160 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms

volcanism: Guatemala experiences significant volcanic activity in the Sierra Madre range; Santa Maria (elev. 3,772 m, 12,375 ft) has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Pacaya (elev. 2,552 m, 8,373 ft), which erupted in May 2010 causing an ashfall on Guatemala City and prompting evacuations, is one of the country's most active volcanoes; the volcano has frequently been in eruption since 1965; other historically active volcanoes include Acatenango, Almolonga, Atitlan, Fuego, and Tacana

Environment - current issues:

deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

no natural harbors on west coast

People ::Guatemala

Population:

13,550,440 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Age structure:

0-14 years: 39.4% (male 2,664,058/female 2,573,006)

15-64 years: 56.8% (male 3,655,184/female 3,884,331)

65 years and over: 3.8% (male 231,652/female 268,286) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.7 years

male: 19.1 years

female: 20.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.019% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 55

Birth rate:

27.4 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 49

Death rate:

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

Net migration rate:

-2.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 175

Urbanization:

urban population: 49% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.4% 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: 0.94 male(s)/female

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

total population: 0.97 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 26.91 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 80 male: 29.22 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 24.49 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 70.59 years country comparison to the world: 142 male: 68.76 years

female: 72.51 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.36 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 50

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

0.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 60

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

59,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

3,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 51

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

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

vectorborne disease: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guatemalan(s)

adjective: Guatemalan

Ethnic groups:

Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) and European 59.4%, K'iche 9.1%, Kaqchikel 8.4%, Mam 7.9%, Q'eqchi 6.3%, other Mayan 8.6%, indigenous non-Mayan 0.2%, other 0.1% (2001 census)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs

Languages:

Spanish (official) 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 69.1%

male: 75.4%

female: 63.3% (2002 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 11 years

male: 11 years

female: 10 years (2007)

Education expenditures:

3.2% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 143

Government ::Guatemala

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guatemala

conventional short form: Guatemala

local long form: Republica de Guatemala

local short form: Guatemala

Government type:

constitutional democratic republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 14 37 N, 90 31 W

time difference: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in April; ends last Friday in September; note - there is no DST planned for 2010

Administrative divisions:

22 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Escuintla, Guatemala, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Jalapa, Jutiapa, Peten, Quetzaltenango, Quiche, Retalhuleu, Sacatepequez, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Solola, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan, Zacapa

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Constitution:

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; suspended 25 May 1993; reinstated 5 June 1993; amended November 1993

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; note - active duty members of the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

head of government: President Alvaro COLOM Caballeros (since 14 January 2008); Vice President Jose Rafael ESPADA (since 14 January 2008)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term (may not serve consecutive terms); election last held on 9 September 2007; runoff held on 4 November 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: Alvaro COLOM Caballeros elected president; percent of vote - Alvaro COLOM Caballeros 52.8%, Otto PEREZ Molina 47.2%

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la Republica (158 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 9 September 2007 (next to be held in September 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - UNE 30.4%, GANA 23.4%, PP 18.9%, FRG 9.5%, PU 5.1%, other 12.7%; seats by party - UNE 48, GANA 37, PP 30, FRG 15, PU 8, CASA 5, EG 4, PAN 4, UCN 4, URNG 2, UD 1

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitucionalidad is Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected by Congress for concurrent five-year terms); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (13 members are elected by Congress to serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are named to five-year terms)

Political parties and leaders:

Center of Social Action or CASA [Feliz Adolfo RUANO de Leon]; Democracy Front or FRENTE [Alfonso CABRERA]; Democratic Union or UD [Edwin Armando MARTINEZ Herrera]; Encounter for Guatemala or EG [Nineth MONTENGRO]; Grand National Alliance or GANA [Jaime Antonio MARTINEZ Lohayza]; Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity or URNG [Hector Alfredo NUILA Ericastilla]; Guatemalan Republican Front or FRG [Luis Fernando PEREZ]; Independent Bloc Guatemala or BG [Macario Efrain OLIVA Muralles]; Independent Democratic Freedom Renewed or LIDER [Manuel BALDIZON]; National Advancement Party or PAN [Juan GUTIERREZ]; National Unity for Hope or UNE [Roberto KESTLER Velasquez]; Nationalist Change Union or UCN [Mario ESTRADA]; Patriot Party or PP [Ingrid Roxana BALDETTI Elias]; Unionista Party or PU [Alvaro ARZU Irigoyen]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Agrarian Owners Group or UNAGRO; Alliance Against Impunity or AAI; Committee for Campesino Unity or CUC; Coordinating Committee of Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, and Financial Associations or CACIF; International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala or CICIG; Mutual Support Group or GAM

International organization participation:

BCIE, CACM, FAO, G-24, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAES, LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, SICA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, Union Latina, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco VILLAGRAN de Leon

chancery: 2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 745-4952

FAX: [1] (202) 745-1908

consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Providence, San Francisco

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Stephen G. MCFARLAND

embassy: 7-01 Avenida Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City

mailing address: APO AA 34024

telephone: [502] 2326-4000

FAX: [502] 2326-4654

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of light blue (hoist side), white, and light blue, with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms includes a green and red quetzal (the national bird) representing liberty and a scroll bearing the inscription LIBERTAD 15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821 (the original date of independence from Spain) all superimposed on a pair of crossed rifles signifying Guatemala's willingness to defend itself and a pair of crossed swords representing honor and framed by a laurel wreath symbolizing victory; the blue bands stand for the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and the sea and sky; the white band denotes peace and purity

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Jose Joaquin PALMA/Rafael Alvarez OVALLE

note: adopted 1897, modified lyrics adopted 1934; Cuban poet Jose Joaquin PALMA anonymously submitted lyrics to a public contest calling for a national anthem; his authorship was not discovered until 1911

Economy ::Guatemala

Economy - overview:

Guatemala is the most populous of the Central American countries with a GDP per capita roughly one-half that of the average for Latin America and the Caribbean. The agricultural sector accounts for nearly 15% of GDP and half of the labor force; key agricultural exports include coffee, sugar, and bananas. The 1996 peace accords, which ended 36 years of civil war, removed a major obstacle to foreign investment, and since then Guatemala has pursued important reforms and macroeconomic stabilization. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) entered into force in July 2006 spurring increased investment and diversification of exports, with the largest increases in ethanol and non-traditional agricultural exports. While CAFTA has helped improve the investment climate, concerns over security, the lack of skilled workers and poor infrastructure continue to hamper foreign direct investment. The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest decile comprising over 40% of Guatemala's overall consumption. More than half of the population is below the national poverty line and 15% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty among indigenous groups, which make up 38% of the population, averages 76% and extreme poverty rises to 28%. 43% of children under five are chronically malnourished, one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world. President COLOM entered into office with the promise to increase education, healthcare, and rural development, and in April 2008 he inaugurated a conditional cash transfer program, modeled after programs in Brazil and Mexico, that provide financial incentives for poor families to keep their children in school and get regular health check-ups. Given Guatemala's large expatriate community in the United States, it is the top remittance recipient in Central America, with inflows serving as a primary source of foreign income equivalent to nearly two-thirds of exports. Economic growth fell in 2009 as export demand from US and other Central American markets fell and foreign investment slowed amid the global recession, but the economy recovered gradually in 2010 and will likely return to more normal growth rates by 2012. President COLOM, in his last year in office, will likely face opposition to economic reform, particularly over a long-delayed tax reform and an IMF-recommended reform to strengthen the banking sector. Larger budget deficits and increased debt can be expected in 2011.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$70.31 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 81 $68.8 billion (2009 est.)

$68.39 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$40.77 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.2% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 143 0.6% (2009 est.)

