The Project Gutenberg eBook of The 1993 CIA World Factbook, by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

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Title: The 1993 CIA World Factbook

Author: United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Release Date: October 1, 1993 [EBook #87]

Language: English

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ***

Produced by Dr. Gregory B. Newby

This is a preliminary edition. The final first edition should be on file around midnight, October 31, 1993.

As usual, the margination in these reports may be rough, and another edition should appear, somewhat neater in appearance, as a Gutenberg volunteer will probably start work on this shortly.

This file has been edited in such a manner as to delete redundancies [some, not all] and extra spaces [some, not all], enough that a file from Project Gutenberg should be enough smaller that storarge/search requirements should be reduced by 15 to 20%.

To search for information on a specific country from the list below, search for *country: *Afganistan, for example. You can also search directly for one of the categories of that country as follows:

*Afghanistan, Geography

*Afghanistan, People

*Afghanistan, Government

*Afghanistan, Economy

*Afghanistan, Communications

*Afghanistan, Defense Forces

*The Project Gutenberg Edition of the 1993 CIA World Factbook*

Central Intelligence Agency

The World Factbook 1993

Notes, Definitions, and Abbreviations

A

Afghanistan

Albania

Algeria

American Samoa

Andorra

Angola

Anguilla

Antarctica

Antigua and Barbuda

Arctic Ocean

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Atlantic Ocean

Australia

Austria

Azerbaijan

B

Bahamas, The

Bahrain

Baker Island

Bangladesh

Barbados

Bassas da India

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Benin

Bermuda

Bhutan

Bolivia

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Botswana

Bouvet Island

Brazil

British Indian Ocean Territory

British Virgin Islands

Brunei

Bulgaria

Burkina

Burma

Burundi

C

Cambodia

Cameroon

Canada

Cape Verde

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Chad

Chile

China (also see separate Taiwan entry)

Christmas Island

Clipperton Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombia

Comoros

Congo

Cook Islands

Coral Sea Islands

Costa Rica

Cote d'Ivoire

Croatia

Cuba

Cyprus

Czech Republic

D

Denmark

Djibouti

Dominica

Dominican Republic

E

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eritrea

Estonia

Ethiopia

Europa Island

F

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Faroe Islands

Fiji

Finland

France

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

G

Gabon

Gambia, The

Gaza Strip

Georgia

Germany

Ghana

Gibraltar

Glorioso Islands

Greece

Greenland

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Guam

Guatemala

Guernsey

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Guyana

H

Haiti

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Holy See (Vatican City)

Honduras

Hong Kong

Howland Island

Hungary

I

Iceland

India

Indian Ocean

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Ireland

Israel (also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank

entries)

Italy

J

Jamaica

Jan Mayen

Japan

Jarvis Island

Jersey

Johnston Atoll

Jordan (also see separate West Bank entry)

Juan de Nova Island

K

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Kingman Reef

Kiribati

Korea, North

Korea, South

Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan

L

Laos

Latvia

Lebanon

Lesotho

Liberia

Libya

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

M

Macau

Macedonia

Madagascar

Malawi

Malaysia

Maldives

Mali

Malta

Man, Isle of

Marshall Islands

Martinique

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mayotte

Mexico

Micronesia, Federated States of

Midway Islands

Moldova

Monaco

Mongolia

Montserrat

Morocco

Mozambique

N

Namibia

Nauru

Navassa Island

Nepal

Netherlands

Netherlands Antilles

New Caledonia

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Niger

Nigeria

Niue

Norfolk Island

Northern Mariana Islands

Norway

O

Oman

P

Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the

Pacific Ocean 2

Pakistan

Palmyra Atoll

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paracel Islands

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Pitcairn Islands

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico

Q

Qatar

R

Reunion

Romania

Russia

Rwanda

S

Saint Helena

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

San Marino

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Serbia and Montenegro

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

Somalia

South Africa

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

Spain

Spratly Islands

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Suriname

Svalbard

Swaziland

Sweden

Switzerland

Syria

T

Taiwan entry follows Zimbabwe

Tajikistan

Tanzania

Thailand

Togo

Tokelau

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tromelin Island

Tunisia

Turkey

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tuvalu

U

Uganda

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

V

Vanuatu

Venezuela

Vietnam

Virgin Islands

W

Wake Island

Wallis and Futuna

West Bank

Western Sahara

Western Samoa

World

Y

Yemen

Z

Zaire

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Taiwan

Appendixes

A: The United Nations System

B: Abbreviations for International Organizations and Groups

C: International Organizations and Groups

D: Weights and Measures

E: Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names

Reference Maps

The World

North America

Central America and the

Caribbean

South America

Europe

Ethnic Groups in Eastern

Europe

Middle East

Africa

Asia

Commonwealth of Independent States—

European States

Commonwealth of Independent States—Central Asian States

Southeast Asia

Oceania

Arctic Region

Antarctic Region

Standard Time Zones of the World

There have been some significant changes in this edition. Czechoslovakia has been superseded by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia. The name of the Ivory Coast has been changed to Cote d'Ivoire and the Vatican City became the Holy See. New entries include Location, Map references, Abbreviation (often substituted for the country name), and Digraph (two-letter country code). Names is a new entry which includes long and short forms of both conventional and local names of countries as well as any former names. Most diacritical marks have been omitted. The electronic files used to produce the Factbook have been restructured into a database. As a result, the formats of some entries in this edition have been changed. Additional changes will occur in the 1994 Factbook. Irrigated land is a new entry with the data separate from the Land use entry. The Disputes entry is now International disputes. The GNP/GDP entry was renamed National Product and the per capita and real growth rate data placed in separate entries. Similar changes were made in the Population and Diplomatic Representation entries.

Abbreviations: (see Appendix B for international organizations and groups)

avdp. avoirdupois

c.i.f. cost, insurance, and freight

CY calendar year

DWT deadweight ton

est. estimate

Ex-Im

Export-Import Bank of the United States

f.o.b. free on board

FRG

Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany); used for information dated before 3

October 1990 or CY91

FY fiscal year

GDP gross domestic product

GDR

German Democratic Republic (East Germany); used for information dated before 3

October 1990 or CY91

GNP gross national product

GRT gross register ton

GWP gross world product

km kilometer

km2 square kilometer

kW kilowatt

kWh kilowatt hour

m meter

NA not available

NEGL negligible

nm nautical mile

NZ

New Zealand

ODA official development assistance

OOF other official flows

PDRY People's Democratic Republic of Yemen [Yemen (Aden) or South Yemen]; used for information dated before 22 May 1990 or CY91

UAE

United Arab Emirates

UK

United Kingdom

US

United States

USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union); used for information dated before 25 December 1991

YAR Yemen Arab Republic [Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen]; used for information dated before 22 May 1990 or CY91

Administrative divisions: The numbers, designatory terms, and first-order

administrative divisions are generally those approved by the US Board on

Geographic Names (BGN). Changes that have been reported but not yet acted on by

BGN are noted.

Area: Total area is the sum of all land and water areas delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines. Land area is the aggregate of all surfaces delimited by international boundaries and/or coastlines, excluding inland water bodies (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). Comparative areas are based on total area equivalents. Most entities are compared with the entire US or one of the 50 states. The smaller entities are compared with Washington, DC (178 km2, 69 miles 2) or The Mall in Washington, DC (0.59 km2, 0.23 miles 2,146 acres).

Birth rate: The average annual number of births during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude birth rate.

Dates of information: In general, information available as of 1 January 1993 was used in the preparation of this edition. Population figures are estimates for 1 July 1993, with population growth rates estimated for calendar year 1993. Major political events have been updated through June 1993.

Death rate: The average annual number of deaths during a year per l,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate.

Digraphs: The digraph is a two-letter "country code'' that precisely identifies every entity without overlap, duplication, or omission. AF, for example, is the digraph for Afghanistan. It is a standardized geopolitical data element promulgated in the Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 10-3 by the National Bureau of Standards (US Department of Commerce) and maintained by the Office of the Geographer (US Department of State). The digraph is used to eliminate confusion and incompatibility in the collection, processing, and dissemination of area-specific data and is particularly useful for interchanging data between databases.

Diplomatic representation: The US Government has diplomatic relations with 180 nations. The US has diplomatic relations with 174 of the 182 UN members (excluding the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia whose status in the UN is unclear)—the exceptions are Angola, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Macedonia, North Korea, and Vietnam. In addition, the US has diplomatic relations with 7 nations that are not in the UN-Andorra, Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, Switzerland, Tonga, and Tuvalu.

Economic aid: This entry refers to bilateral commitments of official development assistance (ODA), which is defined as government grants that are administered with the promotion of economic development and welfare of LDCs as their main objective and are concessional in character and contain a grant element of at least 25%, and other official flows (OOF) or transactions by the official sector whose main objective is other than development motivated or whose grant element is below the 25% threshold for ODA. OOF transactions include official export credits (such as Ex-Im Bank credits), official equity and portfolio investment, and debt reorganization by the official sector that does not meet concessional terms. Aid is considered to have been committed when agreements are initialed by the parties involved and constitute a formal declaration of intent.

Entities: Some of the nations, dependent areas, areas of special sovereignty, and governments included in this publication are not independent, and others are not officially recognized by the US Government. "Nation'' refers to a people politically organized into a sovereign state with a definite territory. "Dependent area" refers to a broad category of political entities that are associated in some way with a nation. Names used for page headings are usually the short-form names as approved by the US Board on Geographic Names. There are 266 entities in The World Factbook that may be categorized as follows:

NATIONS

182 UN members (excluding the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia whose status in the UN is unclear)

8 nations that are not members of the UN—Andorra, Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, Serbia and Montenegro, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu

OTHER

1 Taiwan

DEPENDENT AREAS

6

Australia—Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling)

Islands, Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island

2 Denmark—Faroe Islands, Greenland

16

France—Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Guiana, French

Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Guadeloupe,

Juan de Nova Island, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Reunion, Saint Pierre

and Miquelon, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna

2 Netherlands—Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

3 New Zealand—Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

3 Norway—Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

1 Portugal—Macau

16

United Kingdom—Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British

Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong

Kong, Jersey, Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South

Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

15

United States—American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis

Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern

Mariana Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), Palmyra Atoll,

Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island

MISCELLANEOUS

6

Antarctica, Gaza Strip, Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, West Bank, Western

Sahara

OTHER ENTITIES

4 oceans—Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean

1 World

266 total

note: The US Government does not recognize the four so-called independent homelands of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda in South Africa. Exchange rate: The value of a nation's monetary unit at a given date or over a given period of time, as expressed in units of local currency per US dollar and as determined by international market forces or official fiat.

Gross domestic product (GDP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically in a given year.

Gross national product (GNP): The value of all goods and services produced domestically in a given year, plus income earned abroad, minus income earned by foreigners from domestic production.

Gross world product (GWP): The aggregate value of all goods and services produced worldwide in a given year.

GNP/GDP methodology: In the "Economy'' section, GNP/GDP dollar estimates for the OECD countries, the former Soviet republics, and the East European countries are derived from purchasing power parity (PPP) calculations rather than from conversions at official currency exchange rates. The PPP method normally involves the use of international dollar price weights, which are applied to the quantities of goods and services produced in a given economy. In addition to the lack of reliable data from the majority of countries, the statistician faces a major difficulty in specifying, identifying, and allowing for the quality of goods and services. The division of a PPP GNP/GDP estimate in dollars by the corresponding estimate in the local currency gives the PPP conversion rate. One thousand dollars will buy the same market basket of goods in the US as one thousand dollars—converted to the local currency at the PPP conversion rate— will buy in the other country. GNP/GDP estimates for the LDCs, on the other hand, are based on the conversion of GNP/GDP estimates in local currencies to dollars at the official currency exchange rates. Because currency exchange rates depend on a variety of international and domestic financial forces that often have little relation to domestic output, use of these rates is less satisfactory for calculating GNP/GDP than the PPP method. Furthermore, exchange rates may suddenly go up or down by 10% or more because of market forces or official fiat whereas real output has remained unchanged. One additional caution: the proportion of, say, defense expenditures as a percent of GNP/GDP in local currency accounts may differ substantially from the proportion when GNP/GDP accounts are expressed in PPP terms, as, for example, when an observer estimates the dollar level of Russian or Japanese military expenditures; similar problems exist when components are expressed in dollars under currency exchange rate procedures. Finally, as academic research moves forward on the PPP method, we hope to convert all GNP/GDP estimates to this method in future editions of The World Factbook.

Growth rate (population): The annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative.

Illicit drugs: There are five categories of illicit drugs—narcotics, stimulants, depressants (sedatives), hallucinogens, and cannabis. These categories include many drugs legally produced and prescribed by doctors as well as those illegally produced and sold outside medical channels.

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is the common hemp plant, which provides hallucinogens with some sedative properties, and includes marijuana (pot, Acapulco gold, grass, reefer), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, Marinol), hashish (hash), and hashish oil (hash oil).

Coca (Erythroxylon coca) is a bush, and the leaves contain the stimulant cocaine. Coca is not to be confused with cocoa, which comes from cacao seeds and is used in making chocolate, cocoa, and cocoa butter.

Cocaine is a stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca bush.

Depressants (sedatives) are drugs that reduce tension and anxiety and include chloral hydrate, barbiturates (Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (Librium, Valium), methaqualone (Quaalude), glutethimide (Doriden), and others (Equanil, Placidyl, Valmid).

Drugs are any chemical substances that effect a physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral change in an individual.

Drug abuse is the use of any licit or illicit chemical substance that results in physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment in an individual.

Hallucinogens are drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and emotion. Hallucinogens include LSD (acid, microdot), mescaline and peyote (mexc, buttons, cactus), amphetamine variants (PMA, STP, DOB), phencyclidine (PCP, angel dust, hog), phencyclidine analogues (PCE, PCPy, TCP), and others (psilocybin, psilocyn).

Hashish is the resinous exudate of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).

Heroin is a semisynthetic derivative of morphine.

Marijuana is the dried leaves of the cannabis or hemp plant (Cannabis sativa).

Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol w/codeine, Empirin w/codeine, Robitussan AC), and thebaine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse, smack), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Synthetic narcotics include meperidine or Pethidine (Demerol, Mepergan), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), and others (Darvon, Lomotil).

Opium is the milky exudate of the incised, unripe seedpod of the opium poppy.

Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) is the source for many natural and semisynthetic narcotics.

Poppy straw concentrate is the alkaloid derived from the mature dried opium poppy.

Qat (kat, khat) is a stimulant from the buds or leaves of Catha edulis that is chewed or drunk as tea.

Stimulants are drugs that relieve mild depression, increase energy and activity, and include cocaine (coke, snow, crack), amphetamines (Desoxyn, Dexedrine), phenmetrazine (Preludin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and others (Cylert, Sanorex, Tenuate).

Infant mortality rate: The number of deaths to infants under one year old in a given year per l,000 live births occurring in the same year.

International disputes: This category includes a wide variety of situations that range from traditional bilateral boundary disputes to unilateral claims of one sort or another. Information regarding disputes over international boundaries and maritime boundaries has been reviewed by the Department of State. References to other situations may also be included that are border or frontier relevant, such as resource disputes, geopolitical questions, or irredentist issues. However, inclusion does not necessarily constitute official acceptance or recognition by the US Government.

Irrigated land: The figure refers to the number of km 2 that is artifically supplied with water.

Land use: Human use of the land surface is categorized as arable land—land cultivated for crops that are replanted after each harvest (wheat, maize, rice); permanent crops—land cultivated for crops that are not replanted after each harvest (citrus, coffee, rubber); meadows and pastures—land permanently used for herbaceous forage crops; forest and woodland land—under dense or open stands of trees; and other—any land type not specifically mentioned above (urban areas, roads, desert).

Leaders: The chief of state is the titular leader of the country who represents the state at official and ceremonial funcions but is not involved with the day- to-day activities of the government. The head of government is the administrative leader who manages the day-to-day activities of the government. In the UK, the monarch is the chief of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. In the US, the President is both the chief of state and the head of government.

Life expectancy at birth: The average number of years to be lived by a group of people all born in the same year, if mortality at each age remains constant in the future.

Literacy: There are no universal definitions and standards of literacy. Unless otherwise noted, all rates are based on the most common definition—the ability to read and write at a specified age. Detailing the standards that individual countries use to assess the ability to read and write is beyond the scope of this publication.

Maps: All maps will be available only in the printed version of The World

Factbook for the foreseeable future.

Maritime claims: The proximity of neighboring states may prevent some national claims from being extended the full distance.

Merchant marine: All ships engaged in the carriage of goods. All commercial vessels (as opposed to all nonmilitary ships), which excludes tugs, fishing vessels, offshore oil rigs, etc.; also, a grouping of merchant ships by nationality or register.

Captive register—A register of ships maintained by a territory, possession, or colony primarily or exclusively for the use of ships owned in the parent country; also referred to as an offshore register, the offshore equivalent of an internal register. Ships on a captive register will fly the same flag as the parent country, or a local variant of it, but will be subject to the maritime laws and taxation rules of the offshore territory. Although the nature of a captive register makes it especially desirable for ships owned in the parent country, just as in the internal register, the ships may also be owned abroad. The captive register then acts as a flag of convenience register, except that it is not the register of an independent state.

Flag of convenience register—A national register offering registration to a merchant ship not owned in the flag state. The major flags of convenience (FOC) attract ships to their register by virtue of low fees, low or nonexistent taxation of profits, and liberal manning requirements. True FOC registers are characterized by having relatively few of the ships registered actually owned in the flag state. Thus, while virtually any flag can be used for ships under a given set of circumstances, an FOC register is one where the majority of the merchant fleet is owned abroad. It is also referred to as an open register.

Flag state—The nation in which a ship is registered and which holds legal jurisdiction over operation of the ship, whether at home or abroad. Differences in flag state maritime legislation determine how a ship is manned and taxed and whether a foreign-owned ship may be placed on the register.

Internal register—A register of ships maintained as a subset of a national register. Ships on the internal register fly the national flag and have that nationality but are subject to a separate set of maritime rules from those on the main national register. These differences usually include lower taxation of profits, manning by foreign nationals, and, usually, ownership outside the flag state (when it functions as an FOC register). The Norwegian International Ship Register and Danish International Ship Register are the most notable examples of an internal register. Both have been instrumental in stemming flight from the national flag to flags of convenience and in attracting foreignowned ships to the Norwegian and Danish flags.

Merchant ship—A vessel that carries goods against payment of freight; commonly used to denote any nonmilitary ship but accurately restricted to commercial vessels only.

Register—The record of a ship's ownership and nationality as listed with the maritime authorities of a country; also, the compendium of such individual ships' registrations. Registration of a ship provides it with a nationality and makes it subject to the laws of the country in which registered (the flag state) regardless of the nationality of the ship's ultimate owner.

Money figures: All are expressed in contemporaneous US dollars unless otherwise indicated.

National product: The total output of goods and services in a country in a given year. See Gross domestic product (GDP), Gross national product (GNP), and GNP/GDP methodology.

Net migration rate: The balance between the number of persons entering and leaving a country during the year per 1,000 persons (based on midyear population). An excess of persons entering the country is referred to as net immigration (3.56 migrants/1,000 population); an excess of persons leaving the country as net emigration (-9.26 migrants/1,000 population).

Population: Figures are estimates from the Bureau of the Census based on statistics from population censuses, vital registration systems, or sample surveys pertaining to the recent past, and on assumptions about future trends.

Total fertility rate: The average number of children that would be born per woman if all women lived to the end of their childbearing years and bore children according to a given fertility rate at each age.

Years: All year references are for the calendar year (CY) unless indicated as fiscal year (FY).

***

THE WORLD FACTBOOK 1993

*Afghanistan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, between Iran and Pakistan

Map references:

Asia, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

647,500 km2

land area:

647,500 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,529 km, China 76 km, Iran 936 km, Pakistan 2,430 km, Tajikistan

1,206 km, Turkmenistan 744 km, Uzbekistan 137 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

periodic disputes with Iran over Helmand water rights; Iran supports clients

in country, private Pakistani and Saudi sources may also be active; power

struggles among various groups for control of Kabul, regional rivalries

among emerging warlords, traditional tribal disputes continue; support to

Islamic fighters in Tajikistan's civil war; border dispute with Pakistan

(Durand Line)

Climate:

arid to semiarid; cold winters and hot summers

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; plains in north and southwest

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulphur, lead, zinc,

iron ore, salt, precious and semiprecious stones

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

46%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

39%

Irrigated land:

26,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

damaging earthquakes occur in Hindu Kush mountains; soil degradation,

desertification, overgrazing, deforestation, pollution, flooding

Note:

landlocked

*Afghanistan, People

Population:

16,494,145 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.45% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.83 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

19.33 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

158.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

44.41 years

male:

45.09 years

female:

43.71 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.34 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Afghan(s)

adjective:

Afghan

Ethnic divisions:

Pashtun 38%, Tajik 25%, Uzbek 6%, Hazara 19%, minor ethnic groups (Chahar

Aimaks, Turkmen, Baloch, and others)

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 84%, Shi'a Muslim 15%, other 1%

Languages:

Pashtu 35%, Afghan Persian (Dari) 50%, Turkic languages (primarily Uzbek and

Turkmen) 11%, 30 minor languages (primarily Balochi and Pashai) 4%, much

bilingualism

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

29%

male:

44%

female:

14%

Labor force:

4.98 million

by occupation:

agriculture and animal husbandry 67.8%, industry 10.2%, construction 6.3%,

commerce 5.0%, services and other 10.7% (1980 est.)

*Afghanistan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Islamic State of Afghanistan

conventional short form:

Afghanistan

former:

Republic of Afghanistan

Digraph:

AF

Type:

transitional government

Capital:

Kabul

Administrative divisions:

30 provinces (velayat, singular - velayat); Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan,

Balkh, Bamian, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghowr, Helmand, Herat, Jowzjan, Kabol,

Kandahar, Kapisa, Konar, Kondoz, Laghman, Lowgar, Nangarhar, Nimruz,

Oruzgan, Paktia, Paktika, Parvan, Samangan, Sar-e Pol, Takhar, Vardak, Zabol

note:

there may be a new province of Nurestan (Nuristan)

Independence:

19 August 1919 (from UK)

Constitution:

the old Communist-era constitution has been suspended; a new Islamic

constitution has yet to be ratified

Legal system:

a new legal system has not been adopted but the transitional government has

declared it will follow Islamic law (Shari'a)

National holiday:

Victory of the Muslim Nation, 28 April; Remembrance Day for Martyrs and

Disabled, 4 May; Independence Day, 19 August

Political parties and leaders:

current political organizations include Jamiat-i-Islami (Islamic Society),

Burhanuddin RABBANI, Ahmad Shah MASOOD; Hizbi Islami-Gulbuddin (Islamic

Party), Gulbuddin HIKMATYAR faction; Hizbi Islami-Khalis (Islamic Party)

Yunis KHALIS faction; Ittihad-i-Islami Barai Azadi Afghanistan (Islamic

Union for the Liberation of Afghanistan), Abdul Rasul SAYYAF;

Harakat-Inqilab-i-Islami (Islamic Revolutionary Movement), Mohammad Nabi

MOHAMMADI; Jabha-i-Najat-i-Milli Afghanistan (Afghanistan National

Liberation Front), Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI; Mahaz-i-Milli-Islami (National

Islamic Front), Sayed Ahamad GAILANI; Hizbi Wahdat (Islamic Unity Party),

Abdul Ali MAZARI; Harakat-i-Islami (Islamic Movement), Mohammed Asif

MOHSENI; a new northern organization consisting of resistance and former

regional figures is Jonbesh-i-Milli Islami (National Islamic Movement),

Rashid DOSTUM

note:

the former ruling Watan Party has been disbanded

Other political or pressure groups:

the former resistance commanders are the major power brokers in the

countryside; shuras (councils) of commanders are now administering most

cities outside Kabul; ulema (religious scholars); tribal elders

Suffrage:

undetermined; previously universal, male ages 15-50

Elections:

President: last held NA December 1992 (next to be held NA December 1994); results -

Burhanuddin RABBANI was elected to a two-year term by a national shura

*Afghanistan, Government

Executive branch:

president, prime minister; Afghan leaders are still in the process of

choosing a cabinet (May 1993)

Legislative branch:

a unicameral parliament consisting of 205 members was chosen by the shura in

January 1993; non-functioning as of June 1993

Judicial branch:

an interim Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been appointed, but a new

court system has not yet been organized

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Burhanuddin RABBANI (since 2 January 1993); First Vice President

Mohammad NABI Mohammadi (since NA); First Vice President Mohammad SHAH Fazli

(since NA)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister-designate Gulbaddin HIKMATYAR (since NA); Deputy Prime

Minister Sulayman GAILANI (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Din MOHAMMAD

(since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad SHAH Ahmadzai (since NA)

Member of:

AsDB (has previously been a member of), CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Abdul RAHIM

chancery:

2341 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-3770 or 3771

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Ansari Wat, Wazir Akbar Khan Mina, Kabul

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

62230 through 62235 or 62436

note:

US Embassy in Kabul was closed in January 1989

Flag:

a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted; previous flag

consisted of three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green,

with the national coat of arms superimposed on the hoist side of the black

and red bands; similar to the flag of Malawi, which is shorter and bears a

radiant, rising red sun centered in the black band

*Afghanistan, Economy

Overview:

Fundamentally, Afghanistan is an extremely poor, landlocked country, highly

dependent on farming (wheat especially) and livestock raising (sheep and

goats). Economic considerations have played second fiddle to political and

military upheavals during more than 13 years of war, including the nearly

10-year Soviet military occupation (which ended 15 February 1989). Over the

past decade, one-third of the population fled the country, with Pakistan

sheltering more than 3 million refugees and Iran about 1.3 million. Another

1 million probably moved into and around urban areas within Afghanistan.

Although reliable data are unavailable, gross domestic product is lower than

12 years ago because of the loss of labor and capital and the disruption of

trade and transport.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3 billion (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$200 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

over 90% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$236 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.)

commodities:

natural gas 55%, fruits and nuts 24%, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton,

hides, and pelts

partners:

former USSR, Pakistan

Imports:

$874 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.)

commodities:

food and petroleum products

partners:

former USSR, Pakistan

External debt:

$2.3 billion (March 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.3% (FY91 est.); accounts for about 25% of GDP

Electricity:

480,000 kW capacity; 1,000 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

small-scale production of textiles, soap, furniture, shoes, fertilizer, and

cement; handwoven carpets; natural gas, oil, coal, copper

Agriculture:

largely subsistence farming and nomadic animal husbandry; cash products -

wheat, fruits, nuts, karakul pelts, wool, mutton

Illicit drugs:

an illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug

trade; world's second-largest opium producer (after Burma) and a major

source of hashish

Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $510 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $57 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.1

billion; net official Western disbursements (1985-89), $270 million

*Afghanistan, Economy

Currency:

1 afghani (AF) = 100 puls

Exchange rates:

afghanis (Af) per US$1 - 1,019 (March 1993), 900 (November 1991), 850

(1991), 700 (1989-90), 220 (1988-89); note - these rates reflect the free

market exchange rates rather than the official exchange rates

Fiscal year:

21 March - 20 March

*Afghanistan, Communications

Railroads:

9.6 km (single track) 1.524-meter gauge from Kushka (Turkmenistan) to

Towraghondi and 15.0 km from Termez (Uzbekistan) to Kheyrabad transshipment

point on south bank of Amu Darya

Highways:

21,000 km total (1984); 2,800 km hard surface, 1,650 km bituminous-treated

gravel and improved earth, 16,550 km unimproved earth and tracks

Inland waterways:

total navigability 1,200 km; chiefly Amu Darya, which handles vessels up to

about 500 metric tons

Pipelines:

petroleum products - Uzbekistan to Bagram and Turkmenistan to Shindand;

natural gas 180 km

Ports:

Shir Khan and Kheyrabad (river ports)

Airports:

total:

41

usable:

36

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

11

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

16

Telecommunications:

limited telephone, telegraph, and radiobroadcast services; television

introduced in 1980; 31,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, no FM, 1

TV; 1 satellite earth station

*Afghanistan, Defense Forces

Branches:

the military still does not yet exist on a national scale; some elements of

the former Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard

Forces, National Police Force (Sarandoi), and tribal militias remain intact

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,094,481; fit for military service 2,196,136; reach

military age (22) annually 153,333 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

the new government has not yet adopted a defense budget

*Albania, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula between Serbia and Montenegro

and Greece

Map references:

Africa, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

28,750 km2

land area:

27,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 720 km, Greece 282 km, Macedonia 151 km, Serbia and Montenegro 287 km

(114 km with Serbia, 173 km with Montenegro)

Coastline:

362 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Kosovo question with Serbia and Montenegro; Northern Epirus question with

Greece

Climate:

mild temperate; cool, cloudy, wet winters; hot, clear, dry summers; interior

is cooler and wetter

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; small plains along coast

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, timber, nickel

Land use:

arable land:

21%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures: 15%

forest and woodland:

38%

other:

22%

Irrigated land:

4,230 km2 (1989)

Environment:

subject to destructive earthquakes; tsunami occur along southwestern coast

Note:

strategic location along Strait of Otranto (links Adriatic Sea to Ionian Sea

and Mediterranean Sea)

*Albania, People

Population:

3,333,839 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.21% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

23.24 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.45 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

31.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73 years

male:

70.01 years

female:

76.21 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.85 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Albanian(s)

adjective:

Albanian

Ethnic divisions:

Albanian 90%, Greeks 8%, other 2% (Vlachs, Gypsies, Serbs, and Bulgarians)

(1989 est.)

Religions:

Muslim 70%, Greek Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10%

note:

all mosques and churches were closed in 1967 and religious observances

prohibited; in November 1990, Albania began allowing private religious

practice

Languages:

Albanian (Tosk is the official dialect), Greek

Literacy:

age 9 and over can read and write (1955)

total population:

72%

male:

80%

female:

63%

Labor force:

1.5 million (1987)

by occupation:

agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 40% (1986)

*Albania, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Albania

conventional short form:

Albania

local long form:

Republika e Shqiperise

local short form:

Shqiperia

former:

People's Socialist Republic of Albania

Digraph:

AL

Type:

nascent democracy

Capital:

Tirane

Administrative divisions:

26 districts (rrethe, singular - rreth); Berat, Dibre, Durres, Elbasan,

Fier, Gjirokaster, Gramsh, Kolonje, Korce, Kruje, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd,

Lushnje, Mat, Mirdite, Permet, Pogradec, Puke, Sarande, Shkoder, Skrapar,

Tepelene, Tirane, Tropoje, Vlore

Independence:

28 November 1912 (from Ottoman Empire)

Constitution:

an interim basic law was approved by the People's Assembly on 29 April 1991;

a new constitution was to be drafted for adoption in 1992, but is still in

process

Legal system:

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 29 November (1944)

Political parties and leaders:

there are at least 18 political parties; most prominent are the Albanian

Socialist Party (ASP; formerly the Albania Workers Party), Fatos NANO, first

secretary; Democratic Party (DP), Eduard SELAMI, chairman; Albanian

Republican Party (RP), Sabri GODO; Omonia (Greek minority party), leader NA

(ran in 1992 election as Unity for Human Rights Party (UHP)); Social

Democratic Party (SDP), Skender GJINUSHI; Democratic Alliance Party (DAP),

Spartak NGJELA, chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory

Elections:

People's Assembly:

last held 22 March 1992; results - DP 62.29%, ASP 25.57%, SDP 4.33%, RP

3.15%, UHP 2.92%, other 1.74%; seats - (140 total) DP 92, ASP 38, SDP 7, RP

1, UHP 2

Executive branch:

president, prime minister of the Council of Ministers, two deputy prime

ministers of the Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly (Kuvendi Popullor)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President of the Republic Sali BERISHA (since 9 April 1992)

*Albania, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers Aleksander Gabriel MEKSI (since

10 April 1992)

Member of:

BSEC, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roland BIMO

chancery:

1511 K Street, NW, Washington, DC

telephone:

(202) 223-4942

FAX:

(202) 223-4950

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William E. RYERSON

embassy:

Rruga Labinoti 103, room 2921, Tirane

mailing address:

PSC 59, Box 100 (A), APO AE 09624

telephone:

355-42-32875, 33520

FAX:

355-42-32222

Flag:

red with a black two-headed eagle in the center

*Albania, Economy

Overview:

The Albanian economy, already providing the lowest standard of living in

Europe, contracted sharply in 1991, with most industries producing at only a

fraction of past levels and an unemployment rate estimated at 40%. For over

40 years, the Stalinist-type economy operated on the principle of central

planning and state ownership of the means of production. Fitful economic

reforms begun during 1991, including the liberalization of prices and trade,

the privatization of shops and transport, and land reform, were crippled by

widespread civil disorder. Following its overwhelming victory in the 22

March 1992 elections, the new Democratic government announced a program of

shock therapy to stabilize the economy and establish a market economy. In an

effort to expand international ties, Tirane has reestablished diplomatic

relations with the major republics of the former Soviet Union and the US and

has joined the IMF and the World Bank. The Albanians have also passed

legislation allowing foreign investment, but not foreign ownership of real

estate. Albania possesses considerable mineral resources and, until 1990,

was largely self-sufficient in food; however, the breakup of cooperative

farms in 1991 and general economic decline forced Albania to rely on foreign

aid to maintain adequate supplies. In 1992 the government tightened

budgetary contols leading to another drop in domestic output. The

agricultural sector is steadily gaining from the privatization process. Low

domestic output is supplemented by remittances from the 200,000 Albanians

working abroad.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.5 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$760 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

210% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

40% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $70 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$45 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

asphalt, metals and metallic ores, electricity, crude oil, vegetables,

fruits, tobacco

partners:

Italy, Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Romania,

Bulgaria, Hungary

Imports:

$120 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery, consumer goods, grains

partners:

Italy, Macedonia, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Poland, Hungary,

Bulgaria, Greece

External debt:

$500 million (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -55% (1991 est.)

Electricity: 1,690,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 1,520 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Albania, Economy

Industries:

food processing, textiles and clothing, lumber, oil, cement, chemicals,

mining, basic metals, hydropower

Agriculture:

arable land per capita among lowest in Europe; over 60% of arable land now

in private hands; one-half of work force engaged in farming; wide range of

temperate-zone crops and livestock

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

recipient - $190 million humanitarian aid, $94 million in

loans/guarantees/credits

Currency:

1 lek (L) = 100 qintars

Exchange rates:

leke (L) per US$1 - 97 (January 1993), 50 (January 1992), 25 (September

1991)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Albania, Communications

Railroads:

543 km total; 509 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track and 34 km

narrow gauge, single track (1990); line connecting Titograd (Serbia and

Montenegro) and Shkoder (Albania) completed August 1986

Highways:

16,700 km total; 6,700 km highways, 10,000 km forest and agricultural cart

roads (1990)

Inland waterways:

43 km plus Albanian sections of Lake Scutari, Lake Ohrid, and Lake Prespa

(1990)

Pipelines:

crude oil 145 km; petroleum products 55 km; natural gas 64 km (1991)

Ports:

Durres, Sarande, Vlore

Merchant marine:

11 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 52,967 GRT/76,887 DWT

Airports:

total:

12

usable:

10

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

inadequate service; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 13 AM, 1 TV;

514,000 radios, 255,000 TVs (1987 est.)

*Albania, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Interior Ministry Troops

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 896,613; fit for military service 739,359; reach military

age (19) annually 32,740 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

215 million leke, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Algeria, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, along the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia

Map references:

Africa, Europe

Area:

total area:

2,381,740 km2

land area:

2,381,740 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 6,343 km, Libya 982 km, Mali 1,376 km, Mauritania 463 km, Morocco

1,559 km, Niger 956 km, Tunisia 965 km, Western Sahara 42 km

Coastline:

998 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Libya claims part of southeastern Algeria; land boundary disputes with

Tunisia under discussion

Climate:

arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier

with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot,

dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer

Terrain:

mostly high plateau and desert; some mountains; narrow, discontinuous

coastal plain

Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

13%

forest and woodland:

2%

other:

82%

Irrigated land:

3,360 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

mountainous areas subject to severe earthquakes; desertification

Note:

second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan)

*Algeria, People

Population:

27,256,252 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.34% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

30.38 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.41 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.53 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

54 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.35 years

male:

66.32 years

female:

68.41 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.96 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Algerian(s)

adjective:

Algerian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population: 57%

male:

70%

female:

46%

Labor force:

6.2 million (1992 est.)

by occupation:

government 29.5%, agriculture 22%, construction and public works 16.2%,

industry 13.6%, commerce and services 13.5%, transportation and

communication 5.2% (1989)

*Algeria, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria

conventional short form:

Algeria

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Shabiyah

local short form:

Al Jaza'ir

Digraph:

AG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Algiers

Administrative divisions:

48 provinces (wilayast, singular - wilaya); Adrar, Ain Defla, Ain

Temouchent, Alger, Annaba, Batna, Bechar, Bejaia, Biskra, Blida, Bordj Bou

Arreridj, Bouira, Boumerdes, Chlef, Constantine, Djelfa, El Bayadh, El Oued,

El Tarf, Ghardaia, Guelma, Illizi, Jijel, Khenchela, Laghouat, Mascara,

Medea, Mila, Mostaganem, M'Sila, Naama, Oran, Ouargla, Oum el Bouaghi,

Relizane, Saida, Setif, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Souk Ahras, Tamanghasset,

Tebessa, Tiaret, Tindouf, Tipaza, Tissemsilt, Tizi Ouzou, Tlemcen

Independence:

5 July 1962 (from France)

Constitution:

19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised February 1989

Legal system:

socialist, based on French and Islamic law; judicial review of legislative

acts in ad hoc Constitutional Council composed of various public officials,

including several Supreme Court justices; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Revolution, 1 November (1954)

Political parties and leaders:

Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), Ali BELHADJ, Dr. Abassi MADANI, Abdelkader

HACHANI (all under arrest), Rabeh KEBIR; National Liberation Front (FLN),

Abdelhamid MEHRI, Secretary General; Socialist Forces Front (FFS), Hocine

Ait AHMED, Secretary General

note: the government established a multiparty system in September 1989 and, as of

31 December 1990, over 30 legal parties existed

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National People's Assembly:

first round held on 26 December 1991 (second round canceled by the military

after President BENDJEDID resigned 11 January 1992); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (281 total); the fundamentalist FIS won 188 of the

231 seats contested in the first round; note - elections (municipal and

wilaya) were held in June 1990, the first in Algerian history; results - FIS

55%, FLN 27.5%, other 17.5%, with 65% of the voters participating

President of the High State Committee:

next election to be held December 1993

Executive branch:

President of the High State Committee, prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly (Al-Majlis Ech-Chaabi Al-Watani)

*Algeria, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

High State Committee President Ali KAFI (since 2 July 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Belaid ABDESSELAM (since 8 July 1992)

Member of:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, OPEC,

UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mohamed ZARHOUNI

chancery:

2118 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-2800

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mary Ann CASEY

embassy:

4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, Algiers

mailing address:

B. P. Box 549, Alger-Gare, 16000 Algiers

telephone:

[213] (2) 601-425 or 255, 186

FAX:

[213] (2) 603979

consulate: Oran

Flag:

two equal vertical bands of green (hoist side) and white with a red

five-pointed star within a red crescent; the crescent, star, and color green

are traditional symbols of Islam (the state religion)

*Algeria, Economy

Overview:

The oil and natural gas sector forms the backbone of the economy,

hydrocarbons accounting for nearly all export receipts, about 30% of

government revenues, and nearly 25% of GDP. In 1973-74 the sharp increase in

oil prices led to a booming economy and helped to finance an ambitious

program of industrialization. Plunging oil and gas prices, combined with the

mismanagement of Algeria's highly centralized economy, has brought the

nation to its most serious social and economic crisis since full

independence in 1988. The current government has put reform, including

privatization of some public sector companies and an overhaul of the banking

and financial system, on hold, but has continued efforts to admit private

enterprise to the hydrocarbon industry.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $42 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,570 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

55% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

35% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $14.4 billion; expenditures $14.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3.5 billion (1992 est.)

Exports:

$11.6 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum and natural gas 97%

partners:

Italy, France, US, Germany, Spain

Imports:

$8.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

capital goods 39.7%, food and beverages 21.7%, consumer goods 11.8% (1990)

partners:

France, Italy, Germany, US, Spain

External debt:

$26 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

6,380,000 kW capacity; 16,834 million kWh produced, 630 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, light industries, natural gas, mining, electrical, petrochemical,

food processing

Agriculture:

accounts for 10.8% of GDP (1991) and employs 22% of labor force; products-

wheat, barley, oats, grapes, olives, citrus, fruits, sheep, cattle; net

importer of food - grain, vegetable oil, sugar

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-85), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $925 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.7

billion; net official disbursements (1985-89), -$375 million

Currency:

1 Algerian dinar (DA) = 100 centimes

*Algeria, Economy

Exchange rates:

Algerian dinars (DA) per US$1 - 22.787 (January 1993), 21.836 (1992), 18.473

(1991), 8.958 (1990), 7.6086 (1989), 5.9148 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Algeria, Communications

Railroads:

4,060 km total; 2,616 km standard gauge (1.435 m), 1,188 km 1.055-meter

gauge, 256 km 1.000-meter gauge; 300 km electrified; 215 km double track

Highways:

90,031 km total; 58,868 km concrete or bituminous, 31,163 km gravel, crushed

stone, unimproved earth (1990)

Pipelines:

crude oil 6,612 km; petroleum products 298 km; natural gas 2,948 km

Ports:

Algiers, Annaba, Arzew, Bejaia, Djendjene, Ghazaouet, Jijel, Mers el Kebir,

Mostaganem, Oran, Skikda

Merchant marine:

75 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 903,179 GRT/1,064,211 DWT; includes 5

short-sea passenger, 27 cargo, 12 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 oil tanker, 9

liquefied gas, 7 chemical tanker, 9 bulk, 1 specialized tanker

Airports:

total:

141

usable:

124

with permanent-surface runways:

53

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

32

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

65

Telecommunications: excellent domestic and international service in the north, sparse in the

south; 822,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 26 AM, no FM, 18 TV;

1,600,000 TV sets; 5,200,000 radios; 5 submarine cables; microwave radio

relay to Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia; coaxial cable to

Morocco and Tunisia; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Intersputnik, l ARABSAT, and 12 domestic; 20

additional satellite earth stations are planned

*Algeria, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Popular Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Air Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,610,342; fit for military service 4,063,261; reach

military age (19) annually 291,685 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.36 billion, 2.5% of GDP (1993 est.)

*American Samoa, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*American Samoa, Geography

Location:

in the South Pacific Ocean, 3,700 km south-southwest of Honolulu, about

halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

199 km2

land area:

199 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

note:

includes Rose Island and Swains Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

116 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine, moderated by southeast trade winds; annual rainfall

averages 124 inches; rainy season from November to April, dry season from

May to October; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

five volcanic islands with rugged peaks and limited coastal plains, two

coral atolls (Rose Island, Swains Island)

Natural resources:

pumice, pumicite

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

75%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

typhoons common from December to March

Note:

Pago Pago has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the South Pacific

Ocean, sheltered by shape from rough seas and protected by peripheral

mountains from high winds; strategic location in the South Pacific Ocean

*American Samoa, People

Population:

53,139 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.9% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73 years

male:

71 years

female:

75 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.41 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

American Samoan(s)

adjective:

American Samoan

Ethnic divisions:

Samoan (Polynesian) 89%, Caucasian 2%, Tongan 4%, other 5%

Religions:

Christian Congregationalist 50%, Roman Catholic 20%, Protestant

denominations and other 30%

Languages:

Samoan (closely related to Hawaiian and other Polynesian languages),

English; most people are bilingual

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

97%

male:

97%

female:

97%

Labor force:

14,400 (1990)

by occupation:

government 33%, tuna canneries 34%, other 33% (1990)

*American Samoa, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of American Samoa

conventional short form:

American Samoa

Abbreviation:

AS

Digraph:

AQ

Type:

unincorporated and unorganized territory of the US; administered by the US

Department of Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs

Capital:

Pago Pago

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

Constitution:

ratified 1966, in effect 1967

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Territorial Flag Day, 17 April (1900)

Political parties and leaders:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Governor:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - A.

P. LUTALI was elected (percent of vote NA)

House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

representatives popularly elected from 17 house districts; seats - (21

total, 20 elected, and 1 nonvoting delegate from Swains Island)

Senate:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

senators elected by village chiefs from 12 senate districts; seats - (18

total) number of seats by party NA

US House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); results - Eni

R. F. H. FALEOMAVAEGA reelected as delegate

Executive branch:

popularly elected governor and lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono) consists of an upper house or Senate

(appointed by county village chiefs) and a lower house or House of

Representatives (elected)

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

Head of Government:

Governor A. P. LUTALI (since 3 January 1993); Lieutenant Governor Tauese P.

SUNIA (since 3 January 1993)

*American Samoa, Government

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC, SPC

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag:

blue with a white triangle edged in red that is based on the fly side and

extends to the hoist side; a brown and white American bald eagle flying

toward the hoist side is carrying two traditional Samoan symbols of

authority, a staff and a war club

*American Samoa, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is strongly linked to the US, with which American Samoa

does 80-90% of its foreign trade. Tuna fishing and tuna processing plants

are the backbone of the private sector, with canned tuna the primary export.

The tuna canneries and the government are by far the two largest employers.

Other economic activities include a slowly developing tourist industry.

Transfers from the US government add substantially to American Samoa's

economic well-being.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $128 million (1991)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$2,600 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

12% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $97,000,000 (includes $43,000,000 in local revenue and $54,000,000

in grant revenue); including capital expenditures of $NA (FY91)

Exports:

$306 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

canned tuna 93%

partners:

US 99.6%

Imports:

$360.3 million (c.i.f., 1989)

commodities:

materials for canneries 56%, food 8%, petroleum products 7%, machinery and

parts 6%

partners:

US 62%, Japan 9%, NZ 7%, Australia 11%, Fiji 4%, other 7%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

42,000 kW capacity; 100 million kWh produced, 2,020 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tuna canneries (largely dependent on foreign fishing vessels), meat canning,

handicrafts

Agriculture:

bananas, coconuts, vegetables, taro, breadfruit, yams, copra, pineapples,

papayas, dairy farming

Economic aid:

$21,042,650 in operational funds and $1,227,000 in construction funds for

capital improvement projects from the US Department of Interior (1991)

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*American Samoa, Communications

Railroads: none

Highways:

350 km total; 150 km paved, 200 km unpaved

Ports:

Pago Pago, Ta'u, Ofu, Auasi, Aanu'u (new construction), Faleosao

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440 to 3,659 m :

1 (international airport at Tafuna)

with runways 1,200 to 2,439 m:

0

note:

small airstrips on Fituita and Ofu

Telecommunications:

8,399 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; good telex,

telegraph, and facsimile services; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station, 1

COMSAT earth station

*American Samoa, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Andorra, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Spain

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

450 km2

land area:

450 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 125 km, France 60 km, Spain 65 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate: temperate; snowy, cold winters and cool, dry summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains dissected by narrow valleys

Natural resources:

hydropower, mineral water, timber, iron ore, lead

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

56%

forest and woodland:

22%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

deforestation, overgrazing

Note:

landlocked

*Andorra, People

Population:

61,962 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.27% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.99 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

25.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

78.22 years

male:

75.35 years

female:

81.34 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Andorran(s)

adjective:

Andorran

Ethnic divisions:

Spanish 61%, Andorran 30%, French 6%, other 3%

Religions: Roman Catholic (predominant)

Languages:

Catalan (official), French, Castilian

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Andorra, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Principality of Andorra

conventional short form:

Andorra

local long form:

Principat d'Andorra

local short form:

Andorra

Digraph:

AN

Type:

parliamentary coprincipality under formal sovereignty of president of France

and Spanish bishop of Seo de Urgel, who are represented locally by officials

called veguers; to be changed to a parliamentary form of government

Capital:

Andorra la Vella

Administrative divisions:

7 parishes (parroquies, singular - parroquia); Andorra, Canillo, Encamp, La

Massana, Les Escaldes, Ordino, Sant Julia de Loria

Independence:

1278

Constitution:

Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; adopted 14 March

1993; to take effect within 15 days

Legal system:

based on French and Spanish civil codes; no judicial review of legislative

acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Mare de Deu de Meritxell, 8 September

Political parties and leaders:

political parties not yet legally recognized; traditionally no political

parties but partisans for particular independent candidates for the General

Council on the basis of competence, personality, and orientation toward

Spain or France; various small pressure groups developed in 1972; first

formal political party, Andorran Democratic Association, was formed in 1976

and reorganized in 1979 as Andorran Democratic Party

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal

Elections:

General Council of the Valleys:

last held 12 April 1992 (next to be held April 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

two co-princes (president of France, bishop of Seo de Urgel in Spain), two

designated representatives (French veguer, Episcopal veguer), two permanent

delegates (French prefect for the department of Pyrenees-Orientales, Spanish

vicar general for the Seo de Urgel diocese), president of government,

Executive Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council of the Valleys (Consell General de las Valls)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Andorra at Perpignan (France) for civil cases, the

Ecclesiastical Court of the bishop of Seo de Urgel (Spain) for civil cases,

Tribunal of the Courts (Tribunal des Cortes) for criminal cases

*Andorra, Government

Leaders:

Chiefs of State:

French Co-Prince Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981), represented by

Veguer de Franca Jean Pierre COURTOIS (since NA); Spanish Episcopal

Co-Prince Mgr. Juan MARTI Alanis (since 31 January 1971), represented by

Veguer Episcopal Francesc BADIA Bata

Head of Government:

Executive Council President Oscar RIBAS Reig (since 10 Decmber 1989)

Member of:

INTERPOL, IOC

Diplomatic representation in US:

Andorra has no mission in the US

US diplomatic representation:

Andorra is included within the Barcelona (Spain) Consular District, and the

US Consul General visits Andorra periodically

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red with the

national coat of arms centered in the yellow band; the coat of arms features

a quartered shield; similar to the flags of Chad and Romania that do not

have a national coat of arms in the center

*Andorra, Economy

Overview:

The mainstay of Andorra's economy is tourism. An estimated 13 million

tourists visit annually, attracted by Andorra's duty-free status and by its

summer and winter resorts. The banking sector, with its "tax haven" status,

also contributes significantly to the economy. Agricultural production is

limited by a scarcity of arable land, and most food has to be imported. The

principal livestock activity is sheep raising. Manufacturing consists mainly

of cigarettes, cigars, and furniture. Although it is a member of the EC

customs union, it is unclear what effect the European Single Market will

have on the advantages Andorra obtains from its duty-free status.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $760 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$14,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

0%

Budget:

revenues $119.4 million; expenditures $190 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990)

Exports:

$23 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

electricity, tobacco products, furniture

partners:

France, Spain

Imports:

$888.7 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

consumer goods, food

partners:

France, Spain

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

35,000 kW capacity; 140 million kWh produced, 2,570 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism (particularly skiing), sheep, timber, tobacco, banking

Agriculture:

sheep raising; small quantities of tobacco, rye, wheat, barley, oats, and

some vegetables

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

the French and Spanish currencies are used

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988); Spanish pesetas (Ptas)

per US$1 - 114.59 (January 1993), 102.38 (1992), 103.91 (1991), 101.93

(1990), 118.38 (1989), 116.49 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Andorra, Communications

Highways:

96 km

Telecommunications:

international digital microwave network; international landline circuits to

France and Spain; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 17,700 telephones

*Andorra, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France and Spain

*Angola, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Namibia and

Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,246,700 km2

land area:

1,246,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,198 km, Congo 201 km, Namibia 1,376 km, Zaire 2,511 km, Zambia 1,110

km

Coastline:

1,600 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

20 nm

International disputes:

civil war since independence on 11 November 1975; a ceasefire held from 31

May 1991 until October 1992, when the insurgent National Union for the Total

Independence of Angola refused to accept its defeat in internationally

monitored elections; fighting has since resumed across the countryside

Climate:

semiarid in south and along coast to Luanda; north has cool, dry season (May

to October) and hot, rainy season (November to April)

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain rises abruptly to vast interior plateau

Natural resources:

petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite,

uranium

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

23%

forest and woodland: 43%

other:

32%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

locally heavy rainfall causes periodic flooding on plateau; desertification

Note:

Cabinda is separated from rest of country by Zaire

*Angola, People

Population:

9,545,235 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.67% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

18.96 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

148.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

45.26 years

male:

43.26 years

female:

47.35 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Angolan(s)

adjective:

Angolan

Ethnic divisions:

Ovimbundu 37%, Kimbundu 25%, Bakongo 13%, Mestico 2%, European 1%, other 22%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 47%, Roman Catholic 38%, Protestant 15% (est.)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Bantu dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

42%

male:

56%

female:

28%

Labor force:

2.783 million economically active

by occupation:

agriculture 85%, industry 15% (1985 est.)