3.3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$5,200 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 142 $5,200 (2009 est.)

$5,300 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 13.3%

industry: 24.4%

services: 62.3% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.26 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 50%

industry: 15%

services: 35% (1999 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.2% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Population below poverty line:

56.2% (2004 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 42.4% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

55.1 (2007) country comparison to the world: 13 55.8 (1998)

Investment (gross fixed):

13.9% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 138

Public debt:

29.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 89 27.9% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 1.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009)

NA% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

13.85% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 58 13.39% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$6.6 billion (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 79 $6.13 billion (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$25.4 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 76 $22.9 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$15.58 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 85 $14.8 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, corn, bananas, coffee, beans, cardamom; cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens

Industries:

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, rubber, tourism

Industrial production growth rate:

2.6% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119

Electricity - production:

8.425 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 97

Electricity - consumption:

7.115 billion kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 98

Electricity - exports:

131.9 million kWh (2007 est.)

Electricity - imports:

8.11 million kWh (2007 est.)

Oil - production:

13,530 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Oil - consumption:

79,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 86

Oil - exports:

21,850 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 90

Oil - imports:

72,440 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 76

Oil - proved reserves:

83.07 million bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 72

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 105

Natural gas - consumption:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 169

Natural gas - proved reserves:

2.96 billion cu m (1 January 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Current account balance:

-$1.345 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 -$267.4 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$8.47 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 91 $7.214 billion (2009)

Exports - commodities:

coffee, sugar, petroleum, apparel, bananas, fruits and vegetables, cardamom

Exports - partners:

US 40.41%, El Salvador 11.2%, Honduras 8.48%, Mexico 5.86% (2009)

Imports:

$12.65 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83 $11.52 billion (2009)

Imports - commodities:

fuels, machinery and transport equipment, construction materials, grain, fertilizers, electricity

Imports - partners:

US 36.46%, Mexico 10.49%, China 5.88%, El Salvador 5.14% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$5.709 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 65 $4.973 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$17.47 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 77 $16.04 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates:

quetzales (GTQ) per US dollar - 8.0798 (2010), 8.1616 (2009), 7.5895 (2008), 7.6833 (2007), 7.6026 (2006)

Communications ::Guatemala

Telephones - main lines in use:

1.413 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 67

Telephones - mobile cellular:

17.308 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 43

Telephone system:

general assessment: fairly modern network centered in the city of Guatemala

domestic: state-owned telecommunications company privatized in the late 1990s opening the way for competition; fixed-line teledensity roughly 10 per 100 persons; fixed-line investments are being concentrated on improving rural connectivity; mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 502; landing point for both the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1) and the SAM-1 fiber optic submarine cable system that together provide connectivity to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US; connected to Central American Microwave System; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)

Broadcast media:

4 privately-owned national terrestrial TV channels dominate TV broadcasting; multi-channel satellite and cable services are available; 1 government-owned radio station and hundreds of privately-owned radio stations (2007)

Internet country code:

.gt

Internet hosts:

196,870 (2010) country comparison to the world: 65

Internet users:

2.279 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 72

Transportation ::Guatemala

Airports:

372 (2010) country comparison to the world: 21

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 13

2,438 to 3,047 m: 3

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 4

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 359

2,438 to 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3

914 to 1,523 m: 84

under 914 m: 271 (2010)

Pipelines:

oil 480 km (2009)

Railways:

total: 332 km country comparison to the world: 119 narrow gauge: 332 km 0.914-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 14,095 km country comparison to the world: 124 paved: 4,863 km (includes 75 km of expressways)

unpaved: 9,232 km (2000)

Waterways:

990 km (260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water season) (2010) country comparison to the world: 66

Ports and terminals:

Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Military ::Guatemala

Military branches:

National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de Guatemala, ENG), Guatemalan Navy (Marina Nacional, includes Marines), Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 50 are liable for military service; conscript service obligation varies from 12 to 24 months; women can serve as officers (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 3,062,027

females age 16-49: 3,266,655 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,494,903

females age 16-49: 2,827,208 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 168,959

female: 166,414 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

0.4% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 166

Transnational Issues ::Guatemala

Disputes - international:

annual ministerial meetings under the OAS-initiated Agreement on the Framework for Negotiations and Confidence Building Measures continue to address Guatemalan land and maritime claims in Belize and the Caribbean Sea; the Line of Adjacency created under the 2002 Differendum serves in lieu of the contiguous international boundary to control squatting in the sparsely inhabited rain forests of Belize's border region; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

IDPs: undetermined (the UN does not estimate there are any IDPs, although some NGOs estimate over 200,000 IDPs as a result of over three decades of internal conflict that ended in 1996) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guatemala is a source, transit, and destination country for Guatemalans and Central Americans trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; human trafficking is a significant and growing problem in the country; Guatemalan women and children are trafficked within the country for commercial sexual exploitation, primarily to Mexico and the United States; Guatemalan men, women, and children are also trafficked within the country, and to Mexico and the United States, for forced labor

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guatemala is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking in persons, particularly with respect to ensuring that trafficking offenders are appropriately prosecuted for their crimes; while prosecutors initiated trafficking prosecutions, they continued to face problems in court with application of Guatemala's comprehensive anti-trafficking law; the government made modest improvements to its protection efforts, but assistance remained inadequate overall in 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

major transit country for cocaine and heroin; in 2005, cultivated 100 hectares of opium poppy after reemerging as a potential source of opium in 2004; potential production of less than 1 metric ton of pure heroin; marijuana cultivation for mostly domestic consumption; proximity to Mexico makes Guatemala a major staging area for drugs (particularly for cocaine); money laundering is a serious problem; corruption is a major problem

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Guernsey (Europe)

Introduction ::Guernsey

Background:

Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops in World War II. Guernsey is a British crown dependency but is not part of the UK or of the European Union. However, the UK Government is constitutionally responsible for its defense and international representation.

Geography ::Guernsey

Location:

Western Europe, islands in the English Channel, northwest of France

Geographic coordinates:

49 28 N, 2 35 W

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 78 sq km country comparison to the world: 227 land: 78 sq km

water: 0 sq km

note: includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Area - comparative:

about one-half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

50 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 3 nm

exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm

Climate:

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation on Sark 114 m

Natural resources:

cropland

Land use:

arable land: NA

permanent crops: NA

other: NA

Irrigated land:

Natural hazards:

Environment - current issues:

Geography - note:

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

People ::Guernsey

Population:

64,775 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 204

Age structure:

0-14 years: 14.5% (male 4,799/female 4,673)

15-64 years: 67.9% (male 22,056/female 22,410)

65 years and over: 17.6% (male 5,009/female 6,537) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 41.9 years

male: 40.9 years

female: 42.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.466% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156

Birth rate:

10.25 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 191

Death rate:

8.35 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 93

Net migration rate:

2.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

Urbanization:

urban population: 31% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0.6% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.049 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.03 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.77 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 3.58 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 210 male: 3.9 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 3.24 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 82.08 years country comparison to the world: 6 male: 79.43 years

female: 84.87 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.53 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 184

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

Nationality:

noun: Channel Islander(s)

adjective: Channel Islander

Ethnic groups:

British and Norman-French descent with small percentages from other European countries

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist

Languages:

English, French, Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy:

Education expenditures:

Government ::Guernsey

Country name:

conventional long form: Bailiwick of Guernsey

conventional short form: Guernsey

Dependency status:

British crown dependency

Government type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 49 27 N, 2 32 W

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

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

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 10 parishes including Castel, Forest, Saint Andrew, Saint Martin, Saint Peter Port, Saint Pierre du Bois, Saint Sampson, Saint Saviour, Torteval, Vale

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

the laws of the UK where applicable apply; justice is administered by the Royal Court

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Lieutenant Governor Sir Fabian MALBON (since 28 October 2005)

head of government: Chief Minister Lyndon TROTT (since 1 May 2008); Bailiff Sir Geoffrey ROWLAND (since June 2005)

cabinet: Policy Council elected by the States of Deliberation (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: the monarchy is hereditary; lieutenant governor appointed by the monarch; chief minister elected by States of Deliberation

election results: Lyndon TROTT elected chief minister, percent of vote of the States of Deliberation NA

Legislative branch:

unicameral States of Deliberation (45 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms); note - Alderney and Sark have parliaments

elections: last held on 23 April 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

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

Judicial branch:

Royal Court (judges elected by an electoral college and the bailiff)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety or STEPS; No More Masts [Colin FALLAIZE]

International organization participation:

UPU

Diplomatic representation in the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Diplomatic representation from the US:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag description:

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending to the edges of the flag and a yellow equal-armed cross of William the Conqueror superimposed on the Saint George cross; the red cross represents the old ties with England and the fact that Guernsey is a British Crown dependency; the gold cross is a replica of the one used by Duke William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings

National anthem:

lyrics/music: George DEIGHTON/Domencio SANTANGELO

note: adopted 1911; serves as a local anthem; as a British crown dependency, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

Economy ::Guernsey

Economy - overview:

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance - account for about 23% of employment and about 55% of total income in this tiny, prosperous Channel Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Financial services, construction, retail, and the public sector have been growing. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of the EU nations is changing the environment under which Guernsey operates.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$2.742 billion (2005) country comparison to the world: 178

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.742 billion (2005)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 121

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$44,600 (2005) country comparison to the world: 13

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 3%

industry: 10%

services: 87% (2000)

Labor force:

31,470 (March 2006) country comparison to the world: 203

Unemployment rate:

0.9% (March 2006 est.) country comparison to the world: 4

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: NA%

highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (June 2006) country comparison to the world: 102

Agriculture - products:

tomatoes, greenhouse flowers, sweet peppers, eggplant, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Industries:

tourism, banking

Industrial production growth rate:

NA%

Electricity - production:

NA kWh

Electricity - consumption:

NA kWh

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2002)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2002)

Exports:

$NA

Exports - commodities:

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables

Imports:

$NA

Imports - commodities:

coal, gasoline, oil, machinery and equipment

Debt - external:

$NA

Exchange rates:

Guernsey pound 0.6504 (2009), 0.5302 (2008), 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006)

note: the Guernsey pound is at par with the British pound

Communications ::Guernsey

Telephones - main lines in use:

45,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 164

Telephones - mobile cellular:

43,800 (2004) country comparison to the world: 198

Telephone system:

general assessment: NA

domestic: fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available; combined fixed and mobile-cellular teledensity exceeds 100 per 100 persons

international: country code - 44; 1 submarine cable

Broadcast media:

multiple UK terrestrial television broadcasts - received via a transmitter in Jersey with relays in Jersey, Guernsey, and Alderney - will begin switching from analog to digital broadcasts in November 2010; satellite packages are available; BBC Radio Guernsey and 1 other radio station operating (2009)

Internet country code:

.gg

Internet hosts:

197 (2010) country comparison to the world: 195

Internet users:

48,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 174

Transportation ::Guernsey

Airports:

2 (2010) country comparison to the world: 209

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 1 (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Braye Bay, Saint Peter Port

Military ::Guernsey

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 12,404

females age 16-49: 12,510 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 347

female: 350 (2010 est.)

Military - note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

Transnational Issues ::Guernsey

Disputes - international:

none

page last updated on January 11, 2011

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

@Guinea (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea

Background:

Guinea has had a history of authoritarian rule since gaining its independence from France in 1958. Lansana CONTE came to power in 1984 when the military seized the government after the death of the first president, Sekou TOURE. Guinea did not hold democratic elections until 1993 when Gen. CONTE (head of the military government) was elected president of the civilian government. He was reelected in 1998 and again in 2003, though all the polls were marred by irregularities. History repeated itself in December 2008 when following President CONTE's death, Capt. Moussa Dadis CAMARA led a military coup, seizing power and suspending the constitution. His unwillingness to yield to domestic and international pressure to step down led to heightened political tensions that culminated in September 2009 when presidential guards opened fire on an opposition rally killing more than 150 people, and in early December 2009 when CAMARA was wounded in an assassination attempt and evacuated to Morocco and subsequently to Burkina Faso. A transitional government led by General Sekouba KONATE held democratic elections in 2010 and Alpha CONDE was elected president in the country's first free and fair elections since independence.

Geography ::Guinea

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

Geographic coordinates:

11 00 N, 10 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 245,857 sq km country comparison to the world: 78 land: 245,717 sq km

water: 140 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total: 3,399 km

border countries: Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Liberia 563 km, Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline:

320 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

generally flat coastal plain, hilly to mountainous interior

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land: 4.47%

permanent crops: 2.64%

other: 92.89% (2005)

Irrigated land:

950 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

226 cu km (1987)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.51 cu km/yr (8%/2%/90%)

per capita: 161 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification; soil contamination and erosion; overfishing, overpopulation in forest region; poor mining practices have led to environmental damage

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the Niger and its important tributary the Milo have their sources in the Guinean highlands

People ::Guinea

Population:

10,324,025 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Age structure:

0-14 years: 42.8% (male 2,175,852/female 2,128,518)

15-64 years: 53.7% (male 2,701,184/female 2,704,161)

65 years and over: 3.5% (male 153,053/female 195,207) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 18.5 years

male: 18.3 years

female: 18.8 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.649% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Birth rate:

37.21 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 25

Death rate:

10.72 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 47

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 84

Urbanization:

urban population: 34% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.5% 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 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 63.09 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 31 male: 66.46 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 59.62 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 57.6 years country comparison to the world: 192 male: 56.13 years

female: 59.12 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.15 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 19

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.6% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

87,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 48

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

4,500 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 46

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

animal contact disease: rabies

aerosolized dust or soil contact disease: Lassa fever (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, smaller ethnic groups 10%

Religions:

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages:

French (official); note - each ethnic group has its own language

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 29.5%

male: 42.6%

female: 18.1% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 10 years

female: 7 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

1.7% of GDP (2008) country comparison to the world: 175

Government ::Guinea

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea

conventional short form: Guinea

local long form: Republique de Guinee

local short form: Guinee

former: French Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 9 33 N, 13 42 W

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

Administrative divisions:

33 prefectures and 1 special zone (zone special)*; Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry*, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba, Dinguiraye, Dubreka, Faranah, Forecariah, Fria, Gaoual, Gueckedou, Kankan, Kerouane, Kindia, Kissidougou, Koubia, Koundara, Kouroussa, Labe, Lelouma, Lola, Macenta, Mali, Mamou, Mandiana, Nzerekore, Pita, Siguiri, Telimele, Tougue, Yomou

Independence:

2 October 1958 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 October (1958)

Constitution:

23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Alpha Conde (since 21 December 2010)

head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Said FOFANA (since 24 December 2010)

cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (no term limits); candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast to be elected president; election last held on 27 June 2010 with a runoff election held on 7 November 2010

election results: Alpha CONDE elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote Alpha CONDE 52.5%, Cellou Dalein DIALLO 47.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale Populaire (114 seats; members elected by a mixed system of direct popular vote and proportional party lists)

elections: last held on 30 June 2002 (legislative elections first due in 2007 have been rescheduled multiple times and are currently unscheduled)

election results: percent of vote by party - PUP 61.6%, UPR 26.6%, other 11.8%; seats by party - PUP 85, UPR 20, other 9