*Angola, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Angola

conventional short form:

Angola

local long form:

Republic de Angola

local short form:

Angola

former:

People's Republic of Angola

Digraph:

AO

Type:

transitional government nominally a multiparty democracy with a strong

presidential system

Capital:

Luanda

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Bengo, Benguela, Bie,

Cabinda, Cuando Cubango, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Cunene, Huambo, Huila,

Luanda, Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Malanje, Moxico, Namibe, Uige, Zaire

Independence:

11 November 1975 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, and 6 March 1991

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law; recently modified to

accommodate political pluralism and increased use of free markets

National holiday:

Independence Day, 11 November (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose EDUARDO

DOS SANTOS, is the ruling party and has been in power since 1975; National

Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI,

remains a legal party despite its returned to armed resistance to the

government; five minor parties have small numbers of seats in the National

Assembly

Other political or pressure groups:

Cabindan State Liberation Front (FLEC), NZZIA Tiago, leader

note:

FLEC is waging a small-scale, highly factionalized, armed struggle for the

independence of Cabinda Province

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

first nationwide, multiparty elections were held in late September 1992 with

disputed results; further elections are being discussed

Executive branch: president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Tribunal da Relacrao)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Jose Eduardo dos SANTOS (since 21 September 1979)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Marcolino Jose Carlos MOCO (since 2 December 1992)

*Angola, Government

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC (observer), ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

none

representation:

Jose PATRICIO, Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States

address:

Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States, 1899 L Street,

NW, 5th floor, Washington, DC 20038

telephone:

(202) 785-1156

FAX:

(202) 785-1258

US diplomatic representation:

director:

Edmund DE JARNETTE

liaison office:

Rua Major Kanhangolo, Nes 132/138, Luanda

mailing address:

CP6484, Luanda, Angola (mail international); USLO Luanda, Department of

State, Washington, D.C. 20521-2550 (pouch)

telephone:

[244] (2) 34-54-81

FAX:

[244] (2) 39-05-15

note:

the US maintains a liaison office in Luanda accredited to the Joint

Political Military Commission that oversees implementation of the Angola

Peace Accords; this office does not perform any commercial or consular

services; the US does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Government

of the Republic of Angola

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and black with a centered yellow

emblem consisting of a five-pointed star within half a cogwheel crossed by a

machete (in the style of a hammer and sickle)

*Angola, Economy

Overview:

Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 80-90% of the

population, but accounts for less than 15% of GDP. Oil production is vital

to the economy, contributing about 60% to GDP. Bitter internal fighting

continues to severely affect the nonoil economy, and food needs to be

imported. For the long run, Angola has the advantage of rich natural

resources in addition to oil, notably gold, diamonds, and arable land. To

realize its economic potential Angola not only must secure domestic peace

but also must reform government policies that have led to distortions and

imbalances throughout the economy.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.7% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$950 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1,000% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $2.1 billion; expenditures $3.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $963 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

oil, liquefied petroleum gas, diamonds, coffee, sisal, fish and fish

products, timber, cotton

partners:

US, France, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil

Imports:

$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

capital equipment (machinery and electrical equipment), food, vehicles and

spare parts, textiles and clothing, medicines; substantial military

deliveries

partners:

Portugal, Brazil, US, France, Spain

External debt:

$8 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for about 60% of GDP, including petroleum output

Electricity:

510,000 kW capacity; 800 million kWh produced, 84 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

petroleum; mining diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, feldspar, bauxite,

uranium, and gold;, fish processing; food processing; brewing; tobacco;

sugar; textiles; cement; basic metal products

Agriculture:

cash crops - coffee, sisal, corn, cotton, sugar cane, manioc, tobacco; food

crops - cassava, corn, vegetables, plantains, bananas; livestock production

accounts for 20%, fishing 4%, forestry 2% of total agricultural output;

disruptions caused by civil war and marketing deficiencies require food

imports

Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $265 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,105 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $1.3 billion; net official disbursements

(1985-89), $750 million

*Angola, Economy

Currency:

1 kwanza (Kz) = 100 kwei

Exchange rates:

kwanza (Kz) per US$1 -4,000 (black market rate was 17,000 on 30 April 1993)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Angola, Communications

Railroads:

3,189 km total; 2,879 km 1.067-meter gauge, 310 km 0.600-meter gauge;

limited trackage in use because of landmines still in place from the civil

war; majority of the Benguela Railroad also closed because of civil war

Highways:

73,828 km total; 8,577 km bituminous-surface treatment, 29,350 km crushed

stone, gravel, or improved earth, remainder unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

1,295 km navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 179 km

Ports:

Luanda, Lobito, Namibe, Cabinda

Merchant marine:

12 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 66,348 GRT/102,825 DWT; includes 11

cargo, 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

302

usable:

173

with permanent-surface runways:

32

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

17

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

57

Telecommunications:

limited system of wire, microwave radio relay, and troposcatter routes; high

frequency radio used extensively for military links; 40,300 telephones;

broadcast stations - 17 AM, 13 FM, 6 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

stations

*Angola, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force/Air Defense, People's Defense Organization and

Territorial Troops, Frontier Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,204,155; fit for military service 1,109,292; reach

military age (18) annually 94,919 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Anguilla, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Anguilla, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 270 km east of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

91 km2

land area:

91 km2

comparative area:

about half the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

61 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low-lying island of coral and limestone

Natural resources:

negligible; salt, fish, lobster

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA% (mostly rock with sparse scrub oak, few trees, some commercial salt

ponds)

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

frequent hurricanes, other tropical storms (July to October)

*Anguilla, People

Population:

7,006 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.64% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.26 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.28 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-9.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

17.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.89 years

male:

71.1 years

female:

76.7 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.09 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Anguillan(s)

adjective:

Anguillan

Ethnic divisions:

black African

Religions:

Anglican 40%, Methodist 33%, Seventh-Day Adventist 7%, Baptist 5%, Roman

Catholic 3%, other 12%

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

age 12 and over can read and write (1984)

total population:

95%

male:

95%

female: 95%

Labor force:

2,780 (1984)

by occupation:

NA

*Anguilla, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Anguilla

Digraph:

AV

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

The Valley

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

1 April 1982

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Anguilla Day, 30 May

Political parties and leaders:

Anguilla National Alliance (ANA), Emile GUMBS; Anguilla United Party (AUP),

Hubert HUGHES; Anguilla Democratic Party (ADP), Victor BANKS

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 27 February 1989 (next to be held February 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) ANA 3, AUP 2, ADP

1, independent 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Alan W.

SHARE (since August 1992)

Head of Government:

Chief Minister Emile GUMBS (since NA March 1984, served previously from

February 1977 to May 1980)

Member of:

CARICOM (observer), CDB

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

two horizontal bands of white (top, almost triple width) and light blue with

three orange dolphins in an interlocking circular design centered in the

white band; a new flag may have been in use since 30 May 1990

*Anguilla, Economy

Overview:

Anguilla has few natural resources, and the economy depends heavily on

lobster fishing, offshore banking, tourism, and remittances from emigrants.

In recent years the economy has benefited from a boom in tourism.

Development plans center around the improvement of the infrastructure,

particularly transport and tourist facilities, and also light industry.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $47.4 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6.5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,800 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.6% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5% (1988 est.)

Budget:

revenues $13.8 million; expenditures $15.2 million, including capital

expenditures of $2.4 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$1.4 million (f.o.b., 1987)

commodities:

lobster and salt

partners:

NA

Imports:

$10.3 million (f.o.b., 1987)

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

2,000 kW capacity; 6 million kWh produced, 862 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, boat building, salt

Agriculture:

pigeon peas, corn, sweet potatoes, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, poultry,

fishing (including lobster)

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $38

million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

NA

*Anguilla, Communications

Highways:

60 km surfaced

Ports:

Road Bay, Blowing Point

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1 (1,000 m at Wallblake Airport)

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

modern internal telephone system; 890 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM,

1 FM, no TV; radio relay microwave link to island of Saint Martin

*Anguilla, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Antarctica, Geography

Location:

continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total area:

14 million km2 (est.)

land area:

14 million km2 (est.)

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of the US

note:

second-smallest continent (after Australia)

Land boundaries:

none, but see entry on International disputes

Coastline:

17,968 km

Maritime claims:

none, but see entry on International Disputes

International disputes:

Antarctic Treaty defers claims (see Antarctic Treaty Summary below);

sections (some overlapping) claimed by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France

(Adelie Land), New Zealand (Ross Dependency), Norway (Queen Maud Land), and

UK; the US and most other nations do not recognize the territorial claims of

other nations and have made no claims themselves (the US and Russia reserve

the right to do so); no formal claims have been made in the sector between

90 degrees west and 150 degrees west, where, because of floating ice,

Antarctica is unapproachable from the sea

Climate:

severe low temperatures vary with latitude, elevation, and distance from the

ocean; East Antarctica is colder than West Antarctica because of its higher

elevation; Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate; higher

temperatures occur in January along the coast and average slightly below

freezing

Terrain:

about 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock, with average

elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 meters; mountain ranges up to 4,897

meters high; ice-free coastal areas include parts of southern Victoria Land,

Wilkes Land, the Antarctic Peninsula area, and parts of Ross Island on

McMurdo Sound; glaciers form ice shelves along about half of the coastline,

and floating ice shelves constitute 11% of the area of the continent

Natural resources:

none presently exploited; iron ore, chromium, copper, gold, nickel, platinum

and other minerals, and coal and hydrocarbons have been found in small,

uncommercial quantities

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (ice 98%, barren rock 2%)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

*Antarctica, Geography

Environment:

mostly uninhabitable; katabatic (gravity-driven) winds blow coastward from

the high interior; frequent blizzards form near the foot of the plateau; a

circumpolar ocean current flows clockwise along the coast as do cyclonic

storms that form over the ocean; during summer more solar radiation reaches

the surface at the South Pole than is received at the Equator in an

equivalent period; in October 1991 it was reported that the ozone shield,

which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had

dwindled to the lowest level ever recorded over Antarctica; active volcanism

on Deception Island and isolated areas of West Antarctica; other seismic

activity rare and weak

Note:

the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest continent

*Antarctica, People

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are seasonally staffed research

stations

Summer (January) population:

over 4,115 total; Argentina 207, Australia 268, Belgium 13, Brazil 80, Chile

256, China NA, Ecuador NA, Finland 11, France 78, Germany 32, Greenpeace 12,

India 60, Italy 210, Japan 59, South Korea 14, Netherlands 10, NZ 264,

Norway 23, Peru 39, Poland NA, South Africa 79, Spain 43, Sweden 10, UK 116,

Uruguay NA, US 1,666, former USSR 565 (1989-90)

Winter (July) population:

over 1,046 total; Argentina 150, Australia 71, Brazil 12, Chile 73, China

NA, France 33, Germany 19, Greenpeace 5, India 1, Japan 38, South Korea 14,

NZ 11, Poland NA, South Africa 12, UK 69, Uruguay NA, US 225, former USSR

313 (1989-90)

Year-round stations:

42 total; Argentina 6, Australia 3, Brazil 1, Chile 3, China 2, Finland 1,

France 1, Germany 1, India 1, Japan 2, South Korea 1, NZ 1, Poland 1, South

Africa 3, UK 5, Uruguay 1, US 3, former USSR 6 (1990-91)

Summer only stations:

over 38 total; Argentina 7, Australia 3, Chile 5, Germany 3, India 1,

Italy 1, Japan 4, NZ 2, Norway 1, Peru 1, South Africa 1, Spain 1, Sweden 2,

UK 1, US numerous, former USSR 5 (1989-90); note - the disintegration of the

former USSR has placed the status and future of its Antarctic facilities in

doubt; stations may be subject to closings at any time because of ongoing

economic difficulties

*Antarctica, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Antarctica

Digraph:

AY

Type:

Antarctic Treaty Summary:

The Antarctic Treaty, signed on 1 December 1959 and entered into force on 23

June 1961, establishes the legal framework for the management of Antarctica.

Administration is carried out through consultative member meetings—the 17th

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting was in Venice in November 1992.

Currently, there are 41 treaty member nations: 26 consultative and 15

acceding. Consultative (voting) members include the seven nations that claim

portions of Antarctica as national territory (some claims overlap) and 19

nonclaimant nations. The US and some other nations that have made no claims

have reserved the right to do so. The US does not recognize the claims of

others. The year in parentheses indicates when an acceding nation was voted

to full consultative (voting) status, while no date indicates the country

was an original 1959 treaty signatory. Claimant nations are—Argentina,

Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. Nonclaimant

consultative nations are—Belgium, Brazil (1983), China (1985), Ecuador

(1990), Finland (1989), Germany (1981), India (1983), Italy (1987), Japan,

South Korea (1989), Netherlands (1990), Peru (1989), Poland (1977), South

Africa, Spain (1988), Sweden (1988), Uruguay (1985), the US, and Russia.

Acceding (nonvoting) members, with year of accession in parentheses,

are—Austria (1987), Bulgaria (1978), Canada (1988), Colombia (1988), Cuba

(1984), Czechoslovakia (1962), Denmark (1965), Greece (1987), Guatemala

(1991), Hungary (1984), North Korea (1987), Papua New Guinea (1981), Romania

(1971), Switzerland (1990), and Ukraine (1992).

Article 1:

area to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as

weapons testing, is prohibited, but military personnel and equipment may be

used for scientific research or any other peaceful purpose

Article 2:

freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation shall continue

Article 3:

free exchange of information and personnel in cooperation with the UN and

other international agencies

Article 4:

does not recognize, dispute, or establish territorial claims and no new

claims shall be asserted while the treaty is in force

Article 5:

prohibits nuclear explosions or disposal of radioactive wastes

Article 6:

includes under the treaty all land and ice shelves south of 60 degrees 00

minutes south

Article 7:

treaty-state observers have free access, including aerial observation, to

any area and may inspect all stations, installations, and equipment; advance

notice of all activities and of the introduction of military personnel must

be given

Article 8:

allows for jurisdiction over observers and scientists by their own states

Article 9:

frequent consultative meetings take place among member nations

*Antarctica, Government

Article 10:

treaty states will discourage activities by any country in Antarctica that

are contrary to the treaty

Article 11:

disputes to be settled peacefully by the parties concerned or, ultimately,

by the ICJ

Article 12, 13, 14:

deal with upholding, interpreting, and amending the treaty among involved

nations

Other agreements:

more than 170 recommendations adopted at treaty consultative meetings and

ratified by governments include - Agreed Measures for the Conservation of

Antarctic Fauna and Flora (1964); Convention for the Conservation of

Antarctic Seals (1972); Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine

Living Resources (1980); a mineral resources agreement was signed in 1988

but was subsequently rejected; in 1991 the Protocol on Environmental

Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed and awaits ratification; this

agreement provides for the protection of the Antarctic environment through

five specific annexes on marine pollution, fauna, and flora, environmental

impact assessments, waste management, and protected areas; it also prohibits

all activities relating to mineral resources except scientific research;

four parties have ratified Protocol as of June 1993

Legal system:

US law, including certain criminal offenses by or against US nationals, such

as murder, may apply to areas not under jurisdiction of other countries.

Some US laws directly apply to Antarctica. For example, the Antarctic

Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. section 2401 et seq., provides civil and

criminal penalties for the following activities, unless authorized by

regulation of statute: The taking of native mammals or birds; the

introduction of nonindigenous plants and animals; entry into specially

protected or scientific areas; the discharge or disposal of pollutants; and

the importation into the US of certain items from Antarctica. Violation of

the Antarctic Conservation Act carries penalties of up to $10,000 in fines

and 1 year in prison. The Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Transportation,

and Interior share enforcement responsibilities. Public Law 95-541, the US

Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, requires expeditions from the US to

Antarctica to notify, in advance, the Office of Oceans and Polar Affairs,

Room 5801, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, which reports such

plans to other nations as required by the Antarctic Treaty. For more

information contact Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National

Science Foundation, Washington, DC 20550.

*Antarctica, Economy

Overview:

No economic activity at present except for fishing off the coast and

small-scale tourism, both based abroad.

*Antarctica, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only at most coastal stations

Airports:

42 landing facilities at different locations operated by 15 national

governments party to the Treaty; one additional air facility operated by

commercial (nongovernmental) tourist organization; helicopter pads at 28 of

these locations; runways at 10 locations are gravel, sea ice, glacier ice,

or compacted snow surface suitable for wheeled fixed-wing aircraft; no paved

runways; 16 locations have snow-surface skiways limited to use by

ski-equipped planes—11 runways/skiways 1,000 to 3,000 m, 3 runways/skiways

less than 1,000 m, 5 runways/skiways greater than 3,000 m, and 7 of

unspecified or variable length; airports generally subject to severe

restrictions and limitations resulting from extreme seasonal and geographic

conditions; airports do not meet ICAO standards; advance approval from

governments required for landing

*Antarctica, Defense Forces

Note:

the Antarctic Treaty prohibits any measures of a military nature, such as

the establishment of military bases and fortifications, the carrying out of

military maneuvers, or the testing of any type of weapon; it permits the use

of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other

peaceful purposes

*Antigua and Barbuda, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 420 km east-southeast of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

440 km2

land area:

440 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes Redonda

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

153 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low-lying limestone and coral islands with some higher volcanic areas

Natural resources:

negligible; pleasant climate fosters tourism

Land use:

arable land:

18% permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

16%

other:

59%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October); insufficient

freshwater resources; deeply indented coastline provides many natural

harbors

*Antigua and Barbuda, People

Population:

64,406 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.51% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.51 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.5 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.96 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.83 years

male:

70.81 years

female:

74.95 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.67 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Antiguan(s), Barbudan(s)

adjective:

Antiguan, Barbudan

Ethnic divisions:

black African, British, Portuguese, Lebanese, Syrian

Religions:

Anglican (predominant), other Protestant sects, some Roman Catholic

Languages:

English (official), local dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over having completed 5 or more years of schooling (1960)

total population:

89%

male: 90%

female:

88%

Labor force:

30,000

by occupation:

commerce and services 82%, agriculture 11%, industry 7% (1983)

*Antigua and Barbuda, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Antigua and Barbuda

Digraph:

AC

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Saint John's

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 2 dependencies*; Barbuda*, Redonda*, Saint George, Saint, John, Saint Mary, Saint

Paul, Saint Peter, Saint Philip

Independence:

1 November 1981 (from UK)

Constitution:

1 November 1981

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 November (1981)

Political parties and leaders:

Antigua Labor Party (ALP), Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr., Lester BIRD; United

Progressive Party (UPP), Baldwin SPENCER

Other political or pressure groups:

United Progressive Party (UPP), headed by Baldwin SPENCER, a coalition of

three opposition political parties - the United National Democratic Party

(UNDP); the Antigua Caribbean Liberation Movement (ACLM); and the

Progressive Labor Movement (PLM); Antigua Trades and Labor Union (ATLU),

headed by Noel THOMAS

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 9 March 1989 (next to be held NA 1994); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (17 total) ALP 15, UPP 1, independent 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Sir Wilfred Ebenezer JACOBS (since 1 November 1981, previously Governor

since 1976)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Vere Cornwall BIRD, Sr. (since NA 1976); Deputy Prime

Minister Lester BIRD (since NA)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Patrick Albert LEWIS

*Antigua and Barbuda, Government

chancery:

Suite 2H, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 362-5211 or 5166, 5122, 5225

consulate:

Miami

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

the US Ambassador to Barbados is accredited to Antigua and Barbuda, and, in

his absence, the Embassy is headed by Charge d'Affaires Bryant J. SALTER

embassy:

Queen Elizabeth Highway, Saint John's

mailing address:

FPO AA 34054-0001

telephone:

(809) 462-3505 or 3506

FAX:

(809) 462-3516

Flag:

red with an inverted isosceles triangle based on the top edge of the flag;

the triangle contains three horizontal bands of black (top), light blue, and

white with a yellow rising sun in the black band

*Antigua and Barbuda, Economy

Overview:

The economy is primarily service oriented, with tourism the most important

determinant of economic performance. During the period 1987-90, real GDP

expanded at an annual average rate of about 6%. Tourism makes a direct

contribution to GDP of about 13% and also affects growth in other sectors -

particularly in construction, communications, and public utilities. Although

Antigua and Barbuda is one of the few areas in the Caribbean experiencing a

labor shortage in some sectors of the economy, it has been hurt in 1991-92

by a downturn in tourism caused by the Persian Gulf war and the US

recession.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $424 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.4% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,600 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5% (1988 est.)

Budget:

revenues $105 million; expenditures $161 million, including capital

expenditures of $56 million (1992)

Exports:

$32 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum products 48%, manufactures 23%, food and live animals 4%,

machinery and transport equipment 17%

partners:

OECS 26%, Barbados 15%, Guyana 4%, Trinidad and Tobago 2%, US 0.3%

Imports:

$317.5 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

food and live animals, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures,

chemicals, oil

partners:

US 27%, UK 16%, Canada 4%, OECS 3%, other 50%

External debt:

$250 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3% (1989 est.); accounts for 5% of GDP

Electricity:

52,100 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 1,482 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, construction, light manufacturing (clothing, alcohol, household

appliances)

Agriculture:

accounts for 4% of GDP; expanding output of cotton, fruits, vegetables, and

livestock; other crops - bananas, coconuts, cucumbers, mangoes, sugarcane;

not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

US commitments, $10 million (1985-88); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and

OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $50 million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Antigua and Barbuda, Communications

Railroads: 64 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge and 13 km 0.610-meter gauge used almost

exclusively for handling sugarcane

Highways:

240 km

Ports:

Saint John's

Merchant marine:

149 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 529,202 GRT/778,506 DWT; includes 96

cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 21 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1

multifunction large-load carrier, 2 oil tanker, 19 chemical tanker, 2 bulk;

note - a flag of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

good automatic telephone system; 6,700 telephones; tropospheric scatter

links with Saba and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV, 2

shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Antigua and Barbuda, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police

Force (including the Coast Guard)

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million, 1% of GDP (FY90/91)

*Arctic Ocean, Geography

Location:

body of water mostly north of the Arctic Circle

Map references:

Arctic Region, Asia, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

14.056 million km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 1.5 times the size of the US; smallest of the world's

four oceans (after Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean)

note:

includes Baffin Bay, Barents Sea, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian

Sea, Greenland Sea, Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, and

other tributary water bodies

Coastline:

45,389 km

International disputes:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states); Svalbard is the focus of a

maritime boundary dispute between Norway and Russia

Climate:

polar climate characterized by persistent cold and relatively narrow annual

temperature ranges; winters characterized by continuous darkness, cold and

stable weather conditions, and clear skies; summers characterized by

continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather, and weak cyclones with rain or

snow

Terrain:

central surface covered by a perennial drifting polar icepack that averages

about 3 meters in thickness, although pressure ridges may be three times

that size; clockwise drift pattern in the Beaufort Gyral Stream, but nearly

straight line movement from the New Siberian Islands (Russia) to Denmark

Strait (between Greenland and Iceland); the ice pack is surrounded by open

seas during the summer, but more than doubles in size during the winter and

extends to the encircling land masses; the ocean floor is about 50%

continental shelf (highest percentage of any ocean) with the remainder a

central basin interrupted by three submarine ridges (Alpha Cordillera,

Nansen Cordillera, and Lomonsov Ridge); maximum depth is 4,665 meters in the

Fram Basin

Natural resources:

sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, oil and

gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales)

Environment:

endangered marine species include walruses and whales; ice islands

occasionally break away from northern Ellesmere Island; icebergs calved from

glaciers in western Greenland and extreme northeastern Canada; maximum snow

cover in March or April about 20 to 50 centimeters over the frozen ocean and

lasts about 10 months; permafrost in islands; virtually icelocked from

October to June; fragile ecosystem slow to change and slow to recover from

disruptions or damage

Note:

major chokepoint is the southern Chukchi Sea (northern access to the Pacific

Ocean via the Bering Strait); ships subject to superstructure icing from

October to May; strategic location between North America and Russia;

shortest marine link between the extremes of eastern and western Russia,

floating research stations operated by the US and Russia

*Arctic Ocean, Government

Digraph:

XQ

*Arctic Ocean, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to the exploitation of natural resources,

including petroleum, natural gas, fish, and seals.

*Arctic Ocean, Communications

Ports:

Churchill (Canada), Murmansk (Russia), Prudhoe Bay (US)

Telecommunications:

no submarine cables

Note:

sparse network of air, ocean, river, and land routes; the Northwest Passage

(North America) and Northern Sea Route (Eurasia) are important seasonal

waterways

*Argentina, Geography

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Chile and

Uruguay

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,766,890 km2

land area:

2,736,690 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three-tenths the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total 9,665 km, Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay

1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km

Coastline:

4,989 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

not specified

territorial sea:

200 nm; overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm

International disputes:

short section of the boundary with Uruguay is in dispute; short section of

the boundary with Chile is indefinite; claims British-administered Falkland

Islands (Islas Malvinas); claims British-administered South Georgia and the

South Sandwich Islands; territorial claim in Antarctica

Climate:

mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Terrain:

rich plains of the Pampas in northern half, flat to rolling plateau of

Patagonia in south, rugged Andes along western border

Natural resources:

fertile plains of the pampas, lead, zinc, tin, copper, iron ore, manganese,

petroleum, uranium

Land use:

arable land:

9%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

52%

forest and woodland:

22%

other:

13%

Irrigated land:

17,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

Tucuman and Mendoza areas in Andes subject to earthquakes; pamperos are

violent windstorms that can strike Pampas and northeast; irrigated soil

degradation; desertification; air and water pollution in Buenos Aires

*Argentina, Geography

Note:

second-largest country in South America (after Brazil); strategic location

relative to sea lanes between South Atlantic and South Pacific Oceans

(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)

*Argentina, People

Population:

33,533,256 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.13% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.64 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

30 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.19 years

male:

67.91 years

female:

74.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.72 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Argentine(s)

adjective:

Argentine

Ethnic divisions:

white 85%, mestizo, Indian, or other nonwhite groups 15%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 90% (less than 20% practicing), Protestant 2%,

Jewish 2%, other 6%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English, Italian, German, French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

95%

male:

96%

female:

95%

Labor force:

10.9 million

by occupation:

agriculture 12%, industry 31%, services 57% (1985 est.)

*Argentina, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Argentine Republic

conventional short form:

Argentina

local long form:

Republica Argentina

local short form:

Argentina

Digraph:

AR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Buenos Aires

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia), and 1 federal district*, (distrito federal);

Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Chaco, Chubut, Cordoba,

Corrientes, Distrito Federal*, Entre Rios, Formosa, Jujuy, La Pampa, La, Rioja, Mendoza,

Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Salta, San Juan, San Luis,

Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santiago del Estero, Tierra del Fuego (Territorio

Nacional de la Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur),

Tucuman

note:

the national territory is in the process of becoming a province; the US does

not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence: 9 July 1816 (from Spain)

Constitution:

1 May 1853

Legal system:

mixture of US and West European legal systems; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 25 May (1810)

Political parties and leaders:

Justicialist Party (JP), Carlos Saul MENEM, Peronist umbrella political

organization; Radical Civic Union (UCR), Mario LOSADA, moderately

left-of-center party; Union of the Democratic Center (UCD), Jorge AGUADO,

conservative party; Intransigent Party (PI), Dr. Oscar ALENDE, leftist

party; Dignity and Independence Political Party (MODIN), Aldo RICO,

right-wing party; several provincial parties

Other political or pressure groups:

Peronist-dominated labor movement; General Confederation of Labor (CGT;

Peronist-leaning umbrella labor organization); Argentine Industrial Union

(manufacturers' association); Argentine Rural Society (large landowners'

association); business organizations; students; the Roman Catholic Church;

the Armed Forces

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held in three phases during late 1991 for half of 254 seats; seats (254

total) - JP 122, UCR 85, UCD 10, other 37 (1993)

President:

last held 14 May 1989 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - Carlos Saul

MENEM was elected

*Argentina, Government

Senate:

last held May 1989, but provincial elections in late 1991 set the stage for

indirect elections by provincial senators for one-third of 46 seats in the

national senate in May 1992; seats (46 total) - JP 27, UCR 14, others 5

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber

or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de

Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Carlos Saul MENEM (since 8 July 1989); Vice President (position

vacant)

Member of:

AG (observer), Australian Group, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19,

G-24, AfDB, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA,

LORCS, MERCOSUR, MINURSO, OAS, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Carlos ORTIZ DE ROZAS

chancery:

1600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 939-6400 through 6403

consulates general:

Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto

Rico)

consulates:

Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador James CHEEK (since 28 May 1993)

embassy:

4300 Colombia, 1425 Buenos Aires

mailing address:

APO AA 34034

telephone:

[54] (1) 774-7611 or 8811, 9911

FAX:

[54] (1) 775-4205

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of light blue (top), white, and light blue;

centered in the white band is a radiant yellow sun with a human face known

as the Sun of May

*Argentina, Economy

Overview:

Argentina is rich in natural resources and has a highly literate population,

an export-oriented agricultural sector, and a diversified industrial base.

Nevertheless, following decades of mismanagement and statist policies, the

economy in the late 1980s was plagued with huge external debts and recurring

bouts of hyperinflation. Elected in 1989, in the depths of recession,

President MENEM has implemented a comprehensive economic restructuring

program that shows signs of putting Argentina on a path of stable,

sustainable growth. Argentina's currency has traded at par with the US

dollar since April 1991, and inflation has fallen to its lowest level in 20

years. Argentines have responded to the relative price stability by

repatriating flight capital and investing in domestic industry. Much remains

to be done in the 1990s in dismantling the old statist barriers to growth

and in solidifying the recent economic gains.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $112 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,400 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

17.7% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

6.9% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $33.1 billion; expenditures $35.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3.5 billion (1992)

Exports:

$12.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

meat, wheat, corn, oilseed, hides, wool

partners:

US 12%, Brazil, Italy, Japan, Netherlands

Imports:

$14.0 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, metals, fuels and lubricants,

agricultural products

partners:

US 22%, Brazil, Germany, Bolivia, Japan, Italy, Netherlands

External debt:

$54 billion (June 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 10% (1992 est.); accounts for 26% of GDP

Electricity:

17,911,000 kW capacity; 51,305 million kWh produced, 1,559 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

food processing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, textiles, chemicals and

petrochemicals, printing, metallurgy, steel

Agriculture:

accounts for 8% of GDP (including fishing); produces abundant food for both

domestic consumption and exports; among world's top five exporters of grain

and beef; principal crops - wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sugar beets

Illicit drugs:

increasing use as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for the US and

Europe

*Argentina, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $718 million

Currency:

1 peso = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

pesos per US$1 - 0.99000 (January1993), 0.99064 (1992), 0.95355 (1991),

0.48759 (1990), 0.04233 (1989), 0.00088 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Argentina, Communications

Railroads:

34,172 km total (includes 209 km electrified); includes a mixture of

1.435-meter standard gauge, 1.676-meter broad gauge, 1.000-meter narrow

gauge, and 0.750-meter narrow gauge

Highways:

208,350 km total; 47,550 km paved, 39,500 km gravel, 101,000 km improved

earth, 20,300 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

11,000 km navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 4,090 km; petroleum products 2,900 km; natural gas 9,918 km

Ports:

Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires, Comodoro Rivadavia, La Plata, Rosario, Santa Fe

Merchant marine:

60 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,695,420 GRT/1,073,904 DWT; includes

30 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 1 railcar carrier, 14 oil

tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 1 roll-on/roll-off

Airports:

total:

1,700

usable:

1,451

with permanet-surface runways:

137

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

31

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

326

Telecommunications:

extensive modern system; 2,650,000 telephones (12,000 public telephones);

microwave widely used; broadcast stations - 171 AM, no FM, 231 TV, 13

shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; domestic satellite

network has 40 earth stations

*Argentina, Defense Forces

Branches:

Argentine Army, Navy of the Argentine Republic, Argentine Air Force,

National Gendarmerie, Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coast Guard only),

National Aeronautical Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 8,267,316; fit for military service 6,702,303; reach

military age (20) annually 284,641 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Armenia, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between Turkey and Azerbaijan

Map references:

Africa, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Middle

East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

29,800 km2

land area:

28,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 1,254 km, Azerbaijan (east) 566 km, Azerbaijan (south) 221 km, Georgia

164 km, Iran 35 km, Turkey 268 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

violent and longstanding dispute with Azerbaijan over ethnically Armenian

exclave of Nagorno-Karabakh; some irredentism by Armenians living in

southern Georgia; traditional demands on former Armenian lands in Turkey

have greatly subsided

Climate:

continental, hot, and subject to drought

Terrain:

high Armenian Plateau with mountains; little forest land; fast flowing

rivers; good soil in Aras River valley

Natural resources:

small deposits of gold, copper, molybdenum, zinc, alumina

Land use:

arable land:

29%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

15%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

56%

Irrigated land:

3,050 km2 (1990)

Environment:

pollution of Razdan and Aras Rivers; air pollution in Yerevan; energy

blockade has led to deforestation as citizens scavenge for firewood, use of

Lake Sevan water for hydropower has lowered lake level, threatened fish

population

Note:

landlocked

*Armenia, People

Population:

3,481,207 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.23% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25.79 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

28.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.77 years

male:

68.36 years

female:

75.36 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.31 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Armenian(s)

adjective:

Armenian

Ethnic divisions:

Armenian 93%, Azeri 3%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Religions:

Armenian Orthodox 94%

Languages:

Armenian 96%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

1.63 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%

(1990)

*Armenia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Armenia

conventional short form:

Armenia

local long form:

Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun

local short form: Hayastan

former:

Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic; Armenian Republic

Digraph:

AM

Type:

republic

Capital:

Yerevan

Administrative divisions:

none (all rayons are under direct republic jurisdiction)

Independence:

23 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted NA April 1978; post-Soviet constitution not yet adopted

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

Armenian National Movement, Husik LAZARYAN, chairman; National Democratic

Union; National Self-Determination Association; Armenian Democratic Liberal

Organization, Ramkavar AZATAKAN, chairman; Dashnatktsutyan Party (Armenian

Revolutionary Federation, ARF), Rouben MIRZAKHANIN; Chairman of

Parliamentary opposition - Mekhak GABRIYELYAN; Christian Democratic Union;

Constitutional Rights Union; Republican Party

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 16 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Levon Akopovich

TER-PETROSYAN 86%; radical nationalists about 7%; note - Levon TER-PETROSYAN

was elected Chairman of the Armenian Supreme Soviet 4 August 1990

Supreme Soviet:

last held 20 May 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (240 total) non-aligned 149, Armenian National Movement

52, Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization 14, Dashnatktsutyan 12,

National Democratic Union 9, Christian Democratic Union 1, Constitutional

Rights Union 1, National Self-Determination Association 1, Republican Party

1

Executive branch:

president, council of ministers, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Soviet

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Levon Akopovich TER-PETROSYAN (since 16 October 1991), Vice

President Gagik ARUTYUNYAN (since 16 October 1991)

*Armenia, Government

Head of Government: Prime Minister Hrant BAGRATYAN (since NA February 1993); Supreme Soviet

Chairman Babken ARARKTSYAN (since NA 1990)

Member of:

BSEC, CIS, CSCE, EBRD, IBRD, ICAO, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Rouben SHUGARIAN

chancery:

122 C Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20001

telephone:

(202) 628-5766

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Designate Harry GILMORE

embassy:

18 Gen Bagramian, Yerevan

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

(7) (885) 215-1122, 215-1144

FAX:

(7) (885) 215-1122

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, and gold

*Armenia, Economy

Overview:

Armenia under the old centrally planned Soviet system had built up textile,

machine-building, and other industries and had become a key supplier to

sister republics. In turn, Armenia had depended on supplies of raw materials

and energy from the other republics. Most of these supplies enter the

republic by rail through Azerbaijan (85%) and Georgia (15%). The economy has

been severely hurt by ethnic strife with Azerbaijan over control of the

Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, a mostly Armenian-populated enclave

within the national boundaries of Azerbaijan. In addition to outright

warfare, the strife has included interdiction of Armenian imports on the

Azerbaijani railroads and expensive airlifts of supplies to beleaguered

Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. An earthquake in December 1988 destroyed

about one-tenth of industrial capacity and housing, the repair of which has

not been possible because the supply of funds and real resources has been

disrupted by the reorganization and subsequent dismantling of the central

USSR administrative apparatus. Among facilities made unserviceable by the

earthquake are the Yerevan nuclear power plant, which had supplied 40% of

Armenia's needs for electric power and a plant that produced one-quarter of

the output of elevators in the former USSR. Armenia has some deposits of

nonferrous metal ores (bauxite, copper, zinc, and molybdenum) that are

largely unexploited. For the mid-term, Armenia's economic prospects seem

particularly bleak because of ethnic strife and the unusually high

dependence on outside areas, themselves in a chaotic state of

transformation. The dramatic drop in output in 1992 is attributable largely

to the cumulative impact of the blockade; of particular importance was the

shutting off in the summer of 1992 of rail and road links to Russia through

Georgia due to civil strife in the latter republic.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-34% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

2% of officially registered unemployed but large numbers of underemployed

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$30 million to outside the successor states of the former USSR (f.o.b.,

1992)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, light industrial products, processed food

items (1991)

partners:

NA

Imports:

$300 million from outside the successor statees of the former USSR (c.i.f.,

1992)

commodities:

machinery, energy, consumer goods (1991)

partners:

NA

External debt:

$650 million (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -50% (1992 est.)

*Armenia, Economy

Electricity:

2,875,000 kW capacity; 9,000 million kWh produced, 2,585 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

diverse, including (in percent of output of former USSR) metalcutting

machine tools (5.5%), forging-pressing machines (1.9%), electric motors

(9%), tires (1.5%), knitted wear (4.4%), hosiery (3.0%), shoes (2.2%), silk

fabric (0.8%), washing machines (2.0%), chemicals, trucks, watches,

instruments, and microelectronics (1990)

Agriculture:

accounts for about 20% of GDP; only 29% of land area is arable; employs 18%

of labor force; citrus, cotton, and dairy farming; vineyards near Yerevan

are famous for brandy and other liqueurs

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis mostly for domestic consumption; used as a

transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

wheat from US, Turkey

Currency: retaining Russian ruble as currency (January 1993)

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Armenia, Communications

Railroads:

840 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

11,300 km total; 10,500 km hard surfaced, 800 km earth (1990)

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

natural gas 900 km (1991)

Ports:

none; landlocked

Airports:

total:

12

useable:

10

with permanent-surface runways:

6

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

progress on installation of fiber optic cable and construction of facilities

for mobile cellular phone service remains in the negotiation phase for joint

venture agreement; Armenia has about 260,000 telephones, of which about

110,000 are in Yerevan; average telephone density is 8 per 100 persons;

international connections to other former republics of the USSR are by

landline or microwave and to other countries by satellite and by leased

connection through the Moscow international gateway switch; broadcast

stations - 100% of population receives Armenian and Russian TV programs;

satellite earth station - INTELSAT

*Armenia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border

troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 848,223; fit for military service 681,058; reach military

age (18) annually 28,101 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

250 million rubles, NA% of GDP (1992 est.); note - conversion of the

military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could

produce misleading results

*Aruba, Header

Affiliation: (part of the Dutch realm)

*Aruba, Geography

Location:

in the southern Caribbean Sea, 28 km north of Venezuela and 125 km east of

Colombia

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

193 km2

land area:

193 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

68.5 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

flat with a few hills; scant vegetation

Natural resources:

negligible; white sandy beaches

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt

*Aruba, People

Population:

65,117 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.66% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.33 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.3 years

male:

72.65 years

female:

80.13 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Aruban(s)

adjective:

Aruban

Ethnic divisions:

mixed European/Caribbean Indian 80%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish

Languages:

Dutch (official), Papiamento (a Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English

dialect), English (widely spoken), Spanish

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

most employment is in the tourist industry (1986)

*Aruba, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Aruba

Digraph:

AA

Type:

part of the Dutch realm; full autonomy in internal affairs obtained in 1986

upon separation from the Netherlands Antilles

Capital:

Oranjestad

Administrative divisions:

none (self-governing part of the Netherlands)

Independence:

none (part of the Dutch realm; in 1990, Aruba requested and received from

the Netherlands cancellation of the agreement to automatically give

independence to the island in 1996)

Constitution:

1 January 1986

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence

National holiday:

Flag Day, 18 March

Political parties and leaders:

Electoral Movement Party (MEP), Nelson ODUBER; Aruban People's Party (AVP),

Henny EMAN; National Democratic Action (ADN), Pedro Charro KELLY; New

Patriotic Party (PPN), Eddy WERLEMEN; Aruban Patriotic Party (PPA), Benny

NISBET; Aruban Democratic Party (PDA), Leo BERLINSKI; Democratic Action '86

(AD '86), Arturo ODUBER; Organization for Aruban Liberty (OLA), Glenbert

CROES

note:

governing coalition includes the MEP, PPA, and ADN

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislature:

last held 8 January 1993 (next to be held by NA January 1997); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) MEP 9, AVP 8, ADN 1, PPA 1,

OLA 1, other 1

Executive branch:

Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature (Staten)

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by

Governor General Olindo KOOLMAN (since NA)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Nelson ODUBER (since NA February 1989)

Member of:

ECLAC (associate), INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), WCL, WTO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (self-governing part of the Netherlands)

Flag:

blue with two narrow horizontal yellow stripes across the lower portion and

a red, four-pointed star outlined in white in the upper hoist-side corner

*Aruba, Economy

Overview:

Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, although offshore banking and oil

refining and storage are also important. Hotel capacity expanded rapidly

between 1985 and 1989 and nearly doubled in 1990 alone. Unemployment has

steadily declined from about 20% in 1986 to about 3% in 1991. The reopening

of the local oil refinery, once a major source of employment and foreign

exchange earnings, promises to give the economy an additional boost.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $900 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$14,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.6% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

3% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $145 million; expenditures $185 million, including capital

expenditures of $42 million (1988)

Exports:

$902.4 million, including oil re-exports (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

mostly petroleum products

partners:

US 64%, EC

Imports:

$1,311.3 million, including oil for processing and re-export (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

food, consumer goods, manufactures, petroleum products

partners:

US 8%, EC

External debt:

$81 million (1987)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

310,000 kW capacity; 945 million kWh produced, 14,610 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, transshipment facilities, oil refining

Agriculture:

poor quality soils and low rainfall limit agricultural activity to the

cultivation of aloes, some livestock, and fishing

Illicit drugs:

drug money laundering center

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $220

million

Currency:

1 Aruban florin (Af.) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Aruban florins (Af.) per US$1 - 1.7900 (fixed rate since 1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Aruba, Communications

Highways:

NA km all-weather highways

Ports:

Oranjestad, Sint Nicolaas

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

note:

government-owned airport east of Oranjestad accepts transatlantic flights

Telecommunications:

generally adequate; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links;

72,168 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 1 submarine cable

to Sint Maarten

*Aruba, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the Netherlands

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Geography

Location:

in the Indian Ocean, 320 km off the northwest coast of Australia, between

Australia and Indonesia

Map references:

Oceania, Southeast Asia

Area:

total area:

5 km2

land area:

5 km2

comparative area:

about 8.5 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

note:

includes Ashmore Reef (West, Middle, and East Islets) and Cartier Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

74.1 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth) or to depth of exploration

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

low with sand and coral

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (all grass and sand)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

surrounded by shoals and reefs; Ashmore Reef National Nature Reserve

established in August 1983

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are only seasonal caretakers

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands

conventional short form:

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Digraph:

AT

Type:

territory of Australia administered by the Australian Ministry for Arts,

Sports, the Environment, Tourism, and Territories

Capital:

none; administered from Canberra, Australia

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

Legal system:

relevant laws of the Northern Territory of Australia

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation:

none (territory of Australia)

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

*Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Defense Forces

Note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; periodic visits by the Royal

Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force

*Atlantic Ocean, Geography

Location:

body of water between the Western Hemisphere and Europe/Africa

Map references: Africa, Antarctic Region, Arctic Region, Central America and the Caribbean,

Europe, North America, South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

82.217 million km2

comparative area:

slightly less than nine times the size of the US; second-largest of the

world's four oceans (after the Pacific Ocean, but larger than Indian Ocean

or Arctic Ocean)

note:

includes Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Caribbean Sea, Davis Strait, Denmark Strait,

Drake Passage, Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea,

Weddell Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Coastline:

111,866 km

International disputes:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Climate:

tropical cyclones (hurricanes) develop off the coast of Africa near Cape

Verde and move westward into the Caribbean Sea; hurricanes can occur from

May to December, but are most frequent from August to November

Terrain:

surface usually covered with sea ice in Labrador Sea, Denmark Strait, and

Baltic Sea from October to June; clockwise warm water gyre (broad, circular

system of currents) in the north Atlantic, counterclockwise warm water gyre

in the south Atlantic; the ocean floor is dominated by the Mid-Atlantic

Ridge, a rugged north-south centerline for the entire Atlantic basin;

maximum depth is 8,605 meters in the Puerto Rico Trench

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, marine mammals (seals and whales), sand and gravel

aggregates, placer deposits, polymetallic nodules, precious stones

Environment:

endangered marine species include the manatee, seals, sea lions, turtles,

and whales; municipal sludge pollution off eastern US, southern Brazil, and

eastern Argentina; oil pollution in Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lake

Maracaibo, Mediterranean Sea, and North Sea; industrial waste and municipal

sewage pollution in Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea; icebergs

common in Davis Strait, Denmark Strait, and the northwestern Atlantic from

February to August and have been spotted as far south as Bermuda and the

Madeira Islands; icebergs from Antarctica occur in the extreme southern

Atlantic

Note:

ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north Atlantic from October

to May and extreme south Atlantic from May to October; persistent fog can be

a hazard to shipping from May to September; major choke points include the

Dardanelles, Strait of Gibraltar, access to the Panama and Suez Canals;

strategic straits include the Dover Strait, Straits of Florida, Mona

Passage, The Sound (Oresund), and Windward Passage; north Atlantic shipping

lanes subject to icebergs from February to August; the Equator divides the

Atlantic Ocean into the North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean

*Atlantic Ocean, Government

Digraph: ZH

*Atlantic Ocean, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to exploitation of natural resources,

especially fish, dredging aragonite sands (The Bahamas), and crude oil and

natural gas production (Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and North Sea).

*Atlantic Ocean, Communications

Ports:

Alexandria (Egypt), Algiers (Algeria), Antwerp (Belgium), Barcelona (Spain),

Buenos Aires (Argentina), Casablanca (Morocco), Colon (Panama), Copenhagen

(Denmark), Dakar (Senegal), Gdansk (Poland), Hamburg (Germany), Helsinki

(Finland), Las Palmas (Canary Islands, Spain), Le Havre (France), Lisbon

(Portugal), London (UK), Marseille (France), Montevideo (Uruguay), Montreal

(Canada), Naples (Italy), New Orleans (US), New York (US), Oran (Algeria),

Oslo (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Rotterdam

(Netherlands), Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad; Russia), Stockholm

(Sweden)

Telecommunications:

numerous submarine cables with most between continental Europe and the UK,

North America and the UK, and in the Mediterranean; numerous direct links

across Atlantic via INTELSAT satellite network

Note:

Kiel Canal and Saint Lawrence Seaway are two important waterways

*Australia, Geography

Location:

Oceania, between Indonesia and New Zealand

Map references:

Southeast Asia, Oceania, Antarctic Region, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

7,686,850 km2

land area:

7,617,930 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than the US

note:

includes Macquarie Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

25,760 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

territorial claim in Antarctica (Australian Antarctic Territory)

Climate:

generally arid to semiarid; temperate in south and east; tropical in north

Terrain:

mostly low plateau with deserts; fertile plain in southeast

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, iron ore, copper, tin, silver, uranium, nickel, tungsten,

mineral sands, lead, zinc, diamonds, natural gas, petroleum

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

58%

forest and woodland:

14%

other:

22%

Irrigated land:

18,800 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to severe droughts and floods; cyclones along coast; limited

freshwater availability; irrigated soil degradation; regular, tropical,

invigorating, sea breeze known as "the Doctor" occurs along west coast in

summer; desertification

Note:

world's smallest continent but sixth-largest country

*Australia, People

Population:

17,827,204 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.41% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.43 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.36 years

male: 74.24 years

female:

80.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Australian(s)

adjective:

Australian

Ethnic divisions:

Caucasian 95%, Asian 4%, Aboriginal and other 1%

Religions:

Anglican 26.1%, Roman Catholic 26%, other Christian 24.3%

Languages:

English, native languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

8.63 million (September 1991)

by occupation:

finance and services 33.8%, public and community services 22.3%, wholesale

and retail trade 20.1%, manufacturing and industry 16.2%, agriculture 6.1%

(1987)

*Australia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Commonwealth of Australia

conventional short form:

Australia

Digraph:

AS

Type:

federal parliamentary state

Capital:

Canberra

Administrative divisions:

6 states and 2 territories*; Australian Capital Territory*, New South Wales,, Northern

Territory*, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria,, Western Australia

Dependent areas:

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands,

Coral Sea Islands, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norfolk Island

Independence:

1 January 1901 (federation of UK colonies)

Constitution: 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901

Legal system:

based on English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Australia Day, 26 January

Political parties and leaders:

government:

Australian Labor Party, Paul John KEATING

opposition:

Liberal Party, John HEWSON; National Party, Timothy FISCHER; Australian

Democratic Party, John COULTER

Other political or pressure groups:

Australian Democratic Labor Party (anti-Communist Labor Party splinter

group); Peace and Nuclear Disarmament Action (Nuclear Disarmament Party

splinter group)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 13 March 1993 (next to be held by NA May 1996); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (147 total) Labor 80, Liberal-National 65,

independent 2

Senate:

last held 13 March 1993 (next to be held by NA May 1999); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (76 total) Liberal-National 36, Labor 30,

Australian Democrats 7, Greens 2, independents 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a

lower house or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

High Court

*Australia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

William George HAYDEN (since 16 February 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Paul John KEATING (since 20 December 1991); Deputy Prime

Minister Brian HOWE (since 4 June 1991)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, COCOM,

CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, G-8, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Michael J. COOK

chancery:

1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 797-3000

consulates general:

Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Pago Pago (American

Samoa), and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600

mailing address:

APO AP 96549

telephone:

[61] (6) 270-5000

FAX:

[61] (6) 270-5970

consulates general:

Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney

consulate:

Brisbane

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large

seven-pointed star in the lower hoist-side quadrant; the remaining half is a

representation of the Southern Cross constellation in white with one small

five-pointed star and four, larger, seven-pointed stars

*Australia, Economy

Overview:

Australia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a per

capita GDP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries.

Rich in natural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural

products, minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Of the top 25 exports, 21 are

primary products, so that, as happened during 1983-84, a downturn in world

commodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is

pushing for increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in

international markets continues to be severe.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $293.5 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

2.5% (1992)

National product per capita:

$16,700 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.8% (September 1992)

Unemployment rate:

11.3% (December 1992)

Budget:

revenues $68.5 billion; expenditures $78.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY93)

Exports: $41.7 billion (f.o.b., FY91)

commodities:

coal, gold, meat, wool, alumina, wheat, machinery and transport equipment

partners:

Japan 26%, US 11%, NZ 6%, South Korea 4%, Singapore 4%, UK, Taiwan, Hong

Kong

Imports:

$37.8 billion (f.o.b., FY91)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, computers and office machines, crude oil

and petroleum products

partners:

US 24%, Japan 19%, UK 6%, FRG 7%, NZ 4% (1990)

External debt:

$130.4 billion (June 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 32% of GDP

Electricity:

40,000,000 kW capacity; 150,000 million kWh produced, 8,475 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

mining, industrial and transportation equipment, food processing, chemicals,

steel

Agriculture:

accounts for 5% of GDP and 37% of export revenues; world's largest exporter

of beef and wool, second-largest for mutton, and among top wheat exporters;

major crops - wheat, barley, sugarcane, fruit; livestock - cattle, sheep,

poultry

Illicit drugs:

Tasmania is one of the world's major suppliers of licit opiate products;

government maintains strict controls over areas of opium poppy cultivation

and output of poppy straw concentrate

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.4 billion

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

*Australia, Economy

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Australia, Communications

Railroads:

40,478 km total; 7,970 km 1.600-meter gauge, 16,201 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge, 16,307 km 1.067-meter gauge; 183 km dual gauge; 1,130 km electrified;

government owned (except for a few hundred kilometers of privately owned

track) (1985)

Highways:

837,872 km total; 243,750 km paved, 228,396 km gravel, crushed stone, or

stabilized soil surface, 365,726 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

8,368 km; mainly by small, shallow-draft craft

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,500 km; petroleum products 500 km; natural gas 5,600 km

Ports:

Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Devonport, Fremantle, Geelong, Hobart,

Launceston, Mackay, Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville

Merchant marine:

82 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,347,271 GRT/3,534,926 DWT; includes

2 short-sea passenger, 8 cargo, 7 container, 8 roll-on/roll-off, 1 vehicle

carrier, 17 oil tanker, 3 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 30 bulk, 2

combination bulk

Airports:

total:

481

usable:

439

with permanent-surface runways:

243

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

268

Telecommunications:

good international and domestic service; 8.7 million telephones; broadcast

stations - 258 AM, 67 FM, 134 TV; submarine cables to New Zealand, Papua New

Guinea, and Indonesia; domestic satellite service; satellite stations - 4

Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 6 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Australia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,830,068; fit for military service 4,198,622; reach

military age (17) annually 135,591 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $7.1 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY92/93)

*Austria, Geography

Location:

Central Europe, between Germany and Hungary

Map references:

Africa, Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area: 83,850 km2

land area:

82,730 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total 2,496 km, Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy

430 km, Liechtenstein 37 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 262 km, Switzerland

164 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain in lowlands

and snow in mountains; cool summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

in the west and south mostly mountains (Alps); along the eastern and

northern margins mostly flat or gently sloping

Natural resources:

iron ore, petroleum, timber, magnesite, aluminum, lead, coal, lignite,

copper, hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

17%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

24%

forest and woodland:

39%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

40 km2 (1989)

Environment:

population is concentrated on eastern lowlands because of steep slopes, poor

soils, and low temperatures elsewhere

Note:

landlocked; strategic location at the crossroads of central Europe with many

easily traversable Alpine passes and valleys; major river is the Danube

*Austria, People

Population:

7,915,145 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.55% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.42 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.4 years

male:

73.18 years

female:

79.8 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Austrian(s)

adjective:

Austrian

Ethnic divisions:

German 99.4%, Croatian 0.3%, Slovene 0.2%, other 0.1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 6%, other 9%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1974)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

3.47 million (1989)

by occupation:

services 56.4%, industry and crafts 35.4%, agriculture and forestry 8.1%

note:

an estimated 200,000 Austrians are employed in other European countries;

foreign laborers in Austria number 177,840, about 6% of labor force (1988)

*Austria, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Austria

conventional short form:

Austria

local long form:

Republik Oesterreich

local short form:

Oesterreich

Digraph:

AU

Type: federal republic

Capital:

Vienna

Administrative divisions:

9 states (bundeslander, singular - bundesland); Burgenland, Karnten,

Niederosterreich, Oberosterreich, Salzburg, Steiermark, Tirol, Vorarlberg,

Wien

Independence:

12 November 1918 (from Austro-Hungarian Empire)

Constitution:

1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1945)

Legal system:

civil law system with Roman law origin; judicial review of legislative acts

by a Constitutional Court; separate administrative and civil/penal supreme

courts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 26 October (1955)

Political parties and leaders:

Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), Franz VRANITZKY, chairman;

Austrian People's Party (OVP), Erhard BUSEK, chairman; Freedom Party of

Austria (FPO), Jorg HAIDER, chairman; Communist Party (KPO), Walter

SILBERMAYER, chairman; Green Alternative List (GAL), Johannes VOGGENHUBER,

chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Austrian Trade Union Federation

(primarily Socialist); three composite leagues of the Austrian People's

Party (OVP) representing business, labor, and farmers; OVP-oriented League

of Austrian Industrialists; Roman Catholic Church, including its chief lay

organization, Catholic Action

Suffrage:

19 years of age, universal; compulsory for presidential elections

Elections:

President:

last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held 1996); results of second ballot -

Thomas KLESTIL 57%, Rudolf STREICHER 43%

National Council:

last held 7 October 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - SPO 43%,

OVP 32.1%, FPO 16.6%, GAL 4.5%, KPO 0.7%, other 0.32%; seats - (183 total)

SPO 80, OVP 60, FPO 33, GAL 10

Executive branch:

president, chancellor, vice chancellor, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) consists of an upper council

or Federal Council (Bundesrat) and a lower council or National Council

(Nationalrat)

*Austria, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for civil and criminal cases,

Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) for bureaucratic cases,

Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof) for constitutional cases

Leaders:

Chief of State: President Thomas KLESTIL (since 8 July 1992)

Head of Government:

Chancellor Franz VRANITZKY (since 16 June 1986); Vice Chancellor Erhard

BUSEK (since 2 July 1991)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, COCOM

(cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NAM (guest), NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Friedrich HOESS

chancery:

3524 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008-3035

telephone:

(202) 895-6700

FAX:

(202) 895-6750

consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roy Michael HUFFINGTON

chancery:

Boltzmanngasse 16, A-1091, Unit 27937, Vienna

mailing address:

APO AE 09222

telephone:

[43] (1) 31-339

FAX:

[43] (1) 310-0682

consulate general:

Salzburg

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red

*Austria, Economy

Overview:

Austria boasts a prosperous and stable socialist market economy with a

sizable proportion of nationalized industry and extensive welfare benefits.