Judicial branch:

Court of First Instance or Tribunal de Premiere Instance; Court of Appeal or Cour d'Appel; Supreme Court or Cour Supreme

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Union of Guinea or UDG [Mamadou SYLLA]; Guinean Union for Democracy or UGD; New Democratic Forces or NDF [Muoctar DIALLO]; Party for Unity and Progress or PUP [Sekouba KONATE]; Rally for the Guinean People or RPG [Alpha CONDE]; Union for Progress and Renewal or UPR [Ousmane BAH]; Union for Progress of Guinea or UPG [Jean-Marie DORE, secretary-general]; Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea or UFDG [Cellou Dalein DIALLO]; Union of Republican Forces or UFR [Sidya TOURE]; United Front for Democracy and Change or FUDEC [Francois FALL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

National Confederation of Guinean Workers-Labor Union of Guinean Workers or CNTG-USTG Alliance (includes National Confederation of Guinean Workers or CNTG [Rabiatou Sarah DIALLO] and Labor Union of Guinean Workers or USTG [Dr. Ibrahima FOFANA]); Syndicate of Guinean Teachers and Researchers or SLECG [Dr. Louis M'Bemba SOUMAH]

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AU (suspended), ECOWAS (suspended), FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Mory Karamoko KABA

chancery: 2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 986-4300

FAX: [1] (202) 483-8688

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Patricia Newton MOLLER

embassy: Koloma, Conakry, east of Hamdallaye Circle

mailing address: B. P. 603, Transversale No. 2, Centre Administratif de Koloma, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry

telephone: [224] 65-10-40-00

FAX: [224] 65-10-42-97

Flag description:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; red represents the people's sacrifice for liberation and work; yellow stands for the sun, for the riches of the earth, and for justice; green symbolizes the country's vegetation and unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the colors from left to right are the reverse of those on the flags of neighboring Mali and Senegal

National anthem:

lyrics/music: unknown/Fodeba KEITA

note: adopted 1958

Economy ::Guinea

Economy - overview:

Guinea is a poor country that possesses major mineral, hydropower, and agricultural resources. The country has almost half of the world's bauxite reserves. The mining sector accounts for more than 70% of exports. Long-run improvements in the management of the economy, literacy, and the legal framework are needed if the country is to move out of poverty. Investor confidence has been sapped by rampant corruption, a lack of electricity and other infrastructure, a lack of skilled workers, and the political uncertainty resulting from the death of President Lansana CONTE in December 2008. International donors, including the G-8, the IMF, and the World Bank, cut their development programming significantly in response to the coup, and international partners have said that a resumption of aid will be contingent on a successful democratic transition with a democratically elected president and a functioning National Assembly. Growth rose slightly in 2006-08, primarily due to increases in global demand and commodity prices on world markets, but bauxite and alumina exports were negatively affected by the global economic downturn and the economy in 2009 contracted. International investors expressed renewed interest in Guinea's iron ore mines in 2010.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$10.6 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 146 $10.3 billion (2009 est.)

$10.67 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$4.344 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 126 -3.5% (2009 est.)

4.7% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 213 $1,000 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 25.8%

industry: 45.7%

services: 28.5% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

4.392 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 82

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 76%

industry and services: 24% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA% est.)

Population below poverty line:

47% (2006 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.9%

highest 10%: 41% (2006)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

38.1 (2006) country comparison to the world: 73 40.3 (1994)

Investment (gross fixed):

14.6% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 134

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 219 9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

NA% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 7 22.25% (31 December 2005)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA% (31 December 2008)

Stock of narrow money:

$496.2 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 158 $459.7 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$830 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 166 $761.9 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$734.4 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 $674.2 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels, cassava (tapioca), bananas, sweet potatoes; cattle, sheep, goats; timber

Industries:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, iron; alumina refining; light manufacturing, and agricultural processing

Industrial production growth rate:

3% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112

Electricity - production:

850 million kWh country comparison to the world: 148 note: excludes electricity generated at interior mining sites (2007 est.)

Electricity - consumption:

790.5 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 190

Oil - consumption:

9,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 154

Oil - exports:

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

Oil - imports:

8,674 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 141

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 174

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 104

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 168

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Current account balance:

-$434 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 112 -$538 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$1.468 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 137 $1.18 billion (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish, agricultural products

Exports - partners:

India 19.68%, Spain 13.18%, Russia 7.24%, Germany 6.86%, Ireland 5.87%, US 5.71%, Ukraine 5.6% (2009)

Imports:

$1.551 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $1.236 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

China 8.67%, Netherlands 6.67%, France 4.33%, UK 4.22% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$NA (31 December 2010 est.)

$51 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$3.072 billion (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 128 $3.222 billion (31 December 2008 est.)

Exchange rates:

Guinean francs (GNF) per US dollar - 6,100 (2010), 5,500 (2009), 5,500 (2008), 4,122.8 (2007), 5,350 (2006)

Communications ::Guinea

Telephones - main lines in use:

22,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 190

Telephones - mobile cellular:

5.607 million (2009) country comparison to the world: 90

Telephone system:

general assessment: inadequate system of open-wire lines, small radiotelephone communication stations, and new microwave radio relay system

domestic: Conakry reasonably well served; coverage elsewhere remains inadequate and large companies tend to rely on their own systems for nationwide links; fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular subscribership is expanding and exceeded 50 per 100 persons in 2009

international: country code - 224; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government maintains control over broadcast media; single state-run TV station; state-run radio broadcast station also operates several stations in rural areas; about 20 privately-owned radio stations, nearly all in Conakry, and about a dozen community radio stations; foreign television programming available via satellite and cable subscription services (2008)

Internet country code:

.gn

Internet hosts:

14 (2010) country comparison to the world: 220

Internet users:

95,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 161

Transportation ::Guinea

Airports:

16 (2010) country comparison to the world: 142

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 4

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 12

1,524 to 2,437 m: 7

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 2 (2010)

Railways:

total: 1,185 km country comparison to the world: 87 standard gauge: 238 km 1.435-m gauge

narrow gauge: 947 km 1.000-m gauge (2008)

Roadways:

total: 44,348 km country comparison to the world: 84 paved: 4,342 km

unpaved: 40,006 km (2003)

Waterways:

1,300 km (navigable by shallow-draft native craft) (2008) country comparison to the world: 57

Ports and terminals:

Conakry, Kamsar

Military ::Guinea

Military branches:

National Armed Forces: Army, Navy (Armee de Mer or Marine Guineenne, includes Marines), Guinean Air Force (Force Aerienne de Guinee) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for compulsory or voluntary military service; 18-month conscript service obligation (2009)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 2,292,338

females age 16-49: 2,264,589 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 1,443,655

females age 16-49: 1,483,676 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 114,353

female: 111,873 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.1% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 127

Transnational Issues ::Guinea

Disputes - international:

conflicts among rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in neighboring states have spilled over into Guinea resulting in domestic instability; Sierra Leone considers Guinea's definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers excessive 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): 21,856 (Liberia); 5,259 (Sierra Leone); 3,900 (Cote d'Ivoire)

IDPs: 19,000 (cross-border incursions from Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of forced labor and sexual exploitation; the majority of victims are children, and internal trafficking is more prevalent than transnational trafficking; within the country, girls are trafficked primarily for domestic servitude and sexual exploitation, while boys are trafficked for forced agricultural labor, and as forced beggars, street vendors, shoe shiners, and laborers in gold and diamond mines; some Guinean men are also trafficked for agricultural labor within Guinea; transnationally, girls are trafficked into Guinea for domestic servitude and likely also for sexual exploitation

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - Guinea is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to provide evidence of increasing efforts to eliminate trafficking over 2006; Guinea demonstrated minimal law enforcement efforts for a second year in a row, while protection efforts diminished over efforts in 2006; the government did not report any trafficking convictions in 2007; due to a lack of resources, the government does not provide shelter services for trafficking victims; the government took no measures to reduce the demand for commercial sexual exploitation (2008)

page last updated on January 12, 2011

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

@Guinea-Bissau (Africa)

Introduction ::Guinea-Bissau

Background:

Since independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced considerable political and military upheaval. In 1980, a military coup established authoritarian dictator Joao Bernardo 'Nino' VIEIRA as president. Despite setting a path to a market economy and multiparty system, VIEIRA's regime was characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the purging of political rivals. Several coup attempts through the 1980s and early 1990s failed to unseat him. In 1994 VIEIRA was elected president in the country's first free elections. A military mutiny and resulting civil war in 1998 eventually led to VIEIRA's ouster in May 1999. In February 2000, a transitional government turned over power to opposition leader Kumba YALA after he was elected president in transparent polling. In September 2003, after only three years in office, YALA was ousted by the military in a bloodless coup, and businessman Henrique ROSA was sworn in as interim president. In 2005, former President VIEIRA was re-elected president pledging to pursue economic development and national reconciliation; he was assassinated in March 2009. Malam Bacai SANHA was elected in an emergency election held in June 2009.

Geography ::Guinea-Bissau

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea and Senegal

Geographic coordinates:

12 00 N, 15 00 W

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total: 36,125 sq km country comparison to the world: 137 land: 28,120 sq km

water: 8,005 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total: 724 km

border countries: Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline:

350 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

tropical; generally hot and humid; monsoonal-type rainy season (June to November) with southwesterly winds; dry season (December to May) with northeasterly harmattan winds

Terrain:

mostly low coastal plain rising to savanna in east

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: unnamed elevation in the eastern part of the country 300 m

Natural resources:

fish, timber, phosphates, bauxite, clay, granite, limestone, unexploited deposits of petroleum

Land use:

arable land: 8.31%

permanent crops: 6.92%

other: 84.77% (2005)

Irrigated land:

250 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

31 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.18 cu km/yr (13%/5%/82%)

per capita: 113 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season; brush fires

Environment - current issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; overfishing

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

this small country is swampy along its western coast and low-lying inland

People ::Guinea-Bissau

Population:

1,565,126 (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Age structure:

0-14 years: 40.8% (male 312,253/female 313,609)

15-64 years: 56.1% (male 414,924/female 445,639)

65 years and over: 3.1% (male 19,191/female 28,348) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 19.4 years

male: 18.8 years

female: 19.9 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.004% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 56

Birth rate:

35.56 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 32

Death rate:

15.52 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 83

Urbanization:

urban population: 30% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 3.2% 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: 0.93 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.66 male(s)/female

total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 98.05 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 8 male: 108.03 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 87.77 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 48.3 years country comparison to the world: 216 male: 46.44 years

female: 50.22 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.58 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 36

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

1.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 34

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

16,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 85

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

1,100 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 70

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

animal contact disease: rabies (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guinean(s)

adjective: Guinean

Ethnic groups:

African 99% (includes Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%), European and mulatto less than 1%

Religions:

Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Crioulo, African languages

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 42.4%

male: 58.1%

female: 27.4% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 9 years

male: 8 years

female: 5 years (2006)

Education expenditures:

5.2% of GDP (1999) country comparison to the world: 59

Government ::Guinea-Bissau

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form: Guinea-Bissau

local long form: Republica da Guine-Bissau

local short form: Guine-Bissau

former: Portuguese Guinea

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 11 51 N, 15 35 W

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

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama, Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali; note - Bolama may have been renamed Bolama/Bijagos

Independence:

24 September 1973 (declared); 10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 September (1973)

Constitution:

16 May 1984; amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993, 9 June 1993, and in 1996

Legal system:

based on French civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Malam Bacai SANHA (since 8 September 2009)

head of government: Prime Minister Carlos GOMES Junior (since 25 December 2008)

cabinet: NA (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 28 June 2009 with a runoff between the two leading candidates held on 26 July 2009 (next to be held by 2014); prime minister appointed by the president after consultation with party leaders in the legislature

election results: Malam Bacai SANHA elected president; percent of vote, second ballot - Malam Bacai SANHA 63.5%, Kumba YALA 36.5%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly or Assembleia Nacional Popular (100 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)

elections: last held on 16 November 2008 (next to be held in 2012)

election results: percent of vote by party - PAIGC 49.8%, PRS 25.3%, PRID 7.5%, PND 2.4%, AD 1.4%, other parties 13.6%; seats by party - PAIGC 67, PRS 28, PRID 3, PND 1, AD 1

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court or Supremo Tribunal da Justica (consists of nine justices appointed by the president and serve at his pleasure; final court of appeals in criminal and civil cases); Regional Courts (one in each of nine regions; first court of appeals for Sectoral Court decisions; hear all felony cases and civil cases valued at more than $1,000); 24 Sectoral Courts (judges are not necessarily trained lawyers; they hear civil cases valued at less than $1,000 and misdemeanor criminal cases)

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde or PAIGC [Carlos GOMES Junior]; Democratic Alliance or AD [Victor MANDINGA]; Democratic Social Front or FDS [Rafael BARBOSA]; Electoral Union or UE [Joaquim BALDE]; Guinea-Bissau Civic Forum/Social Democracy or FCGSD [Antonieta Rosa GOMES]; Guinea-Bissau Democratic Party or PDG; Guinea-Bissau Socialist Democratic Party or PDSG [Serifo BALDE]; Labor and Solidarity Party or PST [Lancuba INDJAI]; New Democracy Party or PND; Party for Democratic Convergence or PCD [Victor MANDINGA]; Party for Renewal and Progress or PRP; Party for Social Renewal or PRS [Kumba YALA]; Progress Party or PP; Republican Party for Independence and Development or PRID [Aristides GOMES]; Union of Guinean Patriots or UPG [Francisca VAZ]; Union for Change or UM [Amine SAAD]; United Platform or UP (coalition formed by PCD, FDS, FLING, and RGB-MB); United Popular Alliance or APU; United Social Democratic Party or PUSD [Frnacisco FADUL]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

International organization participation:

ACP, AfDB, AOSIS, AU, CPLP, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OIF, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WADB (regional), WAEMU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: none; note - Guinea-Bissau does not have official representation in Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation from the US:

the US Embassy suspended operations on 14 June 1998 in the midst of violent conflict between forces loyal to then President VIEIRA and military-led junta; the US Ambassador to Senegal is accredited to Guinea-Bissau

Flag description:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a vertical red band on the hoist side; there is a black five-pointed star centered in the red band; yellow symbolizes the sun; green denotes hope; red represents blood shed during the struggle for independence; the black star stands for African unity

note: uses the popular Pan-African colors of Ethiopia; the flag design was heavily influenced by the Ghanian flag

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Amilcar Lopes CABRAL/XIAO He

note: adopted 1974; a delegation from Portuguese Guinea visited China in 1963 and heard music by XIAO He; Amilcar Lopes CABRA, the leader of Guinea-Bissa"s independence movement, asked the composer to create a piece that would inspire his people to struggle for independence

Economy ::Guinea-Bissau

Economy - overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, Guinea-Bissau's legal economy depends mainly on farming and fishing, but trafficking narcotics is probably the most lucrative trade. Cashew crops have increased remarkably in recent years. Guinea-Bissau exports fish and seafood along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. Rice is the major crop and staple food. However, intermittent fighting between Senegalese-backed government troops and a military junta destroyed much of the country's infrastructure and caused widespread damage to the economy in 1998; the civil war led to a 28% drop in GDP that year, with partial recovery in 1999-2002. In December 2003, the World Bank, IMF, and UNDP were forced to step in to provide emergency budgetary support in the amount of $107 million for 2004, representing over 80% of the total national budget. The combination of limited economic prospects, a weak and faction-ridden government, and favorable geography have made this West African country a way station for drugs bound for Europe.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$1.769 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 188 $1.738 billion (2009 est.)