Thanks to an excellent raw material endowment, a technically skilled labor

force, and strong links to German industrial firms, Austria occupies

specialized niches in European industry and services (tourism, banking) and

produces almost enough food to feed itself with only 8% of the labor force

in agriculture. Increased export sales resulting from German unification,

continued to boost Austria's economy through 1991. However, Germany's

economic difficulties in 1992 slowed Austria's GDP growth to 2% from the 3%

of 1991. Austria's economy, moreover, is not expected to grow by more than

1% in 1993, and inflation is forecast to remain about 4%. Unemployment will

likely remain at current levels at least until 1994. Living standards in

Austria are comparable with the large industrial countries of Western

Europe. Problems for the l990s include an aging population, the high level

of subsidies, and the struggle to keep welfare benefits within budgetary

capabilities. The continued opening of Eastern European markets, however,

will increase demand for Austrian exports. Austria, a member of the European

Free Trade Association (EFTA), in 1992 ratified the European Economic Area

Treaty, which will extend European Community rules on the free movement of

people, goods, capital and services to the EFTA countries, and Austrians

plan to hold a national referendum within the next two years to vote on EC

membership.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $141.3 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.8% (1992)

National product per capita:

$18,000 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.4% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $47.8 billion; expenditures $53.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$43.5 billion (1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, iron and steel, lumber, textiles, paper products,

chemicals

partners:

EC 65.8% (Germany 39%), EFTA 9.1%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 9.0%, Japan

1.7%, US 2.8% (1991)

Imports:

$50.7 billion (1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum, foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals,

textiles and clothing, pharmaceuticals

partners:

EC 67.8% (Germany 43.0%), EFTA 6.9%, Eastern Europe/former USSR 6.0%, Japan

4.8%, US 3.9% (1991)

External debt:

$11.8 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.0% (1991)

Electricity:

17,600,000 kW capacity; 49,500 million kWh produced, 6,300 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Austria, Economy

Industries:

foods, iron and steel, machines, textiles, chemicals, electrical, paper and

pulp, tourism, mining, motor vehicles

Agriculture:

accounts for 3.2% of GDP (including forestry); principal crops and animals -

grains, fruit, potatoes, sugar beets, sawn wood, cattle, pigs, poultry;

80-90% self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.4 billion

Currency:

1 Austrian schilling (S) = 100 groschen

Exchange rates:

Austrian schillings (S) per US$1 - 11.363 (January 1993), 10.989 (1992),

11.676 (1991), 11.370 (1990), 13.231 (1989), 12.348 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Austria, Communications

Railroads:

5,749 km total; 5,652 km government owned and 97 km privately owned (0.760-,

1.435- and 1.000-meter gauge); 5,394 km 1.435-meter standard gauge of which

3,154 km is electrified and 1,520 km is double tracked; 339 km 0.760-meter

narrow gauge of which 84 km is electrified

Highways:

95,412 km total; 34,612 km are the primary network (including 1,012 km of

autobahn, 10,400 km of federal, and 23,200 km of provincial roads); of this

number, 21,812 km are paved and 12,800 km are unpaved; in addition, there

are 60,800 km of communal roads (mostly gravel, crushed stone, earth)

Inland waterways:

446 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 554 km; natural gas 2,611 km; petroleum products 171 km

Ports:

Vienna, Linz (Danube river ports)

Merchant marine:

29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 154,159 GRT/256,765 DWT; includes 23

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3 bulk

Airports:

total:

55

usable:

55

with permanent-surface runways:

20

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

highly developed and efficient; 4,014,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6

AM, 21 (545 repeaters) FM, 47 (870 repeaters) TV; satellite ground stations

for Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and EUTELSAT systems

*Austria, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (including Flying Division)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,016,464; fit for military service 1,694,140; reach

military age (19) annually 50,259 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 0.9% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Azerbaijan, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, between Armenia and Turkmenistan, bordering the Caspian

Sea

Map references:

Africa, Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States,

Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Middle East, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

86,600 km2

land area:

86,100 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maine

note:

includes the Nakhichevan' Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh

Autonomous Oblast; region's autonomy was abolished by Azerbaijan Supreme

Soviet on 26 November 1991

Land boundaries:

total 2,013 km, Armenia (west) 566 km, Armenia (southwest) 221 km, Georgia

322 km, Iran (south) 432 km, Iran (southwest) 179 km, Russia 284 km, Turkey

9 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

note:

Azerbaijan does border the Caspian Sea (800 km, est.)

Maritime claims:

NA

note:

Azerbaijani claims in Caspian Sea unknown; 10 nm fishing zone provided for

in 1940 treaty regarding trade and navigation between Soviet Union and Iran

International disputes:

violent and longstanding dispute with Armenia over status of

Nagorno-Karabakh, lesser dispute concerns Nakhichevan; some Azerbaijanis

desire absorption of and/or unification with the ethnically Azeri portion of

Iran; minor irredentist disputes along Georgia border

Climate:

dry, semiarid steppe; subject to drought

Terrain:

large, flat Kura-Aras Lowland (much of it below sea level) with Great

Caucasus Mountains to the north, Karabakh Upland in west; Baku lies on

Aspheson Peninsula that juts into Caspian Sea

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, nonferrous metals, alumina

Land use:

arable land:

18%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

57%

Irrigated land:

14,010 km2 (1990)

*Azerbaijan, Geography

Environment:

local scientists consider Apsheron Peninsula, including Baku and Sumgait,

and the Caspian Sea to be "most ecologically devastated area in the world"

because of severe air and water pollution

Note:

landlocked

*Azerbaijan, People

Population:

7,573,435 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.5% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.09 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

35.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.6 years

male:

66.77 years

female:

74.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.76 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Azerbaijani(s)

adjective: Azerbaijani

Ethnic divisions:

Azeri 82.7%, Russian 5.6%, Armenian 5.6%, Daghestanis 3.2%, other 2.9%, note

- Armenian share may be less than 5.6% because many Armenians have fled the

ethnic violence since 1989 census

Religions:

Moslem 87%, Russian Orthodox 5.6%, Armenian Orthodox 5.6%, other 1.8%

Languages:

Azeri 82%, Russian 7%, Armenian 5%, other 6%

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

2.789 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 32%, industry and construction 26%, other 42%

(1990)

*Azerbaijan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Azerbaijan

conventional short form:

Azerbaijan

local long form:

Azarbaijchan Respublikasy

local short form:

none

former:

Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

AJ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Baku (Baky)

Administrative divisions:

1 autonomous republic (avtomnaya respublika); Nakhichevan (administrative

center at Nakhichevan)

note:

all rayons except for the exclave of Nakhichevan are under direct republic

jurisdiction; 1 autonomous oblast, Nagorno-Karabakh (officially abolished by

Azerbaijani Supreme Soviet on 26 November 1991) has declared itself

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

Independence:

30 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted NA April 1978; writing a new constitution mid-1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

New Azerbaijan Party, ALIYEV; Musavat Party (Azerbaijan Popular Front -

APF), Isa GAMBAROV; National Independence Party (main opposition party),

Etibar MAMEDOV; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zardusht Ali ZADE; Party of

Revolutionary Revival (successor to the Communist Party), Sayad Afes OGLV,

general secretary; Party of Independent Azerbaijan, SOVLEYMANOV

Other political or pressure groups:

self-proclaimed Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 8 June 1992 (next to be held NA); results - Abdulfaz Ali ELCHIBEY,

won 60% of vote

National Council:

last held 30 September and 14 October 1990 for the Supreme Soviet (next

expected to be held late 1993 for the National Council); seats for Supreme

Soviet - (360 total) Communists 280, Democratic Bloc 45 (grouping of

opposition parties), other 15, vacant 20; note - on 19 May 1992 the Supreme

Soviet was disbanded in favor of a Popular Front-dominated National Council;

seats - (50 total) 25 Popular Front, 25 opposition elements

Executive branch:

president, council of ministers

Legislative branch:

National Parliament (National Assembly or Milli Mejlis)

*Azerbaijan, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ebulfez ELCHIBEY (since 7 June 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Penah HUSEYNOV (since 29 April 1993; resigned 7 June 1993;

likely replacement - E'tibar MAMEDOV); National Parliament Chairman Isa

GAMBAROV (since 19 May 1992; resigned 13 June 1993; likely replacement

Geydar ALIYEV)

Member of:

BSEC, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, IDB, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, ITU, NACC, OIC,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Hafiz PASHAYEV

chancery:

1615 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission: Ambassador Richard MILES

embassy:

Hotel Intourist, Baku

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

7-8922-91-79-56

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), red, and green; a crescent and

eight-pointed star in white are centered in red band

*Azerbaijan, Economy

Overview:

Azerbaijan is less developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia,

the other Transcaucasian states. It resembles the Central Asian states in

its majority Muslim population, high structural unemployment, and low

standard of living. The economy's most prominent products are cotton, oil,

and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline

for several years. With foreign assistance, the oil industry might generate

the funds needed to spur industrial development. However, civil unrest,

marked by armed conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Muslim

Azeris and Christian Armenians, makes foreign investors wary. Azerbaijan

accounted for 1.5% to 2% of the capital stock and output of the former

Soviet Union. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the ex-Soviet

republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but

its considerable energy resources brighten its propects somewhat. Old

economic ties and structures have yet to be replaced. A particularly galling

constraint on economic revival is the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, said to

consume 25% of Azerbaijan's economic resources.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-25% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% per month (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

0.2% includes officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of

underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$821 million to outside the successor states of the former USSR (f.o.b.,

1992 est.)

commodities:

oil and gas, chemicals, oilfield equipment, textiles, cotton (1991)

partners:

mostly CIS and European countries

Imports:

$300 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (c.i.f.,

1992 est.)

commodities: machinery and parts, consumer durables, foodstuffs, textiles (1991)

partners:

European countries

External debt:

$1.3 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -27% (1992)

Electricity:

6,025,000 kW capacity; 22,300 million kWh produced, 2,990 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, petroleum products, oilfield equipment; steel,

iron ore, cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles

Agriculture:

cotton, grain, rice, grapes, fruit, vegetables, tea, tobacco; cattle, pigs,

sheep and goats

*Azerbaijan, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication program; used as transshipment points for illicit

drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

wheat from Turkey

Currency:

1 manat (abbreviation NA) = 10 Russian rubles; ruble still used

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Azerbaijan, Communications

Railroads:

2,090 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

36,700 km total (1990); 31,800 km hard surfaced; 4,900 km earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,130 km, petroleum products 630 km, natural gas 1,240 km

Ports:

inland - Baku (Baky)

Airports:

total:

65

useable:

33

with permanent-surface runways:

26

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 8

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

23

Telecommunications:

domestic telephone service is of poor quality and inadequate; 644,000

domestic telephone lines (density - 9 lines per 100 persons (1991)), 202,000

persons waiting for telephone installations (January 1991); connections to

other former USSR republics by cable and microwave and to other countries

via the Moscow international gateway switch; INTELSAT earth station

installed in late 1992 in Baku with Turkish financial assistance with access

to 200 countries through Turkey; domestic and Russian TV programs are

received locally and Turkish and Iranian TV is received from an INTELSAT

satellite through a receive-only earth station

*Azerbaijan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, Navy, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border

troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,842,917; fit for military service 1,497,640; reach

military age (18) annually 66,928 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

2,848 million rubles, NA% of GDP (1992 est.); note - conversion of the

military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could

produce misleading results

*The Bahamas, Geography

Location:

in the western North Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and northwest of

Cuba

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

13,940 km2

land area:

10,070 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,542 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea: 3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by warm waters of Gulf Stream

Terrain:

long, flat coral formations with some low rounded hills

Natural resources:

salt, aragonite, timber

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

32%

other:

67%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms that cause extensive flood

damage

Note:

strategic location adjacent to US and Cuba; extensive island chain

*The Bahamas, People

Population:

268,726 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.62% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.15 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

31.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.02 years

male:

68.19 years

female:

75.96 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.9 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bahamian(s) adjective:

Bahamian

Ethnic divisions:

black 85%, white 15%

Religions:

Baptist 32%, Anglican 20%, Roman Catholic 19%, Methodist 6%, Church of God

6%, other Protestant 12%, none or unknown 3%, other 2%

Languages:

English, Creole, among Haitian immigrants

Literacy:

age 15 and over but definition of literacy not available (1963)

total population:

90%

male:

90%

female:

89%

Labor force:

127,400

by occupation:

government 30%, hotels and restaurants 25%, business services 10%,

agriculture 5% (1989)

*The Bahamas, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

conventional short form:

The Bahamas

Digraph:

BF

Type:

commonwealth

Capital:

Nassau

Administrative divisions:

21 districts; Acklins and Crooked Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Exuma,

Freeport, Fresh Creek, Governor's Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, Harbour Island,

High Rock, Inagua, Kemps Bay, Long Island, Marsh Harbour, Mayaguana, New

Providence, Nichollstown and Berry Islands, Ragged Island, Rock Sound, Sandy

Point, San Salvador and Rum Cay

Independence:

10 July 1973 (from UK)

Constitution:

10 July 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

National Day, 10 July (1973)

Political parties and leaders:

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Sir Lynden O. PINDLING; Free National

Movement (FNM), Hubert Alexander INGRAHAM; Vanguard Nationalist and

Socialist Party (VNPS), Lionel CAREY, chairman; People's Democratic Force

(PDF), Fred MITCHELL

Other political or pressure groups:

Vanguard Nationalist and Socialist Party (VNSP), a small leftist party

headed by Lionel CAREY; Trade Union Congress (TUC), headed by Arlington

MILLER

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 19 August 1992 (next to be held by August 1997); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (49 total) FNM 32, PLP 17

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an appointed upper house or Senate and a

directly elected lower house or House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Sir Clifford DARLING (since 2 January 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Hubert INGRAHAM (since 19 August 1992)

Member of:

ACP, C, CCC, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

*The Bahamas, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Timothy Baswell DONALDSON

chancery:

2220 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 319-2660

consulates general:

Miami and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Chic HECHT

embassy:

Mosmar Building, Queen Street, Nassau

mailing address:

P. O. Box N-8197, Nassau

telephone:

(809) 322-1181 or 328-2206

FAX:

(809) 328-7838

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of aquamarine (top), gold, and aquamarine with

a black equilateral triangle based on the hoist side

*The Bahamas, Economy

Overview:

The Bahamas is a stable, middle-income, developing nation whose economy is

based primarily on tourism and offshore banking. Tourism alone provides

about 50% of GDP and directly or indirectly employs about 50,000 people or

40% of the local work force. The economy has slackened in recent years, as

the annual increase in the number of tourists slowed. Nonetheless, per

capita GDP is one of the highest in the region.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.6 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991)

National product per capita:

$10,200 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.2% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

16% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $627.5 million; expenditures $727.5 million, including capital

expenditures of $100 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$306 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish

partners:

US 41%, Norway 30%, Denmark 4%

Imports:

$1.14 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods, mineral fuels, crude oil

partners:

US 35%, Nigeria 21%, Japan 13%, Angola 11%

External debt:

$1.2 billion (December 1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3% (1990); accounts for 15% of GDP

Electricity:

424,000 kW capacity; 929 million kWh produced, 3,599 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, banking, cement, oil refining and transshipment, salt production,

rum, aragonite, pharmaceuticals, spiral welded steel pipe

Agriculture:

accounts for 5% of GDP; dominated by small-scale producers; principal

products-citrus fruit, vegetables, poultry; large net importer of food

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $1.0 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $345 million

Currency: 1 Bahamian dollar (B$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Bahamian dollar (B$) per US$1-1.00 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*The Bahamas, Communications

Highways:

2,400 km total; 1,350 km paved, 1,050 km gravel

Ports:

Freeport, Nassau

Merchant marine:

853 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,136,078 GRT/33,119,750 DWT;

includes 53 passenger, 18 short-sea passenger, 159 cargo, 40

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 48 container, 6 vehicle carrier, 181 oil tanker, 14

liquefied gas, 22 combination ore/oil, 43 chemical tanker, 1 specialized

tanker, 159 bulk, 7 combination bulk, 102 refrigerated cargo; note-a flag of

convenience registry

Airports:

total:

60

usable:

55

with permanent-surface runways:

31

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3, 659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

highly developed; 99,000 telephones in totally automatic system;

tropospheric scatter and submarine cable links to Florida; broadcast

stations-3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*The Bahamas, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Bahamas Defense Force (Coast Guard only), Royal Bahamas Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 68,020; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion-$65 million, 2.7% of GDP (1990)

*Bahrain, Geography

Location: Middle East, in the central Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

620 km2

land area:

620 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

territorial dispute with Qatar over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary

with Qatar

Climate:

arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment

Natural resources:

oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

90%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subsurface water sources being rapidly depleted (requires development of

desalination facilities); dust storms; desertification

Note:

close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in

Persian Gulf through which much of Western world's petroleum must transit to

reach open ocean

*Bahrain, People

Population: 568,471 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.01% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.89 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

3.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

20.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.12 years

male:

70.72 years

female:

75.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bahraini(s)

adjective:

Bahraini

Ethnic divisions:

Bahraini 63%, Asian 13%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%, other 6%

Religions:

Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Languages:

Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

77%

male:

82%

female:

69%

Labor force:

140,000

by occupation:

industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 3% (1982)

note:

42% of labor force is Bahraini

*Bahrain, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

State of Bahrain

conventional short form:

Bahrain

local long form: Dawlat al Bahrayn

local short form:

Al Bahrayn

Digraph:

BA

Type:

traditional monarchy

Capital:

Manama

Administrative divisions:

12 districts (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al

Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al

Muharraq, Ar Rifa'wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad,

Madinat 'Isa, Mintaqat Juzur Hawar, Sitrah

Independence:

15 August 1971 (from UK)

Constitution:

26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 December

Political parties and leaders:

political parties prohibited; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic

fundamentalist groups are active

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

none

Executive branch:

amir, crown prince and heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative

powers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established

16 December 1992

Judicial branch:

High Civil Appeals Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Amir 'ISA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 2 November 1961); Heir Apparent HAMAD

bin 'Isa Al Khalifa (son of Amir; born 28 January 1950)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since 19 January 1970)

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC,

OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador 'Abd al-Rahman Faris Al KHALIFA

chancery:

3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

*Bahrain, Government

telephone:

(202) 342-0741 or 342-0742

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dr. Charles W. HOSTLER

embassy:

Road No. 3119 (next to Alahli Sports Club), Zinj District, Manama

mailing address:

P. O. 26431, Manama, or FPO AE 09834-6210

telephone:

[973] 273-300

FAX:

(973) 272-594

Flag:

red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side

*Bahrain, Economy

Overview:

Petroleum production and processing account for about 80% of export

receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 31% of GDP. Economic conditions

have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example,

during the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. Bahrain with its highly developed

communication and transport facilities is home to numerous multinational

firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists of

petroleum products made from imported crude.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.3 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$7,800 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8%-10% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.32 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989)

Exports:

$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 80%, aluminum 7%

partners:

Japan 13%, UAE 12%, India 10%, Pakistan 8%

Imports:

$3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

nonoil 59%, crude oil 41%

partners:

Saudi Arabia 41%, US 14%, UK 7%, Japan 5%

External debt:

$1.8 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.8% (1988); accounts for 44% of GDP

Electricity:

1,600,000 kW capacity; 4,700 million kWh produced, 8,500 kWh per capita

(1992 est.)

Industries:

petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship

repairing

Agriculture:

including fishing, accounts for less than 2% of GDP; not self-sufficient in

food production; heavily subsidized sector produces fruit, vegetables,

poultry, dairy products, shrimp, fish; fish catch 9,000 metric tons in 1987

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $24 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $45 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.8 billion

Currency:

1 Bahraini dinar (BD) = 1,000 fils

Exchange rates:

Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1 - 0.3760 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Bahrain, Communications

Highways:

200 km bituminous surfaced, including 25 km bridge-causeway to Saudi Arabia

opened in November 1986; NA km natural surface tracks

Pipelines:

crude oil 56 km; petroleum products 16 km; natural gas 32 km

Ports:

Mina' Salman, Manama, Sitrah

Merchant marine:

9 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 186,331 GRT/249,490 DWT; includes 5

cargo, 2 container, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

modern system; good domestic services; 98,000 telephones (1 for every 6

persons); excellent international connections; tropospheric scatter to

Qatar, UAE; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; submarine cable to Qatar,

UAE, and Saudi Arabia; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT,

1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV

*Bahrain, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 194,770; fit for military service 107,696; reach military

age (15) annually 5,043 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $245 million, 6% of GDP (1990)

*Baker Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Baker Island, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, just north of the Equator, 2,575 km southwest of

Honolulu, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

1.4 km2

land area:

1.4 km2

comparative area:

about 2.3 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4.8 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain: low, nearly level coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until 1891)

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

treeless, sparse, and scattered vegetation consisting of grasses, prostrate

vines, and low growing shrubs; lacks fresh water; primarily a nesting,

roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine wildlife

*Baker Island, People

Population:

uninhabited; note - American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air

and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World

War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit

only and generally restricted to scientists and educators; a cemetery and

cemetery ruinsare located near the middle of the west coast

*Baker Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Baker Island

Digraph:

FQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife

Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National

Wildlife Refuge system

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Baker Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Baker Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the

west coast

Airports:

1 abandoned World War II runway of 1,665 m

Note:

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

*Baker Island, Defense Forces

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard

*Bangladesh, Geography

Location:

South Asia, at the head of the Bay of Bengal, almost completely surrounded

by India

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

144,000 km2

land area:

133,910 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:

total 4,246 km, Burma 193 km, India 4,053 km

Coastline:

580 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

18 nm

continental shelf:

up to outer limits of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

a portion of the boundary with India is in dispute; water-sharing problems

with upstream riparian India over the Ganges

Climate:

tropical; cool, dry winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to

June); cool, rainy monsoon (June to October)

Terrain: mostly flat alluvial plain; hilly in southeast

Natural resources:

natural gas, arable land, timber

Land use:

arable land:

67%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

16%

other:

11%

Irrigated land:

27,380 km2 (1989)

Environment:

vulnerable to droughts; much of country routinely flooded during summer

monsoon season; overpopulation; deforestation

*Bangladesh, People

Population:

122,254,849 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.41 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

109.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

54.7 years

male:

55 years

female:

54.38 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.55 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bangladeshi(s)

adjective:

Bangladesh

Ethnic divisions:

Bengali 98%, Biharis 250,000, tribals less than 1 million

Religions:

Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, Buddhist, Christian, other

Languages:

Bangla (official), English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

35%

male:

47%

female:

22%

Labor force:

35.1 million

by occupation:

agriculture 74%, services 15%, industry and commerce 11% (FY86)

note:

extensive export of labor to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman (1991)

*Bangladesh, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

People's Republic of Bangladesh

conventional short form:

Bangladesh

former:

East Pakistan

Digraph:

BG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Dhaka

Administrative divisions:

64 districts (zillagulo, singular - zilla); Bagerhat, Bandarban, Barguna,

Barisal, Bhola, Bogra, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Chapai Nawabganj, Chattagram,

Chuadanga, Comilla, Cox's Bazar, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Faridpur, Feni, Gaibandha,

Gazipur, Gopalganj, Habiganj, Jaipurhat, Jamalpur, Jessore, Jhalakati,

Jhenaidah, Khagrachari, Khulna, Kishorganj, Kurigram, Kushtia, Laksmipur,

Lalmonirhat, Madaripur, Magura, Manikganj, Meherpur, Moulavibazar,

Munshiganj, Mymensingh, Naogaon, Narail, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Nator,

Netrakona, Nilphamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Panchagar, Parbattya Chattagram,

Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Satkhira, Shariyatpur,

Sherpur, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, Tangail, Thakurgaon

Independence:

16 December 1971 (from Pakistan)

Constitution:

4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24

March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended NA March 1991

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 March (1971)

Political parties and leaders:

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Khaleda ZIAur Rahman; Awami League (AL),

Sheikh Hasina WAJED; Jatiyo Party (JP), Hussain Mohammad ERSHAD (in jail);

Jamaat-E-Islami (JI), Ali KHAN; Bangladesh Communist Party (BCP), Saifuddin

Ahmed MANIK; National Awami Party (Muzaffar); Workers Party, leader NA;

Jatiyo Samajtantik Dal (JSD), Serajul ALAM KHAN; Ganotantri Party, leader

NA; Islami Oikya Jote, leader NA; National Democratic Party (NDP), leader

NA; Muslim League, Khan A. SABUR; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE

Ahmed; Democratic League, Khondakar MUSHTAQUE Ahmed; United People's Party,

Kazi ZAFAR Ahmed

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Parliament:

last held 27 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (330 total, 300 elected and 30 seats

reserved for women) BNP 168, AL 93, JP 35, JI 20, BCP 5, National Awami

Party (Muzaffar) 1, Workers Party 1, JSD 1, Ganotantri Party 1, Islami Oikya

Jote 1, NDP 1, independents 3

President:

last held 8 October 1991 (next to be held by NA October 1996); results -

Abdur Rahman BISWAS received 52.1% of parliamentary vote

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad)

*Bangladesh, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Abdur Rahman BISWAS (since 8 October 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Khaleda ZIAur Rahman (since 20 March 1991)

Member of:

AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS,

MINURSO, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM,

UNTAC, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO, WFTU, WIPO, WCL, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Abul AHSAN

chancery:

2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 342-8372 through 8376

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William B. MILAM

embassy:

Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka

mailing address:

G. P. O. Box 323, Dhaka 1212

telephone: [880] (2) 884700-22

FAX:

[880] (2) 883648

Flag:

green with a large red disk slightly to the hoist side of center; green is

the traditional color of Islam

*Bangladesh, Economy

Overview:

Bangladesh is one of the world's poorest, most densely populated, and least

developed nations. Its economy is overwhelmingly agricultural. Major

impediments to growth include frequent cyclones and floods, government

interference with the economy, a rapidly growing labor force that cannot be

absorbed by agriculture, a low level of industrialization, failure to fully

exploit energy resources (natural gas), and inefficient and inadequate power

supplies. An excellent rice crop and expansion of the export garment

industry helped growth in FY91/92. Policy reforms intended to reduce

government regulation of private industry and promote public-sector

efficiency have been announced but are being implemented only slowly.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $23.8 billion (FY92)

National product real growth rate:

3.8% (FY92)

National product per capita:

$200 (FY92)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.09% (FY92)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY92)

Exports:

$2.0 billion (FY92)

commodities:

garments, jute and jute goods, leather, shrimp

partners:

US 28%, Western Europe 39% (FY91)

Imports:

$3.4 billion (FY91/92)

commodities:

capital goods, petroleum, food, textiles

partners:

Japan 10.0%, Western Europe 17%, US 5.0% (FY91)

External debt:

$11.8 billion (FY92 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.0% (FY92 est.); accounts for less than 10% of GDP

Electricity:

2,400,000 kW capacity; 9,000 million kWh produced, 75 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

jute manufacturing, cotton textiles, food processing, steel, fertilizer

Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP, 60% of employment, and one-fifth of exports;

imports 10% of food grain requirements; world's largest exporter of jute;

commercial products - jute, rice, wheat, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, beef,

milk, poultry; shortages include wheat, vegetable oils, cotton; fish catch

778,000 metric tons in 1986

Illicit drugs:

transit country for illegal drugs produced in neighboring countries

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $11.65 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $6.52 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.5

billion

Currency:

1 taka (Tk) = 100 paise

*Bangladesh, Economy

Exchange rates:

taka (Tk) per US$1 - 39.000 (January 1993), 38.951 (1992), 36.596 (1991),

34.569 (1990), 32.270 (1989), 31.733 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Bangladesh, Communications

Railroads:

2,892 km total (1986); 1,914 km 1.000 meter gauge, 978 km 1.676 meter broad

gauge

Highways:

7,240 km total (1985); 3,840 km paved, 3,400 km unpaved

Inland waterways:

5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo

routes)

Pipelines:

natural gas 1,220 km

Ports:

Chittagong, Chalna

Merchant marine:

42 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 314,228 GRT/461,607 DWT; includes 34

cargo, 2 oil tanker, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 bulk

Airports:

total:

16

usable:

12

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 6

Telecommunications:

adequate international radio communications and landline service; fair

domestic wire and microwave service; fair broadcast service; 241,250

telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 6 FM, 11 TV; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT

satellite earth stations

*Bangladesh, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

paramilitary forces:

Bangladesh Rifles, Bangladesh Ansars, Armed Police Reserve, Defense Parties,

National Cadet Corps

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 30,909,597; fit for military service 18,348,702 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $355 million, 1.5% of GDP (FY92/93)

*Barbados, Geography

Location:

in the extreme eastern Caribbean Sea, about 375 km northeast of Venezuela

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

430 km2

land area:

430 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

97 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain:

relatively flat; rises gently to central highland region

Natural resources:

petroleum, fishing, natural gas

Land use:

arable land: 77%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

14%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to hurricanes (especially June to October)

Note:

easternmost Caribbean island

*Barbados, People

Population:

255,338 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.18% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

21.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.49 years

male:

70.75 years

female:

76.46 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.77 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Barbadian(s)

adjective:

Barbadian

Ethnic divisions:

African 80%, mixed 16%, European 4%

Religions:

Protestant 67% (Anglican 40%, Pentecostal 8%, Methodist 7%, other 12%),

Roman Catholic 4%, none 17%, unknown 3%, other 9% (1980)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population: 99%

male:

99%

female:

99%

Labor force:

120,900 (1991)

by occupation:

services and government 37%, commerce 22%, manufacturing and construction

22%, transportation, storage, communications, and financial institutions 9%,

agriculture 8%, utilities 2% (1985 est.)

*Barbados, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Barbados

Digraph:

BB

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Bridgetown

Administrative divisions:

11 parishes; Christ Church, Saint Andrew, Saint George, Saint James, Saint

John, Saint Joseph, Saint Lucy, Saint Michael, Saint Peter, Saint Philip,

Saint Thomas

note:

the new city of Bridgetown may be given parish status

Independence:

30 November 1966 (from UK)

Constitution:

30 November 1966

Legal system:

English common law; no judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 November (1966)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Labor Party (DLP), Erskine SANDIFORD; Barbados Labor Party (BLP),

Henry FORDE; National Democratic Party (NDP), Richie HAYNES

Other political or pressure groups:

Barbados Workers Union, Leroy TROTMAN; People's Progressive Movement, Eric

SEALY; Workers' Party of Barbados, Dr. George BELLE; Clement Payne Labor

Union, David COMMISSIONG

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 22 January 1991 (next to be held by January 1996); results - DLP

49.8%; seats - (28 total) DLP 18, BLP 10

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Dame Nita BARROW (since 6 June 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Lloyd Erskine SANDIFORD (since 2 June 1987)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES,

LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dr. Rudi WEBSTER

*Barbados, Government

chancery:

2144 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-9200 through 9202

consulate general:

New York

consulate:

Los Angeles

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador G. Philip HUGHES

embassy:

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building, Broad Street, Bridgetown

mailing address:

P. O. Box 302, Box B, FPO AA 34054

telephone:

(809) 436-4950 through 4957

FAX:

(809) 429-5246

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and blue with the

head of a black trident centered on the gold band; the trident head

represents independence and a break with the past (the colonial coat of arms

contained a complete trident)

*Barbados, Economy

Overview:

A per capita income of $7,000 gives Barbados one of the highest standards of

living of all the small island states of the eastern Caribbean.

Historically, the economy was based on the cultivation of sugarcane and

related activities. In recent years, however, the economy has diversified

into manufacturing and tourism. The tourist industry is now a major employer

of the labor force and a primary source of foreign exchange. The economy

slowed in 1990-91, however, and Bridgetown's declining hard currency

reserves and inability to finance its deficits have caused it to adopt an

austere economic reform program.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion ( 1991)

National product real growth rate:

-4% (1991)

National product per capita:

$7,000 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.1% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

23% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $547 million; expenditures $620 million (FY92-93), including

capital expenditures of $60 million

Exports:

$205.8 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

sugar and molasses, chemicals, electrical components, clothing, rum,

machinery and transport equipment

partners:

CARICOM 31%, US 16%, UK 13%

Imports:

$697 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

foodstuffs, consumer durables, raw materials, machinery, crude oil,

construction materials, chemicals

partners:

US 34%, CARICOM 16%, UK 11%, Canada 6%

External debt:

$750 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1.3% (1991); accounts for 10% of GDP

Electricity:

152,100 kW capacity; 540 million kWh produced, 2,118 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, component assembly for export,

petroleum

Agriculture:

accounts for 8% of GDP; major cash crop is sugarcane; other crops -

vegetables, cotton; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $171 million

Currency:

1 Barbadian dollar (Bds$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Barbadian dollars (Bds$) per US$1 - 2.0113 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Barbados, Communications

Highways:

1,570 km total; 1,475 km paved, 95 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Bridgetown

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 48,710 GRT79,263 DWT; includes 1 cargo,

2 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

islandwide automatic telephone system with 89,000 telephones; tropospheric

scatter link to Trinidad and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 2

(1 is pay) TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Barbados, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Barbados Defense Force, including the Ground Forces and Coast Guard,

Royal Barbados Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 70,254; fit for military service 49,096 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $10 million, 0.7% of GDP (1989)

*Bassas da India, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Bassas da India, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between

Madagascar and Mozambique

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

NA km2

land area:

NA km2

comparative area:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

35.2 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth) or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Madagascar

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

a volcanic rock 2.4 meters high

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (all rock)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

surrounded by reefs; subject to periodic cyclones

Note:

navigational hazard since it is usually under water during high tide

*Bassas da India, People

Population: uninhabited

*Bassas da India, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Bassas da India

Digraph:

BS

Type:

French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic Jacques

DEWATRE (since July 1991), resident in Reunion

Capital:

none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Bassas da India, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Bassas da India, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

*Bassas da India, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Belarus, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, between Poland and Russia

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Europe, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

207,600 km2

land area:

207,600 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries: total 3,098 km, Latvia 141 km, Lithuania 502 km, Poland 605 km, Russia 959

km, Ukraine 891 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

mild and moist; transitional between continental and maritime

Terrain:

generally flat and contains much marshland

Natural resources:

forest land, peat deposits

Land use:

arable land:

29%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

15%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

56%

Irrigated land:

1,490 km2 (1990)

Environment:

southern part of Belarus highly contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear

reactor accident at Chornobyl'

Note:

landlocked

*Belarus, People

Population:

10,370,269 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.34% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.28 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.1 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.73 years

male:

66.04 years

female:

75.66 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Belarusian(s)

adjective:

Belarusian

Ethnic divisions:

Belarusian 77.9%, Russian 13.2%, Polish 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.9%, other 1.9%

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox NA%, other NA%

Languages:

Byelorussian, Russian, other

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

5.418 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38%

(1990)

*Belarus, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Belarus

conventional short form:

Belarus

local long form:

Respublika Belarus

local short form:

none

former:

Belorussian (Byelorussian) Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

BO

Type:

republic

Capital:

Minsk

Administrative divisions:

6 oblasts (voblastsi, singular - voblasts') and one municipality* (harady,, singular - horad);

Brestskaya, Homyel'skaya, Minsk*, Hrodzyenskaya,, Mahilyowskaya, Minskaya, Vitsyebskaya

note:

each voblasts' has the same name as its administrative center

Independence:

25 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted NA April 1978

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

24 August (1991)

Political parties and leaders:

Belarusian Popular Front (BPF), Zenon PAZNYAK, chairman; United Democratic

Party of Belarus (UDPB), Aleksandr DOBROVOLSKIY, chairman; Social Democratic

Party of Belarus (SDBP), Mikhail TKACHEV, chairman; Belarus Workers Union,

Mikhail SOBOL, Chairman; Belarus Peasants Party; Party of People's Unity,

Gennadiy KARPENKO; Communist Party of Belarus

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Supreme Soviet:

last held 4 April 1990 (next to be held NA); results - Communists 87%; seats

- (360 total) number of seats by party NA; note - 50 seats are for public

bodies; the Communist Party obtained an overwhelming majority

Executive branch:

chairman of the Supreme Soviet, chairman of the Council of Ministers; note -

Belarus has approved a directly elected presidency but so far no elections

have been scheduled

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Soviet

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Chairman of the Supreme Soviet Stanislav S. SHUSHKEVICH (since 18 September

1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Vyacheslav F. KEBICH (since NA April 1990), First Deputy

Prime Minister Mikhail MYASNIKOVICH (since NA 1991)

*Belarus, Government

Member of:

CBSS (observer), CIS, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IOC, ITU,

NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Designate Sergey Nikolayevich MARTYNOV

chancery:

1511 K Street NW, Suite 619, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 638-2954

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador David H. SWARTZ

embassy:

Starovilenskaya #46, Minsk

mailing address:

APO AE 09862 telephone:

7-0172-34-65-37

Flag:

three horizontal bands of white (top), red, and white

*Belarus, Economy

Overview:

In many ways Belarus resembles the three Baltic states, for example, in its

industrial competence, its higher-than-average standard of living, and its

critical dependence on the other former Soviet states for fuels and raw

materials. Belarus ranks fourth in gross output among the former Soviet

republics, having produced 4% of the total GDP and employing 4% of the labor

force in the old USSR. Once a mainly agricultural area, it now supplies

important producer and consumer goods - sometimes as the sole producer - to

the other states. Belarus had a significant share of the machine-building

capacity of the former USSR. It is especially noted for production of

tractors, large trucks, machine tools, and automation equipment. The soil in

Belarus is not as fertile as the black earth of Ukraine, but by emphasizing

favorable crops and livestock (especially pigs and chickens), Belarus has

become a net exporter to the other former republics of meat, milk, eggs,

flour, and potatoes. Belarus produces only small amounts of oil and gas and

receives most of its fuel from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline and

the Northern Lights gas pipeline. These pipelines transit Belarus en route

to Eastern Europe. Belarus produces petrochemicals, plastics, synthetic

fibers (nearly 30% of former Soviet output), and fertilizer (20% of former

Soviet output). Raw material resources are limited to potash and peat

deposits. The peat (more than one-third of the total for the former Soviet

Union) is used in domestic heating, as boiler fuel for electric power

stations, and in the production of chemicals. The potash supports fertilizer

production. In 1992 GDP fell an estimated 13%, largely because the country

is highly dependent on the ailing Russian economy for raw materials and

parts.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-13% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

30% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.5% of officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployed

workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$1.1 billion to outside of the successor states of the former USSR (f.o.b.,

1992)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs

partners:

NA

Imports: $751 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (c.i.f.,

1992)

commodities:

machinery, chemicals, textiles

partners:

NA

External debt:

$2.6 billion (end of 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -9.6%; accounts for about 50% of GDP (1992)

*Belarus, Economy

Electricity:

8,025,000 kW capacity; 37,600 million kWh produced, 3,626 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

employ about 27% of labor force and produce a wide variety of products

essential to the other states; products include (in percent share of total

output of former Soviet Union): tractors (12%); metal-cutting machine tools

(11%); off-highway dump trucks up to 110-metric-ton load capacity (100%);

wheel-type earthmovers for construction and mining (100%); eight-

wheel-drive, high-flotation trucks with cargo capacity of 25 metric tons for

use in tundra and roadless areas (100%); equipment for animal husbandry and

livestock feeding (25%); motorcycles (21.3%); television sets (11%);

chemical fibers (28%); fertilizer (18%); linen fabric (11%); wool fabric

(7%); radios; refrigerators; and other consumer goods

Agriculture:

accounts for almost 25% of GDP and 5.7% of total agricultural output of

former Soviet Union; employs 20% of the labor force; in 1988 produced the

following (in percent of total Soviet production): grain (3.6%), potatoes

(12.2%), vegetables (3.0%), meat (6.0%), milk (7.0%); net exporter of meat,

milk, eggs, flour, potatoes

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium and cannabis; mostly for the domestic market;

transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 rubel (abbreviation NA) = 10 Russian rubles

note:

the rubel circulates with the Russian ruble; certain purchase are made only

with rubels; government has established a different, and varying, exchange

rate for trade between Belarus and Russia

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Belarus, Communications

Railroads: 5,570 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

98,200 km total; 66,100 km hard surfaced, 32,100 km earth (1990)

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,470 km, refined products 1,100 km, natural gas 1,980 km (1992)

Ports:

none; landlocked

Merchant marine:

claims 5% of former Soviet fleet

Airports:

total:

124

useable:

55

with permanent-surface runways:

31

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

28

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

20

Telecommunications:

construction of NMT-450 analog cellular network proceeding in Minsk, in

addition to installation of some 300 km of fiber optic cable in the city

network; telephone network has 1.7 million lines, 15% of which are switched

automatically; Minsk has 450,000 lines; telephone density is approximately

17 per 100 persons; as of 1 December 1991, 721,000 applications from

households for telephones were still unsatisfied; international connections

to other former Soviet republics are by landline or microwave and to other

countries by leased connection through the Moscow international gateway

switch; Belarus has not constructed ground stations for international

telecommunications via satellite to date

*Belarus, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Forces, Air Defense Forces, Security Forces (internal and border

troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,491,039; fit for military service 1,964,577; reach

military age (18) annually 71,875 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

56.5 billion rubles, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of the

military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could

produce misleading results

*Belgium, Geography

Location: Western Europe, bordering on the North Sea, between France and the

Netherlands

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

30,510 km2

land area:

30,230 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 1,385 km, France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km,

Netherlands 450 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

equidistant line with neighbors

exclusive fishing zone:

equidistant line with neighbors (extends about 68 km from coast)

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy

Terrain:

flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of

Ardennes Forest in southeast

Natural resources:

coal, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

24%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

21%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

air and water pollution

Note:

crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within

1,000 km of Brussels which is the seat of the EC

*Belgium, People

Population: 10,040,939 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.23% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.94 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.72 years

male:

73.41 years

female:

80.21 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.62 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Belgian(s)

adjective:

Belgian

Ethnic divisions:

Fleming 55%, Walloon 33%, mixed or other 12%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%

Languages:

Flemish (Dutch) 56%, French 32%, German 1%, legally bilingual 11% divided

along ethnic lines

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

4.126 million

by occupation:

services 63.6%, industry 28%, construction 6.1%, agriculture 2.3% (1988)

*Belgium, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Belgium

conventional short form:

Belgium

local long form:

Royaume de Belgique local short form:

Belgique

Digraph:

BE

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Brussels

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Flemish: provincien,

singular - provincie); Antwerpen, Brabant, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg,

Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, West-Vlaanderen

Independence:

4 October 1830 (from the Netherlands)

Constitution:

7 February 1831, last revised 8-9 August 1980; the government is in the

process of revising the Constitution with the aim of federalizing the

Belgian state

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial

review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

National Day, 21 July (ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831)

Political parties and leaders:

Flemish Social Christian (CVP), Herman VAN ROMPUY, president; Walloon Social

Christian (PSC) , Melchior WATHELET, president; Flemish Socialist (SP),

Frank VANDENBROUCKE, president; Walloon Socialist (PS), Guy SPITAELS;

Flemish Liberals and Democrats (VLD), Guy VERHOFSTADT, president; Walloon

Liberal (PRL), Antoine DUQUESNE, president; Francophone Democratic Front

(FDF), Georges CLERFAYT, president; Volksunie (VU), Jaak GABRIELS,

president; Communist Party (PCB), Louis VAN GEYT, president; Vlaams Blok

(VB), Karel VAN DILLEN, chairman; ROSSEM, Jean Pierre VAN ROSSEM; National

Front (FN), Werner van STEEN; Live Differently (AGALEV; Flemish Green

party), Leo COX; Ecologist (ECOLO; Francophone Green party), NA; other minor

parties

Other political or pressure groups:

Christian and Socialist Trade Unions; Federation of Belgian Industries;

numerous other associations representing bankers, manufacturers,

middle-class artisans, and the legal and medical professions; various

organizations represent the cultural interests of Flanders and Wallonia;

various peace groups such as the Flemish Action Committee Against Nuclear

Weapons and Pax Christi

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal and compulsory

Elections:

Senate:

last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (184 total; of which 106 are directly

elected) CVP 20, SP 14, PVV (now VLD) 13, VU 5, AGALEV 5, VB 5, ROSSEN 1, PS

18, PRL 9, PSC 9, ECOLO 6, FDF 1

*Belgium, Government

Chamber of Representatives:

last held 24 November 1991 (next to be held by November 1996); results - CVP

16.7%, PS 13.6%, SP 12.0%, PVV (now VLD) 11.9%, PRL 8.2%, PSC 7.8%, VB 6.6%,

VU 5.9%, ECOLO 5.1%, AGALEV 4.9%, FDF 2.6%, ROSSEM 3.2%, FN 1.5%; seats -

(212 total) CVP 39, PS 35, SP 28, PVV (now VLD) 26, PRL 20, PSC 18, FB 12,

VU 10, ECOLO 10, AGALEV 7, FDF 3, ROSSEM 3, FN 1

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper chamber or Senate (Flemish -

Senaat, French - Senat) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Representatives

(Flemish - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French - Chambre des

Representants)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Flemish - Hof van Cassatie, French - Cour de

Cassation)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King BAUDOUIN I (since 17 July 1951); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT of Liege

(brother of the King; born 6 June 1934)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Jean-Luc DEHAENE (since 6 March 1992)

Member of:

AG (observer), ACCT, AfDB, AsDB, Australian Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE,

CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, G-10, GATT, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMOGIP,

UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO,

ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Juan CASSIERS

chancery:

3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 333-6900

FAX:

(202) 333-3079

consulates general:

Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Bruce S. GELB

embassy:

27 Boulevard du Regent, Brussels

mailing address:

B-1000 Brussels, PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09724

telephone:

[32] (2) 513-3830

FAX:

[32] (2) 511-2725

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the

design was based on the flag of France

*Belgium, Economy

Overview:

This small private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central

geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified

industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the

populous Flemish area in the north, although the government is encouraging

reinvestment in the southern region of Walloon. With few natural resources

Belgium must import essential raw materials, making its economy closely

dependent on the state of world markets. Over 70% of trade is with other EC

countries. The economy grew at a strong 4% pace during the period 1988-90,

but economic growth slowed to a 1% pace in 1991-92. The economy is expected

to turn in another sluggish 1% performance in 1993. Belgium's public debt

remains high at 120% of GDP and the government is trying to control its

expenditures to bring the figure more into line with other industrialized

countries.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $177.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

0.8% (1992)

National product per capita:

$17,800 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (end 1992)

Budget:

revenues $97.8 billion; expenditures $109.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989)

Exports:

$118 billion (f.o.b., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union

commodities:

iron and steel, transportation equipment, tractors, diamonds, petroleum

products

partners:

EC 75.5%, US 3.7%, former Communist countries 1.4% (1991)

Imports:

$121 billion (c.i.f., 1991) Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union

commodities:

fuels, grains, chemicals, foodstuffs

partners:

EC 73%, US 4.8%, oil-exporting less developed countries 4%, former Communist

countries 1.8% (1991)

External debt:

$31.3 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.6% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

17,500,000 kW capacity; 68,000 million kWh produced, 6,790 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, processed food and

beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum, coal

Agriculture: accounts for 2.3% of GDP; emphasis on livestock production - beef, veal,

pork, milk; major crops are sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain,

tobacco; net importer of farm products

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors;

increasingly important gateway country for cocaine entering the European

market

*Belgium, Economy

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $5.8 billion

Currency:

1 Belgian franc (BF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Belgian francs (BF) per US$1 - 33.256 (January 1993), 32.150 (1992), 34.148

(1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Belgium, Communications

Railroads:

Belgian National Railways (SNCB) operates 3,568 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge, government owned; 2,563 km double track; 2,207 km electrified

Highways:

103,396 km total; 1,317 km limited access, divided autoroute; 11,717 km

national highway; 1,362 km provincial road; about 38,000 km paved and 51,000

km unpaved rural roads

Inland waterways:

2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use)

Pipelines:

petroleum products 1,167 km; crude oil 161 km; natural gas 3,300 km

Ports:

Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, Oostende, Zeebrugge

Merchant marine:

23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 96,949 GRT/133,658 DWT; includes 10

cargo, 5 oil tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 5 chemical tanker, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

42

usable:

42

with permanent-surface runways:

24

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

14

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications: highly developed, technologically advanced, and completely automated

domestic and international telephone and telegraph facilities; extensive

cable network; limited microwave radio relay network; 4,720,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 3 AM, 39 FM, 32 TV; 5 submarine cables; 2 satellite

earth stations - Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide

mobile phone system

*Belgium, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,556,189; fit for military service 2,133,051; reach

military age (19) annually 63,532 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $4 billion, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Belize, Geography

Location:

Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

22,960 km2

land area:

22,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total 516 km, Guatemala 266 km, Mexico 250 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm in the north, 3 nm in the south

note:

from the mouth of the Sarstoon River to Ranguana Caye, Belize's territorial

sea is 3 miles; according to Belize's Maritime Areas Act, 1992, the purpose

of this limitation is to provide a framework for

the negotiation of a definitive agreement on territorial differences with

Guatemala

International disputes:

border with Guatemala in dispute; negotiations to resolve the dispute have

begun

Climate:

tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to February)

Terrain:

flat, swampy coastal plain; low mountains in south

Natural resources: arable land potential, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

44%

other:

52%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

frequent devastating hurricanes (September to December) and coastal flooding

(especially in south); deforestation

Note:

national capital moved 80 km inland from Belize City to Belmopan because of

hurricanes; only country in Central America without a coastline on the North

Pacific Ocean

*Belize, People

Population:

203,957 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.42% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.15 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.44 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

36.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.85 years

male:

65.91 years

female:

69.88 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.53 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Belizean(s)

adjective:

Belizean

Ethnic divisions:

Mestizo 44%, Creole 30%, Maya 11%, Garifuna 7%, other 8%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 30% (Anglican 12%, Methodist 6%, Mennonite

4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Pentecostal 2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1%, other

2%), none 2%, other 6% (1980)

Languages:

English (official), Spanish, Maya, Garifuna (Carib)

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

91%

male:

91%

female:

91%

Labor force:

51,500

by occupation:

agriculture 30%, services 16%, government 15.4%, commerce 11.2%,

manufacturing 10.3%

note:

shortage of skilled labor and all types of technical personnel (1985)

*Belize, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Belize

former:

British Honduras

Digraph:

BH

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Belmopan

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Belize, Cayo, Corozal, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Toledo

Independence:

21 September 1981 (from UK)

Constitution:

21 September 1981

Legal system:

English law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September

Political parties and leaders:

People's United Party (PUP), George PRICE, Florencio MARIN, Said MUSA;

United Democratic Party (UDP), Manuel ESQUIVEL, Dean LINDO, Dean BARROW;

National Alliance for Belizean Rights, leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

Society for the Promotion of Education and Research (SPEAR), Assad SHOMAN;

United Workers Front, leader NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 4 September 1989 (next to be held September 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (28 total) PUP 15, UDP 13; note - in

January 1990 one member expelled from UDP joined PUP, making the seat count

PUP 16, UDP 12

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower

house or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Dame Minita Elmira GORDON (since 21 September 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister George Cadle PRICE (since 4 September 1989)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAS, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador James V. HYDE

*Belize, Government

chancery:

2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-9636

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Eugene L. SCASSA

embassy:

Gabourel Lane and Hutson Street, Belize City

mailing address:

P. O. Box 286, Belize City

telephone:

[501] (2) 77161 through 77163

FAX:

[501] (2) 30802

Flag:

blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered

is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a

shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related

motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom,

all encircled by a green garland

*Belize, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based primarily on agriculture, agro-based industry, and

merchandising, with tourism and construction assuming increasing importance.

Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and provides 75% of export

earnings, while sugar, the chief crop, accounts for almost 40% of hard

currency earnings. The US, Belize's main trading partner, is assisting in

efforts to reduce dependency on sugar with an agricultural diversification

program.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $373 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

10% (1990)

National product per capita:

$1,635 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.5% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

12% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $126.8 million; expenditures $123.1 million, including capital

expenditures of $44.8 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$95.6 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

sugar, citrus, clothing, bananas, fish products, molasses

partners:

US 49%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991)

Imports:

$194 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, food, manufactured goods, fuels,

chemicals, pharmaceuticals

partners:

US 60%, UK, EC, Mexico (1991)

External debt:

$143.7 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.7% (1990); accounts for 12% of GDP

Electricity:

34,532 kW capacity; 90 million kWh produced, 393 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

garment production, citrus concentrates, sugar refining, rum, beverages,

tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 22% of GDP (including fish and forestry); commercial crops

include sugarcane, bananas, coca, citrus fruits; expanding output of lumber

and cultured shrimp; net importer of basic foods

Illicit drugs:

an illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade;

eradication program cut marijuana production from 200 metric tons in 1987 to

about 50 metric tons in 1991; transshipment point for cocaine

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $104 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $215 million

Currency:

1 Belizean dollar (Bz$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Belizean dollars (Bz$) per US$1 - 2.00 (fixed rate)

*Belize, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Belize, Communications

Highways:

2,710 km total; 500 km paved, 1,600 km gravel, 300 km improved earth, and

310 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

825 km river network used by shallow-draft craft; seasonally navigable

Ports:

Belize City; additional ports for shallow draught craft include Corozol,

Punta Gorda, Big Creek

Merchant marine:

4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,768 GRT/12,721 DWT; includes 3 cargo,

1 roll-on/roll-off

Airports:

total:

42

usable:

32

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,229-2,439 mr:

2

Telecommunications:

8,650 telephones; above-average system based on microwave radio relay;

broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Belize, Defense Forces

Branches:

British Forces Belize, Belize Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air

Force, and Volunteer Guard), Belize National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 47,135; fit for military service 28,070; reach military age

(18) annually 2,066 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5.4 million, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Benin, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Nigeria and Togo

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

112,620 km2

land area:

110,620 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total 1,989 km, Burkina 306 km, Niger 266 km, Nigeria 773 km, Togo 644 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plain; some hills and low mountains

Natural resources:

small offshore oil deposits, limestone, marble, timber

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

45%

Irrigated land:

60 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan wind may affect north in winter; deforestation;

desertification

Note:

recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north; no

natural harbors

*Benin, People

Population:

5,166,735 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.33% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

48.09 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

14.8 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

112.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

51.31 years

male:

49.51 years

female:

53.16 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Beninese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Beninese

Ethnic divisions:

African 99% (42 ethnic groups, most important being Fon, Adja, Yoruba,

Bariba), Europeans 5,500

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 70%, Muslim 15%, Christian 15%

Languages:

French (official), Fon and Yoruba (most common vernaculars in south), tribal

languages (at least six major ones in north)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

23%

male:

32%

female:

16%

Labor force:

1.9 million (1987)

by occupation:

agriculture 60%, transport, commerce, and public services 38%, industry less

than 2%

note:

49% of population of working age (1985)

*Benin, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Republic of Benin

conventional short form:

Benin

local long form:

Republique Populaire du Benin

local short form:

Benin

former:

Dahomey

Digraph:

BN

Type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule dropped Marxism-Leninism December

1989; democratic reforms adopted February 1990; transition to multiparty

system completed 4 April 1991

Capital:

Porto-Novo

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces; Atakora, Atlantique, Borgou, Mono, Oueme, Zou

Independence:

1 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

2 December 1990

Legal system:

based on French civil law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 1 August (1990)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance of the Democratic Union for the Forces of Progress (UDFP), Timothee

ADANLIN; Movement for Democracy and Social Progress (MDPS), Jean-Roger

AHOYO; Union for Liberty and Development (ULD), Marcellin DEGBE; Alliance of

the National Party for Democracy and Development (PNDD) and the Democratic

Renewal Party (PRD), Pascal Chabi KAO; Alliance of the Social Democratic

Party (PSD) and the National Union for Solidarity and Progress (UNSP), Bruno

AMOUSSOU; Our Common Cause (NCC), Albert TEVOEDJRE; National Rally for

Democracy (RND), Joseph KEKE; Alliance of the National Movement for

Democracy and Development (MNDD), leader NA; Movement for Solidarity, Union,

and Progress (MSUP), Adebo ADENIYI; Union for Democracy and National

Reconstruction (UDRN), Azaria FAKOREDE; Union for Democracy and National

Solidarity (UDS), Mama Amadou N'DIAYE; Assembly of Liberal Democrats for

National Reconstruction (RDL), Severin ADJOVI; Alliance of the Alliance for

Social Democracy (ASD), Robert DOSSOU; Bloc for Social Democracy (BSD),

Michel MAGNIDE; Alliance of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress (ADP),

Akindes ADEKPEDJOU; Democratic Union for Social Renewal (UDRS), Bio Gado

Seko N'GOYE; National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP), Robert

TAGNON; Party for Progress and Democracy, Theophile NATA; numerous other

small parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats

- (64 total) UDFP-MDPS-ULD 12, PNDD/PRD 9, PSD/UNSP 8, NCC 7, RND 7,

MNDD/MSUP/UDRN 6, UDS 5, RDL 4, ASD/BSD 3, ADP/UDRS 2, UNDP 1

*Benin, Government

President:

last held 10 and 24 March 1991; results - Nicephore SOGLO 68%, Mathieu

KEREKOU 32%

Executive branch:

president, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Nicephore SOGLO (since 4 April 1991)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,

ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Candide AHOUANSOU

chancery:

2737 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-6656

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ruth A. DAVIS

embassy:

Rue Caporal Anani Bernard, Cotonou

mailing address:

B. P. 2012, Cotonou

telephone:

[229] 30-06-50, 30-05-13, 30-17-92

FAX:

[229] 30-14-39 and 30-19-74

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and red with a vertical green

band on the hoist side

*Benin, Economy

Overview:

Benin is one of the least developed countries in the world because of

limited natural resources and a poorly developed infrastructure. Agriculture

accounts for about 35% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and

generates a major share of foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector

contributes only about 15% to GDP and employs 2% of the work force. Low

prices in recent years have kept down hard currency earnings from Benin's

major exports of agricultural products and crude oil.