$1.687 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$825 million (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

1.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 157 3% (2009 est.)

2.8% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$1,100 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 210 $1,100 (2009 est.)

$1,100 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 62%

industry: 12%

services: 26% (1999 est.)

Labor force:

632,700 (2007) country comparison to the world: 152

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: 82%

industry and services: 18% (2000 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 2.9%

highest 10%: 28% (2002)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 109

Central bank discount rate:

4.25% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 98 4.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

NA%

Stock of narrow money:

$192.1 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 175 $171.2 million (31 December 2008)

Stock of broad money:

$209.3 million (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 181 $189.2 million (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$42.56 million (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 181 $58.87 million (31 December 2008)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA

Agriculture - products:

rice, corn, beans, cassava (tapioca), cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, cotton; timber; fish

Industries:

agricultural products processing, beer, soft drinks

Industrial production growth rate:

4.7% (2003 est.) country comparison to the world: 71

Electricity - production:

65 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - consumption:

60.45 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 196

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 189

Oil - consumption:

3,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 180

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Oil - imports:

2,545 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173

Natural gas - production:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 103

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 167

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 171

Current account balance:

-$6 million (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 61

Exports:

$133 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 185

Exports - commodities:

fish, shrimp; cashew nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, sawn lumber

Exports - partners:

India 62.21%, Nigeria 31.28%, Portugal 1.48% (2009)

Imports:

$200 million (2006) country comparison to the world: 201

Imports - commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

Imports - partners:

Portugal 17.33%, Senegal 13.66%, Netherlands 9.27%, India 9.11%, Thailand 5.2%, Brazil 4.49% (2009)

Debt - external:

$941.5 million (2000 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar - 506.04 (2009), 447.81 (2008), 493.51 (2007), 522.59 (2006)

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 ::Guinea-Bissau

Telephones - main lines in use:

4,800 (2009) country comparison to the world: 212

Telephones - mobile cellular:

560,300 (2009) country comparison to the world: 158

Telephone system:

general assessment: small system including a combination of microwave radio relay, open-wire lines, radiotelephone, and mobile-cellular communications

domestic: fixed-line teledensity less than 1 per 100 persons; mobile-cellular teledensity reached 35 per 100 in 2009

international: country code - 245 (2008)

Broadcast media:

1 state-owned TV station and a second station, RTP Africa, is operated by Portuguese public broadcaster RTP; 1 state-owned radio station, several private radio stations, and some community radio stations; multiple international broadcasters are available (2007)

Internet country code:

.gw

Internet hosts:

82 (2010) country comparison to the world: 206

Internet users:

37,100 (2009) country comparison to the world: 176

Transportation ::Guinea-Bissau

Airports:

9 (2010) country comparison to the world: 158

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 2

over 3,047 m: 1

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 7

1,524 to 2,437 m: 1

914 to 1,523 m: 3

under 914 m: 3 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 3,455 km country comparison to the world: 161 paved: 965 km

unpaved: 2,490 km (2002)

Waterways:

rivers are navigable for some distance; many inlets and creeks give shallow-water access to much of interior (2008)

Ports and terminals:

Bissau, Buba, Cacheu, Farim

Military ::Guinea-Bissau

Military branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force; paramilitary force

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for selective compulsory military service (Air Force service is voluntary); 16 years of age or younger with parental consent, for voluntary service (2010)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 361,785

females age 16-49: 363,488 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 199,771

females age 16-49: 206,240 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 17,300

female: 17,523 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

3.1% of GDP (2005 est.) country comparison to the world: 39

Transnational Issues ::Guinea-Bissau

Disputes - international:

in 2006, political instability within Senegal's Casamance region resulted in thousands of Senegalese refugees, cross-border raids, and arms smuggling into Guinea-Bissau

Refugees and internally displaced persons:

refugees (country of origin): 7,454 (Senegal) (2007)

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guinea-Bissau is a source country for children trafficked primarily for forced begging and forced agricultural labor to other West African countries

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for the second year in a row, Guinea-Bissau is on the Tier 2 Watch List for its failure to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons, as evidenced by the continued failure to pass an anti-trafficking law and inadequate efforts to investigate or prosecute trafficking crimes or convict and punish trafficking offenders (2008)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important transit country for South American cocaine enroute to Europe; enabling environment for trafficker operations thanks to pervasive corruption; archipelago-like geography around the capital facilitates drug smuggling

page last updated on January 20, 2011

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

@Guyana (South America)

Introduction ::Guyana

Background:

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments. In 1992, Cheddi JAGAN was elected president in what is considered the country's first free and fair election since independence. After his death five years later, his wife, Janet JAGAN, became president but resigned in 1999 due to poor health. Her successor, Bharrat JAGDEO, was reelected in 2001 and again in 2006.

Geography ::Guyana

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Suriname and Venezuela

Geographic coordinates:

5 00 N, 59 00 W

Map references:

South America

Area:

total: 214,969 sq km country comparison to the world: 84 land: 196,849 sq km

water: 18,120 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries:

total: 2,949 km

border countries: Brazil 1,606 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline:

459 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

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

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons (May to August, November to January)

Terrain:

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point: Mount Roraima 2,835 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use:

arable land: 2.23%

permanent crops: 0.14%

other: 97.63% (2005)

Irrigated land:

1,500 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

241 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 1.64 cu km/yr (2%/1%/98%)

per capita: 2,187 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

flash floods are a constant threat during rainy seasons

Environment - current issues:

water pollution from sewage and agricultural and industrial chemicals; deforestation

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, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Geography - note:

the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay; substantial portions of its western and eastern territories are claimed by Venezuela and Suriname respectively

People ::Guyana

Population:

748,486 country comparison to the world: 161 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 2010 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 33.3% (male 127,818/female 123,261)

15-64 years: 62.1% (male 233,270/female 234,025)

65 years and over: 4.6% (male 14,481/female 20,085) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 23.6 years

male: 22.9 years

female: 24.3 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.547% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 224

Birth rate:

17.61 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 116

Death rate:

7.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 125

Net migration rate:

-15.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 218

Urbanization:

urban population: 28% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.71 male(s)/female

total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 37.89 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 70 male: 42.3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 33.26 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 66.74 years country comparison to the world: 157 male: 62.93 years

female: 70.74 years (2010 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.4 children born/woman (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 99

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.5% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 26

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

13,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 92

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

fewer than 1,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 80

Major infectious diseases:

degree of risk: high

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

vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective: Guyanese

Ethnic groups:

East Indian 43.5%, black (African) 30.2%, mixed 16.7%, Amerindian 9.1%, other 0.5% (2002 census)

Religions:

Hindu 28.4%, Pentecostal 16.9%, Roman Catholic 8.1%, Anglican 6.9%, Seventh Day Adventist 5%, Methodist 1.7%, Jehovah Witness 1.1%, other Christian 17.7%, Muslim 7.2%, other 4.3%, none 4.3% (2002 census)

Languages:

English, Amerindian dialects, Creole, Caribbean Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi), Urdu

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over has ever attended school

total population: 91.8%

male: 92%

female: 91.6% (2002 Census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):

total: 12 years

male: 12 years

female: 12 years (2008)

Education expenditures:

6.1% of GDP (2007) country comparison to the world: 37

Government ::Guyana

Country name:

conventional long form: Cooperative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form: Guyana

former: British Guiana

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 6 48 N, 58 10 W

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

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Demerara-Mahaica, East Berbice-Corentyne, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Mahaica-Berbice, Pomeroon-Supenaam, Potaro-Siparuni, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo

Independence:

26 May 1966 (from the UK)

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Constitution:

6 October 1980

Legal system:

based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

chief of state: President Bharrat JAGDEO (since 11 August 1999); note - assumed presidency after resignation of President Janet JAGAN and was reelected in 2001, and again in 2006

head of government: Prime Minister Samuel HINDS (since October 1992, except for a period as chief of state after the death of President Cheddi JAGAN on 6 March 1997)

cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president, responsible to the legislature (For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections: president elected by popular vote as leader of a party list in parliamentary elections, which must be held at least every five years (no term limits); elections last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011); prime minister appointed by the president

election results: President Bharrat JAGDEO reelected; percent of vote 54.6%

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (65 seats; members elected by popular vote, also not more than 4 non-elected non-voting ministers and 2 non-elected non-voting parliamentary secretaries appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)

elections: last held on 28 August 2006 (next to be held by August 2011)

election results: percent of vote by party - PPP/C 54.6%, PNC/R 34%, AFC 8.1%, other 3.3%; seats by party - PPP/C 36, PNC/R 22, AFC 5, other 2

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature, consisting of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, with right of final appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Change or AFC [Raphael TROTMAN and Khemraj RAMJATTAN]; Guyana Action Party or GAP [Paul HARDY]; Justice for All Party [C.N. SHARMA]; People's National Congress/Reform or PNC/R [Robert Herman Orlando CORBIN]; People's Progressive Party/Civic or PPP/C [Bharrat JAGDEO]; Rise, Organize, and Rebuild or ROAR [Ravi DEV]; The United Force or TUF [Manzoor NADIR]; The Unity Party [Joey JAGAN]; Vision Guyana [Peter RAMSAROOP]; Working People's Alliance or WPA [Rupert ROOPNARAINE]

Political pressure groups and leaders:

Amerindian People's Association; Guyana Bar Association; Guyana Citizens Initiative; Guyana Human Rights Association; Guyana Public Service Union or GPSU; Private Sector Commission; Trades Union Congress

International organization participation:

ACP, AOSIS, C, Caricom, CDB, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (subscriber), ITU, ITUC, LAES, MIGA, NAM, OAS, OIC, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, PetroCaribe, RG, UN, UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Bayney KARRAN

chancery: 2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 265-6900

FAX: [1] (202) 232-1297

consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Karen L. WILLIAMS

embassy: US Embassy, 100 Young and Duke Streets, Kingston, Georgetown

mailing address: P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown; US Embassy, 3170 Georgetown Place, Washington DC 20521-3170

telephone: [592] 225-4900 through 4909

FAX: [592] 225-8497

Flag description:

green, with a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) superimposed on a long, yellow arrowhead; there is a narrow, black border between the red and yellow, and a narrow, white border between the yellow and the green; green represents forest and foliage; yellow stands for mineral resources and a bright future; white symbolizes Guyana's rivers; red signifies zeal and the sacrifice of the people; black indicates perseverance

National anthem:

lyrics/music: Archibald Leonard LUKERL/Robert Cyril Gladstone POTTER

note: adopted 1966

Economy ::Guyana

Economy - overview:

The Guyanese economy exhibited moderate economic growth in recent years and is based largely on agriculture and extractive industries. The economy is heavily dependent upon the export of six commodities - sugar, gold, bauxite, shrimp, timber, and rice - which represent nearly 60% of the country's GDP and are highly susceptible to adverse weather conditions and fluctuations in commodity prices. Guyana's entrance into the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) in January 2006 has broadened the country's export market, primarily in the raw materials sector. Economic recovery since a 2005 flood-related contraction was buoyed by increases in remittances and foreign direct investment in the sugar and rice industries as well as the mining sector. Chronic problems include a shortage of skilled labor and a deficient infrastructure. The government is juggling a sizable external debt against the urgent need for expanded public investment. In March 2007, the Inter-American Development Bank, Guyana's principal donor, canceled Guyana's nearly $470 million debt, equivalent to nearly 48% of GDP, which along with other Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness brought the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 183% in 2006 to 120% in 2007. Guyana became heavily indebted as a result of the inward-looking, state-led development model pursued in the 1970s and 1980s. Growth slowed in 2009-10 as a result of the world recession. The slowdown in the domestic economy and lower import costs helped to narrow the country's current account deficit, despite generally lower earnings from exports.

GDP (purchasing power parity):

$5.069 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 160 $4.946 billion (2009 est.)

$4.834 billion (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):

$2.197 billion (2010 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 139 2.3% (2009 est.)

3% (2008 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):

$6,800 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 132 $6,600 (2009 est.)

$6,400 (2008 est.)

note: data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP - composition by sector:

agriculture: 24.3%

industry: 24.7%

services: 51% (2010 est.)

Labor force:

333,900 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 162

Labor force - by occupation:

agriculture: NA%

industry: NA%

services: NA%

Unemployment rate:

11% (2007) country comparison to the world: 121

Population below poverty line:

NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:

lowest 10%: 1.3%

highest 10%: 33.8% (1999)

Distribution of family income - Gini index:

43.2 (1999) country comparison to the world: 47

Investment (gross fixed):

34.1% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 10

Public debt:

57% of GDP (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 41

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 173 2.9% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate:

6.75% (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 59 6.75% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate:

14.54% (31 December 2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 50 14.58% (31 December 2008 est.)

Stock of narrow money:

$386.9 million (31 December 2010 est) country comparison to the world: 162 $252.9 million (31 December 2009 est)

Stock of broad money:

$1.303 billion (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 152 $905.6 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit:

$754 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 156 $524 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares:

$NA (31 December 2009) country comparison to the world: 107 $289.9 million (31 December 2008)

$262.4 million (31 December 2007)

Agriculture - products:

sugarcane, rice, edible oils; shrimp, fish, beef, pork, poultry

Industries:

bauxite, sugar, rice milling, timber, textiles, gold mining

Industrial production growth rate:

2.5% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 120

Electricity - production:

821 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 150

Electricity - consumption:

667 million kWh (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 151

Electricity - exports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - imports:

0 kWh (2008 est.)

Oil - production:

0 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 188

Oil - consumption:

10,000 bbl/day (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - exports:

0 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 149

Oil - imports:

10,550 bbl/day (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 137

Oil - proved reserves:

0 bbl (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 172

Natural gas - production:

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

Natural gas - consumption:

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

Natural gas - exports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Natural gas - imports:

0 cu m (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 166

Natural gas - proved reserves:

0 cu m (1 January 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170

Current account balance:

-$311 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 97 -$265 million (2009 est.)

Exports:

$814 million (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 159 $763 million (2009 est.)