National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991)

National product per capita:

$410 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.4% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $194 million; expenditures $390 million, including capital

expenditures of $104 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$263.3 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, cotton, palm products, cocoa

partners:

FRG 36%, France 16%, Spain 14%, Italy 8%, UK 4%

Imports:

$428 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, petroleum products, intermediate goods,

capital goods, light consumer goods

partners:

France 34%, Netherlands 10%, Japan 7%, Italy 6%, US 4%

External debt:

$1 billion (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -0.7% (1988); accounts for 15% of GDP

Electricity:

30,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 5 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

textiles, cigarettes, construction materials, beverages, food production,

petroleum

Agriculture:

accounts for 35% of GDP; small farms produce 90% of agricultural output;

production is dominated by food crops - corn, sorghum, cassava, beans, rice;

cash crops include cotton, palm oil, peanuts; poultry and livestock output

has not kept up with consumption

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $46 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,300 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

*Benin, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Benin, Communications

Railroads:

578 km, all 1.000-meter gauge, single track

Highways:

5,050 km total; 920 km paved, 2,600 laterite, 1,530 km improved earth

Inland waterways:

navigable along small sections, important only locally

Ports:

Cotonou

Airports:

total:

7

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,439-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

fair system of open wire, submarine cable, and radio relay microwave;

broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Benin, Defense Forces

Branches:

Armed Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), National Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,075,053; females age 15-49 1,170,693; males fit for

military service 550,645; females fit for military service 591,506; males

reach military age (18) annually 56,872; females reach military age (18)

annually 55,141 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for military service

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.7% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Bermuda, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Bermuda, Geography

Location:

in the western North Atlantic Ocean, 1,050 km east of North Carolina

Map references:

North America

Area:

total area:

50 km2

land area:

50 km2

comparative area:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

103 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical; mild, humid; gales, strong winds common in winter

Terrain:

low hills separated by fertile depressions

Natural resources:

limestone, pleasant climate fostering tourism

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

20%

other:

80%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

ample rainfall, but no rivers or freshwater lakes; consists of about 360

small coral islands

Note:

some reclaimed land leased by US Government

*Bermuda, People

Population:

60,686 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.78% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.21 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

13.16 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.03 years

male:

73.36 years

female:

76.97 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bermudian(s)

adjective:

Bermudian

Ethnic divisions:

black 61%, white and other 39%

Religions:

Anglican 37%, Roman Catholic 14%, African Methodist Episcopal (Zion) 10%,

Methodist 6%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5%, other 28%

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

99%

Labor force:

32,000

by occupation:

clerical 25%, services 22%, laborers 21%, professional and technical 13%,

administrative and managerial 10%, sales 7%, agriculture and fishing 2%

(1984)

*Bermuda, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Bermuda

Digraph:

BD

Type: dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Hamilton

Administrative divisions:

9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget,, Pembroke, Saint

George*, Saint Georges, Sandys, Smiths, Southampton, Warwick, Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

8 June 1968

Legal system:

English law

National holiday:

Bermuda Day, 22 May

Political parties and leaders:

United Bermuda Party (UBP), John W. D. SWAN; Progressive Labor Party (PLP),

Frederick WADE; National Liberal Party (NLP), Gilbert DARRELL

Other political or pressure groups:

Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Ottiwell SIMMONS

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 9 February 1989 (next to be held by February 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (40 total) UBP 23, PLP 15, NLP 1, other

1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, deputy governor, premier, deputy premier,

Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Lord

David WADDINGTON (since NA)

Head of Government:

Premier John William David SWAN (since NA January 1982)

Member of:

CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a dependent territory of the UK, Bermuda's interests in the US are

represented by the UK

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Consul General L. Ebersole GAINES

consulate general:

Crown Hill, 16 Middle Road, Devonshire, Hamilton

*Bermuda, Government

mailing address: P. O. Box HM325, Hamilton HMBX; PSC 1002, FPO AE 09727-1002

telephone:

(809) 295-1342

FAX:

(809) 295-1592

Flag:

red with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Bermudian coat of arms (white and blue shield with a red lion holding a

scrolled shield showing the sinking of the ship Sea Venture off Bermuda in

1609) centered on the outer half of the flag

*Bermuda, Economy

Overview:

Bermuda enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, having

successfully exploited its location by providing luxury tourist facilities

and financial services. The tourist industry attracts more than 90% of its

business from North America. The industrial sector is small, and agriculture

is severely limited by a lack of suitable land. About 80% of food needs are

imported.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.3 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

-1.5% (1991)

National product per capita:

$22,000 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.4% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

6% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $327.5 million; expenditures $308.9 million, including capital

expenditures of $35.4 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$50 million (f.o.b., FY89)

commodities:

semitropical produce, light manufactures, re-exports of pharmaceuticals

partners:

US 55%, UK 32%, Canada 11%, other 2%

Imports:

527.2 million (f.o.b., FY89)

commodities:

fuel, foodstuffs, machinery

partners:

US 60%, UK 8%, Venezuela 7%, Canada 5%, Japan 5%, other 15%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

154,000 kW capacity; 504 million kWh produced, 8,370 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, finance, structural concrete products, paints, pharmaceuticals,

ship repairing

Agriculture:

accounts for less than 1% of GDP; most basic foods must be imported;

produces bananas, vegetables, citrus fruits, flowers, dairy products

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $34 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $277 million

Currency:

1 Bermudian dollar (Bd$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Bermudian dollar (Bd$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Bermuda, Communications

Highways:

210 km public roads, all paved (about 400 km of private roads)

Ports:

Freeport, Hamilton, Saint George

Merchant marine:

72 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,451.099 GRT/5,937,636 DWT; includes

5 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 5 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 21 oil

tanker, 13 liquefied gas, 16 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

modern with fully automatic telephone system; 52,670 telephones; broadcast

stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 2 TV; 3 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

earth stations

*Bermuda, Defense Forces

Branches:

Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Police Force, Bermuda Reserve Constabulary

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Bhutan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, in the Himalayas, between China and India

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

47,000 km2

land area:

47,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than half the size of Indiana

Land boundaries:

total 1,075 km, China 470 km, India 605 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central

valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Terrain:

mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide, tourism potential

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

70%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

340 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

violent storms coming down from the Himalayas were the source of the country

name which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon

Note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key

Himalayan mountain passes

*Bhutan, People

Population:

700,000 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.33% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

39.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.26 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

123.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

50.17 years

male:

50.74 years

female:

49.58 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bhutanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Bhutanese

Ethnic divisions:

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Religions:

Lamaistic Buddhism 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

Languages:

Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects; Nepalese speak

various Nepalese dialects

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry and commerce 2%

note:

massive lack of skilled labor

*Bhutan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Bhutan

conventional short form:

Bhutan

Digraph:

BT

Type:

monarchy; special treaty relationship with India

Capital:

Thimphu

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang,

Daga, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi,

Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang

Independence:

8 August 1949 (from India)

Constitution:

no written constitution or bill of rights

Legal system:

based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 17 December (1907) (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary

king)

Political parties and leaders:

no legal parties

Other political or pressure groups:

Buddhist clergy; Indian merchant community; ethnic Nepalese organizations

leading militant antigovernment campaign

Suffrage:

each family has one vote in village-level elections

Elections:

no national elections

Executive branch:

monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council

(Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers

(Lhengye Shungtsog)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu)

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)

Member of:

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IMF, INTELSAT, IOC, ITU,

NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

no formal diplomatic relations; the Bhutanese mission to the UN in New York

has consular jurisdiction in the US

US diplomatic representation:

no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained

between the Bhutanese and US Embassies in New Delhi (India)

Flag:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is

orange and the lower triangle is red; centered along the dividing line is a

large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side

*Bhutan, Economy

Overview:

The economy, one of the world's least developed, is based on agriculture and

forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and

account for about 50% of GDP. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make

the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The

economy is closely aligned with that of India through strong trade and

monetary links. The industrial sector is small and technologically backward,

with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development

projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's

hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are its most important

natural resources; however, the government limits the number of tourists to

3,000/year to minimize foreign influence.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $320 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.1% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$200 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (FY91 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $112 million; expenditures $121 million, including capital

expenditures of $58 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$74 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.)

commodities:

cardamon, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, electricity (to India)

partners:

India 90%

Imports:

$106.4 million (c.i.f., FY91 est.)

commodities:

fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics

partners:

India 83%

External debt:

$120 million (June 91)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 18% of GDP; primarily cottage industry and

home based handicrafts

Electricity:

336,000 kW capacity; 1,542.2 million kWh produced, 2,203 kWh per capita

(25.8% is exported to India, leaving only 1,633 kWh per capita) (1990-91)

Industries:

cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium

carbide

Agriculture:

accounts for 45% of GDP; based on subsistence farming and animal husbandry;

self-sufficient in food except for foodgrains; other production - rice,

corn, root crops, citrus fruit, dairy products, eggs

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$115 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $11 million

Currency:

1 ngultrum (Nu) = 100 chetrum; note - Indian currency is also legal tender

*Bhutan, Economy

Exchange rates:

ngultrum (Nu) per US$1 - 26.156 (January 1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742

(1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988); note - the Bhutanese

ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Bhutan, Communications

Highways:

2,165 km total; 1,703 km surfaced

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

domestic telephone service is very poor with very few telephones in use;

international telephone and telegraph service is by land line through India;

a satellite earth station was planned (1990); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1

FM, no TV (1990)

*Bhutan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Bhutan Army, Palace Guard, Militia

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 415,315; fit for military service 222,027; reach military

age (18) annually 17,344 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Bolivia, Geography

Location:

Central South America, between Brazil and Chile

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area: 1,098,580 km2

land area:

1,084,390 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

Land boundaries:

total 6,743 km, Argentina 832 km, Brazil 3,400 km, Chile 861 km, Paraguay

750 km, Peru 900 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama

area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Chile over Rio Lauca water

rights

Climate:

varies with altitude; humid and tropical to cold and semiarid

Terrain:

rugged Andes Mountains with a highland plateau (Altiplano), hills, lowland

plains of the Amazon basin

Natural resources:

tin, natural gas, petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron ore,

lead, gold, timber

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

52%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

1,650 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

cold, thin air of high plateau is obstacle to efficient fuel combustion;

overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

landlocked; shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake,

with Peru

*Bolivia, People

Population:

7,544,099 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.31% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

32.83 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

76.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.77 years

male:

60.34 years

female:

65.33 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.31 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bolivian(s)

adjective:

Bolivian

Ethnic divisions:

Quechua 30%, Aymara 25%, mixed 25-30%, European 5-15%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant (Evangelical Methodist)

Languages:

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

78%

male:

85%

female:

71%

Labor force:

1.7 million

by occupation:

agriculture 50%, services and utilities 26%, manufacturing 10%, mining 4%,

other 10% (1983)

*Bolivia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Bolivia

conventional short form:

Bolivia

local long form:

Republica de Bolivia

local short form:

Bolivia

Digraph:

BL

Type:

republic

Capital: La Paz (seat of government); Sucre (legal capital and seat of judiciary)

Administrative divisions:

9 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Chuquisaca,

Cochabamba, Beni, La Paz, Oruro, Pando, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Tarija

Independence:

6 August 1825 (from Spain)

Constitution:

2 February 1967

Legal system:

based on Spanish law and Code Napoleon; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 August (1825)

Political parties and leaders:

Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR), Jaime PAZ Zamora; Nationalist

Democratic Action (ADN), Hugo BANZER Suarez; Nationalist Revolutionary

Movement (MNR), Gonzalo SANCHEZ de Lozada; Civic Solidarity Union (UCS), Max

FERNANDEZ Rojas; Conscience of the Fatherland (CONDEPA), Carlos PALENQUE

Aviles; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jorge AGREDO; Free Bolivia

Movement (MBL), Antonio ARANIBAR; United Left (IU), a coalition of leftist

parties that includes Patriotic National Convergency Axis (EJE-P), Walter

DELGADILLO and Bolivian Communist Party (PCB), Humberto RAMIREZ;

Revolutionary Vanguard - 9th of April (VR-9), Carlos SERRATE Reich

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (married) 21 years of age;

universal and compulsory (single)

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent of

vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a

unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on

presidential election results; seats - (130 total) MNR 40, ADN 35, MIR 33,

IU 10, CONDEPA 9, PDC 3

Chamber of Senators:

last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - percent of

vote by party NA; note - legislative and presidential candidates run on a

unified slate, so vote percentages are the same as in section on

presidential election results; seats - (27 total) MNR 9, ADN 7, MIR 8,

CONDEPA 2, PDC 1

*Bolivia, Government

President:

last held 7 May 1989 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results - Gonzalo

SANCHEZ de Lozada (MNR) 23%, Hugo BANZER Suarez (ADN) 22%, Jaime PAZ Zamora

(MIR) 19%; no candidate received a majority of the popular vote; Jaime PAZ

Zamora (MIR) formed a coalition with Hugo BANZER (ADN); with ADN support,

PAZ Zamora won the congressional runoff election on 4 August and was

inaugurated on 6 August 1989

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber

or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber

of Deputies (Camara de Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Jaime PAZ Zamora (since 6 August 1989); Vice President Luis OSSIO

Sanjines (since 6 August 1989)

Member of:

AG, ECLAC, FAO, GATT, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM,

OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO,

WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jorge CRESPO

chancery:

3014 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-4410 through 4412

consulates general:

Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles R. BOWERS

embassy:

Banco Popular del Peru Building, corner of Calles Mercado y Colon, La Paz

mailing address:

P. O. Box 425, La Paz, or APO AA 34032

telephone:

[591] (2) 350251 or 350120

FAX:

[591] (2) 359875

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with the coat

of arms centered on the yellow band; similar to the flag of Ghana, which has

a large black five-pointed star centered in the yellow band

*Bolivia, Economy

Overview:

With its long history of semifeudalistic social controls, dependence on

volatile prices for its mineral exports, and bouts of hyperinflation,

Bolivia has remained one of the poorest and least developed Latin American

countries. Since August 1989, President PAZ Zamora, despite his Marxist

origins, has maintained a moderate policy of repressing domestic terrorism,

containing inflation, and achieving annual GDP growth of 3 to 4%. For many

farmers, who constitute half of the country's work force, the main cash crop

is coca, which is sold for cocaine processing.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

3.8% (1992)

National product per capita:

$670 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10.5% (December 1992)

Unemployment rate:

5% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $1.5 billion; expenditures $1.57 billion, including capital

expenditures of $627 million (1993 est.)

Exports:

$609 million (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

metals 46%, hydrocarbons 21%, other 33% (coffee, soybeans, sugar, cotton,

timber)

partners:

US 15%, Argentina

Imports:

1.185 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

food, petroleum, consumer goods, capital goods

partners:

US 22%

External debt:

$3.7 billion (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7% (1992); accounts for almost 32% of GDP

Electricity:

865,000 kW capacity; 1,834 million kWh produced, 250 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

mining, smelting, petroleum, food and beverage, tobacco, handicrafts,

clothing; illicit drug industry reportedly produces 15% of its revenues

Agriculture:

accounts for about 21% of GDP (including forestry and fisheries); principal

commodities - coffee, coca, cotton, corn, sugarcane, rice, potatoes, timber;

self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

world's second-largest producer of coca (after Peru) with an estimated

47,900 hectares under cultivation; voluntary and forced eradication program

unable to prevent production from rising to 82,000 metric tons in 1992 from

74,700 tons in 1989; government considers all but 12,000 hectares illicit;

intermediate coca products and cocaine exported to or through Colombia and

Brazil to the US and other international drug markets

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $990 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,025 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $340 million

*Bolivia, Economy

Currency:

1 boliviano ($B) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

bolivianos ($B) per US$1 - 3.9437 (August 1992), 3.85 (1992), 3.5806 (1991),

3.1727 (1990), 2.6917 (1989), 2.3502 (1988), 2.0549 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Bolivia, Communications

Railroads:

3,684 km total, all narrow gauge; 3,652 km 1.000-meter gauge and 32 km

0.760-meter gauge, all government owned, single track

Highways:

38,836 km total; 1,300 km paved, 6,700 km gravel, 30,836 km improved and

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

10,000 km of commercially navigable waterways

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,800 km; petroleum products 580 km; natural gas 1,495 km

Ports:

none; maritime outlets are Arica and Antofagasta in Chile, Matarani and Ilo

in Peru

Merchant marine:

2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,051 GRT/22,155 DWT

Airports:

total:

1,225

usable:

1,043

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

161

Telecommunications:

microwave radio relay system being expanded; improved international

services; 144,300 telephones; broadcast stations - 129 AM, no FM, 43 TV, 68

shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Bolivia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (Ejercito Boliviano), Navy includes Marines (Fuerza Navala), Air Force

(Fuerza Aereo de Bolivia), National Police Force (Boliviano Policia

Nacional)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,786,137; fit for military service 1,162,160; reach

military age (19) annually 78,125 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $80 million, 1.6% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Header

Note:

Bosnia and Herzegovina is suffering from interethnic civil strife which

began in March 1992 after the Bosnian Government held a referendum on

independence. Bosnia's Serbs - supported by neighboring Serbia - responded

with armed resistance aimed at partitioning the republic along ethnic lines

and joining Serb held areas to a "greater Serbia". Since the onset of the

conflict, which has driven approximately half of the pre-war population of

4.4 million from their homes, both the Bosnian Serbs and the Bosnian Croats

have asserted control of more than three-quarters of the territory formerly

under the control of the Bosnian Government. The UN and the EC are

continuing to try to mediate a plan for peace.

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, between Croatia and Serbia and

Montenegro

Map references:

Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

51,233 km2

land area:

51,233 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total 1,369 km, Croatia (northwest) 751 km, Croatia (south) 91 km, Serbia

and Montenegro 527 km (312 km with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro)

Coastline:

20 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth

exclusive economic zone:

12 nm

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Serbia and Montenegro and Croatia seek to cantonize Bosnia and Herzegovina;

Muslim majority being forced from many areas

Climate:

hot summers and cold winters; areas of high elevation have short, cool

summers and long, severe winters; mild, rainy winters along coast

Terrain:

mountains and valleys

Natural resources:

coal, iron, bauxite, manganese, timber, wood products, copper, chromium,

lead, zinc

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

36%

other:

17%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

air pollution from metallurgical plants; water scarce; sites for disposing

of urban waste are limited; subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, People

Population:

4,618,804 (July 1993 est.)

note:

all data dealing with population is subject to considerable error because of

the dislocations caused by military action and ethnic cleansing

Population growth rate:

0.72% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

13.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.8 years

male:

72.11 years

female:

77.67 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.62 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bosnian(s), Herzegovinian(s)

adjective:

Bosnian, Herzegovinian

Ethnic divisions:

Muslim 44%, Serb 31%, Croat 17%, other 8%

Religions:

Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Catholic 15%, Protestant 4%, other 10%

Languages:

Serbo-Croatian 99%

Literacy:

total population: NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1,026,254

by occupation:

agriculture 2%, industry, mining 45% (1991 est.)

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina

conventional short form:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

local long form:

Republika Bosna i Hercegovina

local short form:

Bosna i Hercegovina

Digraph:

BK

Type:

emerging democracy

Capital:

Sarajevo

Administrative divisions:

109 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Banovici, Banja Luka, Bihac,

Bijeljina, Bileca, Bosanska Dubica, Bosanska Graaiskia, Bosanska Krupa,

Bosanski Brod, Bosanski Novi, Bosanski Petrovac, Bosanski Samac, Bosansko

Grahovo, Bratunac, Brcko, Breza, Bugojno, Busovaca, Cazin, Cajilice,

Capljina, Celinac, Citluk, Derventa, Duboj, Donji Vakuf, Foca, Fojnica,

Gacko, Glamoc, Gorazde Gornji Vakuf, Gracanica, Gradacac, Grude, Han Pijesak

Jablanica, Jajce, Kakanj, Kalesija, Kalinovik, Kiseljak, Kladanj, Kljuc,

Konjic, Kotor Varos, Kresevo, Kupres, Laktasi, Listica, Livno, Lopare,

Lukavac, Ljubinje, Ljubuski, Maglaj, Modrica, Mostar, Mrkonjic Grad, Neum,

Nevesinje, Odzak, Olovo, Orasje, Posusje, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Prozor,

(Pucarevo) Novi Travnik, Rogatica, Rudo, Sanski Most, Sarajevo-Centar,

Sarajevo-Hadzici, Sarajevo-Ilidza, Sarajevo-Ilijas, Sarajevo-Novi Grad,

Sarajevo-Novo, Sarajevo-Pale, Sarajevo-Stari Grad, Sarajevo-Trnovo,

Sarajevo-Vogosca, Skender Vakuf, Sokolac, Srbac, Srebrenica, Srebrenik,

Stoloc, Sekovici, Sipovo, Teslic, Tesanj, (Titov Drvar) Drvar, Duvno,

Travnik, Trebinje, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Vare, Velika Kladusa, Visoko, Visegrad,

Vitez Vlasenica, Zavidovici, Zenica, Zvornik, Zepce, Zivinice

note:

currently under negotiation with the assistance of international mediators

Independence:

NA April 1992 (from Yugoslavia)

Constitution:

NA

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday: NA

Political parties and leaders:

Party of Democratic Action (SDA), Mirsad CEMAN; Croatian Democratic Union of

Bosnia and Herzegovina (HDZ BiH), Mate BOBAN; Serbian Democratic Party of

Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDS BiH), Radovan KARADZIC, president;

Muslim-Bosnian Organization (MBO), Adil ZULFIKARPASIC, president; Democratic

Party of Socialists (DSS), Nijaz DURAKOVIC, president; Party of Democratic

Changes, leader NA; Serbian Movement for Renewal (SPO), Milan TRIVUNCIC;

Alliance of Reform Forces of Yugoslavia for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SRSJ

BiH), Dr. Nenad KECMANOVIC, president; Democratic League of Greens (DSZ),

Drazen PETROVIC; Liberal Party (LS), Rasim KADIC, president

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Government

Elections:

Chamber of Municipalities:

last held November-December 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (110 total)

SDA 43, SDS BiH 38, HDZ BiH 23, Party of Democratic Changes 4, DSS 1, SPO 1

Chamber of Citizens:

last held NA 1990 (next to be held NA); seats - (130 total) SDA 43, SDS BiH

34, HDZ BiH 21, Party of Democratic Changes 15, SRSJ BiH 12, MBO 2, DSS 1,

DSZ 1, LS 1

Executive branch:

collective presidency, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Chamber of

Municipalities (Vijece Opeina) and a lower house or Chamber of Citizens

(Vijece Gradanstvo)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Alija IZETBEGOVIC (since NA December 1990), other members of the

collective presidency: Ejup GANIC (since NA), Miro LASIC (since NA December

1992), Mirko PEJANOVIC (since NA), Tatjana LJUJIC-MIJATOVIC (since NA

December 1992), Fikret ABDIC

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mile AKMADZIC (since NA October 1992); Deputy Prime Minister

Zlatko LAGUMDZIJA (since NA); Deputy Prime Minister Miodrag SIMOVIC (since

NA); Deputy Prime Minister Hadzo EFENDIC (since NA)

Member of:

CEI, CSCE, ECE, UN, UNCTAD, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

NA

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation: the US maintains full diplomatic relations with Bosnia and

Herzegovina but

has not yet established an embassy in Serajevo

Flag:

white with a large blue shield; the shield contains white Roman crosses with

a white diagonal band running from the upper hoist corner to the lower fly

side

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy

Overview:

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked next to Macedonia as the poorest republic in

the old Yugoslav federation. Although agriculture has been almost all in

private hands, farms have been small and inefficient, and the republic

traditionally has been a net importer of food. Industry has been greatly

overstaffed, one reflection of the rigidities of Communist central planning

and management. Tito had pushed the development of military industries in

the republic with the result that Bosnia hosted a large share of

Yugoslavia's defense plants. As of March 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina was

being torn apart by the continued bitter interethnic warfare that has caused

production to plummet, unemployment and inflation to soar, and human misery

to multiply. No reliable economic statistics for 1992 are available,

although output clearly fell below the already depressed 1991 level.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $14 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-37% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,200 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

80% per month (1991)

Unemployment rate:

28% (February 1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$2,054 million (1990)

commodities:

manufactured goods 31%, machinery and transport equipment 20.8%, raw

materials 18%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 17.3%, chemicals 9.4%,

fuel and lubricants 1.4%, food and live animals 1.2%

partners:

principally the other former Yugoslav republics

Imports:

$1,891 million (1990)

commodities:

fuels and lubricants 32%, machinery and transport equipment 23.3%, other

manufactures 21.3%, chemicals 10%, raw materials 6.7%, food and live animals

5.5%, beverages and tobacco 1.9%

partners:

principally the other former Yugoslav republics

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%, but production is sharply down because of interethnic and

interrepublic warfare (1991-92)

Electricity:

3,800,000 kW capacity; 7,500 million kWh produced, 1,700 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

steel production, mining (coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, manganese, and

bauxite), manufacturing (vehicle assembly, textiles, tobacco products,

wooden furniture, 40% of former Yugoslavia's armaments including tank and

aircraft assembly, domestic appliances), oil refining

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Economy

Agriculture:

accounted for 9.0% of GDP in 1989; regularly produces less than 50% of food

needs; the foothills of northern Bosnia support orchards, vineyards,

livestock, and some wheat and corn; long winters and heavy precipitation

leach soil fertility reducing agricultural output in the mountains; farms

are mostly privately held, small, and not very productive

Illicit drugs:

NA

Economic aid:

$NA

Currency:

Croatian dinar used in ethnic Croat areas, "Yugoslav" dinar used in all

other areas

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Communications

Railroads:

NA km

Highways:

21,168 km total (1991); 11,436 km paved, 8,146 km gravel, 1,586 km earth;

note - highways now disrupted

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

crude oil 174 km, natural gas 90 km (1992); note - pipelines now disrupted

Ports:

coastal - none; inland - Bosanski Brod on the Sava River

Airports:

total:

27

useable:

22

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3659:

0 with runways 2440-3659 m:

4

with runways 1220-2439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

telephone and telegraph network is in need of modernization and expansion,

many urban areas being below average compared with services in other former

Yugoslav republics; 727,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 2 FM, 6

TV; 840,000 radios; 1,012,094 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite

ground stations - none

*Bosnia and Herzegovina, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,283,576; fit for military service 1,045,512; reach

military age (19) annually 37,827 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Botswana, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, north of South Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

600,370 km2

land area:

585,370 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 4,013 km, Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

short section of boundary with Namibia is indefinite; disputed island with

Namibia in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

is in disagreement; recent dispute with Namibia over uninhabited Sidudu

Island in Linyanti River

Climate:

semiarid; warm winters and hot summers

Terrain:

predominately flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver

Land use: arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

75%

forest and woodland:

2%

other:

21%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

overgrazing, desertification

Note:

landlocked

*Botswana, People

Population:

1,325,920 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.53% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.39 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.54 years

male:

59.52 years

female:

65.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

adjective:

Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural)

Ethnic divisions:

Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 50%

Languages:

English (official), Setswana

Literacy:

age 15 and over able to read and write simple sentences (1990)

total population: 72%

male:

67%

female:

74%

Labor force:

400,000

by occupation:

198,500 formal sector employees, most others are engaged in cattle raising

and subsistence agriculture (1990 est.); 14,600 are employed in various

mines in South Africa (1990)

*Botswana, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Botswana

conventional short form:

Botswana

former:

Bechuanaland

Digraph:

BC

Type:

parliamentary republic

Capital:

Gaborone

Administrative divisions:

10 districts; Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng,

Ngamiland, North-East, South-East, Southern; in addition, there are 4 town

councils - Francistown, Gaborone, Lobaste, Selebi-Phikwe

Independence:

30 September 1966 (from UK)

Constitution:

March 1965, effective 30 September 1966

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to

matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 September (1966)

Political parties and leaders:

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Sir Ketumile MASIRE; Botswana National

Front (BNF), Kenneth KOMA; Boswana People's Party (BPP), Knight MARIPE;

Botswana Independence Party (BIP), Motsamai MPHO

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total, 34 elected) BDP 35, BNF 3

President:

last held 7 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - President

Sir Ketumile MASIRE was reelected by the National Assembly

Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or House of Chiefs

and a lower house or National Assembly

Judicial branch:

High Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Sir Ketunile MASIRE (since 13 July 1980); Vice President Festus

MOGAE (since 9 March 1992 )

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Botsweletse Kingsley SEBELE

chancery:

Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

*Botswana, Government

telephone:

(202) 244-4990 or 4991

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador David PASSAGE

embassy:

address NA, Gaborone

mailing address:

P. O. Box 90, Gaborone

telephone:

[267] 353-982

FAX:

[267] 356-947

Flag:

light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center

*Botswana, Economy

Overview:

The economy has historically been based on cattle raising and crops.

Agriculture today provides a livelihood for more than 80% of the population,

but produces only about 50% of food needs. The driving force behind the

rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s has been the mining industry.

This sector, mostly on the strength of diamonds, has gone from generating

25% of GDP in 1980 to 50% in 1991. No other sector has experienced such

growth, especially not agriculture, which is plagued by erratic rainfall and

poor soils. The unemployment rate remains a problem at 25%. Although diamond

production was down slightly in 1992, substantial gains in coal output and

manufacturing helped boost the economy

National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3.6 billion (FY92 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.8% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,450 (FY92 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

16.5% (December 1992)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.99 billion, including capital

expenditures of $652 million (FY94)

Exports:

$1.6 billion (f.o.b. 1991)

commodities:

diamonds 78%, copper and nickel 8%, meat 4%

partners:

Switzerland, UK, SACU (Southern African Customs Union)

Imports:

$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

foodstuffs, vehicles and transport equipment, textiles, petroleum products

partners:

Switzerland, SACU (Southern African Customs Union), UK, US

External debt:

$344 million (December 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6.9% (1991); accounts for about 53% of GDP, including mining

Electricity:

220,000 kW capacity; 1,123 million kWh produced, 846 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining of diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock

processing

Agriculture:

accounts for only 5% of GDP; subsistence farming predominates; cattle

raising supports 50% of the population; must import up to of 80% of food

needs

Economic aid:

US aid, $13 million (1992); US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $257

million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments

(1970-89), $1,875 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $43 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $29 million; in 1992: Norway (largest donor)

$16 million, Sweden $15.5 million, Germany $3.6 million, EC/Lome-IV $3-6

million in grants, $28.7 million in long-term projects

Currency:

1 pula (P) = 100 thebe

*Botswana, Economy

Exchange rates:

pula (P) per US$1 - 2.31 (February 1993), 2.1327 (1992), 2.0173 (1991),

1.8601 (1990), 2.0125 (1989), 1.8159 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Botswana, Communications

Railroads:

712 km 1.067-meter gauge

Highways:

11,514 km total; 1,600 km paved; 1,700 km crushed stone or gravel, 5,177 km

improved earth, 3,037 km unimproved earth

Airports:

total:

100

usable:

87

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

29

Telecommunications:

the small system is a combination of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay

links, and a few radio-communications stations; 26,000 telephones; broadcast

stations - 7 AM, 13 FM, no TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Botswana, Defense Forces

Branches:

Botswana Defense Force (including Army and Air Wing), Botswana National

Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 282,885; fit for military service 148,895; reach military

age (18) annually 14,868 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $196 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY93/94)

*Bouvet Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Norway)

*Bouvet Island, Geography

Location:

in the south Atlantic Ocean, 2,575 km south-southwest of the Cape of Good

Hope (South Africa)

Map references: Antarctic Region

Area:

total area:

58 km2

land area:

58 km2

comparative area:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29.6 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

4 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

volcanic; maximum elevation about 800 meters; coast is mostly inaccessible

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (all ice)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

covered by glacial ice

Note:

located in the South Atlantic Ocean

*Bouvet Island, People

Population: uninhabited

*Bouvet Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form: Bouvet Island

Digraph:

BV

Type:

territory of Norway

Capital:

none; administered from Oslo, Norway

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

*Bouvet Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Bouvet Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Telecommunications:

automatic meteorological station

*Bouvet Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

*Brazil, Geography

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

8,511,965 km2

land area:

8,456,510 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than the US

note:

includes Arquipelago de Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, Ilha da

Trindade, Ilhas Martin Vaz, and Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo

Land boundaries:

total 14,691 km, Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km,

French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km,

Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

Coastline: 7,491 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

short section of the boundary with Paraguay (just west of Guaira Falls on

the Rio Parana) is in dispute; two short sections of boundary with Uruguay

are in dispute - Arrio Invernada (Arroyo de la Invernada) area of the Rio

Quarai (Rio Cuareim) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Quarai

(Rio Cuareim) and the Uruguay

Climate:

mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling lowlands in north; some plains, hills, mountains, and

narrow coastal belt

Natural resources:

iron ore, manganese, bauxite, nickel, uranium, phosphates, tin, hydropower,

gold, platinum, petroleum, timber

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

19%

forest and woodland:

67%

other:

6%

Irrigated land:

27,000 km2 (1989 est.)

*Brazil, Geography

Environment:

recurrent droughts in northeast; floods and frost in south; deforestation in

Amazon basin; air and water pollution in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and

several other large cities

Note:

largest country in South America; shares common boundaries with every South

American country except Chile and Ecuador

*Brazil, People

Population:

156,664,223 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

21.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

61.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.7 years

male:

58.28 years

female:

67.33 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.49 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Brazilian(s)

adjective:

Brazilian

Ethnic divisions:

Portuguese, Italian, German, Japanese, Amerindian, black 6%, white 55%,

mixed 38%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic (nominal) 90%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Spanish, English, French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

81%

male:

82%

female:

80%

Labor force:

57 million (1989 est.)

by occupation:

services 42%, agriculture 31%, industry 27%

*Brazil, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Federative Republic of Brazil

conventional short form:

Brazil

local long form:

Republica Federativa do Brasil

local short form: Brasil

Digraph:

BR

Type:

federal republic

Capital:

Brasilia

Administrative divisions:

26 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito, federal); Acre,

Alagoas, Amapa, Amazonas, Bahia, Ceara, Distrito Federal*,, Espirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato

Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas

Gerais, Para, Paraiba, Parana, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande

do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo,

Sergipe, Tocantins

Independence:

7 September 1822 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

5 October 1988

Legal system:

based on Roman codes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 September (1822)

Political parties and leaders:

National Reconstruction Party (PRN), Daniel TOURINHO, president; Brazilian

Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), Roberto ROLLEMBERG, president; Liberal

Front Party (PFL), Jose Mucio MONTEIRO, president; Workers' Party (PT), Luis

Ignacio (Lula) da SILVA, president; Brazilian Labor Party (PTB), Luiz

GONZAGA de Paiva Muniz, president; Democratic Labor Party (PDT), Leonel

BRIZOLA, president; Democratic Social Party (PPS), Paulo MALUF, president;

Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), Tasso JEREISSATI, president;

Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Roberto FREIRE, president; Communist Party of

Brazil (PCdoB), Joao AMAZONAS, secretary general; Christian Democratic Party

(PDC), Siqueira CAMPOS, president

Other political or pressure groups:

left wing of the Catholic Church and labor unions allied to leftist Worker's

Party are critical of government's social and economic policies

Suffrage:

voluntary between 16 and 18 years of age and over 70; compulsory over 18 and

under 70 years of age

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - PMDB

21%, PFL 17%, PDT 9%, PDS 8%, PRN 7.9%, PTB 7%, PT 7%, other 23.1%; seats -

(503 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 108, PFL 87, PDT 46, PDS 43, PRN 40,

PTB 35, PT 35, other 109

Federal Senate:

last held 3 October 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total as of 3 February 1991) PMDB 27, PFL

15, PSDB 10, PTB 8, PDT 5, other 16

*Brazil, Government

President:

last held 15 November 1989, with runoff on 17 December 1989 (next to be held

November 1994); results - Fernando COLLOR de Mello 53%, Luis Inacio da SILVA

47%; note - first free, direct presidential election since 1960

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congresso Nacional) consists of an upper

chamber or Federal Senate (Senado Federal) and a lower chamber or Chamber of

Deputies (Camara dos Deputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Federal Tribunal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Itamar FRANCO (since 29 December 1992)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT,

IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS,

MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNAVEM II,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WFTU, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Rubens RICUPERO

chancery:

3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 745-2700

consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, and New York

consulates:

Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard MELTON

embassy:

Avenida das Nacoes, Lote 3, Brasilia, Distrito Federal

mailing address:

APO AA 34030

telephone:

[55] (61) 321-7272

FAX:

[55] (61) 225-9136

consulates general:

Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

consulates:

Porto Alegre, Recife

Flag:

green with a large yellow diamond in the center bearing a blue celestial

globe with 23 white five-pointed stars (one for each state) arranged in the

same pattern as the night sky over Brazil; the globe has a white equatorial

band with the motto ORDEM E PROGRESSO (Order and Progress)

*Brazil, Economy

Overview:

The economy, with large agrarian, mining, and manufacturing sectors, entered

the 1990s with declining real growth, runaway inflation, an unserviceable

foreign debt of $122 billion, and a lack of policy direction. In addition,

the economy remained highly regulated, inward-looking, and protected by

substantial trade and investment barriers. Ownership of major industrial and

mining facilities is divided among private interests - including several

multinationals - and the government. Most large agricultural holdings are

private, with the government channeling financing to this sector. Conflicts

between large landholders and landless peasants have produced intermittent

violence. The COLLOR government, which assumed office in March 1990,

launched an ambitious reform program that sought to modernize and

reinvigorate the economy by stabilizing prices, deregulating the economy,

and opening it to increased foreign competition. The government also

obtained an IMF standby loan in January 1992 and reached agreements with

commercial bankers on the repayment of interest arrears and on the reduction

of debt and debt service payments. Galloping inflation - the rate doubled in

1992 - continues to undermine economic stability. Itamar FRANCO, who assumed

the presidency following President COLLOR'S resignation in December 1992,

has promised to support the basic premises of COLLOR'S reform program but

has yet to define clearly his economic policies. Brazil's natural resources

remain a major, long-term economic strength.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $369 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-0.2% (1992)

National product per capita:

$2,350 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1,174% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

5.9% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $164.3 billion; expenditures $170.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $32.9 billion (1990)

Exports:

$35.0 billion (1992)

commodities:

iron ore, soybean bran, orange juice, footwear, coffee, motor vehicle parts

partners:

EC 32.3%, US 20.3%, Latin America 11.6%, Japan 9% (1991)

Imports:

$20.0 billion (1992)

commodities:

crude oil, capital goods, chemical products, foodstuffs, coal

partners:

Middle East 12.4%, US 23.5%, EC 21.8%, Latin America 18.8%, Japan 6% (1991)

External debt:

$123.3 billion (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -3.8% (1992); accounts for 39% of GDP

Electricity:

63,765,000 kW capacity; 242,184 million kWh produced, 1,531 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles and other consumer goods, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron

ore, steel, motor vehicles and auto parts, metalworking, capital goods, tin

*Brazil, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 11% of GDP; world's largest producer and exporter of coffee and

orange juice concentrate and second- largest exporter of soybeans; other

products - rice, corn, sugarcane, cocoa, beef; self-sufficient in food,

except for wheat

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and coca, mostly for domestic consumption;

government has a modest eradication program to control cannabis and coca

cultivation; important transshipment country for Bolivian and Colombian

cocaine headed for the US and Europe

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.5 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $284 million; former Communist countries (1970-89),

$1.3 billion

Currency:

1 cruzeiro (Cr$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

cruzeiros (Cr$) per US$1 - 13,827.06 (January 1993), 4,506.45 (1992), 406.61

(1991), 68.300 (1990), 2.834 (1989), 0.26238 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Brazil, Communications

Railroads:

28,828 km total; 24,864 km 1.000-meter gauge, 3,877 km 1.600-meter gauge, 74

km mixed 1.600-1.000-meter gauge, 13 km 0.760-meter gauge; 2,360 km

electrified

Highways:

1,448,000 km total; 48,000 km paved, 1,400,000 km gravel or earth

Inland waterways:

50,000 km navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,000 km; petroleum products 3,804 km; natural gas 1,095 km

Ports:

Belem, Fortaleza, Ilheus, Manaus, Paranagua, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de

Janeiro, Rio Grande, Salvador, Santos

Merchant marine:

232 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,335,234 GRT/8,986,734 DWT; includes

5 passenger-cargo, 42 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 10 container, 11

roll-on/roll-off, 58 oil tanker, 15 chemical tanker, 12 combination ore/oil,

65 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 11 vehicle carrier; in addition, 1 naval tanker

is sometimes used commercially

Airports:

total:

3,613

usable: 3,031

with permanent-surface runways:

431

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

22

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

584

Telecommunications:

good system; extensive microwave radio relay facilities; 9.86 million

telephones; broadcast stations - 1,223 AM, no FM, 112 TV, 151 shortwave; 3

coaxial submarine cables, 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and 64

domestic satellite earth stations

*Brazil, Defense Forces

Branches:

Brazilian Army, Navy of Brazil (including Marines), Brazilian Air Force,

Military Police (paramilitary)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 42,623,934; fit for military service 28,721,849; reach

military age (18) annually 1,655,918 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3% of GDP (1990)

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Geography

Location:

in the Indian Ocean, south of India about halfway between Africa and

Indonesia

Map references:

Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

60 km2

land area:

60 km2

comparative area:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes the island of Diego Garcia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline: 698 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

the entire Chagos Archipelago is claimed by Mauritius

Climate:

tropical marine; hot, humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

flat and low (up to 4 meters in elevation)

Natural resources:

coconuts, fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

archipelago of 2,300 islands

Note:

Diego Garcia, largest and southernmost island, occupies strategic location

in central Indian Ocean; island is site of joint US-UK military facility

*British Indian Ocean Territory, People

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants

note:

there are UK-US military personnel; civilian inhabitants, known as the

Ilois, evacuated to Mauritius before construction of UK-US military

facilities

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

British Indian Ocean Territory

conventional short form:

none

Abbreviation:

BIOT

Digraph: IO

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

none

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Commissioner Mr. T. G. HARRIS (since NA); Administrator Mr. R. G. WELLS

(since NA 1991); note - both reside in the UK

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of UK)

Flag:

white with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and six blue

wavy horizontal stripes bearing a palm tree and yellow crown centered on the

outer half of the flag

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Economy

Overview:

All economic activity is concentrated on the largest island of Diego Garcia,

where joint UK-US defense facilities are located. Construction projects and

various services needed to support the military installations are done by

military and contract employees from the UK, Mauritius, the Philippines, and

the US. There are no industrial or agricultural activities on the islands.

Electricity:

provided by the US military

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Communications

Highways:

short stretch of paved road between port and airfield on Diego Garcia

Ports:

Diego Garcia

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

1 on Diego Garcia

with runways 2,439-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,229-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

minimal facilities; broadcast stations (operated by US Navy) - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1

TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*British Indian Ocean Territory, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*British Virgin Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*British Virgin Islands, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

150 km2

land area:

150 km2

comparative area:

about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes the island of Anegada

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures: 33%

forest and woodland:

7%

other:

33%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October

Note:

strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

*British Virgin Islands, People

Population:

12,707 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.22% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19.68 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.62 years

male:

70.77 years

female:

74.6 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.28 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

British Virgin Islander(s)

adjective:

British Virgin Islander

Ethnic divisions:

black 90%, white, Asian

Religions:

Protestant 86% (Methodist 45%, Anglican 21%, Church of God 7%, Seventh-Day

Adventist 5%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic

6%, none 2%, other 6% (1981)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

98% female:

98%

Labor force:

4,911 (1980)

by occupation:

NA

*British Virgin Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

British Virgin Islands

Abbreviation:

BVI

Digraph:

VI

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Road Town

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

1 June 1977

Legal system:

English law

National holiday:

Territory Day, 1 July

Political parties and leaders:

United Party (UP), Conrad MADURO; Virgin Islands Party (VIP), H. Lavity

STOUTT; Independent Progressive Movement (IPM), Cyril B. ROMNEY

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held 12 November 1990 (next to be held by November 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) VIP 6, IPM 1, independents 2

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, chief minister, Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Peter

Alfred PENFOLD (since NA 1991)

Head of Government:

Chief Minister H. Lavity STOUTT (since NA 1986)

Member of: CARICOM (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO

(associate)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of UK)

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin

Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of

arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil

lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful)

*British Virgin Islands, Economy

Overview:

The economy, one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean area, is highly

dependent on the tourist industry, which generates about 21% of the national

income. In 1985 the government offered offshore registration to companies

wishing to incorporate in the islands, and, in consequence, incorporation

fees generated about $2 million in 1987. The economy slowed in 1991 because

of the poor performances of the tourist sector and tight commercial bank

credit. Livestock raising is the most significant agricultural activity. The

islands' crops, limited by poor soils, are unable to meet food requirements.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $133 million (1991)

National product real growth rate:

2% (1991)

National product per capita:

$10,600 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NEGL% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $51 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital

expenditures of $38 million (1991)

Exports:

$2.7 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

rum, fresh fish, gravel, sand, fruits, animals

partners:

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

Imports:

$11.5 million (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery

partners:

Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US

External debt:

$4.5 million (1985)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.0% (1985)

Electricity:

10,500 kW capacity; 43 million kWh produced, 3,510 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore

financial center

Agriculture:

livestock (including poultry), fish, fruit, vegetables

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

US currency is used

Exchange rates:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*British Virgin Islands, Communications

Highways:

106 km motorable roads (1983)

Ports:

Road Town

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

3,000 telephones; worldwide external telephone service; submarine cable

communication links to Bermuda; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV

*British Virgin Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Brunei, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, on the northern coast of Borneo almost completely surrounded

by Malaysia

Map references:

Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

5,770 km2 land area:

5,270 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Delaware

Land boundaries:

total 381 km, Malysia 381 km

Coastline:

161 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that divides the country; all of

the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts of them

are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei established an

exclusive fishing zone that encompasses Louisa Reef, but has not publicly

claimed the island

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy

Terrain:

flat coastal plain rises to mountains in east; hilly lowland in west

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

79%

other:

18%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

typhoons, earthquakes, and severe flooding are rare

Note:

close to vital sea lanes through South China Sea linking Indian and Pacific

Oceans; two parts physically separated by Malaysia; almost an enclave of

Malaysia

*Brunei, People

Population:

276,984 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.77% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.55 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate: 5.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

25.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.94 years

male:

69.27 years

female:

72.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bruneian(s)

adjective:

Bruneian

Ethnic divisions:

Malay 64%, Chinese 20%, other 16%

Religions:

Muslim (official) 63%, Buddhism 14%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs and

other 15% (1981)

Languages:

Malay (official), English, Chinese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

77%

male:

85%

female:

69%

Labor force:

89,000 (includes members of the Army)

by occupation:

government 47.5%, production of oil, natural gas, services, and construction

41.9%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 3.8% (1986)

note:

33% of labor force is foreign (1988)

*Brunei, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Negara Brunei Darussalam

conventional short form:

Brunei

Digraph:

BX

Type:

constitutional sultanate

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Administrative divisions:

4 districts (daerah-daerah, singular - daerah); Belait, Brunei and Muara,

Temburong, Tutong

Independence:

1 January 1984 (from UK)

Constitution:

29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency

since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)

Legal system:

based on Islamic law

National holiday:

23 February (1984)

Political parties and leaders:

Brunei United National Party (inactive), Anak HASANUDDIN, chairman; Brunei

National Democratic Party (the first legal political party and now banned),

leader NA

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held in March 1962; in 1970 the Council was changed to an appointive

body by decree of the sultan and no elections are planned

Executive branch:

sultan, prime minister, Council of Cabinet Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council (Majlis Masyuarat Megeri)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Sultan and Prime Minister His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji

HASSANAL Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah (since 5 October 1967)

Member of:

APEC, ASEAN, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, ICAO, IDB, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mohamed KASSIM bin Haji Mohamed Daud

chancery:

2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 342-0159

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Donald Burnham ENSENAT

embassy:

Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan

*Brunei, Government

mailing address:

American Embassy Box B, APO AP 96440

telephone: [673] (2) 229-670

FAX:

[673] (2) 225-293

Flag:

yellow with two diagonal bands of white (top, almost double width) and black

starting from the upper hoist side; the national emblem in red is

superimposed at the center; the emblem includes a swallow-tailed flag on top

of a winged column within an upturned crescent above a scroll and flanked by

two upraised hands

*Brunei, Economy

Overview:

The economy is a mixture of foreign and domestic entrepreneurship,

government regulation and welfare measures, and village tradition. It is

almost totally supported by exports of crude oil and natural gas, with

revenues from the petroleum sector accounting for more than 50% of GDP. Per

capita GDP of $8,800 is among the highest in the Third World, and

substantial income from overseas investment supplements domestic production.

The government provides for all medical services and subsidizes food and

housing.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$8,800 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $255 million (1989 est.)

Exports:

$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products

partners:

Japan 53%, UK 12%, South Korea 9%, Thailand 7%, Singapore 5% (1990)

Imports:

$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals

partners:

Singapore 35%, UK 26%, Switzerland 9%, US 9%, Japan 5% (1990)

External debt:

$0

Industrial production:

growth rate 12.9% (1987); accounts for 52.4% of GDP

Electricity:

310,000 kW capacity; 890 million kWh produced, 3,300 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas, construction

Agriculture:

imports about 80% of its food needs; principal crops and livestock include

rice, cassava, bananas, buffaloes, and pigs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $20.6 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $153 million

Currency:

1 Bruneian dollar (B$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Bruneian dollars (B$) per US$1 - 1.6531 (January 1993), 1.6290 (1992),

1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988); note - the

Bruneian dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Brunei, Communications

Railroads:

13 km 0.610-meter narrow-gauge private line

Highways:

1,090 km total; 370 km paved (bituminous treated) and another 52 km under

construction, 720 km gravel or unimproved

Inland waterways:

209 km; navigable by craft drawing less than 1.2 meters

Pipelines:

crude oil 135 km; petroleum products 418 km; natural gas 920 km

Ports:

Kuala Belait, Muara

Merchant marine:

7 liquefied gas carriers (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,476 GRT/340,635

DWT

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runway over 3,659 m:

1

with runway 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runway 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

service throughout country is adequate for present needs; international

service good to adjacent Malaysia; radiobroadcast coverage good; 33,000

telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 4 AM/FM, 1 TV; 74,000 radio

receivers (1987); satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1

Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

*Brunei, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Royal Brunei Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 77,407; fit for military service 45,112; reach military age

(18) annually 2,676 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 9% of GDP (1990)

*Bulgaria, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Romania and Turkey

Map references:

Africa, Arctic Region, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Middle East,

Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

110,910 km2

land area:

110,550 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total 1,808 km, Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and

Montenegro 318 km (all with Serbia), Turkey 240 km

Coastline:

354 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Macedonia question with Greece and Macedonia

Climate:

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and south

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land:

34%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to earthquakes, landslides; deforestation; air pollution

Note:

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from

Europe to Middle East and Asia

*Bulgaria, People

Population:

8,831,168 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.39% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.82 years

male:

69.55 years

female:

76.26 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.71 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Bulgarian(s)

adjective:

Bulgarian

Ethnic divisions:

Bulgarian 85.3%, Turk 8.5%, Gypsy 2.6%, Macedonian 2.5%, Armenian 0.3%,

Russian 0.2%, other 0.6%

Religions:

Bulgarian Orthodox 85%, Muslim 13%, Jewish 0.8%, Roman Catholic 0.5%, Uniate

Catholic 0.2%, Protestant, Gregorian-Armenian, and other 0.5%

Languages:

Bulgarian; secondary languages closely correspond to ethnic breakdown

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1970)

total population:

93%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

4.3 million by occupation:

industry 33%, agriculture 20%, other 47% (1987)

*Bulgaria, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Bulgaria

conventional short form:

Bulgaria

Digraph:

BU

Type:

emerging democracy

Capital:

Sofia

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (oblasti, singular - oblast); Burgas, Grad Sofiya, Khaskovo,

Lovech, Mikhaylovgrad, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Sofiya, Varna

Independence:

22 September 1908 (from Ottoman Empire)

Constitution:

adopted 12 July 1991

Legal system:

based on civil law system, with Soviet law influence; has accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

3 March (1878)

Political parties and leaders:

Union of Democratic Forces (UDF), Filip DIMITROV, chairman, an alliance of

approximately 20 pro-Democratic parties including United Democratic Center,

Democratic Party, Radical Democratic Party, Christian Democratic Union,

Alternative Social Liberal Party, Republican Party, Civic Initiative

Movement, Union of the Repressed, and about a dozen other groups; Movement

for Rights and Freedoms (ethnic Turkish party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman;

Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Ecoglasnost; Podkrepa (Support) Labor Confederation; Fatherland Union;

Bulgarian Democratic Youth (formerly Communist Youth Union); Confederation

of Independent Trade Unions of Bulgaria (KNSB); Nationwide Committee for

Defense of National Interests; Peasant Youth League; Bulgarian Agrarian

National Union - United (BZNS); Bulgarian Democratic Center; "Nikola Petkov"

Bulgarian Agrarian National Union; Internal Macedonian Revolutionary

Organization - Union of Macedonian Societies (IMRO-UMS); numerous regional,

ethnic, and national interest groups with various agendas

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held January 1992; results - Zhelyu ZHELEV was elected by popular vote

National Assembly:

last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF 34%, BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats -

(240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24

Executive branch: president, chairman of the Council of Ministers (prime minister), three

deputy chairmen of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Narodno Sobranie)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Zhelyu Mitev ZHELEV (since 1 August 1990); Vice President Blaga

Nikolova DIMITROVA (since NA)

*Bulgaria, Government

Head of Government:

Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) Lyuben Borisov BEROV

(since 30 December 1992); Deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers

(Deputy Prime Ministers) Valentin KARABASHEV, Neycho NEEV, and Evgeniy

MATINCHEV (since 30 December 1992)

Member of:

BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS,

NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ognyan Raytchev PISHEV

chancery:

1621 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 387-7969

FAX:

(202) 234-7973

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Hugh Kenneth HILL

embassy:

1 Alexander Stamboliski Boulevard, Sofia, Unit 25402

mailing address:

APO AE 09213-5740

telephone:

[359] (2) 88-48-01 through 05

FAX:

[359] (2) 80-19-77

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), green, and red; the national

emblem formerly on the hoist side of the white stripe has been removed - it

contained a rampant lion within a wreath of wheat ears below a red

five-pointed star and above a ribbon bearing the dates 681 (first Bulgarian

state established) and 1944 (liberation from Nazi control)

*Bulgaria, Economy

Overview:

Growth in the lackluster Bulgarian economy fell to the 2% annual level in

the 1980s. By 1990, Sofia's foreign debt had skyrocketed to over $10 billion

- giving a debt-service ratio of more than 40% of hard currency earnings and

leading the regime to declare a moratorium on its hard currency payments.

The post-Communist government faces major problems of renovating an aging

industrial plant; keeping abreast of rapidly unfolding technological

developments; investing in additional energy capacity (the portion of

electric power from nuclear energy reached over one-third in 1990); and

motivating workers, in part by giving them a share in the earnings of their

enterprises. Political bickering in Sofia and the collapse of the DIMITROV

government in October 1992 have slowed the economic reform process. New

Prime Minister BEROV, however, has pledged to continue the reforms initiated

by the previous government. He has promised to continue cooperation with the

World Bank and IMF, advance negotiations on rescheduling commercial debt,

and push ahead with privatization. BEROV's government - whose main

parliamentary supporters are the former Communist Bulgarian Socialist Party

(BSP) - nonetheless appears likely to pursue more interventionist tactics in

overcoming the country's economic problems.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $34.1 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-7.7% (1992)

National product per capita:

$3,800 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

80% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $8 billion; expenditures $5 billion, including capital expenditures

of $NA (1991 est.)

Exports:

$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and equipment 30.6%; agricultural products 24%; manufactured

consumer goods 22.2%; fuels, minerals, raw materials, and metals 10.5%;

other 12.7% (1991)

partners:

former CEMA countries 57.7% (USSR 48.6%, Poland 2.1%, Czechoslovakia 0.9%);

developed countries 26.3% (Germany 4.8%, Greece 2.2%); less developed

countries 15.9% (Libya 2.1%, Iran 0.7%) (1991)

Imports:

$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

fuels, minerals, and raw materials 58.7%; machinery and equipment 15.8%;

manufactured consumer goods 4.4%; agricultural products 15.2%; other 5.9%

partners:

former CEMA countries 51.0% (former USSR 43.2%, Poland 3.7%); developed

countries 32.8% (Germany 7.0%, Austria 4.7%); less developed countries 16.2%

(Iran 2.8%, Libya 2.5%)

External debt:

$12 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -21% (1992 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990)

Electricity: 11,500,000 kW capacity; 45,000 million kWh produced, 5,070 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Bulgaria, Economy

Industries:

machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles,

building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals

Agriculture:

accounts for 22% of GDP (1990); climate and soil conditions support

livestock raising and the growing of various grain crops, oilseeds,

vegetables, fruits, and tobacco; more than one-third of the arable land

devoted to grain; world's fourth-largest tobacco exporter; surplus food

producer

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

donor - $1.6 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed

countries (1956-89)

Currency:

1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki

Exchange rates:

leva (Lv) per US$1 - 24.56 (January 1993),17.18 (January 1992), 16.13 (March

1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989), 0.82 (1988), 0.90 (1987); note -

floating exchange rate since February 1991

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Bulgaria, Communications

Railroads:

4,300 km total, all government owned (1987); 4,055 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge, 245 km narrow gauge; 917 km double track; 2,640 km electrified

Highways:

36,908 km total; 33,535 km hard surface (including 242 km superhighways);

3,373 km earth roads (1987)

Inland waterways:

470 km (1987)

Pipelines:

crude oil 193 km; petroleum products 525 km; natural gas 1,400 km (1992)

Ports:

coastal - Burgas, Varna, Varna West; inland - Ruse, Vidin, and Lom on the

Danube

Merchant marine:

112 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,262,320 GRT/1,887,729 DWT;

includes 2 short-sea passenger, 30 cargo, 2 container, 1 passenger-cargo

training, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 15 oil tanker, 4 chemical carrier, 2 railcar

carrier, 50 bulk; Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717

DWT operating under Liberian registry

Airports:

total:

380 usable:

380

with permanent-surface runways:

120

with runways over 3659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

20

Telecommunications:

extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and mirowave

radio relay; 2.6 million telephones; direct dialing to 36 countries; phone

density is 29 phones per 100 persons (1992); almost two-thirds of the lines

are residential; 67% of Sofia households have phones (November 1988);

telephone service is available in most villages; broadcast stations - 20 AM,

15 FM, and 29 TV, with 1 Soviet TV repeater in Sofia; 2.1 million TV sets

(1990); 92% of country receives No. 1 television program (May 1990); 1

satellite ground station using Intersputnik; INTELSAT is used through a

Greek earth station

*Bulgaria, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Troops, Internal Troops

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,178,136; fit for military service 1,819,901; reach

military age (19) annually 69,495 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

5.77 billion leva, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Burkina, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, between Ghana and Mali

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

274,200 km2

land area:

273,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total 3,192 km, Benin 306 km, Ghana 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 584 km, Mali 1,000

km, Niger 628 km, Togo 126 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none; landlocked

International disputes:

the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted

to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ

issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept;

Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the

tripoint with Niger

Climate:

tropical; warm, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to dissected, undulating plains; hills in west and southeast

Natural resources:

manganese, limestone, marble; small deposits of gold, antimony, copper,

nickel, bauxite, lead, phosphates, zinc, silver

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

37%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

27%

Irrigated land:

160 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recent droughts and desertification severely affecting marginal agricultural

activities, population distribution, economy; overgrazing; deforestation

Note:

landlocked

*Burkina, People

Population:

9,852,529 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.83% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

48.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

18.19 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

119.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

47.47 years

male:

46.66 years

female:

48.3 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Burkinabe (singular and plural)

adjective:

Burkinabe

Ethnic divisions:

Mossi (about 2.5 million), Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 25%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%

Languages:

French (official), tribal languages belong to Sudanic family, spoken by 90%

of the population

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

18%

male:

28%

female:

9%

Labor force:

3.3 million residents; 30,000 are wage earners

by occupation:

agriculture 82%, industry 13%, commerce, services, and government 5%

note:

20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for

seasonal employment (1984); 44% of population of working age (1985)

*Burkina, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Burkina Faso

conventional short form:

Burkina

former:

Upper Volta

Digraph:

UV

Type:

parliamentary

Capital:

Ouagadougou

Administrative divisions:

30 provinces; Bam, Bazega, Bougouriba, Boulgou, Boulkiemde, Ganzourgou,

Gnagna, Gourma, Houet, Kadiogo, Kenedougou, Komoe, Kossi, Kouritenga,

Mouhoun, Namentenga, Naouri, Oubritenga, Oudalan, Passore, Poni, Sanguie,

Sanmatenga, Seno, Sissili, Soum, Sourou, Tapoa, Yatenga, Zoundweogo

Independence:

5 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

June 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983)

Political parties and leaders:

Organization for People's Democracy-Labor Movement (ODP-MT), ruling party,

Marc Christian Roch KABORE; National Convention of Progressive

Patriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Pierre TAPSOBA; African

Democratic Assembly (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance for Democracy

and Federation (ADF), Herman YAMEOGO

Other political or pressure groups:

committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/political action

groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

President:

last held December 1991

Assembly of People's Deputies:

last held 24 May 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (107 total), ODP-MT 78, CNPP-PSD 12, RDA 6, ADF 4, other 7

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

Assembly of People's Deputies

note:

the current law also provides for a second consultative chamber, which had

not been formally constituted as of 1 July 1992

Judicial branch:

Appeals Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987)

*Burkina, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-5577 or 6895

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edward P. BYRNN

embassy:

Avenue Raoul Follerau, Ouagadougou

mailing address: 01 B. P. 35, Ouagadougou

telephone:

[226] 30-67- 23 through 25

FAX:

[226] 31-23-68

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a yellow five-pointed

star in the center; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Burkina, Economy

Overview:

One of the poorest countries in the world, Burkina has a high population

density, few natural resources, and relatively infertile soil. Economic

development is hindered by a poor communications network within a landlocked

country. Agriculture provides about 40% of GDP and is entirely of a

subsistence nature. Industry, dominated by unprofitable

government-controlled corporations, accounts for about 15% of GDP.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

1.3% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$350 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $495 million; expenditures $786 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991)

Exports:

$304.8 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

cotton, gold, animal products

partners:

EC 45%, Taiwan 15%, Cote d'Ivoire 15% (1987)

Imports:

$593 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

machinery, food products, petroleum

partners:

EC 51%, Africa 25%, US 6% (1987)

External debt:

$865 million (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.7% (1990 est.), accounts for about 23% of GDP (1989)

Electricity:

120,000 kW capacity; 320 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles,

gold mining and extraction

Agriculture:

accounts for about 30% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts, sesame,

cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not

self-sufficient in food grains

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $113 million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

CFA francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11

(1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Burkina, Communications

Railroads:

620 km total; 520 km Ouagadougou to Cote d'Ivoire border and 100 km

Ouagadougou to Kaya; all 1.00-meter gauge and single track

Highways:

16,500 km total; 1,300 km paved, 7,400 km improved, 7,800 km unimproved

(1985)

Airports:

total:

48

usable:

38

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

all services only fair; microwave radio relay, wire, and radio communication

stations in use; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Burkina, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Police, People's Militia

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,947,935; fit for military service 995,532 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Burma, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

678,500 km2

land area:

657,740 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,876 km, Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235

km, Thailand 1,800 km

Coastline:

1,930 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or to the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June

to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower

humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)

Terrain:

central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some

marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

15%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

49%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

10,180 km2 (1989)

Environment:

subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides

common during rainy season (June to September); deforestation

Note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

*Burma, People

Population:

43,455,953 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.88% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

28.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

65.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

59.5 years

male:

57.5 years

female:

61.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Burmese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Burmese

Ethnic divisions:

Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Mon 2%, Indian 2%,

other 5%

Religions:

Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%), Muslim 4%,

animist beliefs 1%, other 2%

Languages:

Burmese; minority ethnic groups have their own languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

81%

male:

89%

female:

72%

Labor force:

16.007 million (1992)

by occupation:

agriculture 65.2%, industry 14.3%, trade 10.1%, government 6.3%, other 4.1%

(FY89 est.)

*Burma, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Union of Burma

conventional short form:

Burma

local long form:

Pyidaungzu Myanma Naingngandaw (translated by the US Government as Union of

Myanma and by the Burmese as Union of Myanmar)

local short form:

Myanma Naingngandaw

former:

Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma

Digraph:

BM

Type:

military regime

Capital:

Rangoon (sometimes translated as Yangon)

Administrative divisions:

7 divisions* (yin-mya, singular - yin) and 7 states (pyine-mya, singular -, pyine); Chin State,

Irrawaddy*, Kachin State, Karan State, Kayah State,, Magwe*, Mandalay*, Mon State, Pegu*, Rakhine,

State, Rangoon*, Sagaing*, Shan, State, Tenasserim*, Independence:

4 January 1948 (from UK)

Constitution:

3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); National Convention

started on 9 January 1993 to draft chapter headings for a new constitution

Legal system:

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 January (1948)

Political parties and leaders:

National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for

Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE; National Coalition of Union of Burma (NCGUB),

SEIN WIN (which consists of individuals legitimately elected to parliament,

but not recognized by military regime) fled to border area and joined with

insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government

Other political or pressure groups:

Kachin Independence Army (KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen National

Union (KNU - the only non-drug group); several Shan factions, including the

Mong Tai Army (MTA)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

People's Assembly:

last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats

- (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79

Executive branch:

chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council, State Law and Order

Restoration Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw) was dissolved after the coup

of 18 September 1988

Judicial branch: none; Council of People's Justices was abolished after the coup of 18

September 1988

*Burma, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE

(since 23 April 1992)

Member of:

AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador U THAUNG

chancery:

2300 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-9044 through 9046

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Deputy Chief of Mission, Charge d'Affaires Franklin P. HUDDLE, Jr.

embassy:

581 Merchant Street, Rangoon

mailing address:

GPO Box 521, AMEMB Box B, APO AP 96546

telephone:

[95] (1) 82055, 82181

FAX:

[95] (1) 80409

Flag:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing, all in

white, 14 five-pointed stars encircling a cogwheel containing a stalk of

rice; the 14 stars represent the 14 administrative divisions

*Burma, Economy

Overview:

Burma is a poor Asian country, with a per capita GDP of about $660. The

nation has been unable to achieve any substantial improvement in export

earnings because of falling prices for many of its major commodity exports.

For rice, traditionally the most important export, the drop in world prices

has been accompanied by shrinking markets and a smaller volume of sales. In

1985 teak replaced rice as the largest export and continues to hold this

position. The economy is heavily dependent on the agricultural sector, which

generates about 40% of GDP and provides employment for 65% of the work

force. Burma has been largely isolated from international economic forces

and has been trying to encourage foreign investment, so far with little

success.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $28 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.3% (1992)

National product per capita:

$660 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

50% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

9.6% (FY89 est.) in urban areas

Budget:

revenues $8.1 billion; expenditures $11.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$535.1 million (FY92)

commodities:

teak, rice, oilseed, metals, rubber, gems

partners:

China, India, Thailand, Singapore

Imports:

$907.0 million (FY92)

commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products

partners:

Japan, China, Singapore

External debt:

$4 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.6% (FY90 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP

Electricity:

1,100,000 kW capacity; 2,800 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

agricultural processing; textiles and footwear; wood and wood products;

petroleum refining; mining of copper, tin, tungsten, iron; construction

materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP (including fish and forestry); self-sufficient in

food; principal crops - paddy rice, corn, oilseed, sugarcane, pulses;

world's largest stand of hardwood trees; rice and teak account for 55% of

export revenues

Illicit drugs:

world's largest illicit producer of opium poppy and minor producer of

cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production has nearly

doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs

*Burma, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $158 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.9 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $424 million

Currency:

1 kyat (K) = 100 pyas

Exchange rates: kyats (K) per US$1 - 6.0963 (January 1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990),

6.7049 (1989), 6.46 (1988), 6.6535 (1987); unofficial - 105

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Burma, Communications

Railroads:

3,991 km total, all government owned; 3,878 km 1.000-meter gauge, 113 km

narrow-gauge industrial lines; 362 km double track

Highways:

27,000 km total; 3,200 km bituminous, 17,700 km improved earth or gravel,

6,100 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

12,800 km; 3,200 km navigable by large commercial vessels

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,343 km; natural gas 330 km

Ports:

Rangoon, Moulmein, Bassein

Merchant marine:

62 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 940,264 GRT/1,315,156 DWT; includes 3

passenger-cargo, 18 cargo, 5 refrigerated cargo, 4 vehicle carrier, 2

container, 2 oil tanker, 3 chemical, 1 combination ore/oil, 23 bulk, 1

combination bulk

Airports:

total:

83

usable:

78

with permanent-surface runways:

26

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

38

Telecommunications:

meets minimum requirements for local and intercity service for business and

government; international service is good; 53,000 telephones (1986);

radiobroadcast coverage is limited to the most populous areas; broadcast

stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (1985); 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Burma, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 11,004,419; females age 15-49 10,945,899; males fit for

military service 5,894,514; females fit for military service 5,847,958;

males reach military age (18) annually 435,030; females reach military age

(18) annually 420,487 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for military

service

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP (1992)

*Burundi, Geography

Location:

Central Africa, between Tanzania and Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

27,830 km2

land area:

25,650 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 974 km, Rwanda 290 km, Tanzania 451 km, Zaire 233 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; warm; occasional frost in uplands

Terrain:

mostly rolling to hilly highland; some plains

Natural resources:

nickel, uranium, rare earth oxide, peat, cobalt, copper, platinum (not yet

exploited), vanadium

Land use:

arable land:

43%

permanent crops:

8%

meadows and pastures:

35%

forest and woodland:

2%

other:

12%

Irrigated land:

720 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

soil exhaustion; soil erosion; deforestation

Note:

landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed

*Burundi, People

Population:

5,985,308 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.34% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

21.25 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

115.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

40.75 years

male:

38.79 years

female:

42.76 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.76 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Burundian(s)

adjective:

Burundi

Ethnic divisions:

Africans:

Hutu (Bantu) 85%, Tutsi (Hamitic) 14%, Twa (Pygmy) 1% (other Africans

include about 70,000 refugees, mostly Rwandans and Zairians)

non-Africans:

Europeans 3,000, South Asians 2,000

Religions:

Christian 67% (Roman Catholic 62%, Protestant 5%), indigenous beliefs 32%,

Muslim 1%

Languages:

Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili (along Lake Tanganyika and in

the Bujumbura area)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

50%

male:

61%

female:

40%

Labor force:

1.9 million (1983 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 93.0%, government 4.0%, industry and commerce 1.5%, services

1.5%

note:

52% of population of working age (1985)

*Burundi, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Burundi

conventional short form:

Burundi

local long form:

Republika y'u Burundi

local short form:

Burundi

Digraph:

BY

Type:

republic

Capital:

Bujumbura

Administrative divisions:

15 provinces; Bubanza, Bujumbura, Bururi, Cankuzo, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karuzi,

Kayanza, Kirundo, Makamba, Muramvya, Muyinga, Ngozi, Rutana, Ruyigi

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

Constitution:

13 March 1992 draft provides for establishment of plural political system

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - National Party of Unity and Progress (UPRONA), Nicolas MAYUGI,

secretary general;

note:

although Burundi is still officially a one-party state, at least four

political parties were formed in 1991 and set the precedent for

constitutional reform in 1992 - Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU),

Organization of the People of Burundi (RPB), Socialist Party of Burundi

(PSB), Royalist Parliamentary Party (PRP) - the most significant opposition

party is FRODEBU, led by Melchior NDADAYE; the Party for the Liberation of

the Hutu People (PALIPEHUTU), formed in exile in the early 1980s, is an

ethnically based political party dedicated to majority rule; the government

has long accused PALIPEHUTU of practicing devisive ethnic politics and

fomenting violence against the state; PALIPEHUTU's exclusivist charter makes

it an unlikely candidate for legalization under the new constitution that

will require party membership open to all ethnic groups

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

National Assembly:

note - The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for

constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February

1991; new elections to the National Assembly are to take place 29 June 1993;

presidential elections are to take place 1 June 1993

Executive branch:

president; chairman of the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity

and Progress (UPRONA), prime minister

*Burundi, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved following

the coup of 3 September 1987; at an extraordinary party congress held from

27 to 29 December 1990, the Central Committee of the National Party of Unity

and Progress (UPRONA) replaced the Military Committee for National

Salvation, and became the supreme governing body during the transition to

constitutional government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Major Pierre BUYOYA (since 9 September 1987)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Adrien SIBOMANA (since 26 October 1988)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Julien KAVAKURE

chancery:

Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 342-2574

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Cynthia Shepherd PERRY

embassy:

Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura

mailing address:

B. P. 1720, Bujumbura

telephone:

[257] (223) 454

FAX:

[257] (222) 926

Flag:

divided by a white diagonal cross into red panels (top and bottom) and green

panels (hoist side and outer side) with a white disk superimposed at the

center bearing three red six-pointed stars outlined in green arranged in a

triangular design (one star above, two stars below)

*Burundi, Economy

Overview:

A landlocked, resource-poor country in an early stage of economic

development, Burundi is predominately agricultural with only a few basic

industries. Its economic health depends on the coffee crop, which accounts

for an average 90% of foreign exchange earnings each year. The ability to

pay for imports therefore continues to rest largely on the vagaries of the

climate and the international coffee market. As part of its economic reform

agenda, launched in February 1991 with IMF and World Bank support, Burundi

is trying to diversify its agricultural exports and attract foreign

investment in industry. Several state-owned coffee companies were privatized

via public auction in September 1991.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.23 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$205 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $318 million; expenditures $326 million, including capital

expenditures of $150 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$91.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

coffee 81%, tea, hides, and skins

partners:

EC 83%, US 5%, Asia 2%

Imports:

$246 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods

partners:

EC 57%, Asia 23%, US 3%

External debt:

$1 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

real growth rate 11.0% (1991 est.); accounts for about 5% of GDP

Electricity:

55,000 kW capacity; 105 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imports;

public works construction; food processing

Agriculture:

accounts for 60% of GDP; 90% of population dependent on subsistence farming;

marginally self-sufficient in food production; cash crops - coffee, cotton,

tea; food crops - corn, sorghum, sweet potatoes, bananas, manioc; livestock

- meat, milk, hides and skins

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $71 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.2 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $32 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175

million

Currency:

1 Burundi franc (FBu) = 100 centimes

*Burundi, Economy

Exchange rates:

Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 235.75 (January 1993), 208.30 (1992), 181.51

(1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Burundi, Communications

Highways:

5,900 km total; 400 km paved, 2,500 km gravel or laterite, 3,000 km improved

or unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

Lake Tanganyika

Ports:

Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and

Zaire

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

sparse system of wire, radiocommunications, and low-capacity microwave radio

relay links; 8,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Burundi, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (includes naval and air units), paramilitary Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,283,308; fit for military service 670,381; reach military

age (16) annually 62,700 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989)

*Cambodia, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand and Vietnam

Map references: Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

181,040 km2

land area:

176,520 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oklahoma

Land boundaries:

total 2,572 km, Laos 541 km, Thailand 803 km, Vietnam 1,228 km

Coastline:

443 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

offshore islands and three sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in

dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined

Climate:

tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to October); dry season (December to

March); little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north

Natural resources:

timber, gemstones, some iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower

potential

Land use:

arable land:

16%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

76%

other:

4%

Irrigated land:

920 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

a land of paddies and forests dominated by Mekong River and Tonle Sap

Note:

buffer between Thailand and Vietnam

*Cambodia, People

Population:

9,898,900 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

4.41% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.52 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

15.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

111.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

49.06 years

male:

47.6 years

female:

50.6 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.81 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cambodian(s)

adjective:

Cambodian

Ethnic divisions:

Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%

Religions:

Theravada Buddhism 95%, other 5%

Languages:

Khmer (official), French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

35%

male:

48%

female:

22%

Labor force:

2,500,000 to 3,000,000

by occupation:

agriculture 80% (1988 est.)

*Cambodia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Cambodia

Digraph:

CB

Type:

transitional government currently administered by the Supreme National

Council (SNC), a body set up under United Nations' auspices, in preparation

for an internationally supervised election in 1993 and including

representatives from each of the country's four political factions

Capital:

Phnom Penh

Administrative divisions:

20 provinces (khet, singular and plural); Banteay Meanchey, Batdambang,

Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Spoe, Kampong Thum, Kampot, Kandal,

Kaoh Kong, Kracheh, Mondol Kiri, Phnum Penh, Pouthisat, Preah Vihear, Prey

Veng, Rotanokiri, Siemreab-Otdar Meanchey, Stoeng Treng, Svay Rieng, Takev

Independence:

9 November 1949 (from France)

Constitution:

a new constitution will be drafted after the national election in 1993

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

NGC:

Independence Day, 17 April (1975)

SOC:

Liberation Day, 7 January (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU

SAMPHAN; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) under

CHEA SIM; Khmer People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) under SON SANN;

National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative

Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH; Liberal Democratic

Party (LDP) under SAK SUTSAKHAN

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

UN-supervised election for a 120-member constituent assembly based on

proportional representation within each province is scheduled for 23-27 May

1993; the assembly will draft and approve a constitution and then transform

itself into a legislature that will create a new Cambodian Government

Executive branch:

a 12 member Supreme National Council (SNC), chaired by Prince NORODOM

SIHANOUK, composed of representatives from each of the four political

factions; faction names and delegation leaders are: State of Cambodia (SOC)

- HUN SEN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK or Khmer Rouge) - KHIEU SAMPHAN; Khmer

People's National Liberation Front (KPNLF) - SON SANN; National United Front

for an Independent, Peaceful, Neutral, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)

- Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH

Legislative branch:

pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent SOC faction's unicameral

National Assembly is the only functioning national legislative body

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court pending a national election in 1993, the incumbent

SOC faction's Supreme People's Court is the only functioning national

judicial body

*Cambodia, Government

Leaders: Chief of State:

SNC - Chairman Prince NORODOM SIHANOUK, under UN supervision

Head of Government:

NGC - vacant, but will be determined following the national election in

1993; SOC - Chairman of the Council of Ministers HUN SEN (since 14 January

1985)

Member of:

AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

the Supreme National Council (SNC) represents Cambodia in international

organizations

US diplomatic representation:

US representative:

Charles TWINNING

mission:

27 EO Street 240, Phnom Penh

mailing address:

Box P, APO AP 96546

telephone:

(855) 23-26436 or (855) 23-26438

FAX:

(855) 23-26437

Flag:

SNC - blue background with white map of Cambodia in middle; SOC - two equal

horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a gold stylized five-towered

temple representing Angkor Wat in the center

*Cambodia, Economy

Overview:

Cambodia remains a desperately poor country whose economic recovery is held

hostage to continued political unrest and factional hostilities. The

country's immediate economic challenge is an acute financial crisis that is

undermining monetary stability and preventing disbursement of foreign

development assistance. Cambodia is still recovering from an abrupt shift in

1990 to free-market economic mechanisms and a cutoff in aid from former

Soviet bloc countries; these changes have severely impacted on public sector

revenues and performance. The country's infrastructure of roads, bridges,

and power plants has been severely degraded, now having only 40-50% of

prewar capacity. The economy remains essentially rural, with 90% of the

population living in the countryside and dependent mainly on subsistence

agriculture. Statistical data on the economy continue to be sparse and

unreliable.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$280 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

250-300% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $120 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$59 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

natural rubber, rice, pepper, wood

partners:

Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India

Imports:

$170 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinery

partners:

Vietnam, USSR, Eastern Europe, Japan, India

External debt:

$717 million (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

35,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 9 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining

Agriculture:

mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice,

rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products,

sugar, flour

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-US

countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8

billion

Currency:

1 riel (CR) = 100 sen

*Cambodia, Economy

Exchange rates:

riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,800 (September 1992), 500 (December 1991), 560

(1990), 159.00 (1988), 100.00 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Cambodia, Communications

Railroads:

612 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned

Highways:

13,351 km total; 2,622 km bituminous; 7,105 km crushed stone, gravel, or

improved earth; 3,624 km unimproved earth; some roads in disrepair

Inland waterways:

3,700 km navigable all year to craft drawing 0.6 meters; 282 km navigable to

craft drawing 1.8 meters

Ports:

Kampong Saom, Phnom Penh

Airports:

total:

15

usable:

9

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

service barely adequate for government requirements and virtually

nonexistent for general public; international service limited to Vietnam and

other adjacent countries; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV

*Cambodia, Defense Forces

Branches:

SOC:

Cambodian People's Armed Forces (CPAF)

Communist resistance forces:

National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)

non-Communist resistance forces:

Armee National Kampuchea Independent (ANKI) which is sometimes anglicized as

National Army of Independent Cambodia (NAIC), Khmer People's National

Liberation Armed Forces (KPNLAF)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,883,679; fit for military service 1,033,168; reach

military age (18) annually 74,585 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Cameroon, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Equatorial Guinea

and Nigeria

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

475,440 km2

land area:

469,440 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries: total 4,591 km, Central African Republic 797 km, Chad 1,094 km, Congo 523

km, Equatorial Guinea 189 km, Gabon 298 km, Nigeria 1,690 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

50 nm

International disputes:

demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has

led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification

by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission, created with

Nigeria to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries, has not yet

convened

Climate:

varies with terrain from tropical along coast to semiarid and hot in north

Terrain:

diverse, with coastal plain in southwest, dissected plateau in center,

mountains in west, plains in north

Natural resources:

petroleum, bauxite, iron ore, timber, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

13%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

54%

other:

13%

Irrigated land:

280 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases; deforestation;

overgrazing; desertification

Note:

sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa

*Cameroon, People

Population:

12,755,873 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.9% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

40.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

78.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population:

56.66 years

male:

54.65 years

female:

58.74 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.88 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cameroonian(s)

adjective:

Cameroonian

Ethnic divisions:

Cameroon Highlanders 31%, Equatorial Bantu 19%, Kirdi 11%, Fulani 10%,

Northwestern Bantu 8%, Eastern Nigritic 7%, other African 13%, non-African

less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 51%, Christian 33%, Muslim 16%

Languages:

24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

54%

male:

66%

female:

43%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 74.4%, industry and transport 11.4%, other services 14.2% (1983)

note:

50% of population of working age (15-64 years) (1985)

*Cameroon, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Cameroon

conventional short form:

Cameroon

former:

French Cameroon

Digraph:

CM

Type:

unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties

legalized 1990)

Capital:

Yaounde

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est, Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord,

Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest

Independence:

1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)

Constitution:

20 May 1972

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 20 May (1972)

Political parties and leaders:

Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), Paul BIYA, president, is

government-controlled and was formerly the only party, but opposition

parties were legalized in 1990

major opposition parties:

National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP)

major oppositon parties:

Social Democratic Front (SDF)

major opposition parties:

Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of Cameroonian Populations (UPC)

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 1 March 1992 (next scheduled for March 1997); results - (180

seats) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6

President:

last held 11 October 1992; results - President Paul BIYA reelected with

about 40% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud; SDF candidate

John FRU NDI got 36% of the vote; UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI got 19%

of the vote

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)

*Cameroon, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992)

Member of:

ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77,

GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission: Ambassador Paul PONDI

chancery:

2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-8790 through 8794

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Harriet ISOM

embassy:

Rue Nachtigal, Yaounde

mailing address:

B. P. 817, Yaounde

telephone:

[237] 234-014

FAX:

[237] 230-753

consulate:

Douala

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), red, and yellow with a

yellow five-pointed star centered in the red band; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Cameroon, Economy

Overview:

Because of its offshore oil resources, Cameroon has one of the highest

incomes per capita in tropical Africa. Still, it faces many of the serious

problems facing other underdeveloped countries, such as political

instability, a top-heavy civil service, and a generally unfavorable climate

for business enterprise. The development of the oil sector led rapid

economic growth between 1970 and 1985. Growth came to an abrupt halt in 1986

precipitated by steep declines in the prices of major exports: coffee,

cocoa, and petroleum. Export earnings were cut by almost one-third, and

inefficiencies in fiscal management were exposed. In 1990-92, with support

from the IMF and World Bank, the government has begun to introduce reforms

designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture,

and recapitalize the nation's banks. Nationwide strikes organized by

opposition parties in 1991, however, undermined these efforts.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $11.5 billion (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,040 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1990 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $2.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $422 million (FY90 est.)

Exports:

$1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum products 51%, coffee, beans, cocoa, aluminum products, timber

partners:

EC (particularly France) about 50%, US, African countries

Imports:

$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

machines and electrical equipment, food, consumer goods, transport equipment

partners:

EC about 60%, France 41%, Germany 9%, African countries, Japan, US 4%

External debt:

$6 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6.4% (FY87); accounts for 30% of GDP

Electricity:

755,000 kW capacity; 2,190 million kWh produced, 190 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

petroleum production and refining, food processing, light consumer goods,

textiles, sawmills

Agriculture:

the agriculture and forestry sectors provide employment for the majority of

the population, contributing nearly 25% to GDP and providing a high degree

of self-sufficiency in staple foods; commercial and food crops include

coffee, cocoa, timber, cotton, rubber, bananas, oilseed, grains, livestock,

root starches

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $479 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $4.75 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $29 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $125

million

*Cameroon, Economy

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Cameroon, Communications

Railroads:

1,003 km total; 858 km 1.000-meter gauge, 145 km 0.600-meter gauge

Highways:

about 65,000 km total; includes 2,682 km paved, 32,318 km gravel and

improved earth, and 30,000 km of unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

2,090 km; of decreasing importance

Ports: Douala

Merchant marine:

2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 24,122 GRT/33,509 DWT

Airports:

total:

59

usable:

51

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

51

Telecommunications:

good system of open wire, cable, troposcatter, and microwave radio relay;

26,000 telephones, 2 telephones per 1,000 persons, available only to

business and government; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 11 FM, 1 TV; 2 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Cameroon, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force, National Gendarmerie,

Presidential Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,844,280; fit for military service 1,432,563; reach

military age (18) annually 125,453 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $219 million, less than 2% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Canada, Geography

Location:

Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific

Ocean north of the US

Map references:

Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

9,976,140 km2

land area:

9,220,970 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than US

Land boundaries:

total 8,893 km, US 8,893 km (includes 2,477 km with Alaska)

Coastline:

243,791 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary disputes with the US; Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus

of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France

Climate:

varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Terrain:

mostly plains with mountains in west and lowlands in southeast

Natural resources:

nickel, zinc, copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, potash, silver, fish, timber,

wildlife, coal, petroleum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

57%

Irrigated land:

8,400 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

80% of population concentrated within 160 km of US border; continuous

permafrost in north a serious obstacle to development

Note:

second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between

Russia and US via north polar route

*Canada, People

Population:

27,769,993 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.28% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.35 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

5.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.98 years

male: 74.54 years

female:

81.6 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.84 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Canadian(s)

adjective:

Canadian

Ethnic divisions:

British Isles origin 40%, French origin 27%, other European 20%, indigenous

Indian and Eskimo 1.5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 46%, United Church 16%, Anglican 10%, other 28%

Languages:

English (official), French (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

13.38 million

by occupation:

services 75%, manufacturing 14%, agriculture 4%, construction 3%, other 4%

(1988)

*Canada, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Canada

Digraph:

CA

Type:

confederation with parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Ottawa

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces and 2 territories*; Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New, Brunswick,

Newfoundland, Northwest Territories*, Nova Scotia, Ontario,, Prince Edward Island, Quebec,

Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory*, Independence:

1 July 1867 (from UK)

Constitution:

amended British North America Act 1867 patriated to Canada 17 April 1982;

charter of rights and unwritten customs

Legal system: based on English common law, except in Quebec, where civil law system based

on French law prevails; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Canada Day, 1 July (1867)

Political parties and leaders:

Progressive Conservative Party, Brian MULRONEY; Liberal Party, Jean

CHRETIEN; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN; Reform Party, Preston

MANNING; Bloc Quebecois, Lucien BOUCHARD

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Commons:

last held 21 November 1988 (next to be held by November 1993); results -

Progressive Conservative Party 43%, Liberal Party 32%, New Democratic Party

20%, other 5%; seats - (295 total) Progressive Conservative Party 159,

Liberal Party 80, New Democratic Party 44, Bloc Quebecois 9, independents 3

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate

(Senat) and a lower house or House of Commons (Chambre des Communes)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Raymond John HNATYSHYN (since 29 January 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Kim CAMBELL was chosen to replace Brian MULRONEY on 13 June

1993

*Canada, Government

Member of:

ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB

(non-regional), COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, ESA (cooperating state),

FAO, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, ONUSAL,

PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WIPO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John DE CHASTELAIN

chancery:

501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

telephone:

(202) 682-1740

FAX:

(202) 682-7726

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles,

Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador-designate Governor James J. BLANCHARD

embassy:

100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa

mailing address:

P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430

telephone:

(613) 238-5335 or (613) 238-4470

FAX:

(613) 238-5720

consulates general:

Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver

Flag:

three vertical bands of red (hoist side), white (double width, square), and

red with a red maple leaf centered in the white band

*Canada, Economy

Overview:

As an affluent, high-tech industrial society, Canada today closely resembles

the US in per capita output, market-oriented economic system, and pattern of

production. Since World War II the impressive growth of the manufacturing,

mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural

economy into one primarily industrial and urban. In the 1980s, Canada

registered one of the highest rates of real growth among the OECD nations,

averaging about 3.2%. With its great natural resources, skilled labor force,

and modern capital plant, Canada has excellent economic prospects. However,

the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking

areas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation; foregn

investors have become edgy.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $537.1 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

0.9% (1992)

National product per capita:

$19,600 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.5% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

11.5% (December 1992)

Budget:

revenues $111.8 billion; expenditures $138.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY90 est.)

Exports:

$124.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

newsprint, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, machinery, natural gas,

aluminum, motor vehicles and parts; telecommunications equipment

partners:

US, Japan, UK, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, China

Imports:

$118 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

crude oil, chemicals, motor vehicles and parts, durable consumer goods,

electronic computers; telecommunications equipment and parts

partners:

US, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Mexico, Taiwan, South Korea

External debt:

$247 billion (1987)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1% (1992); accounts for 34% of GDP

Electricity:

109,340,000 kW capacity; 493,000 million kWh produced, 17,900 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

processed and unprocessed minerals, food products, wood and paper products,

transportation equipment, chemicals, fish products, petroleum and natural

gas

Agriculture:

accounts for about 3% of GDP; one of the world's major producers and

exporters of grain (wheat and barley); key source of US agricultural

imports; large forest resources cover 35% of total land area; commercial

fisheries provide annual catch of 1.5 million metric tons, of which 75% is

exported

*Canada, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic drug market; use of

hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of

high-quality marijuana indoors; growing role as a transit point for heroin

and cocaine entering the US market

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $7.2 billion

Currency:

1 Canadian dollar (Can$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Canadian dollars (Can$) per US$1 - 1.2776 (January 1993), 1.2087 (1992),

1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Canada, Communications

Railroads:

146,444 km total; two major transcontinental freight railway systems -

Canadian National (government owned) and Canadian Pacific Railway; passenger

service - VIA (government operated); 158 km is electrified

Highways:

884,272 km total; 712,936 km surfaced (250,023 km paved), 171,336 km earth

Inland waterways:

3,000 km, including Saint Lawrence Seaway

Pipelines:

crude and refined oil 23,564 km; natural gas 74,980 km

Ports:

Halifax, Montreal, Quebec, Saint John (New Brunswick), Saint John's

(Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver

Merchant marine:

63 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 454,582 GRT/646,329 DWT; includes 1

passenger, 3 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 8 cargo, 2 railcar

carrier, 1 refrigerated cargo, 7 roll-on/roll-off, 1 container, 24 oil

tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 9 bulk; note - does not

include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes

Airports:

total:

1,420

useable:

1,142

with permanent-surface runways:

457

with runways over 3,659 m:

4

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

30

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

330

Telecommunications:

excellent service provided by modern media; 18.0 million telephones;

broadcast stations - 900 AM, 29 FM, 53 (1,400 repeaters) TV; 5 coaxial

submarine cables; over 300 earth stations operating in INTELSAT (including 4

Atlantic Ocean and 1 Pacific Ocean) and domestic systems

*Canada, Defense Forces

Branches:

Canadian Armed Forces (including Land Forces Command, Maritime Command, Air

Command, Communications Command, Training Command), Royal Canadian Mounted

Police (RCMP)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 7,444,767; fit for military service 6,440,927; reach

military age (17) annually 191,884 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $11.3 billion, 2% of GDP (FY92/93)

*Cape Verde, Geography

Location:

in the southeastern North Atlantic Ocean, 500 km west of Senegal in Western

Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

4,030 km2

land area:

4,030 km2 comparative area:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

965 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; warm, dry, summer; precipitation very erratic

Terrain:

steep, rugged, rocky, volcanic

Natural resources:

salt, basalt rock, pozzolana, limestone, kaolin, fish

Land use:

arable land:

9%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

85%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility;

volcanically and seismically active; deforestation; overgrazing

Note:

strategic location 500 km from west coast of Africa near major north-south

sea routes; important communications station; important sea and air

refueling site

*Cape Verde, People

Population:

410,535 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.03% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

47.02 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.43 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 59.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.18 years

male:

60.3 years

female:

64.15 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.41 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cape Verdean(s)

adjective:

Cape Verdean

Ethnic divisions:

Creole (mulatto) 71%, African 28%, European 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholicism fused with indigenous beliefs

Languages:

Portuguese, Crioulo, a blend of Portuguese and West African words

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1989)

total population:

66%

male:

NA

female:

NA

Labor force:

102,000 (1985 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture (mostly subsistence) 57%, services 29%, industry 14% (1981)

note:

51% of population of working age (1985)

*Cape Verde, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Cape Verde

conventional short form:

Cape Verde

local long form:

Republica de Cabo Verde

local short form:

Cabo Verde

Digraph:

CV

Type:

republic

Capital:

Praia

Administrative divisions: 14 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Boa Vista, Brava, Fogo,

Maio,

Paul, Praia, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Sal, Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz,

Sao Nicolau, Sao Vicente, Tarrafal

Independence:

5 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

7 September 1980; amended 12 February 1981, December 1988, and 28 September

1990 (legalized opposition parties)

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

Movement for Democracy (MPD), Prime Minister Carlos VEIGA, founder and

chairman; African Party for Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), Pedro Verona

Rodrigues PIRES, chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

People's National Assembly:

last held 13 January 1991 (next to be held January 1996); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (79 total) MPD 56, PAICV 23; note - this

multiparty Assembly election ended 15 years of single-party rule

President:

last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results -

Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (MPD) received 72.6% of vote

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy minister, secretaries of state, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (since 22 March 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13 January

1991)

*Cape Verde, Government

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN (Cape

Verde assumed a nonpermanent seat on the Security Council on 1 January

1992), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Carlos Alberto Santos SILVA

chancery:

3415 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 965-6820 consulate general:

Boston

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Joseph SEGARS

embassy:

Rua Hoji Ya Henda 81, Praia

mailing address:

C. P. 201, Praia

telephone:

[238] 61-56-16 or 61-56-17

FAX:

[238] 61-13-55

Flag:

a new flag of unknown description reportedly has been adopted; previous flag

consisted of two equal horizontal bands of yellow (top) and green with a

vertical red band on the hoist side; in the upper portion of the red band is

a black five-pointed star framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell;

uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of

Guinea-Bissau, which is longer and has an unadorned black star centered in

the red band

*Cape Verde, Economy

Overview:

Cape Verde's low per capita GDP reflects a poor natural resource base, a

serious, long-term drought, and a high birthrate. The economy is service

oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for 60%

of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas,

agriculture's share of GDP is only 16%; the fishing sector accounts for 4%.

About 90% of food must be imported. The fishing potential, mostly lobster

and tuna, is not fully exploited. In 1988 fishing represented only 3.5% of

GDP. Cape Verde annually runs a high trade deficit, financed by remittances

from emigrants and foreign aid. Economic reforms launched by the new

democratic government in February 1991 are aimed at developing the private

sector and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $310 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$800 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.7% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1988)

Budget:

revenues $104 million; expenditures $133 million, including capital

expenditures of $72 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$5.7 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

fish, bananas, hides and skins

partners: Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.)

Imports:

$120 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, consumer goods, industrial products, transport equipment

partners:

Sweden 33%, Spain 11%, Germany 5%, Portugal 3%, France 3%, Netherlands, US

(1990 est.)

External debt:

$156 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 18% (1988 est.); accounts for 4% of GDP

Electricity:

15,000 kW capacity; 15 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

fish processing, salt mining, clothing factories, ship repair, construction

materials, food and beverage production

Agriculture:

accounts for 20% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming;

bananas are the only export crop; other crops - corn, beans, sweet potatoes,

coffee; growth potential of agricultural sector limited by poor soils and

scanty rainfall; annual food imports required; fish catch provides for both

domestic consumption and small exports

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY75-90), $93 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $586 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $12 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $36

million

*Cape Verde, Economy

Currency:

1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 75.47 (January 1993), 73.10 (1992),

71.41 (1991), 64.10 (November 1990), 74.86 (December 1989), 72.01 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Cape Verde, Communications

Ports:

Mindelo, Praia

Merchant marine:

7 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,717 GRT/19,000 DWT

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

6

with permanent-surface runways:

6 with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

interisland microwave radio relay system, high-frequency radio to Senegal

and Guinea-Bissau; over 1,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 1

TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Cape Verde, Defense Forces

Branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARP) (including Army and Navy),

Security Service

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 75,431; fit for military service 44,358 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Cayman Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Cayman Islands, Geography

Location:

in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearly halfway between Cuba and Honduras

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

260 km2

land area:

260 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

160 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively

dry winters (November to April)

Terrain:

low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs

Natural resources:

fish, climate and beaches that foster tourism

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

8%

forest and woodland:

23%

other:

69%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

within the Caribbean hurricane belt

Note:

important location between Cuba and Central America

*Cayman Islands, People

Population:

30,440 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

4.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.32 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.1 years

male:

75.37 years

female:

78.81 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.48 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Caymanian(s)

adjective:

Caymanian

Ethnic divisions: mixed 40%, white 20%, black 20%, expatriates of various ethnic groups 20%

Religions:

United Church (Presbyterian and Congregational), Anglican, Baptist, Roman

Catholic, Church of God, other Protestant denominations

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

98%

Labor force:

8,061

by occupation:

service workers 18.7%, clerical 18.6%, construction 12.5%, finance and

investment 6.7%, directors and business managers 5.9% (1979)

*Cayman Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Cayman Islands

Digraph:

CJ

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

George Town

Administrative divisions:

8 districts; Creek, Eastern, Midland, South Town, Spot Bay, Stake Bay, West

End, Western

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

1959, revised 1972

Legal system:

British common law and local statutes

National holiday:

Constitution Day (first Monday in July)

Political parties and leaders:

no formal political parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held November 1992 (next to be held November 1996); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected)

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly

Judicial branch:

Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Governor and President of the Executive Council Michael GORE (since NA May

1992)

Member of:

CARICOM (observer), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a dependent territory of the UK, Caymanian interests in the US are

represented by the UK

Flag:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Caymanian coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the

flag; the coat of arms includes a pineapple and turtle above a shield with

three stars (representing the three islands) and a scroll at the bottom

bearing the motto HE HATH FOUNDED IT UPON THE SEAS

*Cayman Islands, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends heavily on tourism (70% of GDP and 75% of export

earnings) and offshore financial services, with the tourist industry aimed

at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America.

About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods needs must be imported.

The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the region.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $670 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.4% (1991)

National product per capita:

$23,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $141.5 million; expenditures $160.7 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991)

Exports:

$1.5 million (f.o.b., 1987 est.)

commodities:

turtle products, manufactured consumer goods

partners:

mostly US

Imports:

$136 million (c.i.f., 1987 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactured goods

partners: US, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, Netherlands Antilles, Japan

External debt:

$15 million (1986)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

74,000 kW capacity; 256 million kWh produced, 8,780 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials,

furniture making

Agriculture:

minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $26.7 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $35 million

Currency:

1 Caymanian dollar (CI$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Caymanian dollars (CI$) per US$1 - 1.20 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Cayman Islands, Communications

Highways:

160 km of main roads

Ports:

George Town, Cayman Brac

Merchant marine:

29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 307,738 GRT/468,659 DWT; includes 1

passenger-cargo, 8 cargo, 8 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3 oil tanker, 2 chemical

tanker, 1 liquefied gas carrier, 4 bulk, 2 combination bulk; note - a flag

of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

35,000 telephones; telephone system uses 1 submarine coaxial cable and 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station to link islands and access

international services; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV

*Cayman Islands, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPF)

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Central African Republic, Geography

Location:

Central Africa, between Chad and Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

622,980 km2

land area:

622,980 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,203 km, Cameroon 797 km, Chad 1,197 km, Congo 467 km, Sudan 1,165

km, Zaire 1,577 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; hot, dry winters; mild to hot, wet summers

Terrain:

vast, flat to rolling, monotonous plateau; scattered hills in northeast and

southwest

Natural resources:

diamonds, uranium, timber, gold, oil

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

64%

other:

28%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas; poaching has

diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification

Note:

landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa

*Central African Republic, People

Population:

3,073,979 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.23% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

42.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

20.49 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

138.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

42.94 years

male:

41.46 years

female:

44.45 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Central African(s)

adjective:

Central African

Ethnic divisions:

Baya 34%, Banda 27%, Sara 10%, Mandjia 21%, Mboum 4%, M'Baka 4%, Europeans

6,500 (including 3,600 French)

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 24%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%,

other 11%

note:

animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages:

French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), Arabic,

Hunsa, Swahili

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

27%

male:

33%

female:

15%

Labor force:

775,413 (1986 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 85%, commerce and services 9%, industry 3%, government 3%

note:

about 64,000 salaried workers; 55% of population of working age (1985)

*Central African Republic, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Central African Republic

conventional short form:

none

local long form:

Republique Centrafricaine

local short form:

none

former:

Central African Empire

Abbreviation:

CAR

Digraph:

CT

Type:

republic; one-party presidential regime since 1986

Capital:

Bangui

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture), 2 economic prefectures*, (prefectures

economiques, singular - prefecture economique), and 1

commune**; Bamingui-Bangoran, Bangui** Basse-Kotto, Gribingui*, Haute-Kotto,, Haute-Sangha,

Haut-Mbomou, Kemo-Gribingui, Lobaye, Mbomou, Nana-Mambere,

Ombella-Mpoko, Ouaka, Ouham, Ouham-Pende, Sangha*, Vakaga, Independence:

13 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

21 November 1986

Legal system:

based on French law

National holiday:

National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic)

Political parties and leaders:

Central African Democratic Party (RDC), the government party, Laurent

GOMINA-PAMPALI; Council of Moderates Coalition includes; Union of the People

for Economic and Social Development (UPDS), Katossy SIMANI; Liberal

Republican Party (PARELI), Augustin M'BOE; Central African Socialist

Movement (MSCA), Michel BENGUE; Concerted Democratic Forces (CFD), a

coalition of 13 parties, including; Alliance for Democracy and Progress

(ADP), Francois PEHOUA; Central African Republican party (PRC), Ruth

ROLLAND; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE; Civic Forum

(FC), Gen. Timothee MALENDOMA; Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), Nestor

KOMBOT-NAGUEMON

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 25 October 1992; widespread irregularities at some polls led to

dismissal of results by Supreme Court; elections are rescheduled for 17

October 1993

National Assembly: last held 25 October 1992; widespread irregularities at some polls led to

dismissal of results by Supreme Court; elections are rescheduled for 17

October 1993

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

*Central African Republic, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) advised by the Economic

and Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit

together this is known as the Congress (Congres)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Andre-Dieudonne KOLINGBA (since 1 September 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Enoch DERANT-LAKOUE (since 2 March 1993)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jean-Pierre SOHAHONG-KOMBET

chancery:

1618 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-7800 or 7801

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert E. GRIBBIN

embassy:

Avenue David Dacko, Bangui

mailing address:

B. P. 924, Bangui

telephone:

[236] 61-02-00, 61-25-78, 61-43-33, 61-02-10

FAX:

[236] 61-44-94

Flag:

four equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, green, and yellow with a

vertical red band in center; there is a yellow five-pointed star on the

hoist side of the blue band

*Central African Republic, Economy

Overview:

Subsistence agriculture, including forestry, is the backbone of the CAR

economy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In

1988 the agricultural sector generated about 40% of GDP. Agricultural

products accounted for about 60% of export earnings and the diamond industry

for 30%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's

landlocked position, a poor transportation system, and a weak human resource

base. Multilateral and bilateral development assistance, particularly from

France, plays a major role in providing capital for new investment.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-3% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$440 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-3% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (1988 est.) in Bangui

Budget:

revenues $175 million; expenditures $312 million, including capital

expenditures of $122 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$138 million (1991 est.)

commodities:

diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco

partners:

France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US

Imports:

$205 million (1991 est.)

commodities:

food, textiles, petroleum products, machinery, electrical equipment, motor

vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial products

partners:

France, other EC countries, Japan, Algeria

External debt:

$859 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDP

Electricity:

40,000 kW capacity; 95 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of

bicycles and motorcycles

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP; self-sufficient in food production except for

grain; commercial crops - cotton, coffee, tobacco, timber; food crops -

manioc, yams, millet, corn, bananas

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $52 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $1.6 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $6 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $38

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

*Central African Republic, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Central African Republic, Communications

Highways:

22,000 km total; 458 km bituminous, 10,542 km improved earth, 11,000

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts;

Oubangui is the most important river

Airports:

total:

66

usable:

51

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

20

Telecommunications:

fair system; network relies primarily on radio relay links, with

low-capacity, low-powered radiocommunication also used; broadcast stations -

1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Central African Republic, Defense Forces

Branches:

Central African Army (including Republican Guard), Air Force, National

Gendarmerie, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 685,575; fit for military service 358,836 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $23 million, 1.8% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Chad, Geography

Location:

Central Africa, between the Central African Republic and Libya

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

1.284 million km2

land area:

1,259,200 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than three times the size of California

Land boundaries:

total 5,968 km, Cameroon 1,094 km, Central African Republic 1,197 km, Libya

1,055 km, Niger 1,175 km, Nigeria 87 km, Sudan 1,360 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

Libya claims and occupies the 100,000 km2 Aozou Strip in the far north;

demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has

led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification

by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria

Climate:

tropical in south, desert in north

Terrain:

broad, arid plains in center, desert in north, mountains in northwest,

lowlands in south

Natural resources:

petroleum (unexploited but exploration under way), uranium, natron, kaolin,

fish (Lake Chad)

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

36%

forest and woodland:

11%

other:

51%

Irrigated land:

100 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; drought and desertification

adversely affecting south; subject to plagues of locusts

Note:

landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel

*Chad, People

Population:

5,350,971 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.13% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

42.21 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate: 20.93 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

134 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

40.41 years

male:

39.36 years

female:

41.5 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Chadian(s)

adjective:

Chadian

Ethnic divisions:

north and center:

Muslims (Arabs, Toubou, Hadjerai, Fulbe, Kotoko, Kanembou, Baguirmi,

Boulala, Zaghawa, and Maba)

south:

non-Muslims (Sara, Ngambaye, Mbaye, Goulaye, Moundang, Moussei, Massa)

nonindigenous 150,000, of whom 1,000 are French

Religions:

Muslim 44%, Christian 33%, indigenous beliefs, animism 23%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), Sango (in south),

more than 100 different languages and dialects are spoken

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write French or Arabic (1990)

total population:

30%

male:

42%

female:

18%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 85% (engaged in unpaid subsistence farming, herding, and

fishing)

*Chad, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Chad

conventional short form:

Chad

local long form:

Republique du Tchad local short form:

Tchad

Digraph:

CD

Type:

republic

Capital:

N'Djamena

Administrative divisions:

14 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture); Batha, Biltine,

Borkou-Ennedi-Tibesti, Chari-Baguirmi, Guera, Kanem, Lac, Logone Occidental,

Logone Oriental, Mayo-Kebbi, Moyen-Chari, Ouaddai, Salamat, Tandjile

Independence:

11 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1

March 1991; national conference drafting new constitution to submit to

referendum January 1993

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

11 August

Political parties and leaders:

Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY,

chairman

note:

President DEBY has promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and

free elections by September 1993; numerous dissident groups; 26 opposition

political parties

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

universal at age NA

Elections:

National Consultative Council:

last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990

President:

last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - President Hissein

HABRE was elected without opposition; note - the government of then

President HABRE fell on 1 December 1990, and Idriss DEBY seized power on 3

December 1990; national conference opened 15 January 1993; election to

follow by end of year

Executive branch:

president, Council of State (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Consultative Council (Conseil National Consultatif) was

disbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of the

Republic, with 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

*Chad, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Col. Idriss DEBY (since 4 December 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Joseph YODOYMAN (since NA August 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,

OIC, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kombaria Loumaye MEKONYO

chancery:

2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 462-4009

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard W. BOGOSIAN

embassy:

Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena

mailing address:

B. P. 413, N'Djamena

telephone:

[235] (51) 62-18, 40-09, or 51-62-11

FAX:

[235] 51-33-72

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; similar to

the flag of Romania; also similar to the flag of Andorra, which has a

national coat of arms featuring a quartered shield centered in the yellow

band; design was based on the flag of France

*Chad, Economy

Overview:

The climate, geographic location, and lack of infrastructure and natural

resources make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world.