Exports - commodities:

sugar, gold, bauxite, alumina, rice, shrimp, molasses, rum, timber

Exports - partners:

Canada 27.52%, US 16.93%, UK 10.84%, Ukraine 5.54%, Netherlands 5%, Trinidad and Tobago 4.33%, Jamaica 4.12% (2009)

Imports:

$1.366 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 164 $1.161 billion (2009 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactures, machinery, petroleum, food

Imports - partners:

US 25.23%, Trinidad and Tobago 23.23%, Cuba 6.41%, China 6.05% (2009)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold:

$506 million (31 December 2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 119 $631.4 million (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt - external:

$804.3 million (30 September 2008) country comparison to the world: 154 $1.2 billion (2002)

Exchange rates:

Guyanese dollars (GYD) per US dollar - 204.07 (2010), 204.02 (2009), 203.86 (2008), 201.89 (2007), 200.28 (2006)

Communications ::Guyana

Telephones - main lines in use:

130,000 (2009) country comparison to the world: 138

Telephones - mobile cellular:

281,400 (2005) country comparison to the world: 170

Telephone system:

general assessment: fair system for long-distance service; microwave radio relay network for trunk lines; many areas still lack fixed-line telephone services

domestic: fixed-line teledensity is about 15 per 100 persons; ; mobile-cellular teledensity about 35 per 100 persons in 2005

international: country code - 592; tropospheric scatter to Trinidad; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Broadcast media:

government-dominated broadcast media; the National Communications Network (NCN) TV is state-owned; a few private TV stations relay satellite services; the state owns and operates 2 radio stations broadcasting on multiple frequencies capable of reaching the entire country; government limits on licensing of new private radio stations continue to constrain competition in broadcast media (2007)

Internet country code:

.gy

Internet hosts:

8,840 (2010) country comparison to the world: 132

Internet users:

189,600 (2009) country comparison to the world: 142

Transportation ::Guyana

Airports:

96 (2010) country comparison to the world: 63

Airports - with paved runways:

total: 10

1,524 to 2,437 m: 2

914 to 1,523 m: 1

under 914 m: 7 (2010)

Airports - with unpaved runways:

total: 86

914 to 1,523 m: 13

under 914 m: 73 (2010)

Roadways:

total: 7,970 km country comparison to the world: 142 paved: 590 km

unpaved: 7,380 km (2000)

Waterways:

330 km country comparison to the world: 92 note: Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km respectively (2010)

Merchant marine:

total: 8 country comparison to the world: 121 by type: cargo 6, petroleum tanker 1, refrigerated cargo 1

registered in other countries: 3 (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2, unknown 1) (2010)

Ports and terminals:

Georgetown

Military ::Guyana

Military branches:

Guyana Defense Force: Army (includes Coast Guard, Air Corps) (2009)

Military service age and obligation:

18-25 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)

Manpower available for military service:

males age 16-49: 189,456 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service:

males age 16-49: 132,188

females age 16-49: 147,296 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 8,842

female: 8,452 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures:

1.8% of GDP (2006) country comparison to the world: 82

Transnational Issues ::Guyana

Disputes - international:

all of the area west of the Essequibo River is claimed by Venezuela preventing any discussion of a maritime boundary; Guyana has expressed its intention to join Barbados in asserting claims before UNCLOS that Trinidad and Tobago's maritime boundary with Venezuela extends into their waters; Suriname claims a triangle of land between the New and Kutari/Koetari rivers in a historic dispute over the headwaters of the Courantyne; Guyana seeks arbitration under provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve the long-standing dispute with Suriname over the axis of the territorial sea boundary in potentially oil-rich waters

Trafficking in persons:

current situation: Guyana is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor; most trafficking appears to take place in remote mining camps in the country's interior; some women and girls are trafficked from northern Brazil; reporting from other nations suggests Guyanese women and girls are trafficked for sexual exploitation to neighboring countries and Guyanese men and boys are subject to labor exploitation in construction and agriculture; trafficking victims from Suriname, Brazil, and Venezuela transit Guyana en route to Caribbean destinations

tier rating: Tier 2 Watch List - for a second consecutive year, Guyana is on the Tier 2 Watch List for failing to provide evidence of increasing efforts to combat trafficking, particularly in the area of law enforcement actions against trafficking offenders; the government has yet to produce an anti-trafficking conviction under the comprehensive Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, which became law in 2005; the government operates no shelters for trafficking victims, but did include limited funding for anti-trafficking NGOs in its 2008 budget; the government did not make any effort to reduce demand for commercial sex acts during 2007 (2008)

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for narcotics from South America - primarily Venezuela - to Europe and the US; producer of cannabis; rising money laundering related to drug trafficking and human smuggling

page last updated on January 13, 2011

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

@Haiti (Central America and Caribbean)

Introduction ::Haiti

Background:

The native Taino Amerindians - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded to the French the western third of the island, which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th century, Haiti's nearly half million slaves revolted under Toussaint L'OUVERTURE. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE in February 2004, an interim government took office to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with an epicenter about 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years and massive international assistance will be required to help the country recover.

Geography ::Haiti

Location:

Caribbean, western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, west of the Dominican Republic

Geographic coordinates:

19 00 N, 72 25 W

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total: 27,750 sq km country comparison to the world: 147 land: 27,560 sq km

water: 190 sq km

Area - comparative:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total: 360 km

border countries: Dominican Republic 360 km

Coastline:

1,771 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate:

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rough and mountainous

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m

highest point: Chaine de la Selle 2,680 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, calcium carbonate, gold, marble, hydropower

Land use:

arable land: 28.11%

permanent crops: 11.53%

other: 60.36% (2005)

Irrigated land:

920 sq km (2003)

Total renewable water resources:

14 cu km (2000)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):

total: 0.99 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)

per capita: 116 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; periodic droughts

Environment - current issues:

extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel); soil erosion; inadequate supplies of potable water

Environment - international agreements:

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

signed, but not ratified: Hazardous Wastes

Geography - note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

People ::Haiti

Population:

9,719,932 country comparison to the world: 87 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 (2011 est.)

Age structure:

0-14 years: 38.1% (male 1,735,917/female 1,704,383)

15-64 years: 58.5% (male 2,621,059/female 2,665,447)

65 years and over: 3.4% (male 120,040/female 188,690) (2010 est.)

Median age:

total: 21.1 years

male: 20.9 years

female: 21.4 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.787% country comparison to the world: 139 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Birth rate:

24.4 births/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 68

Death rate:

8.21 deaths/1,000 population country comparison to the world: 98 note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.32 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 210

Urbanization:

urban population: 47% of total population (2008)

rate of urbanization: 4.5% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)

Sex ratio:

at birth: 1.011 male(s)/female

under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 0.99 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.62 male(s)/female

total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2010 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

total: 54.02 deaths/1,000 live births country comparison to the world: 43 male: 58.16 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 49.83 deaths/1,000 live births

note: the preliminary 2011 numbers differ significantly from those of 2010, which were strongly influenced by the demographic effect of the January 2010 earthquake; the latest figures more closely correspond to those of 2009 (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 62.17 years country comparison to the world: 179 male: 60.84 years

female: 63.53 years

Total fertility rate:

3.07 children born/woman (2011 est.) country comparison to the world: 64

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:

2.2% (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 28

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:

120,000 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 43

HIV/AIDS - deaths:

7,200 (2007 est.) country comparison to the world: 38

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 and malaria

water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)

Nationality:

noun: Haitian(s)

adjective: Haitian

Ethnic groups:

black 95%, mulatto and white 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%

note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Languages:

French (official), Creole (official)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write

total population: 52.9%

male: 54.8%

female: 51.2% (2003 est.)

Education expenditures:

1.4% of GDP (1991) country comparison to the world: 177

Government ::Haiti

Country name:

conventional long form: Republic of Haiti

conventional short form: Haiti

local long form: Republique d'Haiti/Repiblik d' Ayiti

local short form: Haiti/Ayiti

Government type:

republic

Capital:

geographic coordinates: 18 32 N, 72 20 W

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

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

Administrative divisions:

10 departments (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre, Grand'Anse, Nippes, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Independence:

1 January 1804 (from France)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Constitution:

approved March 1987

note: suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989; constitutional government ousted in a military coup in September 1991, although in October 1991 military government claimed to be observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in October 1994; constitution, while technically in force between 2004-2006, was not enforced; returned to constitutional rule in May 2006

Legal system:

based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:

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