Its economy is burdened by the ravages of civil war, conflict with Libya,

drought, and food shortages. In 1986 real GDP returned to its 1977 level,

with cotton, the major cash crop, accounting for 48% of exports. Over 80% of

the work force is employed in subsistence farming and fishing. Industry is

based almost entirely on the processing of agricultural products, including

cotton, sugarcane, and cattle. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, with

its economy in trouble and many regions suffering from shortages. Oil

companies are exploring areas north of Lake Chad and in the Doba basin in

the south. Good crop weather led to 8.4% growth in 1991.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

8.4% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$215 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2%-3% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $115 million; expenditures $412 million, including capital

expenditures of $218 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$193.9 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

cotton 48%, cattle 35%, textiles 5%, fish

partners:

France, Nigeria, Cameroon

Imports:

$294.1 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment 39%, industrial goods 20%, petroleum

products 13%, foodstuffs 9%; note - excludes military equipment

partners:

US, France, Nigeria, Cameroon

External debt:

$492 million (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 12.9% (1989 est.); accounts for nearly 15% of GDP

Electricity:

40,000 kW capacity; 70 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

cotton textile mills, slaughterhouses, brewery, natron (sodium carbonate),

soap, cigarettes

Agriculture:

accounts for about 45% of GDP; largely subsistence farming; cotton most

important cash crop; food crops include sorghum, millet, peanuts, rice,

potatoes, manioc; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, camels; self-sufficient

in food in years of adequate rainfall

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $198 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $28 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $80

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

*Chad, Economy

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Chad, Communications

Highways:

31,322 km total; 32 km bituminous; 7,300 km gravel and laterite; remainder

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

2,000 km navigable

Airports:

total:

69

usable:

55

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

24

Telecommunications:

fair system of radiocommunication stations for intercity links; broadcast

stations - 6 AM, 1 FM, limited TV service; many facilities are inoperative;

1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Chad, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (includes Ground Forces, Air Force, and Gendarmerie), Republican Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,246,617; fit for military service 647,908; reach military

age (20) annually 52,870 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $58 million, 5.6% of GDP (1989)

*Chile, Geography

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean between Argentina

and Peru

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

756,950 km2

land area:

748,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than twice the size of Montana

note:

includes Isla de Pascua (Easter Island) and Isla Sala y Gomez

Land boundaries:

total 6,171 km, Argentina 5,150 km, Bolivia 861 km, Peru 160 km

Coastline: 6,435 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

short section of the southern boundary with Argentina is indefinite; Bolivia

has wanted a sovereign corridor to the South Pacific Ocean since the Atacama

area was lost to Chile in 1884; dispute with Bolivia over Rio Lauca water

rights; territorial claim in Antarctica (Chilean Antarctic Territory)

partially overlaps Argentine and British claims

Climate:

temperate; desert in north; cool and damp in south

Terrain:

low coastal mountains; fertile central valley; rugged Andes in east

Natural resources:

copper, timber, iron ore, nitrates, precious metals, molybdenum

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

16%

forest and woodland:

21%

other:

56%

Irrigated land:

12,650 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to severe earthquakes, active volcanism, tsunami; Atacama Desert one

of world's driest regions; desertification

Note:

strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

(Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage)

*Chile, People

Population:

13,739,759 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.54% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.55 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

15.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.15 years

male:

71.16 years

female:

77.29 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.51 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Chilean(s)

adjective:

Chilean

Ethnic divisions:

European and European-Indian 95%, Indian 3%, other 2%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 11%, Jewish

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

93%

male:

94%

female:

93%

Labor force:

4.728 million

by occupation:

services 38.3% (includes government 12%), industry and commerce 33.8%,

agriculture, forestry, and fishing 19.2%, mining 2.3%, construction 6.4%

(1990)

*Chile, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Chile

conventional short form:

Chile

local long form:

Republica de Chile

local short form:

Chile

Digraph:

CI

Type:

republic

Capital:

Santiago

Administrative divisions:

13 regions (regiones, singular - region); Aisen del General Carlos Ibanez

del Campo, Antofagasta, Araucania, Atacama, Bio-Bio, Coquimbo, Libertador

General Bernardo O'Higgins, Los Lagos, Magallanes y de la Antartica Chilena,

Maule, Region Metropolitana, Tarapaca, Valparaiso

note:

the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

18 September 1810 (from Spain)

Constitution:

11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981; amended 30 July 1989

Legal system:

based on Code of 1857 derived from Spanish law and subsequent codes

influenced by French and Austrian law; judicial review of legislative acts

in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 September (1810)

Political parties and leaders:

Concertation of Parties for Democracy consists mainly of four parties: PDC,

PPD, PR, PS; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle;

Party for Democracy (PPD), Sergio BITAR; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ

Marquez; Sociaistl Party (PS), German CORREA; Independent Democratic Union

(UDI), Jovino NOVOA; National Renovation (RN), Andree ALLAMAND;

Center-Center Union (UCC), Francisco Juner ERRAZURIZ; Communist Party of

Chile (PCCh), Volodia TEITELBOIM; Allende Leftist Democratic Movement

(MIDA), Mario PALESTRO

Other political or pressure groups:

revitalized university student federations at all major universities

dominated by opposition political groups; labor - United Labor Central (CUT)

includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor

confederations; Roman Catholic Church

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) Concertation of Parties for

Democracy 71 (PDC 38, PPD 17, PR 5, other 11), RN 29, UDI 11, right-wing

independents 9

President:

last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -

Patricio AYLWIN (PDC) 55.2%, Hernan BUCHI 29.4%, other 15.4%

*Chile, Government

Senate:

last held 14 December 1989 (next to be held December 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Concertation of

Parties for Democracy 22 (PDC 13, PPD 5, PR 2, PSD 1, PRSD 1), RN 6, UDI 2,

right-wing independents 8

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consisting of an upper house

or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de

Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Patricio AYLWIN Azocar (since 11 March 1990)

Member of:

CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,

LAIA, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNMOGIP, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Patricio SILVA Echenique

chancery:

1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 785-1746

consulates general:

Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Curtis W. KAMMAN

embassy:

Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago

mailing address:

APO AA 34033

telephone:

[56] (2) 671-0133

FAX:

[56] (2) 699-1141

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; there is a blue square

the same height as the white band at the hoist-side end of the white band;

the square bears a white five-pointed star in the center; design was based

on the US flag

*Chile, Economy

Overview:

The government of President AYLWIN, which took power in 1990, retained the

economic policies of PINOCHET, although the share of spending for social

welfare has risen steadily. In 1991 growth in GDP recovered to 6% (led by

consumer spending) after only 2% growth in 1990. The pace accelerated in

1992 as the result of strong investment and export growth, and GDP rose

10.4%. Nonetheless, inflation fell further, to 12.7%, compared with 27.3% in

1990 and 18.7% in 1991. The buoyant economy spurred a 25% growth in imports,

and the trade surplus fell in 1992, although international reserves

increased. Inflationary pressures are not expected to ease much in 1993, and

economic growth is likely to approach 7%.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $34.7 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate: 10.4% (1992)

National product per capita:

$2,550 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.7% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

4.9% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $10.9 billion; expenditures $10.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $1.2 billion (1993)

Exports:

$10 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

copper 41%, other metals and minerals 8.7%, wood products 7.1%, fish and

fishmeal 9.8%, fruits 8.4% (1991)

partners:

EC 32%, US 18%, Japan 18%, Brazil 5% (1991)

Imports:

$9.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

capital goods 25.2%, spare parts 24.8%, raw materials 15.4%, petroleum 10%,

foodstuffs 5.7%

partners:

US 21%, EC 18%, Brazil 9%, Japan 8% (1991)

External debt:

$16.9 billion (year end 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 14.56% (1992); accounts for 34% of GDP

Electricity:

5,769,000 kW capacity; 22,010 million kWh produced, 1,630 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood

and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles

Agriculture:

accounts for about 9% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); major

exporter of fruit, fish, and timber products; major crops - wheat, corn,

grapes, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, deciduous fruit; livestock products -

beef, poultry, wool; self-sufficient in most foods; 1991 fish catch of 6.6

million metric tons; net agricultural importer

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $521 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $386 million

*Chile, Economy

Currency:

1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 384.04 (January 1993), 362.59 (1992), 349.37

(1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989), 245.05 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Chile, Communications

Railroads:

7,766 km total; 3,974 km 1.676-meter gauge, 150 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge, 3,642 km 1.000-meter gauge; 1,865 km 1.676-meter gauge and 80 km

1.000-meter gauge electrified

Highways:

79,025 km total; 9,913 km paved, 33,140 km gravel, 35,972 km improved and

unimproved earth (1984)

Inland waterways:

725 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 755 km; petroleum products 785 km; natural gas 320 km

Ports:

Antofagasta, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Valparaiso, San Antonio,

Talcahuano, Arica

Merchant marine:

31 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 445,330 GRT/756,018 DWT; includes 8

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 oil tanker, 3

chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas tanker, 3 combination ore/oil, 8 bulk; note

- in addition, 1 naval tanker and 1 military transport are sometimes used

commercially

Airports:

total:

396

usable:

351

with permanent-surface runways:

48

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

13

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

57

Telecommunications:

modern telephone system based on extensive microwave radio relay facilities;

768,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 159 AM, no FM, 131 TV, 11

shortwave; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3

domestic

*Chile, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army of the Nation, National Navy (including Naval Air, Coast Guard, and

Marines), Air Force of the Nation, Carabineros of Chile (National Police),

Investigative Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3.653 million; fit for military service 2,722,479; reach

military age (19) annually 119,434 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1991 est.)

*China, Header

Affiliation: (also see separate Taiwan entry)

*China, Geography

Location:

East Asia, between India and Mongolia

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

9,596,960 km2

land area:

9,326,410 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than the US

Land boundaries:

total 22,143.34 km, Afghanistan 76 km, Bhutan 470 km, Burma 2,185 km, Hong

Kong 30 km, India 3,380 km, Kazakhstan 1,533 km, North Korea 1,416 km,

Kyrgyzstan 858 km, Laos 423 km, Macau 0.34 km, Mongolia 4,673 km, Nepal

1,236 km, Pakistan 523 km, Russia (northeast) 3,605 km, Russia (northwest)

40 km, Tajikistan 414 km, Vietnam 1,281 km

Coastline:

14,500 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

claim to shallow areas of East China Sea and Yellow Sea

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

boundary with India; bilateral negotiations are under way to resolve

disputed sections of the boundary with Russia; boundary with Tajikistan

under dispute; a short section of the boundary with North Korea is

indefinite; involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with

Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; maritime

boundary dispute with Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands

occupied by China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; claims

Japanese-administered Senkaku-shoto, as does Taiwan, (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu

Tai)

Climate:

extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly mountains, high plateaus, deserts in west; plains, deltas, and hills

in east

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, petroleum, mercury, tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese,

molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, uranium, world's

largest hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

31%

forest and woodland:

14%

other:

45%

Irrigated land:

478,220 km2 (1991 - Chinese statistic)

*China, Geography

Environment:

frequent typhoons (about five times per year along southern and eastern

coasts), damaging floods, tsunamis, earthquakes; deforestation; soil

erosion; industrial pollution; water pollution; air pollution;

desertification

Note:

world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada)

*China, People

Population:

1,177,584,537 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.1% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.29 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.34 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

52.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.74 years

male:

66.78 years

female:

68.8 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.85 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Chinese

Ethnic divisions:

Han Chinese 91.9%, Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol,

Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities 8.1%

Religions:

Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism, Muslim 2-3%, Christian 1% (est.)

note:

officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic

Languages:

Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect), Yue

(Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese),

Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, minority languages (see Ethnic divisions entry)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

73%

male:

84%

female:

62%

Labor force:

567.4 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 60%, industry and commerce 25%, construction and

mining 5%, social services 5%, other 5% (1990 est.)

*China, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

People's Republic of China

conventional short form:

China

local long form:

Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo

local short form:

Zhong Guo

Abbreviation:

PRC

Digraph:

CH

Type:

Communist state

Capital:

Beijing

Administrative divisions:

23 provinces (sheng, singular and plural), 5 autonomous regions* (zizhiqu,, singular and

plural), and 3 municipalities** (shi, singular and plural);, Anhui, Beijing Shi**, Fujian, Gansu,,

Guangdong, Guangxi*, Guizhou, Hainan,, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi,

Jilin, Liaoning,

Nei Mongol*, Ningxia*, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanghai Shi**, Shanxi,, Sichuan, Tianjin

Shi**, Xinjiang*, Xizang* (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang, note:

China considers Taiwan its 23rd province

Independence: 221 BC (unification under the Qin or Ch'in Dynasty 221 BC; Qing or Ch'ing

Dynasty replaced by the Republic on 12 February 1912; People's Republic

established 1 October 1949)

Constitution:

most recent promulgated 4 December 1982

Legal system:

a complex amalgam of custom and statute, largely criminal law; rudimentary

civil code in effect since 1 January 1987; new legal codes in effect since 1

January 1980; continuing efforts are being made to improve civil,

administrative, criminal, and commercial law

National holiday:

National Day, 1 October (1949)

Political parties and leaders:

Chinese Communist Party (CCP), JIANG Zemin, general secretary of the Central

Committee (since 24 June 1989); eight registered small parties controlled by

CCP

Other political or pressure groups:

such meaningful opposition as exists consists of loose coalitions, usually

within the party and government organization, that vary by issue

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National People's Congress:

last held March 1993 (next to be held March 1998); results - CCP is the only

party but there are also independents; seats - (2,977 total) (elected at

county or xian level)

President:

last held 27 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - JIANG Zemin was

nominally elected by the Eighth National People's Congress

Executive branch:

president, vice president, premier, four vice premiers, State Council

*China, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Congress (Quanguo Renmin Daibiao Dahui)

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President JIANG Zemin (since 27 March 1993); Vice President RONG Yiren

(since 27 March 1993)

Chief of State and Head of Government (de facto):

DENG Xiaoping (since NA 1977)

Head of Government:

Premier LI Peng (Acting Premier since 24 November 1987, Premier since 9

April 1988) Vice Premier ZHU Rongji (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier ZOU

Jiahua (since 8 April 1991); Vice Premier QIAN Qichen (since 29 March 1993);

Vice Premier LI Lanqing (29 March 1993)

Member of:

AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM

(observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UN Security

Council, UNTAC, UNTSO, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador LI Daoyu

chancery:

2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 328-2500 through 2502

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador J. Stapleton ROY

embassy:

Xiu Shui Bei Jie 3, Beijing

mailing address:

100600, PSC 461, Box 50, Beijing or FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone:

[86] (1) 532-3831

FAX:

[86] (1) 532-3178

consulates general:

Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang

Flag:

red with a large yellow five-pointed star and four smaller yellow

five-pointed stars (arranged in a vertical arc toward the middle of the

flag) in the upper hoist-side corner

*China, Economy

Overview:

Beginning in late 1978 the Chinese leadership has been trying to move the

economy from the sluggish Soviet-style centrally planned economy to a more

productive and flexible economy with market elements, but still within the

framework of monolithic Communist control. To this end the authorities have

switched to a system of household responsibility in agriculture in place of

the old collectivization, increased the authority of local officials and

plant managers in industry, permitted a wide variety of small-scale

enterprise in services and light manufacturing, and opened the foreign

economic sector to increased trade and joint ventures. The most gratifying

result has been a strong spurt in production, particularly in agriculture in

the early 1980s. Industry also has posted major gains, especially in coastal

areas near Hong Kong and opposite Taiwan, where foreign investment and

modern production methods have helped spur production of both domestic and

export goods. Aggregate output has more than doubled since 1978. On the

darker side, the leadership has often experienced in its hybrid system the

worst results of socialism (bureaucracy, lassitude, corruption) and of

capitalism (windfall gains and stepped-up inflation). Beijing thus has

periodically backtracked, retightening central controls at intervals and

thereby lessening the credibility of the reform process. In 1991, and again

in 1992, output rose substantially, particularly in the favored coastal

areas. Popular resistance, changes in central policy, and loss of authority

by rural cadres have weakened China's population control program, which is

essential to the nation's long-term economic viability.

National product: GNP $NA

National product real growth rate:

12.8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.4% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

2.3% in urban areas (1992)

Budget:

deficit $16.3 billion (1992)

Exports:

$85.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

textiles, garments, telecommunications and recording equipment, petroleum,

minerals

partners:

Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, US, Germany, South Korea, Russia (1992)

Imports:

$80.6 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

specialized industrial machinery, chemicals, manufactured goods, steel,

textile yarn, fertilizer

partners:

Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, US, Taiwan, Germany, Russia (1992)

External debt:

$69.3 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 20.8% (1992)

Electricity:

158,690,000 kW capacity; 740,000 million kWh produced, 630 kWh per capita

(1992)

*China, Economy

Industries:

iron and steel, coal, machine building, armaments, textiles, petroleum,

cement, chemical fertilizers, consumer durables, food processing

Agriculture:

accounts for 26% of GNP; among the world's largest producers of rice,

potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, tea, millet, barley, and pork; commercial crops

include cotton, other fibers, and oilseeds; produces variety of livestock

products; basically self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 13.35 million

metric tons (including fresh water and pond raised) (1991)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium in at least 18 provinces and administrative

regions; bulk of production is in Yunnan Province; transshipment point for

heroin produced in the Golden Triangle

Economic aid:

donor - to less developed countries (1970-89) $7.0 billion; US commitments,

including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $220.7 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA

and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $13.5 billion

Currency:

1 yuan (Y) = 10 jiao

Exchange rates:

yuan (Y) per US$1 - 5.7640 (January 1993), 5.5146 (1992), 5.3234 (1991),

4.7832 (1990), 3.7651 (1989), 3.7221 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*China, Communications

Railroads:

total about 64,000 km; 54,000 km of common carrier lines, of which 53,400 km

are 1.435-meter gauge (standard) and 600 km are 1.000-meter gauge (narrow);

11,200 km of standard gauge common carrier route are double tracked and

6,900 km are electrified (1990); an additional 10,000 km of varying gauges

(0.762 to 1.067-meter) are dedicated industrial lines

Highways:

about 1,029,000 km (1990) total; 170,000 km (est.) paved roads, 648,000 km

(est.) gravel/improved earth roads, 211,000 km (est.) unimproved earth roads

and tracks

Inland waterways:

138,600 km; about 109,800 km navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 9,700 km (1990); petroleum products 1,100 km; natural gas 6,200 km

Ports:

Dalian, Guangzhou, Huangpu, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Xingang,

Zhanjiang, Ningbo, Xiamen, Tanggu, Shantou

Merchant marine:

1,478 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 14,029,320 GRT/21,120,522 DWT;

includes 25 passenger, 42 short-sea passenger, 18 passenger-cargo, 6

cargo/training, 811 cargo, 11 refrigerated cargo, 81 container, 18

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 multifunction/barge carrier, 177 oil tanker, 11

chemical tanker, 263 bulk, 3 liquefied gas, 1 vehicle carrier, 9 combination

bulk, 1 barge carrier; note - China beneficially owns an additional 227

ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling approximately 6,187,117 DWT that operate

under Panamanian, British, Hong Kong, Maltese, Liberian, Vanuatu, Cypriot,

Saint Vincent, Bahamian, and Romanian registry

Airports:

total:

330

usable:

330

with permanent-surface runways:

260

with runways over 3,500 m:

fewer than 10

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

90

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

200

Telecommunications:

domestic and international services are increasingly available for private

use; unevenly distributed internal system serves principal cities,

industrial centers, and most townships; 11,000,000 telephones (December

1989); broadcast stations - 274 AM, unknown FM, 202 (2,050 repeaters) TV;

more than 215 million radio receivers; 75 million TVs; satellite earth

stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 INMARSAT,

and 55 domestic

*China, Defense Forces

Branches:

People's Liberation Army (PLA), PLA Navy (including Marines), PLA Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 343,361,925; fit for military service 190,665,512; reach

military age (18) annually 10,844,047 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP

*Christmas Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Christmas Island, Geography

Location:

in the Indian Ocean, between Australia and Indonesia

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total area:

135 km2

land area:

135 km2

comparative area:

about 0.8 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

138.9 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau

Natural resources:

phosphate

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

almost completely surrounded by a reef

Note:

located along major sea lanes of Indian Ocean

*Christmas Island, People

Population:

1,685 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-2.44% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Christmas Islander(s)

adjective:

Christmas Island

Ethnic divisions:

Chinese 61%, Malay 25%, European 11%, other 3%, no indigenous population

Religions:

Buddhist 36.1%, Muslim 25.4%, Christian 17.7% (Roman Catholic 8.2%, Church

of England 3.2%, Presbyterian 0.9%, Uniting Church 0.4%, Methodist 0.2%,

Baptist 0.1%, and other 4.7%), none 12.7%, unknown 4.6%, other 3.5% (1981)

Languages:

English

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

all workers are employees of the Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas

Island, Ltd.

*Christmas Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Christmas Island

conventional short form:

Christmas Island

Digraph:

KT

Type:

territory of Australia

Capital:

The Settlement

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

Constitution:

Christmas Island Act of 1958

Legal system:

under the authority of the governor general of Australia

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

none

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Advisory

Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

none

Judicial branch:

none

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Administrator M. J. GRIMES (since NA)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag:

the flag of Australia is used

*Christmas Island, Economy

Overview:

Phosphate mining had been the only significant economic activity, but in

December 1987 the Australian Government closed the mine as no longer

economically viable. Plans have been under way to reopen the mine and also

to build a casino and hotel to develop tourism, with a possible opening date

during the first half of 1992.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

phosphate

partners:

Australia, NZ

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

consumer goods

partners:

principally Australia

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

11,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 17,800 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

phosphate extraction (near depletion)

Agriculture:

NA

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Christmas Island, Communications

Highways:

adequate road system

Ports:

Flying Fish Cove

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439:

1

Telecommunications:

4,000 radios (1982); broadcasting stations - 1 AM, 1 TV

*Christmas Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

*Clipperton Island, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Clipperton Island, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico

Map references:

World

Area:

total area:

7 km2

land area:

7 km2

comparative area:

about 12 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

11.1 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Mexico

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

coral atoll

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (all coral)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

reef about 8 km in circumference

*Clipperton Island, People

Population: uninhabited

*Clipperton Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Clipperton Island

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ile Clipperton

former:

sometimes called Ile de la Passion

Digraph: IP

Type:

French possession administered by France from French Polynesia by High

Commissioner of the Republic

Capital:

none; administered by France from French Polynesia

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Clipperton Island, Economy

Overview:

The only economic activity is a tuna fishing station.

*Clipperton Island, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

*Clipperton Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Geography

Location:

in the Indian Ocean, 1,070 km southwest of Indonesia, about halfway between

Australia and Sri Lanka

Map references:

Southeast Asia

Area:

total area:

14 km2

land area:

14 km2

comparative area:

about 24 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

note:

includes the two main islands of West Island and Home Island

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline:

2.6 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

pleasant, modified by the southeast trade wind for about nine months of the

year; moderate rain fall

Terrain:

flat, low-lying coral atolls

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, People

Population:

593 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.53% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/women

Nationality:

noun:

Cocos Islander(s)

adjective:

Cocos Islander

Ethnic divisions:

West Island:

Europeans

Home Island:

Cocos Malays

Religions:

Sunni Muslims

Languages:

English

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

conventional short form:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Digraph:

CK

Type:

territory of Australia

Capital:

West Island

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

Constitution:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955

Legal system:

based upon the laws of Australia and local laws

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

NA

Suffrage:

NA

Elections: NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, chairman of

the Islands Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Islands Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA); Chairman of the Islands Council Haji

WAHIN bin Bynie (since NA)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag:

the flag of Australia is used

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Economy

Overview:

Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Copra and

fresh coconuts are the major export earners. Small local gardens and fishing

contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other

necessities must be imported from Australia.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

copra

partners:

Australia

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

foodstuffs

partners:

Australia

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

1,000 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, 2,980 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

copra products

Agriculture:

gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Communications

Ports:

none; lagoon anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

250 radios (1985); linked by telephone, telex, and facsimile communications

via satellite with Australia; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV

*Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

*Colombia, Geography

Location:

Northern South America, between Panama and Venezuela

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

1,138,910 km2

land area:

1,038,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Montana

note:

includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, Serrana Bank, and Serranilla Bank

Land boundaries:

total 7,408 km, Brazil 1,643 km, Ecuador 590 km, Panama 225 km, Peru 2,900

km, Venezuela 2,050 km

Coastline:

3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary dispute with Venezuela in the Gulf of Venezuela;

territorial dispute with Nicaragua over Archipelago de San Andres y

Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank

Climate:

tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes mountains, eastern

lowland plains

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, iron ore, nickel, gold, copper, emeralds

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

29%

forest and woodland:

49%

other:

16%

Irrigated land:

5,150 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; deforestation; soil damage from

overuse of pesticides; periodic droughts

Note:

only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and

Caribbean Sea

*Colombia, People

Population:

34,942,767 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.83% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

23.4 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.82 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.72 years

male:

68.99 years

female:

74.53 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Colombian(s)

adjective:

Colombian

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Indian 3%, Indian

1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

87%

male:

88%

female:

86%

Labor force:

12 million (1990)

by occupation:

services 46%, agriculture 30%, industry 24% (1990)

*Colombia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Colombia

conventional short form:

Colombia local long form:

Republica de Colombia

local short form:

Colombia

Digraph:

CO

Type:

republic; executive branch dominates government structure

Capital:

Bogota

Administrative divisions:

23 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento), 5 commissariats*, (comisarias, singular

- comisaria), 4 intendancies** (intendencias, singular, - intendencia), and 1 special district***,

(distrito especial); Amazonas*,, Antioquia, Arauca**, Atlantico, Bogota***, Bolivar, Boyaca,,

Caldas, Caqueta,

Casanare**, Cauca, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, Cundinamarca, Guainia*, Guaviare*,, Huila, La Guajira,

Magdalena, Meta, Narino, Norte de Santander, Putumayo**,, Quindio, Risaralda, San Andres y

Providencia**, Santander, Sucre, Tolima,, Valle del Cauca, Vaupes*, Vichada*, note:

the Constitution of 5 July 1991 states that the commissariats and

intendancies are to become full departments and a capital district (distrito

capital) of Santa Fe de Bogota is to be established by 1997

Independence:

20 July 1810 (from Spain)

Constitution:

5 July 1991

Legal system:

based on Spanish law; judicial review of executive and legislative acts;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 20 July (1810)

Political parties and leaders:

Liberal Party (PL), Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo, president; Social Conservative

Party (PCS), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN),

Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is headed by 19th

of April Movement (M-19) leader Antonio NAVARRO Wolf, coalition of small

leftist parties and dissident liberals and conservatives; Patriotic Union

(UP) is a legal political party formed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of

Colombia (FARC) and Colombian Communist Party (PCC), Carlos ROMERO

Other political or pressure groups:

three insurgent groups are active in Colombia - Revolutionary Armed Forces

of Colombia (FARC), Manuel MARULANDA and Alfonso CANO; National Liberation

Army (ELN), Manuel PEREZ; and dissidents of the recently demobilized

People's Liberation Army (EPL), Francisco CARABALLO

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIA

Trujillo (Liberal) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement)

24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative) 12%

*Colombia, Government

Senate:

last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal 58, Conservative 22, AD/M-19

9, MSN 5, UP 1, other 7

House of Representatives:

last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal 87, Conservative 31, AD/M-19

13, MSN 10, UP 3, other 17

Executive branch:

president, presidential designate, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of a nationally elected upper chamber

or Senate (Senado) and a nationally elected lower chamber or House of

Representatives (Camara de Representantes)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justical), Constitutional Court,

Council of State

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990)

Member of:

AG, CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL,

PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jaime GARCIA Parra

chancery:

2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 387-8338

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan

(Puerto Rico)

consulates:

Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Tampa

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY

embassy:

Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota

mailing address:

P. O. Box A. A. 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038

telephone:

[57] (1) 285-1300 or 1688

FAX:

[57] (1) 288-5687

consulate:

Barranquilla

Flag:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double-width), blue, and red; similar

to the flag of Ecuador, which is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of

arms superimposed in the center

*Colombia, Economy

Overview:

Economic development has slowed gradually since 1986, but growth rates

remain high by Latin American standards. Conservative economic policies have

kept inflation and unemployment near 30% and 10%, respectively. The rapid

development of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries in recent

years has helped to offset the decline in coffee prices - Colombia's major

export. The collapse of the International Coffee Agreement in the summer of

1989, a troublesome rural insurgency, energy rationing, and drug-related

violence have dampened growth. The level of violence, in Bogota in

particular, surged to higher levels in the first quarter of 1993, further

delaying the economic resurgence expected from government reforms. These

reforms center on fiscal restraint, trade and investment liberalization,

financial and labor reform, and privatization of state utilities and

commercial banks.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $51 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

25% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

10% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $5.0 billion; current expenditures $5.1 billion, capital

expenditures $964 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$7.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum, coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers

partners:

US 44%, EC 21%, Japan 5%, Netherlands 4%, Sweden 3% (1991)

Imports:

$5.5 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals,

paper products

partners:

US 36%, EC 16%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 3%, Japan 3% (1991)

External debt:

$17 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -0.5% (1991); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

10,193,000 kW capacity; 36,000 million kWh produced, 1,050 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals,

metal products, cement; mining - gold, coal, emeralds, iron, nickel, silver,

salt

Agriculture:

growth rate 3% (1991 est.) accounts for 22% of GDP; crops make up two-thirds

and livestock one-third of agricultural output; climate and soils permit a

wide variety of crops, such as coffee, rice, tobacco, corn, sugarcane, cocoa

beans, oilseeds, vegetables; forest products and shrimp farming are becoming

more important

*Colombia, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, coca, and opium; about 37,500 hectares of coca

under cultivation; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into

cocaine; supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.6 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.3 billion,

Communist countries (1970-89), $399 million

Currency:

1 Colombian peso (Col$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Colombian pesos (Col$) per US$1 - 820.08 (January 1993), 759.28 (1992),

633.05 (1991), 502.26 (1990), 382.57 (1989), 299.17 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Colombia, Communications

Railroads:

3,386 km; 3,236 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track (2,611 km in use), 150 km

1.435-meter gauge

Highways:

75,450 km total; 9,350 km paved, 66,100 km earth and gravel surfaces

Inland waterways:

14,300 km, navigable by river boats

Pipelines:

crude oil 3,585 km; petroleum products 1,350 km; natural gas 830 km; natural

gas liquids 125 km

Ports:

Barranquilla, Buenaventura, Cartagena, Covenas, San Andres, Santa Marta,

Tumaco

Merchant marine:

27 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 227,719 GRT/356,665 DWT; includes 9

cargo, 3 oil tanker, 8 bulk, 7 container

Airports:

total:

1,233

usable:

1,059

with permanent-surface:

69

with runways over 3,659 m:

1 with runways 2,440-2,459 m:

9

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

200

Telecommunications:

nationwide radio relay system; 1,890,000 telephones; broadcast stations -

413 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 28 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

and 11 domestic satellite earth stations

*Colombia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (Ejercito Nacional), Navy (Armada Nacional, including Marines), Air

Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana), National Police (Policia Nacional)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 9,428,358; fit for military service 6,375,944; reach

military age (18) annually 356,993 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $630 million, 1.3% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Comoros, Geography

Location:

in the extreme northern Mozambique Channel, about two-thirds of the way

between northern Madagascar and northern Mozambique

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,170 km2

land area:

2,170 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 12 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

340 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims French-administered Mayotte

Climate:

tropical marine; rainy season (November to May)

Terrain:

volcanic islands, interiors vary from steep mountains to low hills

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use: arable land:

35%

permanent crops:

8%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

16%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

soil degradation and erosion; deforestation; cyclones possible during rainy

season

Note:

important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel

*Comoros, People

Population:

511,651 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.54% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

46.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.31 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

81.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

57.35 years

male:

55.23 years

female:

59.55 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Comoran(s)

adjective:

Comoran

Ethnic divisions:

Antalote, Cafre, Makoa, Oimatsaha, Sakalava

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 86%, Roman Catholic 14%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French (official), Comoran (a blend of Swahili and

Arabic)

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

48%

male:

56%

female:

40%

Labor force:

140,000 (1982)

by occupation:

agriculture 80%, government 3%

note:

51% of population of working age (1985)

*Comoros, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros

conventional short form:

Comoros

local long form:

Republique Federale Islamique des Comores

local short form:

Comores

Digraph:

CN

Type:

independent republic

Capital:

Moroni

Administrative divisions:

three islands; Njazidja (Grand Comore), Nzwani (Anjouan), and Mwali (Moheli)

note:

there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and

Mutsamudu

Independence:

6 July 1975 (from France)

Constitution:

7 June 1992

Legal system:

French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 July (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

over 20 political parties are currently active, the most important of which

are; Comoran Union for Progress (UDZIMA), Omar TAMOU; Islands' Fraternity

and Unity Party (CHUMA), Said Ali KEMAL; Comoran Party for Democracy and

Progress (PCDP), Ali MROUDJAE; Realizing Freedom's Capability (UWEZO),

Mouazair ABDALLAH; Democratic Front of the Comoros (FDR), Moustapha CHELKH;

Dialogue Proposition Action (DPA/MWANGAZA), Said MCHAWGAMA; Rally for Change

and Democracy (RACHADE), Hassan HACHIM; Union for Democracy and

Decentralization (UNDC), Mohamed Taki Halidi IBRAHAM; Maecha Bora, leader

NA; MDP/NGDC (expansion NA), leader NA; Comoran Popular Front (FPC), Mohamed

HASSANALI, Mohamed El Arif OUKACHA, Abdou MOUSTAKIM (Secretary General)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Federal Assembly:

last held November-December 1992 (next to be held NA March 1997); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total) UNDC 7, CHUMA 3, ADP 2,

MDP/NGDC 5, FDC 2, MAECHA BORA 2, FPC 2, RACHADE 1, UWEZO 1, MWANGAZA 1, 16

other seats to smaller parties

President:

last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said Mohamed

DJOHAR (UDZIMA) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45%

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet), prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

*Comoros, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); Prime Minister Ibrahim

HALIDI (since 1 January 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, ITU, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Amini Ali MOUMIN

chancery:

(temporary) at the Comoran Permanent Mission to the UN, 336 East 45th

Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017

telephone:

(212) 972-8010

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kenneth N. PELTIER

embassy:

address NA, Moroni

mailing address:

B. P. 1318, Moroni

telephone:

[269] 73-22-03, 73-29-22

FAX:

no service available at this time

Flag:

green with a white crescent placed diagonally (closed side of the crescent

points to the upper hoist-side corner of the flag); there are four white

five-pointed stars placed in a line between the points of the crescent; the

crescent, stars, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam; the four

stars represent the four main islands of the archipelago - Mwali, Njazidja,

Nzwani, and Mayotte (which is a territorial collectivity of France, but

claimed by the Comoros)

*Comoros, Economy

Overview:

One of the world's poorest countries, Comoros is made up of several islands

that have poor transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing

population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the

labor force contributes to a low level of economic activity, high

unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical

assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the

leading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the

labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not

self-sufficient in food production, and rice, the main staple, accounts for

90% of imports. During the period 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at an

annual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP was only 5% in

1988. Despite major investment in the tourist industry, which accounts for

about 25% of GDP, growth has stagnated since 1983. A sluggish growth rate of

1.5% during 1985-90 has led to large budget deficits, declining incomes, and

balance-of-payments difficulties. Preliminary estimates for FY92 show a

moderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism,

and government investment outlays.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $260 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.7% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$540 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

over 16% (1988 est.)

Budget:

revenues $96 million; expenditures $88 million, including capital

expenditures of $33 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$16 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylang

partners:

US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988)

Imports:

$41 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods

partners:

Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988)

External debt:

$196 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -6.5% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP

Electricity:

16,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries: perfume distillation, textiles, furniture, jewelry, construction materials,

soft drinks

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP; most of population works in subsistence agriculture

and fishing; plantations produce cash crops for export - vanilla, cloves,

perfume essences, copra; principal food crops - coconuts, bananas, cassava;

world's leading producer of essence of ylang-ylang (for perfumes) and

second-largest producer of vanilla; large net food importer

*Comoros, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $10 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $435 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $22 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18

million

Currency:

1 Comoran franc (CF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Comoran francs (CF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January 1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11

(1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85 (1988)); note - linked to the

French franc at 50 to 1 French franc

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Comoros, Communications

Highways:

750 km total; about 210 km bituminous, remainder crushed stone or gravel

Ports:

Mutsamudu, Moroni

Airports:

total:

4

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

sparse system of radio relay and high-frequency radio communication stations

for interisland and external communications to Madagascar and Reunion; over

1,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, no TV

*Comoros, Defense Forces

Branches:

Comoran Defense Force (FDC)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 108,867; fit for military service 65,106 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Congo, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Gabon and Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

342,000 km2

land area:

341,500 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total 5,504 km, Angola 201 km, Cameroon 523 km, Central African Republic 467

km, Gabon 1,903 km, Zaire 2,410 km

Coastline:

169 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

long section with Zaire along the Congo River is indefinite (no division of

the river or its islands has been made)

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (March to June); dry season (June to October);

constantly high temperatures and humidity; particularly enervating climate

astride the Equator

Terrain:

coastal plain, southern basin, central plateau, northern basin

Natural resources:

petroleum, timber, potash, lead, zinc, uranium, copper, phosphates, natural

gas

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

29%

forest and woodland:

62%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

40 km2 (1989)

Environment:

deforestation; about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe

Noire, or along the railroad between them

*Congo, People

Population:

2,388,667 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.44% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

40.68 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.28 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

112.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

48.04 years

male:

46.3 years

female:

49.84 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.38 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Congolese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Congolese or Congo

Ethnic divisions:

south:

Kongo 48%

north:

Sangha 20%, M'Bochi 12%

center:

Teke 17%, Europeans 8,500 (mostly French)

Religions:

Christian 50%, animist 48%, Muslim 2%

Languages:

French (official), African languages (Lingala and Kikongo are the most

widely used)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

57%

male:

70%

female:

44%

Labor force:

79,100 wage earners

by occupation:

agriculture 75%, commerce, industry, and government 25%

note:

51% of population of working age; 40% of population economically active

(1985)

*Congo, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of the Congo

conventional short form:

Congo

local long form:

Republique Populaire du Congo

local short form:

Congo

former:

Congo/Brazzaville

Digraph:

CF

Type:

republic

Capital:

Brazzaville

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 commune*; Bouenza,, Brazzaville*, Cuvette,

Kouilou,, Lekoumou, Likouala, Niari, Plateaux, Pool,

Sangha

Independence:

15 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

8 July 1979, currently being modified

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law

National holiday:

Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

Congolese Labor Party (PCT), headed by former president Denis

SASSOU-NGUESSO; Union for Democratic Renewal (URD) - a coalition of

opposition parties; Panafrican Union for Social Development (UPADS)

Other political or pressure groups:

Union of Congolese Socialist Youth (UJSC); Congolese Trade Union Congress

(CSC); Revolutionary Union of Congolese Women (URFC); General Union of

Congolese Pupils and Students (UGEEC)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 2-16 August 1992 (next to be held August 1997); results -

President Pascal LISSOUBA won with 61% of the vote

National Assembly:

last held 24 June-19 July 1992; results - (125 total) UPADS 39, MCDDI (part

of URD coalition) 29, PCT 19; more than a dozen smaller parties split the

remaining 38 seats

note:

National Assembly dissolved in November 1992; next election to be held May

1993

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) was dissolved on NA

November 1992

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

*Congo, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Pascal LISSOUBA (since August 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Claude Antoine DA COSTA (since December 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roger ISSOMBO

chancery:

4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone:

(202) 726-5500

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador James Daniel PHILLIPS

embassy:

Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville

mailing address:

B. P. 1015, Brazzaville, or Box C, APO AE 09828

telephone:

(242) 83-20-70

FAX:

[242] 83-63-38

Flag:

red, divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a yellow band; the

upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is red; uses the

popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Congo, Economy

Overview:

Congo's economy is a mixture of village agriculture and handicrafts, a

beginning industrial sector based largely on oil, supporting services, and a

government characterized by budget problems and overstaffing. A reform

program, supported by the IMF and World Bank, ran into difficulties in

1990-91 because of problems in changing to a democratic political regime and

a heavy debt-servicing burden. Oil has supplanted forestry as the mainstay

of the economy, providing about two-thirds of government revenues and

exports. In the early 1980s rapidly rising oil revenues enabled Congo to

finance large-scale development projects with growth averaging 5% annually,

one of the highest rates in Africa. During the period 1987-91, however,

growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5% annually, only half the

population growth rate. The new government, responding to pressure from

businessmen and the electorate, has promised to reduce the bureaucracy and

government regulation but little has been accomplished as of early 1993.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.6% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,070 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-0.6% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $765 million; expenditures $952 million, including capital

expenditures of $65 million (1990)

Exports:

$1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

crude oil 72%, lumber, plywood, coffee, cocoa, sugar, diamonds

partners:

US, France, other EC countries

Imports:

$704 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

foodstuffs, consumer goods, intermediate manufactures, capital equipment

partners:

France, Italy, other EC countries, US, Germany, Spain, Japan, Brazil

External debt:

$4.1 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP; includes petroleum

Electricity:

140,000 kW capacity; 315 million kWh produced, 135 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

petroleum, cement, lumbering, brewing, sugar milling, palm oil, soap,

cigarette

Agriculture:

accounts for 13% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cassava accounts

for 90% of food output; other crops - rice, corn, peanuts, vegetables; cash

crops include coffee and cocoa; forest products important export earner;

imports over 90% of food needs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $63 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2.5 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $15 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $338

million

*Congo, Economy

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Congo, Communications

Railroads:

797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are privately

owned)

Highways:

11,960 km total; 560 km paved; 850 km gravel and laterite; 5,350 km improved

earth; 5,200 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

the Congo and Ubangi (Oubangui) Rivers provide 1,120 km of commercially

navigable water transport; the rest are used for local traffic only

Pipelines:

crude oil 25 km

Ports:

Pointe-Noire (ocean port), Brazzaville (river port)

Airports:

total:

44

usable:

41

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

16

Telecommunications:

services adequate for government use; primary network is composed of radio

relay routes and coaxial cables; key centers are Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire,

and Loubomo; 18,100 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 4 TV; 1

Atlantic Ocean satellite earth station

*Congo, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 534,802; fit for military service 272,051; reach military

age (20) annually 24,190 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Cook Islands, Header

Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand)

*Cook Islands, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 4,500 km south of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway

between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

240 km2

land area:

240 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

22%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland: 0%

other:

74%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons from November to March

*Cook Islands, People

Population:

18,903 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.18% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

23.4 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.14 years

male:

69.2 years

female:

73.1 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.32 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cook Islander(s)

adjective:

Cook Islander

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian (full blood) 81.3%, Polynesian and European 7.7%, Polynesian and

other 7.7%, European 2.4%, other 0.9%

Religions:

Christian (majority of populace members of Cook Islands Christian Church)

Languages:

English (official), Maori

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

5,810

by occupation:

agriculture 29%, government 27%, services 25%, industry 15%, other 4% (1981)

*Cook Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Cook Islands

Digraph:

CW

Type:

self-governing parliamentary government in free association with New

Zealand; Cook Islands is fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand

retains responsibility for external affairs, in consultation with the Cook

Islands

Capital:

Avarua

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August

1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by

unilateral action)

Constitution:

4 August 1965

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 4 August

Political parties and leaders:

Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Tumu Party, Vincent INGRAM;

Democratic Party, Terepai MAOATE; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN;

Cook Islands People's Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

Parliament:

last held 19 January 1989 (next to be held by January 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (24 total) Cook Islands Party 12,

Democratic Tumu Party 2, opposition coalition (including Democratic Party)

9, independent 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, representative of the UK, representative of New Zealand,

prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament; note - the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on

traditional matters, but has no legislative powers

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the UK Sir

Tangaroa TANGAROA (since NA); Representative of New Zealand Adrian SINCOCK

(since NA) Head of Government:

Prime Minister Geoffrey HENRY (since 1 February 1989); Deputy Prime Minister

Inatio AKARURU (since NA February 1989)

Member of:

AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, IOC, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

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

*Cook Islands, Government

US diplomatic representation:

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

Flag:

blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and a large

circle of 15 white five-pointed stars (one for every island) centered in the

outer half of the flag

*Cook Islands, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture provides the economic base. The major export earners are fruit,

copra, and clothing. Manufacturing activities are limited to a

fruit-processing plant and several clothing factories. Economic development

is hindered by the isolation of the islands from foreign markets and a lack

of natural resources and good transportation links. A large trade deficit is

annually made up for by remittances from emigrants and from foreign aid.

Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential

and expanding the fishing industry.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $40 million (1988 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.3% (1986-88 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,200 (1988 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1988)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $33.8 million; expenditures $34.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)

Exports:

$4.0 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing

partners:

NZ 80%, Japan

Imports:

$38.7 million (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber

partners: NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

14,000 kW capacity; 21 million kWh produced, 1,170 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

fruit processing, tourism

Agriculture:

export crops - copra, citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas;

subsistence crops - yams, taro

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$128 million

Currency:

1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.9490 (January 1993), 1.8584 (1992),

1.7266 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Cook Islands, Communications

Highways:

187 km total (1980); 35 km paved, 35 km gravel, 84 km improved earth, 33 km

unimproved earth

Ports:

Avatiu

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 or over) totaling 1,464 GRT/2,181 DWT

Airports:

total:

7

usable:

7

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 11,000 radio receivers; 17,000 TV

receivers (1989); 2,052 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Cook Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

*Coral Sea Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Coral Sea Islands, Geography

Location:

Oceania, just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

less than 3 km2

land area:

less than 3 km2

comparative area:

NA

note:

includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about

1 million km2, with Willis Islets the most important

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,095 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

sand and coral reefs and islands (or cays)

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (mostly grass or scrub cover)

Irrigated land: 0 km2

Environment:

subject to occasional tropical cyclones; no permanent fresh water; important

nesting area for birds and turtles

*Coral Sea Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 3 meteorologists

*Coral Sea Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Coral Sea Islands Territory

conventional short form:

Coral Sea Islands

Digraph:

CR

Type:

territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Arts, Sport, the

Environment, Tourism, and Territories

Capital:

none; administered from Canberra, Australia

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag:

the flag of Australia is used

*Coral Sea Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Coral Sea Islands, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorages only

*Coral Sea Islands, Defense Forces

Note:

defense is the responsibility of Australia; visited regularly by the Royal

Australian Navy; Australia has control over the activities of visitors

*Costa Rica, Geography

Location:

Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America

Area:

total area:

51,100 km2

land area:

50,660 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

note:

includes Isla del Coco

Land boundaries:

total 639 km, Nicaragua 309 km, Panama 330 km

Coastline:

1,290 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

coastal plains separated by rugged mountains

Natural resources:

hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures:

45%

forest and woodland:

34%

other:

8%

Irrigated land:

1,180 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent

flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes;

deforestation; soil erosion

*Costa Rica, People

Population:

3,264,776 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.38% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.07 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

3.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.26 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

11.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.49 years

male:

75.56 years

female:

79.52 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.11 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Costa Rican(s)

adjective:

Costa Rican

Ethnic divisions:

white (including mestizo) 96%, black 2%, Indian 1%, Chinese 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English; spoken around Puerto Limon

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

93%

male:

93%

female:

93%

Labor force:

868,300

by occupation:

industry and commerce 35.1%, government and services 33%, agriculture 27%,

other 4.9% (1985 est.)

*Costa Rica, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Costa Rica

conventional short form:

Costa Rica local long form:

Republica de Costa Rica

local short form:

Costa Rica

Digraph:

CS

Type:

democratic republic

Capital:

San Jose

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Alajuela, Cartago,

Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas, San Jose

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution:

9 November 1949

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in

the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

National Liberation Party (PLN), Carlos Manuel CASTILLO Morales; Social

Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier; Marxist

Popular Vanguard Party (PVP), Humberto VARGAS Carbonell; New Republic

Movement (MNR), Sergio Erick ARDON Ramirez; Progressive Party (PP), Isaac

Felipe AZOFEIFA Bolanos; People's Party of Costa Rica (PPC), Lenin CHACON

Vargas; Radical Democratic Party (PRD), Juan Jose ECHEVERRIA Brealey

Other political or pressure groups:

Costa Rican Confederation of Democratic Workers (CCTD; Liberation Party

affiliate); Confederated Union of Workers (CUT; Communist Party affiliate);

Authentic Confederation of Democratic Workers (CATD; Communist Party

affiliate); Chamber of Coffee Growers; National Association for Economic

Development (ANFE); Free Costa Rica Movement (MCRL; rightwing militants);

National Association of Educators (ANDE)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (57 total) PUSC 29, PLN 25, PVP/PPC 1, regional

parties 2

President:

last held 4 February 1990 (next to be held February 1994); results - Rafael

Angel CALDERON Fournier 51%, Carlos Manuel CASTILLO 47%

Executive branch:

president, two vice presidents, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

*Costa Rica, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Rafael Angel CALDERON Fournier (since 8 May 1990); First Vice

President German SERRANO Pinto (since 8 May 1990); Second Vice President

Arnoldo LOPEZ Echandi (since 8 May 1990)

Member of:

AG (observer), BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU,

LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Gonzalo FACIO Segreda

chancery:

Suite 211, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 234-2945 through 2947

consulates general:

Albuquerque, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Diego,

San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulate:

Buffalo

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Luis GUINOT, Jr.

embassy:

Pavas Road, San Jose

mailing address:

APO AA 34020

telephone:

[506] 20-39-39

FAX:

(506) 20-2305

Flag:

five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and

blue, with the coat of arms in a white disk on the hoist side of the red

band

*Costa Rica, Economy

Overview:

In 1992 the economy grew at an estimated 5.4%, up from the 2.5% gain of 1991

and the gain of 1990. Increases in agricultural production (on the strength

of good coffee and banana crops) and in nontraditional exports are

responsible for much of the growth. In 1992 consumer prices rose by 17%,

below the 27% of 1991. The trade deficit of $100 million was substantially

below the 1991 deficit of $270 million. Unemployment is officially reported

at 4.0%, but much underemployment remains. External debt, on a per capita

basis, is among the world's highest.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.4% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

17% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.34 billion, including capital

expenditures of $110 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar

partners:

US 75%, Germany, Guatemala, Netherlands, UK, Japan

Imports:

$1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum

partners:

US 45%, Japan, Guatemala, Germany

External debt:

$3.2 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.0% (1991); accounts for 19% of GDP

Electricity:

927,000 kW capacity; 3,612 million kWh produced, 1,130 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer,

plastic products

Agriculture:

accounts for 17% of GDP and 70% of exports; cash commodities - coffee, beef,

bananas, sugar; other food crops include corn, rice, beans, potatoes;

normally self-sufficient in food except for grain; depletion of forest

resources resulting in lower timber output

Illicit drugs:

illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plots; transshipment

country for cocaine from South America

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $935 million;

Communist countries (1971-89), $27 million

Currency:

1 Costa Rican colon (C) = 100 centimos

*Costa Rica, Economy

Exchange rates:

Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 137.72 (January 1993), 134.51 (1992),

122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989), 75.805 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Costa Rica, Communications

Railroads:

950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified

Highways:

15,400 km total; 7,030 km paved, 7,010 km gravel, 1,360 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

about 730 km, seasonally navigable

Pipelines:

petroleum products 176 km

Ports:

Puerto Limon, Caldera, Golfito, Moin, Puntarenas

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,878 GRT/4,506 DWT

Airports:

total:

162

usable:

144

with permanent-surface runways:

28

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

very good domestic telephone service; 292,000 telephones; connection into

Central American Microwave System; broadcast stations - 71 AM, no FM, 18 TV,

13 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Costa Rica, Defense Forces

Branches:

Civil Guard, Rural Assistance Guard

note:

constitution prohibits armed forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 851,713; fit for military service 573,854; reach military

age (18) annually 31,987 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989)

*Cote d'Ivoire, Header

Affiliation: (also known as Ivory Coast)

*Cote d'Ivoire, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Ghana and Liberia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

322,460 km2

land area:

318,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 3,110 km, Burkina 584 km, Ghana 668 km, Guinea 610 km, Liberia 716 km,

Mali 532 km

Coastline:

515 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry

(November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to

October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest

Natural resources:

petroleum, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper

Land use:

arable land:

9%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

52%

Irrigated land:

620 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors; severe deforestation

*Cote d'Ivoire, People

Population: 13,808,447 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.5% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

46.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

15.07 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

97 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

48.97 years

male:

46.98 years

female:

51.03 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.73 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ivorian(s)

adjective:

Ivorian

Ethnic divisions:

Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreign Africans

(mostly Burkinabe about 2 million), non-Africans 130,000 to 330,000 (French

30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000)

Religions:

indigenous 63%, Muslim 25%, Christian 12%

Languages:

French (official), 60 native dialects Dioula is the most widely spoken

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

54%

male:

67%

female:

40%

Labor force:

5.718 million

by occupation:

over 85% of population engaged in agriculture, forestry, livestock raising;

about 11% of labor force are wage earners, nearly half in agriculture and

the remainder in government, industry, commerce, and professions

note:

54% of population of working age (1985)

*Cote d'Ivoire, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

conventional short form:

Cote d'Ivoire

local long form:

Republique de Cote d'Ivoire

local short form:

Cote d'Ivoire

former:

Ivory Coast

Digraph:

IV

Type:

republic multiparty presidential regime established 1960

Capital:

Yamoussoukro

note:

although Yamoussoukro has been the capital since 1983, Adibjan remains the

administrative center; foreign governments, including the United States,

maintain presence in Abidjan

Administrative divisions:

49 departments (departements, singular - (departement); Abengourou, Abidjan,

Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Bangolo, Beoumi, Biankouma, Bondoukou,

Bongouanou, Bouafle, Bouake, Bouna, Boundiali, Dabakala, Daloa, Danane,

Daoukro, Dimbokro, Divo, Duekoue, Ferkessedougou, Gagnoa, Grand-Lahou,

Guiglo, Issia, Katiola, Korhogo, Lakota, Man, Mankono, Mbahiakro, Odienne,

Oume, Sakassou, San-Pedro, Sassandra, Seguela, Sinfra, Soubre, Tabou, Tanda,

Tingrela, Tiassale, Touba, Toumodi, Vavoua, Yamoussoukro, Zuenoula

Independence:

7 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

3 November 1960

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review in the

Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 7 December

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party of the Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI), Dr. Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY;

Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent GBAGBO; Ivorian Worker's Party (PIT),

Francis WODIE; Ivorian Socialist Party (PSI), Morifere BAMBA; over 20

smaller parties

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held October 1995); results -

President Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY received 81% of the vote in his first

contested election; he is currently serving his seventh consecutive

five-year term

National Assembly:

last held 25 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) PDCI 163, FPI 9, PIT 1,

independents 2

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

*Cote d'Ivoire, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Dr. Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY (since 27 November 1960)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Alassane OUATTARA (since 7 November 1990)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, GATT,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles GOMIS

chancery:

2424 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 797-0300

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Hume A. HORAN

embassy:

5 Rue Jesse Owens, Abidjan

mailing address:

01 B. P. 1712, Abidjan

telephone:

[225] 21-09-79 or 21-46-72

FAX:

[225] 22-32-59

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of orange (hoist side), white, and green; similar

to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and has the colors reversed - green

(hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of Italy, which is

green (hoist side), white, and red; design was based on the flag of France

*Cote d'Ivoire, Economy

Overview:

Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters of

coffee, cocoa beans, and palm-kernel oil. Consequently, the economy is

highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for coffee and

cocoa and to weather conditions. Despite attempts by the government to

diversify, the economy is still largely dependent on agriculture and related

industries. The agricultural sector accounts for over one-third of GDP and

about 80% of export earnings and employs about 85% of the labor force. A

collapse of world cocoa and coffee prices in 1986 threw the economy into a

recession, from which the country had not recovered by 1990. Continuing low

prices for commodity exports, an overvalued exchange rate, a bloated

public-sector wage bill, and a large foreign debt hindered economic recovery

in 1991. The government, which has sponsored various economic reform

programs, especially in agriculture, projected an increase of 1.6% in GNP in

1992.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $10 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

-0.6% (1991)

National product per capita:

$800 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

14% (1985)

Budget:

revenues $2.3 billion; expenditures $3.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $274 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

cocoa 30%, coffee 20%, tropical woods 11%, petroleum, cotton, bananas,

pineapples, palm oil, cotton

partners:

France, FRG, Netherlands, US, Belgium, Spain (1985)

Imports:

$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

food, capital goods, consumer goods, fuel

partners:

France 29%, other EC 29%, Nigeria 16%, US 4%, Japan 3% (1989)

External debt:

$15 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6% (1990); accounts for 11% of GDP

Electricity:

1,210,000 kW capacity; 1,970 million kWh produced, 150 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

foodstuffs, wood processing, oil refinery, automobile assembly, textiles,

fertilizer, beverage

Agriculture:

most important sector, contributing one-third to GDP and 80% to exports;

cash crops include coffee, cocoa beans, timber, bananas, palm kernels,

rubber; food crops - corn, rice, manioc, sweet potatoes; not self-sufficient

in bread grain and dairy products

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis; mostly for local consumption; some

international drug trade; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to

Europe

*Cote d'Ivoire, Economy

Economic aid: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $356 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $5.2 billion

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Cote d'Ivoire, Communications

Railroads:

660 km (Burkina border to Abidjan, 1.00-meter gauge, single track, except 25

km Abidjan-Anyama section is double track)

Highways:

46,600 km total; 3,600 km paved; 32,000 km gravel, crushed stone, laterite,

and improved earth; 11,000 km unimproved

Inland waterways:

980 km navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons

Ports:

Abidjan, San-Pedro

Merchant marine:

7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 71,945 GRT/ 90,684 DWT; includes 1 oil

tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3 container, 2 roll-on/roll-off

Airports:

total:

42

usable:

37

with permanent-surface runways:

7

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

15

Telecommunications:

well-developed by African standards but operating well below capacity;

consists of open-wire lines and radio relay microwave links; 87,700

telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 17 FM, 13 TV, 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; 2 coaxial submarine cables

*Cote d'Ivoire, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, Military

Fire Group

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3,131,016; fit for military service 1,624,401; reach

military age (18) annually 145,827 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $200 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988)

*Croatia, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, bordering the Adriatic Sea,

between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Map references:

Africa, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

56,538 km2

land area:

56,410 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total 1,843 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina (east) 751 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina

(southeast) 91 km, Hungary 292 km, Serbia and Montenegro 254 km (239 km with

Serbia; 15 km with Montenego), Slovenia 455 km

Coastline:

5,790 km (mainland 1,778 km, islands 4,012 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

12 nm

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Serbian enclaves in eastern Croatia and along the western Bosnia and

Herzegovinian border; dispute with Slovenia over fishing rights in Adriatic

Climate:

Mediterranean and continental; continental climate predominant with hot

summers and cold winters; mild winters, dry summers along coast

Terrain:

geographically diverse; flat plains along Hungarian border, low mountains

and highlands near Adriatic coast, coastline, and islands

Natural resources:

oil, some coal, bauxite, low-grade iron ore, calcium, natural asphalt,

silica, mica, clays, salt

Land use:

arable land:

32%

permanent crops:

20%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland: 15%

other:

15%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

air pollution from metallurgical plants; damaged forest; coastal pollution

from industrial and domestic waste; subject to frequent and destructive

earthquakes

*Croatia, Geography

Note:

controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish

Straits

*Croatia, People

Population:

4,694,398 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.38 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.73 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.19 years

male:

69.7 years

female:

76.89 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Croat(s)

adjective:

Croatian

Ethnic divisions:

Croat 78%, Serb 12%, Muslim 0.9%, Hungarian 0.5%, Slovenian 0.5%, others

8.1%

Religions:

Catholic 76.5%, Orthodox 11.1%, Slavic Muslim 1.2%, Protestant 1.4%, others

and unknown 9.8%

Languages:

Serbo-Croatian 96%, other 4%

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1,509,489

by occupation:

industry and mining 37%, agriculture 16% (1981 est.), government NA%, other

*Croatia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Croatia

conventional short form:

Croatia

local long form:

Republika Hrvatska

local short form:

Hrvatska

Digraph:

HR

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Zagreb

Administrative divisions:

100 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Beli Manastir, Biograd (Biograd Na

Moru), Bielovar, Bjelovar, Brac, Buje, Buzet, Cabar, Cakovec, Cazma, Cres

Losinj, Crikvenica, Daruvar, Delnice, Djakovo (Dakovo), Donja Stubica, Donji

Lapac, Dordevac, Drnis, Dubrovnik, Duga Resa, Dugo Selo, Dvor, Garesnica,

Glina, Gospic, Gracac, Grubisno Polje, Hvar, Imotski, Ivanec, Ivanic-Grad,

Jastrebarsko, Karlovac, Klanjec, Knin, Koprivnica, Korcula, Kostajnica,

Krapina, Krizevci, Krk, Kutina, Labin, Lastovo, Ludbreg, Makarska, Metkovic,

Nova Gradiska, Novi Marof, Novska, Obrovac, Ogulin, Omis, Opatija,

Orahovica, Osijek, Otocac, Ozalj, Pag, Pazin, Petrinja, Ploce (Kardeljevo),

Podravska Slatina, Porec, Pregrada, Pukrac, Pula, Rab, Rijeka, Rovinj,

Samobor (part of Zagreb), Senj, Sesvete, Sibenik, Sinj, Sisak, Slavonska

Pozega, Slavonski Brod, Slunj, Split (Solin, Kastela), Titova Korenica,

Trogir, Valpovo, Varazdin, Vinkovci, Virovitica, Vukovar, Vis, Vojnic,

Vrborsko, Vrbovec, Vrgin-Most, Vrgorac, Zabok, Zadar, Zagreb (Grad Zagreb),

Zelina (Sveti Ivan Zelina), Zlatar Bistrica, Zupanja

Independence:

NA June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Constitution:

adopted on 2 December 1991

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Statehood Day, 30 May (1990)

Political parties and leaders: Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan MESIC, chairman of the

executive

council; Croatian People's Party (HNS), Savka DABCEVIC-KUCAR, president;

Croatian Christian Democratic Party (HKDS), Ivan CESAR, president; Croatian

Party of Rights, Dobroslav PARAGA; Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS),

Drazen BUDISA, president; Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), leader NA; Istrian

Democratic Assembly (IDS), leader NA; Social-Democratic Party (SDP), leader

NA; Croatian National Party (PNS), leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Elections:

President:

last held 4 August 1992 (next to be held NA); Franjo TUDJMAN reelected with

about 56% of the vote; Dobroslav PARAGA 5%

House of Parishes:

last held 7 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1997); seats - (68

total; 63 elected, 5 presidentially appointed) HDZ 37, HSLS 16, HSS 5, IDS

3, SDP 1, PNS 1

*Croatia, Government

Chamber of Deputies:

last held NA August 1992 (next to be held NA August 1996); seats - (138

total) 87 HDZ

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or House of Parishes

(Zupanije Dom) and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies (Predstavnicke Dom)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Franjo TUDJMAN (since 30 May 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Nikica VALENTIC (since NA April 1993); Deputy Prime Ministers

Mate GRANIC, Vladimir SEKS, Borislav SKEGRO (since NA)

Member of:

CEI, CSCE, ECE, ICAO, IMO, IOM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Peter A. SARCEVIC

chancery:

2356 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 543-5586

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Andrije Hebranga 2, Zagreb

mailing address: AMEMB Unit 25402, APO AE 09213-5080

telephone:

[38] (41) 444-800

FAX:

[38] (41) 440-235

Flag:

red, white, and blue horizontal bands with Croatian coat of arms (red and

white checkered)

*Croatia, Economy

Overview:

Before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the republic of Croatia, after

Slovenia, was the most prosperous and industrialized area, with a per capita

output roughly comparable to that of Portugal and perhaps one-third above

the Yugoslav average. Croatian Serb Nationalists control approximately one

third of the Croatian territory, and one of the overriding determinants of

Croatia's long-term political and economic prospects will be the resolution

of this territorial dispute. Croatia faces monumental problems stemming

from: the legacy of longtime Communist mismanagement of the economy; large

foreign debt; damage during the fighting to bridges, factories, powerlines,

buildings, and houses; the large refugee population, both Croatian and

Bosnian; and the disruption of economic ties to Serbia and the other former

Yugoslav republics, as well as within its own territory. At the minimum,

extensive Western aid and investment, especially in the tourist and oil

industries, would seem necessary to salvage a desperate economic situation.

However, peace and political stability must come first. As of June 1993,

fighting continues among Croats, Serbs, and Muslims, and national boundaries

and final political arrangements are still in doubt.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $26.3 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-25% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$5,600 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

50% (monthly rate, December 1992)

Unemployment rate:

20% (December 1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$2.9 billion (1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 30%, other manufacturers 37%, chemicals

11%, food and live animals 9%, raw materials 6.5%, fuels and lubricants 5%

partners:

principally the other former Yugoslav republics

Imports:

$4.4 billion (1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 21%, fuels and lubricants 19%, food and

live animals 16%, chemicals 14%, manufactured goods 13%, miscellaneous

manufactured articles 9%, raw materials 6.5%, beverages and tobacco 1%

partners:

principally other former Yugoslav republics

External debt:

$2.6 billion (will assume some part of foreign debt of former Yugoslavia)

Industrial production:

growth rate -29% (1991 est.)

Electricity:

3,570,000 kW capacity; 11,500 million kWh produced, 2,400 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

chemicals and plastics, machine tools, fabricated metal, electronics, pig

iron and rolled steel products, aluminum reduction, paper, wood products

(including furniture), building materials (including cement), textiles,

shipbuilding, petroleum and petroleum refining, food processing and

beverages

*Croatia, Economy

Agriculture:

Croatia normally produces a food surplus; most agricultural land in private

hands and concentrated in Croat-majority districts in Slavonia and Istria;

much of Slavonia's land has been put out of production by fighting; wheat,

corn, sugar beets, sunflowers, alfalfa, and clover are main crops in

Slavonia; central Croatian highlands are less fertile but support cereal

production, orchards, vineyards, livestock breeding, and dairy farming;

coastal areas and offshore islands grow olives, citrus fruits, and

vegetables

Economic aid:

$NA

Currency:

1 Croatian dinar (CD) = 100 paras

Exchange rates:

Croatian dinar per US $1 - 60.00 (April 1992)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Croatia, Communications

Railroads:

2,592 km of standard guage (1.435 m) of which 864 km are electrified (1992);

note - disrupted by territorial dispute

Highways:

32,071 km total; 23,305 km paved, 8,439 km gravel, 327 km earth (1990); note

- key highways note disrupted because of territorial dispute

Inland waterways:

785 km perennially navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 670 km, petroleum products 20 km, natural gas 310 km (1992); note

- now disrupted because of territorial dispute

Ports:

coastal - Rijeka, Split, Kardeljevo (Ploce); inland - Vukovar, Osijek,

Sisak, Vinkovci

Merchant marine:

18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 77,074 GRT/93,052 DWT; includes 4

cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 10 passenger ferries, 2 bulk, 1 oil tanker; note

- also controlled by Croatian shipowners are 198 ships (1,000 GRT or over)

under flags of convenience - primarily Malta and St. Vincent - totaling

2,602,678 GRT/4,070,852 DWT; includes 89 cargo, 9 roll-on/ roll-off, 6

refrigerated cargo, 14 container, 3 multifunction large load carriers, 51

bulk, 5 passenger, 11 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 6 service vessel

Airports:

total:

75

usable:

72

with permanent-surface runways:

15

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

350,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 8 FM, 12 (2 repeaters) TV;

1,100,000 radios; 1,027,000 TVs; NA submarine coaxial cables; satellite

ground stations - none

*Croatia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,177,029; fit for military service 943,259; reach military

age (19) annually 32,873 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

337-393 billion Croatian dinars, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion

of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate

could produce misleading results

*Cuba, Geography

Location:

in the northern Caribbean Sea, 145 km south of Key West (Florida)

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

110,860 km2

land area:

110,860 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total 29 km, US Naval Base at Guantanamo 29 km

note:

Guantanamo is leased and as such remains part of Cuba

Coastline:

3,735 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

US Naval Base at Guantanamo is leased to US and only mutual agreement or US

abandonment of the area can terminate the lease

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; dry season (November to April); rainy

season (May to October)

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains with rugged hills and mountains in the

southeast

Natural resources:

cobalt, nickel, iron ore, copper, manganese, salt, timber, silica, petroleum

Land use:

arable land:

23%

permanent crops:

6%

meadows and pastures:

23%

forest and woodland:

17%

other:

31%

Irrigated land:

8,960 km2 (1989)

Environment:

averages one hurricane every other year

Note:

largest country in Caribbean

*Cuba, People

Population:

10,957,088 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.08 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.5 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

10.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.72 years

male:

74.59 years

female:

78.99 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cuban(s)

adjective:

Cuban

Ethnic divisions:

mulatto 51%, white 37%, black 11%, Chinese 1%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 85% prior to Castro assuming power

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

94%

male:

95%

female:

93%

Labor force:

4,620,800 economically active population (1988); 3,578,800 in state sector

by occupation:

services and government 30%, industry 22%, agriculture 20%, commerce 11%,

construction 10%, transportation and communications 7% (June 1990)

*Cuba, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Cuba

conventional short form:

Cuba

local long form:

Republica de Cuba

local short form:

Cuba

Digraph:

CU

Type:

Communist state

Capital:

Havana

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 special municipality*, (municipio

especial); Camaguey, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Ciudad de La

Habana, Granma, Guantanamo, Holguin, Isla de la Juventud*, La Habana, Las, Tunas, Matanzas,

Pinar del Rio, Sancti Spiritus, Santiago de Cuba, Villa

Clara

Independence:

20 May 1902 (from Spain 10 December 1898; administered by the US from 1898

to 1902)

Constitution:

24 February 1976

Legal system:

based on Spanish and American law, with large elements of Communist legal

theory; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - Cuban Communist Party (PCC), Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly of People's Power:

last held December 1986 (next to be held February 1993); results - PCC is

the only party; seats - (510 total; after the February election, the

National Assembly will have 590 seats) indirectly elected from slates

approved by special candidacy commissions

Executive branch:

president of the Council of State, first vice president of the Council of

State, Council of State, president of the Council of Ministers, first vice

president of the Council of Ministers, Executive Committee of the Council of

Ministers, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly of the People's Power (Asamblea Nacional del

Poder Popular)

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Popular)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers

Fidel CASTRO Ruz (Prime Minister from February 1959 until 24 February 1976

when office was abolished; President since 2 December 1976); First Vice

President of the Council of State and First Vice President of the Council of

Ministers Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976)

*Cuba, Government

Member of:

CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS (excluded from formal

participation since 1962), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Principal Officer Alfonso FRAGA Perez (since August 1992)

chancery:

2630 and 2639 16th Street NW, US Interests Section, Swiss Embassy,

Washington, DC 20009 telephone:

(202) 797-8518 or 8519, 8520, 8609, 8610

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Principal Officer Alan H. FLANIGAN

US Interests Section:

USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada entre L Y M, Vedado Seccion, Havana

mailing address:

USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada Entre L Y M, Vedado, Havava

telephone:

32-0051, 32-0543

FAX:

no service available at this time

note:

protecting power in Cuba is Switzerland - US Interests Section, Swiss

Embassy

Flag:

five equal horizontal bands of blue (top and bottom) alternating with white;

a red equilateral triangle based on the hoist side bears a white

five-pointed star in the center

*Cuba, Economy

Overview:

Since Castro's takeover of Cuba in 1959, the economy has been run in the

Soviet style of government ownership of substantially all the means of

production and government planning of all but the smallest details of

economic activity. Thus, Cuba, like the former Warsaw Pact nations, has

remained in the backwater of economic modernization. The economy contracted

by about one-third between 1989 and 1992 as it absorbed the loss of $4

billion of annual economic aid from the former Soviet Union and much smaller

amounts from Eastern Europe. The government implemented numerous energy

conservation measures and import substitution schemes to cope with a large

decline in imports. To reduce fuel consumption, Havana has cut back bus

service and imported approximately 1 million bicycles from China,

domesticated nearly 200,000 oxen to replace tractors, and halted a large

amount of industrial production. The government has prioritized domestic

food production and promoted herbal medicines since 1990 to compensate for

lower imports. Havana also has been shifting its trade away from the former

Soviet republics and Eastern Europe toward the industrialized countries of

Latin America and the OECD.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $14.9 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-15% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,370 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $12.46 billion; expenditures $14.45 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990 est.)

Exports:

$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

sugar, nickel, shellfish, tobacco, medical products, citrus, coffee

partners:

Russia 30%, Canada 10%, China 9%, Japan 6%, Spain 4% (1992 est.)

Imports:

$2.2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum, food, machinery, chemicals

partners:

Russia 10%, China 9%, Spain 9%, Mexico 5%, Italy 5%, Canada 4%, France 4%

(1992 est.)

External debt:

$6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989)

Industrial production:

NA

Electricity:

3,889,000 kW capacity; 16,248 million kWh produced, 1,500 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

sugar milling and refining, petroleum refining, food and tobacco processing,

textiles, chemicals, paper and wood products, metals (particularly nickel),

cement, fertilizers, consumer goods, agricultural machinery

*Cuba, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 11% of GNP (including fishing and forestry); key commercial

crops - sugarcane, tobacco, and citrus fruits; other products - coffee,

rice, potatoes, meat, beans; world's largest sugar exporter; not

self-sufficient in food (excluding sugar); sector hurt by growing shortages

of fuels and parts

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$710 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $18.5 billion

Currency:

1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Cuban pesos (Cu$) per US$1 - 1.0000 (linked to the US dollar)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Cuba, Communications

Railroads:

12,947 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,053 km of 1.435-meter

gauge track; 151.7 km electrified; 7,742 km of sugar plantation lines of

0.914-m and 1.435-m gauge

Highways:

26,477 km total; 14,477 km paved, 12,000 km gravel and earth surfaced (1989

est.)

Inland waterways:

240 km

Ports:

Cienfuegos, Havana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7 secondary, 35

minor

Merchant marine:

73 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 511,522 GRT/720,270 DWT; includes 42

cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 1 cargo/training, 11 oil tanker, 1 chemical

tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 4 bulk; note - Cuba beneficially owns an additional

38 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 529,090 DWT under the registry of

Panama, Cyprus, and Malta

Airports:

total:

186

usable:

166

with permanent-surface runways:

73

with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

12

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

19

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios;

229,000 telephones; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Cuba, Defense Forces

Branches:

Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) - including Ground Forces, Revolutionary

Navy (MGR), Air and Air Defense Force (DAAFAR), Ministry of the Armed Forces

Special Troops, Border Guard Troops, Territorial Militia Troops (MTT), Youth

Labor Army (EJT)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3,087,255; females age 15-49 3,064,663; males fit for

military service 1,929,698; females fit for military service 1,910,733;

males reach military age (17) annually 90,409; females reach military age

(17) annually 87,274 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.2-1.4 billion; 10% of GNP in 1990 plan was for

defense and internal security

Note:

the breakup of the Soviet Union, the key military supporter and supplier of

Cuba, has resulted in substantially less outside help for Cuba's defense

forces

*Cyprus, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Mediterreanean Sea, 97 km west of Syria and 64 km west of

Turkey

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

9,250 km2

land area:

9,240 km2

comparative area:

about 0.7 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

648 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

1974 hostilities divided the island into two de facto autonomous areas, a

Greek area controlled by the Cypriot Government (60% of the island's land

area) and a Turkish-Cypriot area (35% of the island) that are separated by a

narrow UN buffer zone; in addition, there are two UK sovereign base areas

(about 5% of the island's land area)

Climate:

temperate, Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters

Terrain:

central plain with mountains to north and south

Natural resources:

copper, pyrites, asbestos, gypsum, timber, salt, marble, clay earth pigment

Land use:

arable land:

40%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures:

10%

forest and woodland:

18%

other:

25%

Irrigated land:

350 km2 (1989)

Environment:

moderate earthquake activity; water resource problems (no natural reservoir

catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, and most potable resources

concentrated in the Turkish-Cypriot area)

*Cyprus, People

Population:

723,371 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate: 0.94% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.14 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.74 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.98 years

male:

73.75 years

female:

78.31 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.34 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Cypriot(s)

adjective:

Cypriot

Ethnic divisions:

Greek 78%, Turkish 18%, other 4%

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian, Apostolic, and other 4%

Languages:

Greek, Turkish, English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1987)

total population:

94%

male:

98%

female:

91%

Labor force:

Greek area:

282,000

by occupation:

services 57%, industry 29%, agriculture 14% (1991)

Turkish area:

72,000

by occupation:

services 57%, industry 22%, agriculture 21% (1991)

*Cyprus, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Cyprus

conventional short form:

Cyprus

Digraph:

CY

Type:

republic

note:

a disaggregation of the two ethnic communities inhabiting the island began

after the outbreak of communal strife in 1963; this separation was further

solidified following the Turkish invasion of the island in July 1974, which

gave the Turkish Cypriots de facto control in the north; Greek Cypriots

control the only internationally recognized government; on 15 November 1983

Turkish Cypriot President Rauf DENKTASH declared independence and the

formation of a "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" (TRNC), which has been

recognized only by Turkey; both sides publicly call for the resolution of

intercommunal differences and creation of a new federal system of government

Capital:

Nicosia

Administrative divisions:

6 districts; Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos

Independence:

16 August 1960 (from UK)

Constitution:

16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised

constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and

Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots

created their own Constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish

Federated State of Cyprus," which was renamed the "Turkish Republic of

Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new Constitution for the Turkish area passed by

referendum in May 1985

Legal system:

based on common law, with civil law modifications

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (15 November is celebrated as Independence Day

in the Turkish area)

Political parties and leaders:

Greek Cypriot:

Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL; Communist Party), Dimitrios

CHRISTOFIAS; Democratic Rally (DISY), Glafkos CLERIDES; Democratic Party

(DIKO), Spyros KYPRIANOU; United Democratic Union of the Center (EDEK),

Vassos LYSSARIDIS; Socialist Democratic Renewal Movement (ADISOK), Mikhalis

PAPAPETROU; Liberal Party, Nikos ROLANDIS; Free Democrats, George VASSILIOU

Turkish area:

National Unity Party (UBP), Dervis EROGLU; Communal Liberation Party (TKP),

Mustafa AKINCI; Republican Turkish Party (CTP), Ozker OZGUR; New Cyprus

Party (YKP), Alpay DURDURAN; Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ergun VEHBI; New

Birth Party (YDP), Ali Ozkan ALTINISHIK; Free Democratic Party (HDP), Ismet

KOTAK; Nationalist Justice Party (MAP), Zorlu TORE; United Sovereignty

Party, Arif Salih KIRDAG; Democratic Party (DP), Hakki ATUN; Fatherland

Party (VP), Orhan UCOK; CTP, TKP, and YDP joined in the coalition Democratic

Struggle Party (DMP) for the 22 April 1990 legislative election; the CTP and

TKP boycotted the byelection of 13 October 1991, in which 12 seats were at

stake; the DMP was dissolved after the 1990 election

*Cyprus, Government

Other political or pressure groups:

United Democratic Youth Organization (EDON; Communist controlled); Union of

Cyprus Farmers (EKA; Communist controlled); Cyprus Farmers Union (PEK;

pro-West); Pan-Cyprian Labor Federation (PEO; Communist controlled);

Confederation of Cypriot Workers (SEK; pro-West); Federation of Turkish

Cypriot Labor Unions (Turk-Sen); Confederation of Revolutionary Labor Unions

(Dev-Is)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held February 1998); results -

Glafkos CLERIDES 50.3%, George VASSILIOU 49.7%

House of Representatives:

last held 19 May 1991; results - DISY 35.8%, AKEL (Communist) 30.6%, DIKO

19.5%, EDEK 10. 9%; others 3.2%; seats - (56 total) DISY 20, AKEL

(Communist) 18, DIKO 11, EDEK 7

Turkish Area: President:

last held 22 April 1990 (next to be held April 1995); results - Rauf R.

DENKTASH 66%, Ismail BOZKURT 32.05%

Turkish Area: Assembly of the Republic:

last held 6 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - UBP

(conservative) 54.4%, DMP 44.4% YKP 0.9%; seats - (50 total) UBP

(conservative) 45, SDP 1, HDP 2, YDP 2; note - by-election of 13 October

1991 was for 12 seats; DP delegates broke away from the UBP and formed their

own party after the last election; seats as of July 1992 UBP 34, SPD 1, HDP

1, YDP 2, DP 10, independents 2

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet); note - there is a president,

prime minister, and Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish area

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon); note - there is a

unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi) in the Turkish area

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; note - there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish area

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Glafkos CLERIDES (since 28 February 1993)

note:

Rauf R. DENKTASH has been president of the Turkish area since 13 February

1975; Dervish EROGLU has been prime minister of the Turkish area since 20

July 1985

Member of:

C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO,

ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Michael E. SHERIFIS

chancery:

2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 462-5772

consulate general:

New York note:

Representative of the Turkish area in the US is Namik KORMAN, office at 1667

K Street, NW, Washington DC, telephone (202) 887-6198

*Cyprus, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert E. LAMB

embassy:

corner of Therissos Street and Dositheos Street, Nicosia

mailing address:

APO AE 09836

telephone:

[357] (2) 465151

FAX:

[357] (2) 459-571

Flag:

white with a copper-colored silhouette of the island (the name Cyprus is

derived from the Greek word for copper) above two green crossed olive

branches in the center of the flag; the branches symbolize the hope for

peace and reconciliation between the Greek and Turkish communities

note:

the Turkish cypriot flag has a horizontal red stripe at the top and bottom

with a red crescent and red star on a white field

*Cyprus, Economy

Overview:

The Greek Cypriot economy is small, diversified, and prosperous. Industry

contributes 16.5% to GDP and employs 29% of the labor force, while the

service sector contributes 62% to GDP and employs 57% of the labor force.

Rapid growth in exports of agricultural and manufactured products and in

tourism have played important roles in the average 6.8% rise in GDP between

1986 and 1990. This progress was temporarily checked in 1991, because of the

adverse effects of the Gulf War on tourism. Nevertheless in mid-1991, the

World Bank "graduated" Cyprus off its list of developing countries. In

contrast to the bright picture in the south, the Turkish Cypriot economy has

less than half the per capita GDP and suffered a series of reverses in 1991.

Crippled by the effects of the Gulf war, the collapse of the

fruit-to-electronics conglomerate, Polly Peck, Ltd., and a drought, the

Turkish area in late 1991 asked for a multibillion-dollar grant from Turkey

to help ease the burden of the economic crisis. In addition, the Turkish

government extended a $100 million loan in November 1992 to be used for

economic development projects in 1993. Turkey normally underwrites a

substantial portion of the Turkish Cypriot economy.

National product:

Greek area:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6.3 billion (1992)

Turkish area:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $600 million (1990)

National product real growth rate: Greek area:

6.5% (1992)

Turkish area:

5.9% (1990)

National product per capita:

Greek area:

$11,000 (1992)

Turkish area:

$4,000 (1990)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

Greek area:

5.1% (1991)

Turkish area:

69.4% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

Greek area:

2.4% (1991)

Turkish area:

1.5% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $2.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $350 million (1993)

Exports:

$875 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoes

partners:

UK 23%, Greece 10%, Lebanon 10%, Germany 5%

Imports:

$2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains, machinery

partners:

UK 13%, Japan 12%, Italy 10%, Germany 9.1%

*Cyprus, Economy

External debt:

$1.9 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.4% (1991); accounts for 16.5% of GDP

Electricity:

620,000 kW capacity; 1,770 million kWh produced, 2,530 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood products

Agriculture:

contributes 6% to GDP and employs 14% of labor force in the south; major

crops - potatoes, vegetables, barley, grapes, olives, citrus fruits;

vegetables and fruit provide 25% of export revenues

Illicit drugs:

transit point for heroin via air routes and container traffic to Europe,

especially from Lebanon and Turkey

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $292 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $250 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $62 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $24

million

Currency:

1 Cypriot pound (#C) = 100 cents; 1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Cyprus, Communications

Highways:

10,780 km total; 5,170 km paved; 5,610 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth

Ports:

Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos

Merchant marine:

1,299 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,045,037 GRT/37,119,933 DWT;

includes 10 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger-cargo, 463 cargo, 77

refrigerated cargo, 24 roll-on/roll-off, 70 container, 4 multifunction large

load carrier, 110 oil tanker, 3 specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 26

chemical tanker, 32 combination ore/oil, 422 bulk, 3 vehicle carrier, 48

combination bulk, 1 railcar carrier, 2 passenger; note - a flag of

convenience registry; Cuba owns 27 of these ships, Russia owns 36, Latvia

also has 7 ships, Croatia owns 2, and Romania 5

Airports:

total:

13

usable:

13

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

excellent in both the area controlled by the Cypriot Government (Greek

area), and in the Turkish-Cypriot administered area; 210,000 telephones;

largely open-wire and microwave radio relay; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 8

FM, 1 (34 repeaters) TV in Greek sector and 2 AM, 6 FM and 1 TV in Turkish

sector; international service by tropospheric scatter, 3 submarine cables,

and satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean

INTELSAT and EUTELSAT earth stations

*Cyprus, Defense Forces

Branches:

Greek area:

Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG; including air and naval elements), Greek

Cypriot Police

Turkish area:

Turkish Cypriot Security Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 185,371; fit for military service 127,536; reach military

age (18) annually 5,085 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $209 million, 5% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Czech Republic, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, between Germany and Slovakia

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

78,703 km2

land area:

78,645 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total 1,880 km, Austria 362 km, Germany 646 km, Poland 658 km, Slovakia 214

km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

Liechtenstein claims 620 square miles of Czech territory confiscated from

its royal family in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does

not go back before February 1948, when the Communists seized power;

unresolved property dispute issues with Slovakia over redistribution of

Czech and Slovak Federal Republic's property; establishment of international

border between Czech Republic and Slovakia

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

two main regions: Bohemia in the west, consisting of rolling plains, hills,

and plateaus surrounded by low mountains; and Moravia in the east,

consisting of very hilly country

Natural resources:

hard coal, kaolin, clay, graphite

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other: NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

NA

Note:

landlocked; strategically located astride some of oldest and most

significant land routes in Europe; Moravian Gate is a traditional military

corridor between the North European Plain and the Danube in central Europe

*Czech Republic, People

Population:

10,389,256 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.16% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.64 years

male:

68.9 years

female:

76.58 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.85 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Czech(s)

adjective:

Czech

Ethnic divisions:

Czech 94.4%, Slovak 3%, Polish 0.6%, German 0.5%, Gypsy 0.3%, Hungarian

0.2%, other 1%

Religions:

atheist 39.8%, Roman Catholic 39.2%, Protestant 4.6%, Orthodox 3%, other

13.4%

Languages:

Czech, Slovak

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force: 5.389 million

by occupation:

industry 37.9%, agriculture 8.1%, construction 8.8%, communications and

other 45.2% (1990)

*Czech Republic, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Czech Republic

conventional short form:

none

local long form:

Ceska Republika

local short form:

Cechy

Digraph:

EZ

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Prague

Administrative divisions:

7 regions (kraje, kraj - singular); Severocesky, Zapadocesky, Jihocesky,

Vychodocesky, Praha, Severomoravsky, Jihomoravsky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (from Czechoslovakia)

Constitution:

ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993

Legal system:

civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to bring it in line with

Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) obligations and to

expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

Civic Democratic Party, Vaclav KLAUS, chairman; Christian Democratic Union,

leader NA; Civic Democratic Alliance, Jan KALVODA, chairman; Christian

Democratic Party, Vaclav BENDA, chairman; Czech People's Party, Josef LUX;

Czechoslovak Social Democracy, Milos ZEMAN, chairman; Left Bloc, leader NA;

Republican Party, Miroslav SLADEK, chairman; Movement for Self-Governing

Democracy for Moravia and Silesia, Jan STRYCER, chairman; Liberal Social

Union, leader NA; Assembly for the Republic, leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

Czech Democratic Left Movement; Civic Movement

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 26 January 1993 (next to be held NA January 1998); results -

Vaclav HAVEL elected by the National Council

Senate:

elections not yet held; seats (81 total)

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 5-6 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (200 total) Civic Democratic Party/Christian Democratic

Party 76, Left Bloc 35, Czechoslovak Social Democracy 16, Liberal Social

Union 16, Christian Democratic Union/Czech People's Party 15, Assembly for

the Republic/Republican Party 14, Civic Democratic Alliance 14, Movement for

Self-Governing Democracy for Moravia and Silesia 14

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

*Czech Republic, Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Council (Narodni rada) will consist of an upper house or

Senate (which has not yet been established) and a lower house or Chamber of

Deputies

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Vaclav HAVEL (since 26 January 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Vaclav KLAUS (since NA June 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers

Ivan KOCARNIK, Josef LUX, Jan KALVODA (since NA June 1992)

Member of:

BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFC, IFCTU, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN (as of 8

January 1993), UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Michael ZANTOVSKY

chancery:

3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 363-6315 or 6316

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Adrian A. BASORA

embassy:

Trziste 15, 125 48, Prague 1

mailing address:

Unit 25402; APO AE 09213-5630

telephone:

[42] (2) 536-641/6

FAX:

[42] (2) 532-457

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles

triangle based on the hoist side

*Czech Republic, Economy

Overview:

The dissolution of Czechoslovakia into two independent nation states - the

Czech Republic and Slovakia - on 1 January 1993 has complicated the task of

moving toward a more open and decentralized economy. The old Czechoslovakia,

even though highly industrialized by East European standards, suffered from

an aging capital plant, lagging technology, and a deficiency in energy and

many raw materials. In January 1991, approximately one year after the end of

communist control of Eastern Europe, theCzech and Slovak Federal Republic

launched a sweeping program to convert its almost entirely state-owned and

controlled economy to a market system. In 1991-92 these measures resulted in

privatization of some medium- and small-scale economic activity and the

setting of more than 90% of prices by the market - but at a cost in

inflation, unemployment, and lower output. For Czechoslovakia as a whole

inflation in 1991 was roughly 50% and output fell 15%. In 1992, in the Czech

lands, inflation dropped to an estimated 12.5% and GDP was down a more

moderate 5%. For 1993 the government of the Czech Republic anticipates

inflation of 15-20% and a rise in unemployment to perhaps 12% as some

large-scale enterprises go into bankruptcy; GDP may drop as much as 3%,

mainly because of the disruption of trade links with Slovakia. Although the

governments of the Czech Republic and Slovakia had envisaged retaining the

koruna as a common currency, at least in the short term, the two countries

ended the currency union in February 1993.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $75.3 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$7,300 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3.1% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$8.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels,

minerals, and metals

partners:

Slovakia, Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, France, US, UK, CIS

republics

Imports:

$8.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, fuels and lubricants, manfactured goods,

raw materials, chemicals, agricultural products

partners:

Slovakia, CIS republics, Germany Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Hungary, UK,

Italy

External debt:

$3.8 billion hard currency indebtedness (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -4% (November 1992 over November 1991); accounts for over 60% of

GDP

Electricity:

16,500,000 kW capacity; 62,200 million kWh produced, 6,030 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Czech Republic, Economy

Industries:

fuels, ferrous metallurgy, machinery and equipment, coal, motor vehicles,

glass, armaments

Agriculture:

largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop and livestock

production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit, hogs,

cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest products

Illicit drugs:

the former Czechoslovakia was a transshipment point for Southwest Asian

heroin and was emerging as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine

(1992)

Economic aid:

the former Czechoslovakia was a donor - $4.2 billion in bilateral aid to

non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89)

Currency:

1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleru

Exchange rates:

koruny (Kcs) per US$1 - 28.59 (December 1992), 28.26 (1992), 29.53 (1991),

17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989), 14.36 (1988), 13.69 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Czech Republic, Communications

Railroads:

9,434 km total (1988)

Highways:

55,890 km total (1988)

Inland waterways:

NA km; the Elbe (Labe) is the principal river

Pipelines:

natural gas 5,400 km

Ports:

coastal outlets are in Poland (Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin), Croatia (Rijeka),

Slovenia (Koper), Germany (Hamburg, Rostock); principal river ports are

Prague on the Vltava, Decin on the Elbe (Labe)

Merchant marine:

the former Czechoslovakia had 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 290,185

GRT/437,291 DWT; includes 13 cargo, 9 bulk; may be shared with Slovakia

Airports:

total:

75

usable:

75

with permanent-surface runways: 8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

NA

*Czech Republic, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad Units

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,736,657; fit for military service 2,083,555; reach

military age (18) annually 95,335 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

23 billion koruny, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Denmark, Geography

Location:

Northwestern Europe, bordering the North Sea on a peninsula north of Germany

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

43,070 km2

land area:

42,370 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Massachusetts

note:

includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of

metropolitan Denmark, but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland

Land boundaries:

total 68 km, Germany 68 km

Coastline:

3,379 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

4 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes: Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Iceland, Ireland, and the UK

(Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area);

dispute between Denmark and Norway over maritime boundary in Arctic Ocean

between Greenland and Jan Mayen is before the International Court of Justice

Climate:

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Terrain:

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

61%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

12%

other:

21%

Irrigated land:

4,300 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

air and water pollution

Note:

controls Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

*Denmark, People

Population:

5,175,922 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.23% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.5 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.42 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.51 years

male:

72.63 years

female:

78.56 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.68 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Dane(s) adjective:

Danish

Ethnic divisions:

Scandinavian, Eskimo, Faroese, German

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 91%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 2%, other 7%

(1988)

Languages:

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Eskimo dialect), German (small minority)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

2,553,900

by occupation:

private services 37.1%, government services 30.4%, manufacturing and mining

20%, construction 6.3%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.6%,

electricity/gas/water 0.6% (1991)

*Denmark, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Denmark

conventional short form:

Denmark

local long form:

Kongeriget Danmark

local short form:

Danmark

Digraph:

DA

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Copenhagen

Administrative divisions:

metropolitan Denmark - 14 counties (amter, singular - amt) and 1 city*, (stad); Arhus, Bornholm,

Frederiksborg, Fyn, Kbenhavn, Nordjylland, Ribe,

Ringkbing, Roskilde, Snderjylland, Staden Kbenhavn*, Storstrm, Vejle,, Vestsjaelland, Viborg

note:

see separate entries for the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which are part of

the Danish realm and self-governing administrative divisions

Independence:

1849 (became a constitutional monarchy)

Constitution:

5 June 1953

Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Political parties and leaders:

Social Democratic Party, Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN; Conservative Party, Poul

SCHLUETER; Liberal Party, Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN; Socialist People's Party,

Holger K. NIELSEN; Progress Party, Pia KJAERSGAARD; Center Democratic Party,

Mimi Stilling JAKOBSEN; Radical Liberal Party, Marianne JELVED; Christian

People's Party, Jann SJURSEN; Common Course, Preben Moller HANSEN; Danish

Workers' Party

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

Parliament:

last held 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results -

Social Democratic Party 37.4%, Conservative Party 16.0%, Liberal 15.8%,

Socialist People's Party 8.3%, Progress Party 6.4%, Center Democratic Party

5.1%, Radical Liberal Party 3.5%, Christian People's Party 2.3%, other 5.2%;

seats - (179 total; includes 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands)

Social Democratic 69, Conservative 30, Liberal 29, Socialist People's 15,

Progress Party 12, Center Democratic 9, Radical Liberal 7, Christian

People's 4

Executive branch:

monarch, heir apparent, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament (Folketing)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Denmark, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen MARGRETHE II (since NA January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince

FREDERIK, elder son of the Queen (born 26 May 1968)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN (since NA January 1993)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM,

CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-9, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNPROFOR, UNTSO,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Peter Pedersen DYVIG

chancery:

3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-4300

FAX:

(202) 328-1470 consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard B. STONE

embassy:

Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen O

mailing address:

APO AE 09716

telephone:

[45] (31) 42-31-44

FAX:

[45] (35) 43-0223

Flag:

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical

part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side, and that design element of

the DANNEBROG (Danish flag) was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic

countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

*Denmark, Economy

Overview:

This modern economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale

and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable

living standards, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark's new

center-left coalition government will concentrate on reducing the persistent

high unemployment rate and the budget deficit as well as following the

previous government's policies of maintaining low inflation and a current

account surplus. In the face of recent international market pressure on the

Danish krone, the coalition has also vowed to maintain a stable currency.

The coalition hopes to lower marginal income taxes while maintaining overall

tax revenues; boost industrial competitiveness through labor market and tax

reforms and increased research and development funds; and improve welfare

services for the neediest while cutting paperwork and delays. Prime Minister

RASMUSSEN's reforms will focus on adapting Denmark to EC's economic and

monetary union (EMU) criteria by 1999, although Copenhagen won from the EC

the right to opt out of the EMU if a national referendum rejects it. Denmark

is, in fact, one of the few EC countries likely to fit into the EMU on time.

Denmark is weathering the current worldwide slump better than many West

European countries. As the EC's single market (formally established on 1

January 1993) gets underway, Danish economic growth is expected to pickup to

around 2% in 1993. Expected Danish approval of the Maastricht treaty on EC

political and economic union in May 1993 would almost certainly reverse the

drop in investment, further boosting growth. The current account surplus

remains strong as limitations on wage increases and low inflation - expected

to be around 1% in 1993 - improve export competitiveness. Although

unemployment is high, it remains stable compared to most European countries.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $94.2 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1% (1992)

National product per capita:

$18,200 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.5% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

11.4% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $48.8 billion; expenditures $55.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$37.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

meat and meat products, dairy products, transport equipment (shipbuilding),

fish, chemicals, industrial machinery

partners:

EC 54.3% (Germany 23.6%, UK 10.1%, France 5.7%), Sweden 10.5%, Norway 5.8%,

US 4.9%, Japan 3.6% (1992)

Imports:

$30.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

petroleum, machinery and equipment, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs,

textiles, paper

partners:

EC 53.4% (Germany 23.1%, UK 8.2%, France 5.6%), Sweden 10.8%, Norway 5.4%,

US 5.7%, Japan 4.1% (1992)

External debt:

$40 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.9% (1992)

*Denmark, Economy

Electricity:

11,215,000 kW capacity; 34,170 million kWh produced, 6,610 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

food processing, machinery and equipment, textiles and clothing, chemical

products, electronics, construction, furniture, and other wood products,

shipbuilding

Agriculture:

accounts for 4% of GDP and employs 5.6% of labor force (includes fishing and

forestry); farm products account for nearly 15% of export revenues;

principal products - meat, dairy, grain, potatoes, rape, sugar beets, fish;

self-sufficient in food production

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89) $5.9 billion

Currency:

1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 re

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.236 (January 1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396

(1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Denmark, Communications

Railroads:

2,770 km; Danish State Railways (DSB) operate 2,120 km (1,999 km rail line

and 121 km rail ferry services); 188 km electrified, 730 km double tracked;

650 km of standard-gauge lines are privately owned and operated

Highways:

66,482 km total; 64,551 km concrete, bitumen, or stone block; 1,931 km

gravel, crushed stone, improved earth

Inland waterways:

417 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 110 km; petroleum products 578 km; natural gas 700 km

Ports:

Alborg, Arhus, Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Fredericia; numerous secondary and minor

ports

Merchant marine:

328 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,043,277 GRT/7,230,634 DWT; includes

13 short-sea passenger, 102 cargo, 19 refrigerated cargo, 47 container, 37

roll-on/roll-off, 1 railcar carrier, 33 oil tanker, 18 chemical tanker, 36

liquefied gas, 4 livestock carrier, 17 bulk, 1 combination bulk; note -

Denmark has created its own internal register, called the Danish

International Ship register (DIS); DIS ships do not have to meet Danish

manning regulations, and they amount to a flag of convenience within the

Danish register; by the end of 1990, 258 of the Danish-flag ships belonged

to the DIS

Airports:

total:

118

usable:

109

with permanent-surface runways:

28

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

9

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

7

Telecommunications:

excellent telephone, telegraph, and broadcast services; 4,509,000

telephones; buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay support

trunk network; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 50 TV; 19 submarine coaxial

cables; 7 earth stations operating in INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, and INMARSAT

*Denmark, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force, Home Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,368,211; fit for military service 1,176,559; reach

military age (20) annually 37,248 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.8 billion, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Djibouti, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, at the entrance to the Red Sea between Ethiopia and Somalia

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

22,000 km2

land area:

21,980 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total 508 km, Erithea 113 km, Ethiopia 337 km, Somalia 58 km

Coastline:

314 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis

Climate:

desert; torrid, dry

Terrain:

coastal plain and plateau separated by central mountains

Natural resources:

geothermal areas

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

91%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

vast wasteland

Note:

strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian

oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia

*Djibouti, People

Population:

401,579 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.7% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.05 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.06 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

113.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

48.78 years

male:

47.01 years

female:

50.59 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.27 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Djiboutian(s)

adjective:

Djiboutian

Ethnic divisions:

Somali 60%, Afar 35%, French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian 5%

Religions:

Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Languages:

French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

48%

male:

63%

female:

34%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

a small number of semiskilled laborers at the port and 3,000 railway workers

note:

52% of population of working age (1983)

*Djibouti, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Djibouti

conventional short form: Djibouti

former:

French Territory of the Afars and Issas French Somaliland

Digraph:

DJ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Djibouti

Administrative divisions:

5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); `Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti,

Obock, Tadjoura

Independence:

27 June 1977 (from France)

Constitution:

multiparty constitution approved in referendum September 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party:

People's Progress Assembly (RPP), Hassan GOULED Aptidon

other parties:

Democratic Renewal Party (PRD), Mohamed Jama ELABE; Democratic National

Party (PND), ADEN Robleh Awaleh

Other political or pressure groups:

Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy (FRUD) and affiliates;

Movement for Unity and Democracy (MUD)

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 18 December 1992; results - RPP is the only party; seats - (65

total) RPP 65

President:

last held 24 April 1987 (next to be held April 1993); results - President

Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected without opposition

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President HASSAN GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,

IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO,

UNCTAD, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO

*Djibouti, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roble OLHAYE

chancery:

Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone:

(202) 331-0270

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles R. BAQUET III

embassy:

Plateau du Serpent, Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti

mailing address:

B. P. 185, Djibouti

telephone:

[253] 35-39-95

FAX:

[253] 35-39-40

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star

in the center

*Djibouti, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on service activities connected with the country's

strategic location and status as a free trade zone in northeast Africa.

Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an

international transshipment and refueling center. It has few natural

resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent

on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance

development projects. An unemployment rate of over 30% continues to be a

major problem. Per capita consumption dropped an estimated 35% over the last

five years because of recession and a high population growth rate (including

immigrants and refugees).

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $358 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.2% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,030 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.7% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

over 30% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $170 million; expenditures $203 million, including capital

expenditures of $70 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$186 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities: hides and skins, coffee (in transit)

partners:

Africa 50%, Middle East 40%, Western Europe 9%

Imports:

$360 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products

partners:

Western Europe 54%, Middle East 20%, Asia 19%

External debt:

$355 million (December 1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 10.0% (1990); manufacturing accounts for 11% of GDP

Electricity:

115,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 580 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products and

mineral-water bottling

Agriculture:

accounts for only 3% of GDP; scanty rainfall limits crop production to

mostly fruit and vegetables; half of population pastoral nomads herding

goats, sheep, and camels; imports bulk of food needs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $39 million; Western (non-US)

countries, including ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1

billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $149 million; Communist countries

(1970-89), $35 million

Currency:

1 Djiboutian franc (DF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Djiboutian francs (DF) per US$1 - 177.721 (fixed rate since 1973)

*Djibouti, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Djibouti, Communications

Railroads:

the Ethiopian-Djibouti railroad extends for 97 km through Djibouti

Highways:

2,900 km total; 280 km paved; 2,620 km improved or unimproved earth (1982)

Ports:

Djibouti

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,369 GRT/3,030 DWT

Airports:

total:

13

usable:

11 with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

telephone facilities in the city of Djibouti are adequate as are the

microwave radio relay connections to outlying areas of the country;

international connections via submarine cable to Saudi Arabia and by

satellite to other countries; one ground station each for Indian Ocean

INTELSAT and ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV

*Djibouti, Defense Forces

Branches:

Djibouti National Army (including Navy and Air Force), National Security

Force (Force Nationale de Securite), National Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 97,943; fit for military service 57,187 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $26 million, NA% of GDP (1989)

*Dominica, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean, about halfway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and

Tobago

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

750 km2

land area:

750 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

148 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by northeast trade winds; heavy rainfall

Terrain:

rugged mountains of volcanic origin

Natural resources:

timber

Land use:

arable land:

9%

permanent crops:

13%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

41%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

flash floods a constant hazard; occasional hurricanes

*Dominica, People

Population:

86,547 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.31% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.06 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

10.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.72 years

male:

73.89 years

female:

79.71 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Dominican(s)

adjective:

Dominican

Ethnic divisions:

black, Carib Indians

Religions: Roman Catholic 77%, Protestant 15% (Methodist 5%, Pentecostal 3%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 3%, Baptist 2%, other 2%), none 2%, unknown 1%, other

5%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

94%

male:

94%

female:

94%

Labor force:

25,000

by occupation:

agriculture 40%, industry and commerce 32%, services 28% (1984)

*Dominica, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Commonwealth of Dominica

conventional short form:

Dominica

Digraph:

DO

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Roseau

Administrative divisions:

10 parishes; Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint John, Saint

Joseph, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick, Saint Paul, Saint Peter

Independence:

3 November 1978 (from UK)

Constitution:

3 November 1978

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1978)

Political parties and leaders:

Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES; Dominica Labor Party

(DLP), Rosie DOUGLAS; United Workers Party (UWP), Edison JAMES

Other political or pressure groups:

Dominica Liberation Movement (DLM), a small leftist group

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 28 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (30 total; 9 appointed senators and 21 elected

representatives) DFP 11, UWP 6, DLP 4

President:

last held 20 December 1988 (next to be held December 1993); results -

President Sir Clarence Augustus SEIGNORET was reelected by the House of

Assembly

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Sir Clarence Augustus SEIGNORET (since 19 December 1983)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES (since 21 July 1980, elected for a

third term 28 May 1990)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

there is no chancery in the US

US diplomatic representation:

no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados),

but travels frequently to Dominica

*Dominica, Government

Flag:

green with a centered cross of three equal bands - the vertical part is

yellow (hoist side), black, and white - the horizontal part is yellow (top),

black, and white; superimposed in the center of the cross is a red disk

bearing a sisserou parrot encircled by 10 green five-pointed stars edged in

yellow; the 10 stars represent the 10 administrative divisions (parishes)

*Dominica, Economy

Overview:

The economy is dependent on agriculture and thus is highly vulnerable to

climatic conditions. Agriculture accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs

40% of the labor force. Principal products include bananas, citrus, mangoes,

root crops, and coconuts. In 1991, GDP grew by 2.1%. The tourist industry

remains undeveloped because of a rugged coastline and the lack of an

international airport.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $174 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.1% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,100 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $70 million; expenditures $84 million, including capital

expenditures of $26 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$66.0 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges

partners:

UK 50%, CARICOM countries, US, Italy

Imports:

$110.0 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals

partners:

US 27%, CARICOM, UK, Canada

External debt:

$87 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.5% in manufacturing (1988 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP

Electricity:

7,000 kW capacity; 16 million kWh produced, 185 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes

Agriculture:

accounts for 26% of GDP; principal crops - bananas, citrus, mangoes, root

crops, coconuts; bananas provide the bulk of export earnings; forestry and

fisheries potential not exploited

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$120 million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Dominica, Communications

Highways:

750 km total; 370 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Roseau, Portsmouth

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

4,600 telephones in fully automatic network; VHF and UHF link to Saint

Lucia; new SHF links to Martinique and Guadeloupe; broadcast stations - 3

AM, 2 FM, 1 cable TV

*Dominica, Defense Forces

Branches:

Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Dominican Republic, Geography

Location:

in the northern Caribbean Sea, about halfway between Cuba and Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

48,730 km2

land area:

48,380 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total 275 km, Haiti 275 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the outer edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

6 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

rugged highlands and mountains with fertile valleys interspersed

Natural resources:

nickel, bauxite, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land:

23%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures:

43%

forest and woodland:

13%

other:

14%

Irrigated land:

2,250 km2 (1989)

Environment:

subject to occasional hurricanes (July to October); deforestation

Note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (western one-third is Haiti, eastern

two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

*Dominican Republic, People

Population:

7,683,940 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.86% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25.68 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

53.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.98 years

male:

65.87 years

female:

70.21 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.89 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Dominican(s)

adjective:

Dominican

Ethnic divisions:

mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

83%

male:

85%

female:

82%

Labor force:

2,300,000 to 2,600,000

by occupation:

agriculture 49%, services 33%, industry 18% (1986)

*Dominican Republic, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Dominican Republic

conventional short form:

none

local long form:

Republica Dominicana

local short form:

none

Digraph:

DR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Santo Domingo

Administrative divisions:

29 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 district* (distrito);, Azua, Baoruco,

Barahona, Dajabon, Distrito Nacional*, Duarte, Elias Pina, El, Seibo, Espaillat, Hato Mayor,

Independencia, La Altagracia, La Romana, La

Vega, Maria Trinidad Sanchez, Monsenor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata,

Pedernales, Peravia, Puerto Plata, Salcedo, Samana, Sanchez Ramirez, San

Cristobal, San Juan, San Pedro De Macoris, Santiago, Santiago Rodriguez,

Valverde

Independence:

27 February 1844 (from Haiti)

Constitution:

28 November 1966

Legal system:

based on French civil codes

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 February (1844)

Political parties and leaders:

Major parties:

Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC), Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo; Dominican

Liberation Party (PLD), Juan BOSCH Gavino; Dominican Revolutionary Party

(PRD), Jose Franciso PENA Gomez; Independent Revolutionary Party (PRI),

Jacobo MAJLUTA

Minor parties:

National Veterans and Civilian Party (PNVC), Juan Rene BEAUCHAMPS Javier;

Liberal Party of the Dominican Republic (PLRD), Andres Van Der HORST;

Democratic Quisqueyan Party (PQD), Elias WESSIN Chavez; National Progressive

Force (FNP), Marino VINICIO Castillo; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Rogelio

DELGADO Bogaert; Dominican Communist Party (PCD), Narciso ISA Conde;

Dominican Workers' Party (PTD), Ivan RODRIGUEZ; Anti-Imperialist Patriotic

Union (UPA), Ignacio RODRIGUEZ Chiappini; Alliance for Democracy Party

(APD), Maximilano Rabelais PUIG Miller, Nelsida MARMOLEJOS, Vicente BENGOA

note:

in 1983 several leftist parties, including the PCD, joined to form the

Dominican Leftist Front (FID); however, they still retain individual party

structures

Other political or pressure groups:

Collective of Popular Organzations (COP), leader NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory or married persons regardless of

age

note:

members of the armed forces and police cannot vote

*Dominican Republic, Government

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (120 total) PLD 44, PRSC 41, PRD 33, PRI 2

President:

last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Joaquin BALAGUER

(PRSC) 35.7%, Juan BOSCH Gavino (PLD) 34.4%

Senate:

last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (30 total) PRSC 16, PLD 12, PRD 2

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) consists of an upper chamber

or Senate (Senado) and lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies (Camara de

Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Joaquin BALAGUER Ricardo (since 16 August 1986, fifth elected term

began 16 August 1990); Vice President Carlos A. MORALES Troncoso (since 16

August 1986)

Member of:

ACP, CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM,

ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM (guest), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jose del Carmen ARIZA Gomez

chancery:

1715 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: (202) 332-6280

consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans,

New York, Philadelphia, San Juan (Puerto Rico)

consulates:

Charlotte Amalie (Virgin Islands), Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville,

Minneapolis, Mobile, Ponce (Puerto Rico), and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert S. PASTORINO

embassy:

corner of Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro, Santo

Domingo

mailing address:

APO AA 34041-0008

telephone:

(809) 541-2171 and 541-8100

FAX:

(809) 686-7437

Flag:

a centered white cross that extends to the edges, divides the flag into four

rectangles - the top ones are blue (hoist side) and red, the bottom ones are

red (hoist side) and blue; a small coat of arms is at the center of the

cross

*Dominican Republic, Economy

Overview:

The economy is largely dependent on trade; imported components average 60%

of the value of goods consumed in the domestic market. Rapid growth of free

trade zones has established a significant expansion of manufacturing for

export, especially wearing apparel. Over the past decade, tourism has also

increased in importance and is a major earner of foreign exchange and a

source of new jobs. Agriculture remains a key sector of the economy. The

principal commercial crop is sugarcane, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa,

and tobacco. Domestic industry is based on the processing of agricultural

products, oil refining, minerals, and chemicals. Unemployment is officially

reported at about 30%, but there is considerable underemployment.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $8.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,120 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $1.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$600 million (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities: ferronickel, sugar, gold, coffee, cocoa

partners:

US 60%, EC 19%, Puerto Rico 8% (1990)

Imports:

$2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals

partners:

US 50%

External debt:

$4.7 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1.5% (1991); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

2,283,000 kW capacity; 5,000 million kWh produced, 660 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement,

tobacco

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP and employs 49% of labor force; sugarcane is the

most important commercial crop, followed by coffee, cotton, cocoa, and

tobacco; food crops - rice, beans, potatoes, corn, bananas; animal output -

cattle, hogs, dairy products, meat, eggs; not self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-89), $575 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $655 million

Currency:

1 Dominican peso (RD$) = 100 centavos

*Dominican Republic, Economy

Exchange rates:

Dominican pesos (RD$) per US$1 - 12.7 (1992), 12.692 (1991), 8.525 (1990),

6.340 (1989), 6.113 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Dominican Republic, Communications

Railroads:

1,655 km total in numerous segments; 4 different gauges from 0.558 m to

1.435 m

Highways:

12,000 km total; 5,800 km paved, 5,600 km gravel and improved earth, 600 km

unimproved

Pipelines:

crude oil 96 km; petroleum products 8 km

Ports:

Santo Domingo, Haina, San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto Plata

Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,587 GRT/1,165 DWT

Airports:

total:

36

usable:

30

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

relatively efficient domestic system based on islandwide microwave relay

network; 190,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 120 AM, no FM, 18 TV, 6

shortwave; 1 coaxial submarine cable; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Dominican Republic, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,064,244; fit for military service 1,302,644; reach

military age (18) annually 80,991 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $110 million, 0.7% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Ecuador, Geography

Location:

Western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator between

Colombia and Peru

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

283,560 km2

land area:

276,840 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Nevada

note:

includes Galapagos Islands

Land boundaries:

total 2,010 km, Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,237 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: claims continental shelf between mainland and Galapagos Islands

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

three sections of the boundary with Peru are in dispute

Climate:

tropical along coast becoming cooler inland

Terrain:

coastal plain (Costa), inter-Andean central highlands (Sierra), and flat to

rolling eastern jungle (Oriente)

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, timber

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

17%

forest and woodland:

51%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

5,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity;

deforestation; desertification; soil erosion; periodic droughts

Note:

Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world

*Ecuador, People

Population:

10,461,072 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.8 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

40.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.61 years

male:

67.09 years

female:

72.25 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.19 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ecuadorian(s)

adjective:

Ecuadorian

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo (mixed Indian and Spanish) 55%, Indian 25%, Spanish 10%, black 10%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Indian languages (especially Quechua)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

86%

male:

88%

female:

84%

Labor force:

2.8 million

by occupation:

agriculture 35%, manufacturing 21%, commerce 16%, services and other

activities 28% (1982)

*Ecuador, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Ecuador

conventional short form:

Ecuador

local long form:

Republica del Ecuador

local short form:

Ecuador

Digraph:

EC

Type:

republic

Capital:

Quito

Administrative divisions:

21 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Azuay, Bolivar, Canar,

Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas,

Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Pastaza, Pichincha,

Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Independence:

24 May 1822 (from Spain)

Constitution:

10 August 1979

Legal system:

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

National holiday: Independence Day, 10 August (1809) (independence of Quito)

Political parties and leaders:

Center-Right parties:

Social Christian Party (PSC), Jaime NEBOT Saadi, president; Republican Unity

Party (PUR), President Sixto DURAN-BALLEN, leader; Conservative Party (CE),

Vice President Alberto DAHIK, president

Center-Left parties:

Democratic Left (ID), Andres VALLEJO Arcos, Rodrigo BORJA Cevallos, leaders;

Popular Democracy (DP), Jamil MANUAD Witt, president; Ecuadorian Radical

Liberal Party (PLRE), Carlos Luis PLAZA Aray, director; Radical Alfarista

Front (FRA), Jaime ASPIAZU Seminario, director

Populist parties:

Roldista Party (PRE), Abdala BUCARAM Ortiz, director; Concentration of

Popular Forces (CFP), Rafael SANTELICES, director; Popular Revolutionary

Action (APRE), Frank VARGAS Passos, leader; Assad Bucaram Party (PAB),

Avicena BUCARAM, leader; People, Change, and Democracy (PCD), Raul AULESTIA,

director

Far-Left parties:

Popular Democratic Movement (MPD), Jorge Fausto MORENO, director; Ecuadorian

Socialist Party (PSE), Leon ROLDOS, leader; Broad Leftist Front (FADI), Jose

Xavier GARAYCOA, president; Ecuadorian National Liberation (LN), Alfredo

CASTILLO, director

Communists:

Communist Party of Ecuador (PCE, pro-North Korea), Rene Leon Mague

MOSWUERRA, secretary general (5,00 members); Communist Party of

Ecuador/Marxist-Leninist (PCMLE, Maoist), leader NA (3,000 members)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons ages 18-65,

optional for other eligible voters

*Ecuador, Government

Elections:

President:

runoff election held 5 July 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Sixto

DURAN-BALLEN elected as president and Alberto DAHIK elected as vice

president

National Congress:

last held 17 May 1992 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (77 total) PSC 20, PRE 15, PUR 12, ID 7, PC 6, DP

5, PSE 3, MPD 3, PLRE 2, CFP 2, FRA 1, APRE 1

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Sixto DURAN-BALLEN (since 10 August 1992); Vice President Alberto

DAHIK (since 10 August 1992)

Member of:

AG, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS,

NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edgar TERAN

chancery:

2535 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 234-7200

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San

Francisco

consulate:

San Diego

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires James F. MACK

embassy:

Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quito

mailing address:

P. O. Box 538, Quito, or APO AA 34039-3420

telephone:

[593] (2) 562-890

FAX:

[593] (2) 502-052

consulate general:

Guayaquil

Flag:

three horizontal bands of yellow (top, double width), blue, and red with the

coat of arms superimposed at the center of the flag; similar to the flag of

Colombia that is shorter and does not bear a coat of arms

*Ecuador, Economy

Overview:

Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. Growth

has been uneven because of natural disasters, fluctuations in global oil

prices, and government policies designed to curb inflation. Banana exports,

second only to oil, have suffered as a result of EC import quotas and banana

blight. The new President Sixto DURAN-BALLEN, has a much more favorable

attitude toward foreign investment than did his predecessor. Ecuador has

implemented trade agreements with Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela and

has applied for GATT membership. At the end of 1991, Ecuador received a

standby IMF loan of $105 million, which will permit the country to proceed

with the rescheduling of Paris Club debt. In September 1992, the government

launched a new, macroeconomic program that gives more play to market forces;

as of March 1993, the program seemed to be paying off.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $11.8 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1992)

National product per capita:

$1,100 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 70% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

8% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $1.9 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$3.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

petroleum 42%, bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffee

partners:

US 53.4%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries

Imports:

$2.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

transport equipment, vehicles, machinery, chemicals

partners:

US 32.7%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries, Japan

External debt:

$12.7 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.9% (1991); accounts for almost 40% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

2,921,000 kW capacity; 7,676 million kWh produced, 700 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, metal works, paper products, wood

products, chemicals, plastics, fishing, timber

Agriculture:

accounts for 18% of GDP and 35% of labor force (including fishing and

forestry); leading producer and exporter of bananas and balsawood; other

exports - coffee, cocoa, fish, shrimp; crop production - rice, potatoes,

manioc, plantains, sugarcane; livestock sector - cattle, sheep, hogs, beef,

pork, dairy products; net importer of foodgrains, dairy products, and sugar

Illicit drugs:

minor illicit producer of coca following the successful eradication campaign

of 1985-87; significant transit country, however, for derivatives of coca

originating in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru; importer of precursor chemicals

used in production of illicit narcotics; important money-laundering hub

*Ecuador, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $498 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.15 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $64 million

Currency:

1 sucre (S/) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

sucres (S/) per US$1 - 1,453.8 (August 1992), 1,046.25 (1991), 869.54

(December 1990), 767.75 (1990), 526.35 (1989), 301.61 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Ecuador, Communications

Railroads:

965 km total; all 1.067-meter-gauge single track

Highways:

28,000 km total; 3,600 km paved, 17,400 km gravel and improved earth, 7,000

km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

1,500 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 800 km; petroleum products 1,358 km

Ports:

Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Esmeraldas

Merchant marine:

45 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 333,380 GRT/483,862 DWT; includes 2

passenger, 4 cargo, 17 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 1 roll-on/roll-off,

15 oil tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

174

usable:

173

with permanent-surface runways:

52

with runway over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

21

Telecommunications:

domestic facilities generally adequate; 318,000 telephones; broadcast

stations - 272 AM, no FM, 33 TV, 39 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

earth station

*Ecuador, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (Ejercito Ecuatoriano), Navy (Armada Ecuatoriana), Air Force (Fuerza

Aerea Ecuatoriana), National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,655,520; fit for military service 1,798,122; reach

military age (20) annually 109,413 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Egypt, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, between

Sudan and Libya

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,001,450 km2

land area:

995,450 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 2,689 km, Gaza Strip 11 km, Israel 255 km, Libya 1,150 km, Sudan 1,273

km

Coastline:

2,450 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international

boundary creating the "Hala'ib Triangle," a barren area of 20,580 km2, the

dispute over this area escalated in 1993

Climate:

desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Terrain:

vast desert plateau interrupted by Nile valley and delta

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum,

talc, asbestos, lead, zinc

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

95%

Irrigated land:

25,850 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

Nile is only perennial water source; increasing soil salinization below

Aswan High Dam; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring;

water pollution; desertification

Note:

controls Sinai Peninsula, only land bridge between Africa and remainder of

Eastern Hemisphere; controls Suez Canal, shortest sea link between Indian

Ocean and Mediterranean; size and juxtaposition to Israel establish its

major role in Middle Eastern geopolitics

*Egypt, People

Population:

59,585,529 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.3% (1993 est.)

note:

the US Bureau of the Census has lowered its 1993 estimate of growth to 2.0%

on the basis of a 1992 Egyptian government survey, whereas estimates of

other observers go as high as 2.9%

Birth rate:

33 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

NEGL

Infant mortality rate:

78.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

60.46 years

male:

58.61 years

female:

62.41 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.35 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Egyptian(s)

adjective:

Egyptian

Ethnic divisions:

Eastern Hamitic stock 90%, Greek, Italian, Syro-Lebanese 10%

Religions:

Muslim (mostly Sunni) 94% (official estimate), Coptic Christian and other 6%

(official estimate)

Languages:

Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

48%

male:

63%

female:

34%

Labor force:

15 million (1989 est.)

by occupation:

government, public sector enterprises, and armed forces 36%, agriculture

34%, privately owned service and manufacturing enterprises 20% (1984)

note: shortage of skilled labor; 2,500,000 Egyptians work abroad, mostly in Saudi

Arabia and the Gulf Arab states (1988 est.)

*Egypt, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Arab Republic of Egypt

conventional short form:

Egypt

local long form:

Jumhuriyat Misr al-Arabiyah

local short form:

none

former:

United Arab Republic (with Syria)

Digraph:

EG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Cairo

Administrative divisions:

26 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Ad Daqahliyah, Al Bahr al

Ahmar, Al Buhayrah, Al Fayyum, Al Gharbiyah, Al Iskandariyah, Al

Isma'iliyah, Al Jizah, Al Minufiyah, Al Minya, Al Qahirah, Al Qalyubiyah, Al

Wadi al Jadid, Ash Sharqiyah, As Suways, Aswan, Asyu't, Bani Suwayf, Bur

Sa'id, Dumyat, Janub Sina, Kafr ash Shaykh, Matruh, Qina, Shamal Sina, Suhaj

Independence:

28 February 1922 (from UK)

Constitution:

11 September 1971

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law, and Napoleonic codes; judicial

review by Supreme Court and Council of State (oversees validity of

administrative decisions); accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July (1952)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party (NDP), President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK, leader,

is the dominant party; legal opposition parties are Socialist Liberal Party

(SLP), Kamal MURAD; Socialist Labor Party, Ibrahim SHUKRI; National

Progressive Unionist Grouping (NPUG), Khalid MUHYI-AL-DIN; Umma Party, Ahmad

al-SABAHI; New Wafd Party (NWP), Fu'ad SIRAJ AL-DIN; Misr al-Fatah Party

(Young Egypt Party), Ali al-Din SALIH; The Greens Party, Hasan RAJABD;

Nasserist Arab Democratic Party, Muhammad Rif'at al-MUHAMI; Democratic

Unionist Party, Mohammed 'Abd-al-Mun'im TURK; Democratic Peoples' Party,

Anwar AFISI

note:

formation of political parties must be approved by government

Other political or pressure groups:

Islamic groups are illegal, but the largest one, the Muslim Brotherhood, is

tolerated by the government; trade unions and professional associations are

officially sanctioned

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

Advisory Council:

last held 8 June 1989 (next to be held June 1995); results - NDP 100%; seats

- (258 total, 172 elected) NDP 172

*Egypt, Government

People's Assembly:

last held 29 November 1990 (next to be held November 1995); results - NDP

78.4%, NPUG 1.4%, independents 18.7%; seats - (437 total, 444 elected) NDP

348, NPUG 6, independents 83; note - most opposition parties boycotted

President:

last held 5 October 1987 (next to be held October 1993); results - President

Hosni MUBARAK was reelected

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly (Majlis al-Cha'b); note - there is an Advisory

Council (Majlis al-Shura) that functions in a consultative role

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (was made acting President on 6 October

1981 upon the assassination of President SADAT and sworn in as president on

14 October 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Atef Mohammed Najib SEDKY (since 12 November 1986)

Member of:

ABEDA, ACC, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AG (observer), AL, AMF, CAEU,

CCC, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OAU, OIC, PCA,

UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, UNRWA,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ahmed MAHER El Sayed

chancery:

2310 Decatur Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-5400

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert PELLETREAU

embassy:

Lazougi Street, Garden City, Cairo

mailing address:

APO AE 09839 telephone:

[20] (2) 355-7371

FAX:

[20] (2) 355-7375

consulate general:

Alexandria

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with the

national emblem (a shield superimposed on a golden eagle facing the hoist

side above a scroll bearing the name of the country in Arabic) centered in

the white band; similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band;

also similar to the flag of Syria that has two green stars and to the flag

of Iraq, which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a

horizontal line centered in the white band

*Egypt, Economy

Overview:

Egypt has one of the largest public sectors of all the Third World

economies, most industrial plants being owned by the government.

Overregulation holds back technical modernization and foreign investment.

Even so, the economy grew rapidly during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but

in 1986 the collapse of world oil prices and an increasingly heavy burden of

debt servicing led Egypt to begin negotiations with the IMF for

balance-of-payments support. Egypt's first IMF standby arrangement concluded

in mid-1987 was suspended in early 1988 because of the government's failure

to adopt promised reforms. Egypt signed a follow-on program with the IMF and

also negotiated a structural adjustment loan with the World Bank in 1991. In

1991-92 the government made solid progress on administrative reforms such as

liberalizing exchange and interest rates but resisted implementing major

structural reforms like streamlining the public sector. As a result, the

economy has not gained momentum and unemployment has become a growing

problem. In 1992-93 tourism has plunged 20% or so because of sporadic

attacks by Islamic extremists on tourist groups. President MUBARAK has cited

population growth as the main cause of the country's economic troubles. The

addition of about 1.4 million people a year to the already huge population

of 60 million exerts enormous pressure on the 5% of the land area available

for agriculture.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $41.2 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.1% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$730 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

21% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $12.6 billion; expenditures $15.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $4 billion (FY92 est.)

Exports:

$3.6 billion (f.o.b., FY92 est.)

commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal

products, chemicals

partners:

EC, Eastern Europe, US, Japan

Imports:

$10.0 billion (c.i.f., FY92 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer

goods, capital goods

partners:

EC, US, Japan, Eastern Europe

External debt:

$38 billion (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP

Electricity:

14,175,000 kW capacity; 47,000 million kWh produced, 830 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction,

cement, metals

*Egypt, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 20% of GDP and employs more than one-third of labor force;

dependent on irrigation water from the Nile; world's sixth-largest cotton

exporter; other crops produced include rice, corn, wheat, beans, fruit,

vegetables; not self-sufficient in food for a rapidly expanding population;

livestock - cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats; annual fish catch about

140,000 metric tons

Illicit drugs:

a transit point for Southwest Asian and Southeast Asian heroin and opium

moving to Europe and the US; popular transit stop for Nigerian couriers;

large domestic consumption of hashish and heroin from Lebanon and Syria

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $15.7 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $10.1 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.9 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.4

billion

Currency:

1 Egyptian pound (#E) = 100 piasters

Exchange rates:

Egyptian pounds (#E) per US$1 - 3.345 (November 1992), 2.7072 (1990), 2.5171

(1989), 2.2233 (1988), 1.5183 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Egypt, Communications

Railroads:

5,110 km total; 4,763 km 1,435-meter standard gauge, 347 km 0.750-meter

gauge; 951 km double track; 25 km electrified

Highways:

51,925 km total; 17,900 km paved, 2,500 km gravel, 13,500 km improved earth,

18,025 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

3,500 km (including the Nile, Lake Nasser, Alexandria-Cairo Waterway, and

numerous smaller canals in the delta); Suez Canal, 193.5 km long (including

approaches), used by oceangoing vessels drawing up to 16.1 meters of water

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,171 km; petroleum products 596 km; natural gas 460 km

Ports:

Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, Bur Safajah, Damietta

Merchant marine:

168 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,097,707 GRT/1,592,885 DWT; includes

25 passenger, 6 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 88 cargo, 3

refrigerated cargo, 14 roll-on/roll-off, 13 oil tanker, 16 bulk, 1 container

Airports:

total:

92

usable:

82

with permanent-surface runways:

66

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

44

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

24

Telecommunications:

large system by Third World standards but inadequate for present

requirements and undergoing extensive upgrading; about 600,000 telephones

(est.) - 11 telephones per 1,000 persons; principal centers at Alexandria,

Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia Suez, and Tanta are connected by coaxial cable

and microwave radio relay; international traffic is carried by satellite -

one earth station for each of Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, Indian Ocean

INTELSAT, ARABSAT and INMARSAT; by 5 coaxial submarine cables, microwave

troposcatter (to Sudan), and microwave radio relay (to Libya, Israel, and

Jordan); broadcast stations - 39 AM, 6 FM, and 41 TV

*Egypt, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Command

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 14,513,752; fit for military service 9,434,020; reach

military age (20) annually 581,858 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.05 billion, 5% of GDP (FY92/93)

*El Salvador, Geography

Location:

Central America, bordering the North Pacific Ocean between Guatemala and

Honduras

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

21,040 km2

land area:

20,720 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Massachusetts

Land boundaries:

total 545 km, Guatemala 203 km, Honduras 342 km

Coastline:

307 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm; overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm

International disputes:

land boundary dispute with Honduras mostly resolved by 11 September 1992

International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision; ICJ referred the maritime

boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca to an earlier agreement in this century and

advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras and

Nicaragua likely would be required

Climate:

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

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal belt and central plateau

Natural resources:

hydropower, geothermal power, petroleum

Land use:

arable land:

27%

permanent crops:

8%

meadows and pastures:

29%

forest and woodland:

6%

other:

30%

Irrigated land:

1,200 km2 (1989)

Environment:

the Land of Volcanoes; subject to frequent and sometimes very destructive

earthquakes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Note:

smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on

Caribbean Sea

*El Salvador, People

Population:

5,636,524 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.04% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.12 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

42.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

66.5 years

male:

63.93 years

female:

69.2 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.87 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Salvadoran(s)

adjective:

Salvadoran

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo 94%, Indian 5%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 75%

note:

Roman Catholic about 75%; there is extensive activity by Protestant groups

throughout the country; by the end of 1992, there were an estimated 1

million Protestant evangelicals in El Salvador

Languages:

Spanish, Nahua (among some Indians)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

73%

male:

76%

female:

70%

Labor force:

1.7 million (1982 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 40%, commerce 16%, manufacturing 15%, government 13%, financial

services 9%, transportation 6%, other 1%

note:

shortage of skilled labor and a large pool of unskilled labor, but manpower

training programs improving situation (1984 est.)

*El Salvador, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of El Salvador

conventional short form:

El Salvador

local long form:

Republica de El Salvador

local short form:

El Salvador

Digraph:

ES

Type:

republic

Capital:

San Salvador

Administrative divisions:

14 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Ahuachapan,

Cabanas, Chalatenango, Cuscatlan, La Libertad, La Paz, La Union, Morazan,

San Miguel, San Salvador, Santa Ana, San Vicente, Sonsonate, Usulutan

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution:

20 December 1983

Legal system:

based on civil and Roman law, with traces of common law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

National Republican Alliance (Arena), Armando CALDERON Sol, president;

Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Fidel CHAVEZ Mena, secretary general;

National Conciliation Party (PCN), Ciro CRUZ Zepeda, president; Democratic

Convergence (CD) is a coalition of three parties - the Social Democratic

Party (PSD), Carlos Diaz BARRERA, secretary general; Democratic Nationalist

Union (UDN), Mario AGUINADA Carranza, secretary general; and the Popular

Social Christian Movement (MPSC), Dr. Ruben Ignacio ZAMORA Rivas; Authentic

Christian Movement (MAC), Guillermo Antonia GUEVARA Lacayo, president;

Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLM), Jorge Shafik HANDAL,

general coordinator, has five factions - Popular Liberation Forces (FPL),

Salvador SANCHEZ Ceren; Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN), Ferman

CIENFUEGOS; People's Revolutionary Army (ERP), Joaquin VILLA LOBOS Huezo;

Salvadoran Communist Party/Armed Forces of Liberation (PCES/FAL), Jorge

Shafik HANDAL; and

Central American Workers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC)/Popular Liberation

Revolutionary Aermed Forces (FARLP), Francisco JOVEL

Other political or pressure groups:

FMLN labor front organizations:

National Union of Salvadoran Workers (UNTS), leftist umbrella front group,

leads FMLN front network; National Federation of Salvadoran Workers

(FENASTRAS), best organized of front groups and controlled by FMLN's

National Resistance (RN); Social Security Institute Workers Union (STISSS),

one of the most militant fronts, is controlled by FMLN's Armed Forces of

National Resistance (FARN) and RN; Association of Telecommunications Workers

(ASTTEL); Unitary Federation of Salvadoran Unions (FUSS), leftist; Treasury

Ministry Employees (AGEMHA)

*El Salvador, Government

FMLN nonlabor front organizations:

Committee of Mothers and Families of Political Prisoners, Disappeared

Persons, and Assassinated of El Salvador (COMADRES); Nongovernmental Human

Rights Commission (CDHES); Committee of Dismissed and Unemployed of El

Salvador (CODYDES); General Association of Salvadoran University Students

(AGEUS); National Association of Salvadoran Educators (ANDES-21 DE JUNIO);

Salvadoran Revolutionary Student Front (FERS), associated with the Popular

Forces of Liberation (FPL); Association of National University Educators

(ADUES); Salvadoran University Students Front (FEUS); Christian Committee

for the Displaced of El Salvador (CRIPDES), an FPL front; The Association

for Communal Development in El Salvador (PADECOES), controlled by the

People's Revolutionary Army (ERP); Confederation of Cooperative Associations

of El Salvador (COACES)

labor organizations:

Federation of Construction and Transport Workers Unions (FESINCONSTRANS),

independent; Salvadoran Communal Union (UCS), peasant association;

Democratic Workers Central (CTD), moderate; General Confederation of Workers

(CGT), moderate; National Union of Workers and Peasants (UNOC), moderate

labor coalition of democratic labor organizations; United Workers Front

(FUT)

business organizations:

National Association of Private Enterprise (ANEP), conservative; Productive

Alliance (AP), conservative; National Federation of Salvadoran Small

Businessmen (FENAPES), conservative

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held 10 March 1991 (next to be held March 1994); results - ARENA 44.3%,

PDC 27.96%, CD 12.16%, PCN 8.99%, MAC 3.23%, UDN 2.68%; seats - (84 total)

ARENA 39, PDC 26, PCN 9, CD 8, UDN 1, MAC 1

President:

last held 19 March 1989 (next to be held March 1994); results - Alfredo

CRISTIANI (ARENA) 53.8%, Fidel CHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 36.6%, other 9.6%

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President (Felix) Alfredo CRISTIANI Buchard (since 1 June 1989); Vice

President (Jose) Francisco MERINO Lopez (since 1 June 1989)

Member of:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer),

LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission:

Ambassador Miguel Angel SALAVERRIA

chancery:

2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-9671 through 3482

consulates general:

Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco

*El Salvador, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Charge d'Affaires Peter F. ROMERO

embassy:

Final Boulevard, Station Antigua Cuscatlan, San Salvador

mailing address:

APO AA 34023

telephone:

[503] 78-4444

FAX:

[503] 78-6011

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the

national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features

a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA

CENTRAL; similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which has a different coat of

arms centered in the white band - it features a triangle encircled by the

words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; also

similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X

pattern centered in the white band

*El Salvador, Economy

Overview:

The agricultural sector accounts for 24% of GDP, employs about 40% of the

labor force, and contributes about 66% to total exports. Coffee is the major

commercial crop, accounting for 45% of export earnings. The manufacturing

sector, based largely on food and beverage processing, accounts for 18% of

GDP and 15% of employment. Economic losses because of guerrilla sabotage

total more than $2 billion since 1979. The costs of maintaining a large

military seriously constrain the government's efforts to provide essential

social services. Nevertheless, growth in national output during the period

1990-92 exceeded growth in population for the first time since 1987.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.9 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,060 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

17% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

7.5% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $846 million; expenditures $890 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$693 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

coffee 45%, sugar, shrimp, cotton

partners:

US 33%, Guatemala, Germany, Costa Rica

Imports:

$1.47 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods

partners:

US 43%, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Germany

External debt:

$2.6 billion (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.7% (1991); accounts for 22% of GDP

Electricity:

713,800 kW capacity; 2,190 million kWh produced, 390 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing, beverages, petroleum, nonmetallic products, tobacco,

chemicals, textiles, furniture

Agriculture:

accounts for 24% of GDP and 40% of labor force (including fishing and

forestry); coffee most important commercial crop; other products -

sugarcane, corn, rice, beans, oilseeds, beef, dairy products, shrimp; not

self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $2.95 billion, plus $250 million

for 1992-96; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments

(1970-89), $525 million

Currency:

1 Salvadoran colon (C) = 100 centavos

*El Salvador, Economy

Exchange rates:

Salvadoran colones (C) per US$1 - 8.7600 (January 1993), 9.1700 (1992),

8.0300 (1991), fixed rate of 5.000 (1986-1989)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*El Salvador, Communications

Railroads:

602 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; 542 km in use

Highways:

10,000 km total; 1,500 km paved, 4,100 km gravel, 4,400 km improved and

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

Rio Lempa partially navigable

Ports:

Acajutla, Cutuco

Airports:

total:

105

usable:

74

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

nationwide trunk microwave radio relay system; connection into Central

American Microwave System; 116,000 telephones (21 telephones per 1,000

persons); broadcast stations - 77 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 2 shortwave; 1 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*El Salvador, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,305,853; fit for military service 836,192; reach military

age (18) annually 71,101 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $104 million, 3%-4% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Equatorial Guinea, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Cameroon and

Gabon

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

28,050 km2

land area:

28,050 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 539 km, Cameroon 189 km, Gabon 350 km

Coastline:

296 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary dispute with Gabon because of disputed sovereignty over

islands in Corisco Bay

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains rise to interior hills; islands are volcanic

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, small unexploited deposits of gold, manganese, uranium

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

51%

other:

33%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to violent windstorms

Note:

insular and continental regions rather widely separated

*Equatorial Guinea, People

Population:

399,055 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.6% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

41.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

15.11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

104.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

51.63 years

male:

49.56 years

female: 53.76 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Equatorial Guinean(s) or Equatoguinean(s)

adjective:

Equatorial Guinean or Equatoguinean

Ethnic divisions:

Bioko (primarily Bubi, some Fernandinos), Rio Muni (primarily Fang),

Europeans less than 1,000, mostly Spanish

Religions:

nominally Christian and predominantly Roman Catholic, pagan practices

Languages:

Spanish (official), pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, Ibo

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

50%

male:

64%

female:

37%

Labor force:

172,000 (1986 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 66%, services 23%, industry 11% (1980)

note:

labor shortages on plantations; 58% of population of working age (1985)

*Equatorial Guinea, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Equatorial Guinea

conventional short form:

Equatorial Guinea

local long form:

Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial

local short form:

Guinea Ecuatorial

former:

Spanish Guinea

Digraph:

EK

Type:

republic in transition to multiparty democracy

Capital:

Malabo

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Annobon, Bioko Norte, Bioko

Sur, Centro Sur, Kie-Ntem, Litoral, Wele-Nzas

Independence:

12 October 1968 (from Spain)

Constitution:

new constitution 17 November 1991

Legal system:

partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 October (1968)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling - Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Brig. Gen. (Ret.)

Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, party leader

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

President:

last held 25 June 1989 (next to be held 25 June 1996); results - President

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO was reelected without

opposition

Chamber of People's Representatives:

last held 10 July 1988 (next to be held 10 July 1993); results - PDGE is the

only party; seats - (41 total) PDGE 41

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives of the People (Camara de Representantes

del Pueblo)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August

1979)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Silvestre SIALE BILEKA (since 17 January 1992); Deputy Prime

Minister Miguel OYONO NDONG MIFUMU (since 22 January 1992)

*Equatorial Guinea, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAS

(observer), OAU, UDEAC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Damaso OBIANG NDONG

chancery:

(temporary) 57 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10553

telephone:

(914) 667-9664

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John E. BENNETT

embassy:

Calle de Los Ministros, Malabo

mailing address: P.O. Box 597, Malabo

telephone:

[240] (9) 2185

FAX:

[240] (9) 2164

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a blue

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side and the coat of arms centered in

the white band; the coat of arms has six yellow six-pointed stars

(representing the mainland and five offshore islands) above a gray shield

bearing a silk-cotton tree and below which is a scroll with the motto

UNIDAD, PAZ, JUSTICIA (Unity, Peace, Justice)

*Equatorial Guinea, Economy

Overview:

The economy, devastated during the regime of former President Macias NGUEMA,

is based on agriculture, forestry, and fishing, which account for about half

of GDP and nearly all exports. Subsistence agriculture predominates, with

cocoa, coffee, and wood products providing income, foreign exchange, and

government revenues. There is little industry. Commerce accounts for about

8% of GDP and the construction, public works, and service sectors for about

38%. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese,

uranium, and alluvial gold. Oil exploration, taking place under concessions

offered to US, French, and Spanish firms, has been moderately successful.

Increased production from recently discovered natural gas deposits will

provide a greater share of exports by 1995.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $144 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-1% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$380 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $26 million; expenditures $30 million, including capital

expenditures of $3 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$37 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

coffee, timber, cocoa beans

partners:

Spain 38.2%, Italy 12.2%, Netherlands 11.4%, FRG 6.9%, Nigeria 12.4% (1988)

Imports:

$63.0 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinery

partners:

France 25.9%, Spain 21.0%, Italy 16%, US 12.8%, Netherlands 8%, FRG 3.1%,

Gabon 2.9%, Nigeria 1.8% (1988)

External debt: $213 million (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6.8% (1990 est.)

Electricity:

23,000 kW capacity; 60 million kWh produced, 160 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

fishing, sawmilling

Agriculture:

cash crops - timber and coffee from Rio Muni, cocoa from Bioko; food crops -

rice, yams, cassava, bananas, oil palm nuts, manioc, livestock

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY81-89), $14 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89) $130 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $55 million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

*Equatorial Guinea, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Equatorial Guinea, Communications

Highways:

Rio Muni - 2,460 km; Bioko - 300 km

Ports:

Malabo, Bata

Merchant marine:

2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,413 GRT/6,699 DWT; includes 1 cargo

and 1 passenger-cargo

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

poor system with adequate government services; international communications

from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; 2,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Equatorial Guinea, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 84,323; fit for military service 42,812 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Eritrea, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Red Sea between Djibouti and Sudan

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

121,320 km2

land area:

121,320 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total 1,630 km, Djibouti 113 km, Ethiopia 912 km, Sudan 605 km

Coastline:

1,151 km (land and island coastline is 2,234 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

hot, dry desert strip along Red Sea coast; cooler and wetter in the central

highlands (up to 61 cm of rainfall annually); semiarid in western hills and

lowlands; rainfall heaviest during June-September except on coast desert

Terrain:

dominated by extension of Ethiopian north-south trending highlands,

descending on the east to a coastal desert plan, on the northwest to hilly

terrain and on the southwest to flat-to-rolling plains

Natural resources:

gold, potash, zinc, copper, salt, probably oil, fish

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

2% (coffee)

meadows and pastures:

40%

forest and woodland:

5% other:

50%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

frequent droughts, famine; deforestation; soil eroision; overgrazing; loss

of infrastructure from civil warfare

Note:

strategic geopolitical position along world's busiest shipping lanes and

close to Arabian oilfields, Eritrea retained the entire coastline of

Ethiopia along the Red Sea upon de jure independence from Ethiopia on 27

April 1993

*Eritrea, People

Population:

3,467,087 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.46% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Eritrean(s)

adjective:

Eritrean

Ethnic divisions:

ethnic Tigrays 50%, Tigre and Kunama 40%, Afar 4%, Saho (Red Sea coast

dwellers) 3%

Religions:

Muslim, Coptic Christian, Roman Catholic, Protestant

Languages:

Tigre and Kunama, Cushitic dialects, Tigre, Nora Bana, Arabic

Literacy:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Eritrea, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Eritrea

local long form:

none

local short form:

none

former:

Eritrea Autonomous Region in Ethiopia

Digraph:

ER

Type:

transitional government

note:

on 29 May 1991 ISSAIAS Afeworke, secretary general of the Eritrean People's

Liberation Front (EPLF), announced the formation of the Provisional

Government in Eritrea (PGE), in preparation for the 23-25 April 1993

referendum on independence for the autonomous region of Eritrea; the result

was a landslide vote for independence that was announced on 27 April 1993

Capital:

Asmara (formerly Asmera)

Administrative divisions:

NA

Independence:

27 April 1993 (from Ethiopia; formerly the Eritrea Autonomous Region)

Constitution:

transitional "constitution" decreed 19 May 1993

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

National Day (independence from Ethiopia), 24 May (1993)

Political parties and leaders:

Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) (Christian Muslim), ISSAIAS

Aferworke, PETROS Soloman; Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) (Muslim),

ABDULLAH Muhammed; Eritrean Liberation Front - United Organization (ELF-UO),

leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP);

numerous small, ethnic-based groups have formed since Mengistu's

resignation, including several Islamic militant groups

Suffrage:

NA

Elections:

multinational election before 20 May 1997

Executive branch:

president, Eritrean National Council

Legislative branch:

National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Judiciary

Leaders: Chief of State and Head of Government:

President ISSAIAS Aferworke

Member of:

OAU, UN, UNCTAD

*Eritrea, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

NA

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Joseph P. O'NEILL

embassy:

NA

mailing address:

NA

telephone:

251-4-113-720

FAX:

NA

Flag:

red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two

right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold

wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the

red triangle

*Eritrea, Economy

Overview:

With independence from Ethiopia on 27 April 1993, Eritrea faces the bitter

economic problems of a small, desperately poor African country. Most of the

population will continue to depend on subsistence farming. Domestic output

is substantially augmented by worker remittances from abroad. Government

revenues come from custom duties and income and sales taxes. Eritrea has

inherited the entire coastline of Ethiopia and has long-term prospects for

revenues from the devlopment of offshore oil, offshore fishing and tourist

development. For the time being, Ethiopia will be largely dependent on

Eritrean ports for its foreign trade.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $400 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$115 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

NA kW capacity; NA kWh produced, NA kWh per capita

Industries:

food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles

Agriculture:

NA

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

NA

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

NA

*Eritrea, Communications

Railroads:

307 km total; 307 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge

(nonoperational) linking Ak'ordat and Asmera with the port of Mits'iwe (1993

est.)

Highways:

3,845 km total; 807 km paved, 840 km gravel, 402 km improved earth, 1,796 km

unimproved earth

Ports:

Assab (formerly Aseb), Massawa (formerly Mits'iwa)

Merchant marine:

14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 71,837 GRT/90,492 DWT; includes 9

cargo, 1 roll-on/roll off, 1 livestock carrier, 2 oil tanker, 1 refrigerated

cargo

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

5 with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

NA

*Eritrea, Defense Forces

Branches:

Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 NA; fit for military service NA; reach military age (18)

annually NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Estonia, Geography

Location:

Northeastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Russia

Map references:

Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

45,100 km2

land area:

43,200 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Hampshire and Vermont combined

note:

includes 1,520 islands in the Baltic Sea

Land boundaries:

total 557 km, Latvia 267 km, Russia 290 km

Coastline:

1,393 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

international small border strips along the northern (Narva) and southern

(Petseri) sections of eastern border with Russia ceded to Russia in 1945 by

the Estonian SSR

Climate:

maritime, wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

marshy, lowlands

Natural resources: shale oil, peat, phosphorite, amber

Land use:

arable land:

22%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

11%

forest and woodland:

31%

other:

36%

Irrigated land:

110 km2 (1990)

Environment:

air heavily polluted with sulphur dioxide from oil-shale burning power

plants in northeast; radioactive wastes dumped in open reservoir in

Sillamae, a few dozen meters from Baltic Sea; contamination of soil and

ground water with petroleum products, chemicals at military bases

*Estonia, People

Population:

1,608,469 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.52% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.05 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.13 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.75 years

male:

64.75 years

female:

74.99 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.01 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Estonian(s)

adjective:

Estonian

Ethnic divisions:

Estonian 61.5%, Russian 30.3%, Ukrainian 3.17%, Belarusian 1.8%, Finn 1.1%,

other 2.13% (1989)

Religions:

Lutheran

Languages: Estonian (official), Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian, other

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

796,000

by occupation:

industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 20%, other 38%

(1990)

*Estonia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Estonia

conventional short form:

Estonia

local long form:

Eesti Vabariik

local short form:

Eesti

former:

Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

EN

Type:

republic

Capital:

Tallinn

Administrative divisions:

none (all districts are under direct republic jurisdiction)

Independence:

6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted 28 June 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 February (1918)

Political parties and leaders:

Popular Front of Estonia (Rahvarinne), NA chairman; Estonian Christian

Democratic Party, Aivar KALA, chairman; Estonian Christian Democratic Union,

Illar HALLASTE, chairman; Estonian Heritage Society (EMS), Trivimi VELLISTE,

chairman; Estonian National Independence Party (ENIP), Lagle PAREK,

chairman; Estonian Social Democratic Party, Marju LAURISTIN, chairman;

Estonian Green Party, Tonu OJA; Independent Estonian Communist Party, Vaino

VALJAS; People's Centrist Party, Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman; Estonian Royalist

Party (ERP), Kalle KULBOK, chairman; Entrpreneurs' Party (EP), Tiit MADE;

Estonian Fatherland Party, Mart LAAR, chairman; Safe Home; Moderates;

Estonian Citizen

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results - no candidate

received majority; newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (NA October

1992)

Parliament:

last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results - Fatherland 21%,

Safe Home 14%, Popular Front 13%, Moderates 10%, Estonian National

Independence Party 8%, Royalists 7%, Estonian Citizen 7%, Estonian

Entrepreneurs 2%, other 18%; seats - (101 total) Fatherland 29, Safe Home

18, Popular Front 15, Moderates 12, ENIP 10, Royalists 8, Estonian Citizen

8, Estonian Entrepreneurs 1

Congress of Estonia:

last held March 1990 (next to be held NA); note - Congress of Estonia was a

quasi-governmental structure which disbanded itself October 1992 after the

new Parliament and government were installed

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, cabinet

*Estonia, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Riigikogu)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Lennart MERI (since NA October 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since NA October 1992)

Member of:

CBSS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ILO, IMF, IMO, NACC,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Toomas Hendrik IIVES

chancery:

(temporary) 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2415, New York, NY 10111

telephone:

(212) 247-2131

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert C. FRASURE

embassy:

Kentmanni 20, Tallin EE 0001

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

011-[358] (49) 303-182 (cellular) FAX:

[358] (49) 306-817 (cellular)

note:

dialing to Baltics still requires use of an international operator unless

you use the cellular phone lines

Flag:

pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three equal

horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white

*Estonia, Economy

Overview:

As of June 1993 Estonia ranks first among the 15 former Soviet republics in

moving from its obsolete command economy to a modern market economy. Yet

serious problems remain. In contrast to the estimated 30% drop in output in

1992, GDP should grow by a small percent in 1993. Of key importance has been

the introduction of the kroon in August 1993 and the subsequent reductions

in inflation to 1%-2% per month. Starting in July 1991, under a new law on

private ownership, small enterprises, such as retail shops and restaurants,

were sold to private owners. The auctioning of large-scale enterprises is

progressing with the proceeds being held in escrow until the prior ownership

(that is, Estonian or the Commonwealth of Independent States) can be

established. Estonia ranks first in per capita consumption among the former

Soviet republics. Agriculture is well developed, especially meat production,

and provides a surplus for export. Only about one-fifth of the work force is

in agriculture. The major share of the work force engages in manufacturing

both capital and consumer goods based on raw materials and intermediate

products from the other former Soviet republics. These manufactures are of

high quality by ex-Soviet standards and are exported to the other republics.

Estonia's mineral resources are limited to major deposits of shale oil (60%

of the old Soviet total) and phosphorites (400 million tons). Estonia has a

large, relatively modern port and produces more than half of its own energy

needs at highly polluting shale oil power plants. It has advantages in the

transition, not having suffered so long under the Soviet yoke and having

better chances of developing profitable ties to the Nordic and West European

countries. Like Latvia, but unlike Lithuania, the large portion of ethnic

Russians (30%) in the population poses still another difficulty in the

transition to an independent market economy.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-30% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1%-2% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

3% (March 1993); but large number of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $223 million; expenditures $142 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$NA

commodities: textile 11%, wood products and timber 9%, dairy products 9%

partners:

Russia and the other former Soviet republics 50%, West 50% (1992)

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

machinery 45%, oil 13%, chemicals 12%

partners:

Finland 15%, Russia 18%

External debt:

$650 million (end of 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -40% (1992)

Electricity:

3,700,000 kW capacity; 22,900 million kWh produced, 14,245 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Estonia, Economy

Industries:

accounts for 30% of labor force; oil shale, shipbuilding, phosphates,

electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, clothing, textiles, paper,

shoes, apparel

Agriculture:

employs 20% of work force; very efficient; net exports of meat, fish, dairy

products, and potatoes; imports of feedgrains for livestock; fruits and

vegetables

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to

Western Europe; limited illicit opium producer; mostly for domestic

production

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million

Currency:

1 Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 NA; (introduced in August 1992)

Exchange rates:

kroons (EEK) per US$1 - 12 (January 1993)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Estonia, Communications

Railroads:

1,030 km (includes NA km electrified); does not include industrial lines

(1990)

Highways:

30,300 km total (1990); 29,200 km hard surfaced; 1,100 km earth

Inland waterways:

500 km perennially navigable

Pipelines:

natural gas 420 km (1992)

Ports: coastal - Tallinn, Novotallin, Parnu; inland - Narva

Merchant marine:

68 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 394,501 GRT/526,502 DWT; includes 52

cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 2 short-sea passenger, 6 bulk, 2 container

Airports:

total:

29

useable:

18

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

300,000 telephone subscribers in 1990 with international direct dial service

available to Finland, Germany, Austria, UK and France; 21 telephone lines

per 100 persons as of 1991; broadcast stations - 3 TV (provide Estonian

programs as well as Moscow Ostenkino's first and second programs);

international traffic is carried to the other former USSR republics by

landline or microwave and to other countries by leased connection to the

Moscow international gateway switch via 19 incoming/20 outgoing

international channels, by the Finnish cellular net, and by an old copper

submarine cable to Finland soon to be replaced by an undersea fiber optic

cable system; there is also a new international telephone exchange in

Tallinn handling 60 channels via Helsinki; 2 analog mobile cellular networks

with international roaming capability to Scandinavia are operating in major

cities

*Estonia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Maritime Border Guard, National Guard (Kaitseliit), Security

Forces (internal and border troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 387,733; fit for military service 306,056; reach military

age (18) annually 11,570 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

124.4 million kroons, NA% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note - conversion of

the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could

produce misleading results

*Ethiopia, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, between Somalia and Sudan

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

1,127,127 km2

land area:

1,119,683 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,311 km, Djibouti 337 km, Erithea 912 km, Kenya 830 km, Somalia 1,626

km, Sudan 1,606 km

Coastline:

none - landlocked

Maritime claims:

none - landlocked

International disputes:

southern half of the boundary with Somalia is a Provisional Administrative

Line; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis;

territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden

Climate:

tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation; some areas prone

to extended droughts

Terrain:

high plateau with central mountain range divided by Great Rift Valley

Natural resources:

small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

41%

forest and woodland:

24%

other:

22%

Irrigated land:

1,620 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

geologically active Great Rift Valley susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic

eruptions; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification;

frequent droughts; famine

Note:

landlocked - entire coastline along the Red Sea was lost with the de jure

independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993

*Ethiopia, People

Population:

53,278,446 (July 1993 est.)

note:

Ethiopian demographic data, except population and population growth rate,

include Eritrea

Population growth rate:

3.41% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

14.23 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

108.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

52.21 years

male:

50.6 years

female:

53.88 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.88 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ethiopian(s)

adjective:

Ethiopian

Ethnic divisions:

Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigrean 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar

4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Muslim 45-50%, Ethiopian Orthodox 35-40%, animist 12%, other 5%

Languages:

Amharic (official), Tigrinya, Orominga, Guaraginga, Somali, Arabic, English

(major foreign language taught in schools)

Literacy:

age 10 and over can read and write (1983)

total population:

62%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

18 million

by occupation:

agriculture and animal husbandry 80%, government and services 12%, industry

and construction 8% (1985)

*Ethiopia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Ethiopia

local long form:

none

local short form: Ityop'iya

Digraph:

ET

Type:

transitional government

note:

on 28 May 1991 the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)

toppled the authoritarian government of MENGISTU Haile-Mariam and took

control in Addis Ababa; the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE),

announced a two-year transitional period

Capital:

Addis Ababa

Administrative divisions:

14 administrative regions (astedader akababiwach, singular - astedader

akababi) Addis Ababa, Afar, Amhara, Benishangul, Gambela,

Gurage-Hadiya-Kambata, Harer, Kefa, Omo, Oromo, Sidamo, Somali, Tigray,

Wolayta

Independence:

oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world - at

least 2,000 years

Constitution:

to be redrafted by 1993

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

National Day, 28 May (1991) (defeat of Mengistu regime)

Political parties and leaders:

NA

Other political or pressure groups:

Oromo Liberation Front (OLF); Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP);

numerous small, ethnic-based groups have formed since Mengistu's

resignation, including several Islamic militant groups

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 10 September 1987; next election planned after new constitution

drafted; results - MENGISTU Haile-Mariam elected by the now defunct National

Assembly, but resigned and left Ethiopia on 21 May 1991

Constituent Assembly:

now planned for January 1994 (to ratify constitution to be drafted by end of

1993)

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Constituent Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President MELES Zenawi (since 1 June 1991)

*Ethiopia, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister TAMIRAT Layne (since 6 June 1991)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador BERHANE Gebre-Christos

chancery:

2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-2281 or 2282

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Marc A. BAAS

embassy:

Entoto Street, Addis Ababa

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa

telephone:

[251] (1) 550-666

FAX:

[251] (1) 551-166

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red; Ethiopia is

the oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were so

often adopted by other African countries upon independence that they became

known as the pan-African colors

*Ethiopia, Economy

Overview:

With the independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993, Ethiopia continues to

face difficult economic problems as one of the poorest and least developed

countries in Africa. (The accompanying analysis and figures predate the

independence of Eritrea.) Its economy is based on subsistence agriculture,

which accounts for about 45% of GDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of total

employment; coffee generates 60% of export earnings. The manufacturing

sector is heavily dependent on inputs from the agricultural sector. Over 90%

of large-scale industry, but less than 10% of agriculture, is state run; the

government is considering selling off a portion of state-owned plants.

Favorable agricultural weather largely explains the 4.5% growth in output in

FY89, whereas drought and deteriorating internal security conditions

prevented growth in FY90. In 1991 the lack of law and order, particularly in

the south, interfered with economic development and growth. In 1992, because

of some easing of civil strife and aid from the outside world, the economy

substantially improved.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6.6 billion (FY92 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$130 (FY92 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.8% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $565 million (FY91)

Exports:

$276 million (f.o.b., FY90)

commodities:

coffee, leather products, gold, petroleum products

partners:

EC, Djibouti, Japan, Saudi Arabia, US

Imports:

$1.0 billion (c.i.f., FY90)

commodities:

capital goods, consumer goods, fuel

partners:

EC, Eastern Europe, Japan, US

External debt:

$3.48 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 12% of GDP

Electricity:

330,000 kW capacity; 650 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing, cement

Agriculture:

accounts for 47% of GDP and is the most important sector of the economy even

though frequent droughts and poor cultivation practices keep farm output

low; famines not uncommon; export crops of coffee and oilseeds grown partly

on state farms; estimated 50% of agricultural production at subsistence

level; principal crops and livestock - cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds,

sugarcane, potatoes and other vegetables, hides and skins, cattle, sheep,

goats

*Ethiopia, Economy

Illicit drugs:

transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia and

destined for Europe and North America; cultivates qat (chat) for local use

and regional export

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $504 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.4 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $8 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.0

billion

Currency:

1 birr (Br) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

birr (Br) per US$1 - 5.0000 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

8 July - 7 July

*Ethiopia, Communications

Railroads:

781 km total; 781 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge linking

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to Djibouti; control of railroad is shared between

Djibouti and Ethiopia

Highways:

39,150 km total; 2,776 km paved, 7,504 km gravel, 2,054 km improved earth,

26,816 km unimproved earth (1993 est.)

Ports:

none; landlocked

Merchant marine:

none; landlocked

Airports:

total:

121

usable:

82

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

13

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

83 (1993 est.)

Telecommunications:

open-wire and radio relay system adequate for government use; open-wire to

Sudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; broadcast

stations - 4 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 100,000 TV sets; 9,000,000 radios; satellite

earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

*Ethiopia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 12,793,340; fit for military service 6,640,616; reach

military age (18) annually 576,329 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Europa Island, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Europa Island, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the southern Mozambique Channel about halfway between

Madagascar and Mozambique

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

28 km2

land area:

28 km2

comparative area:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

22.2 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Madagascar

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

NA

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA% (heavily wooded)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

wildlife sanctuary

*Europa Island, People

Population: uninhabited

*Europa Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Europa Island

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ile Europa

Digraph:

EU

Type:

French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic; resident in

Reunion

Capital:

none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Europa Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Europa Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,439-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

1 meteorological station

*Europa Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Geography

Location:

in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the southern coast of Argentina

Map references:

Antarctic Region, South America

Area:

total area:

12,170 km2

land area:

12,170 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

note:

includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small

islands

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,288 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

100 m depth

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina

Climate:

cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than

half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and

February, but does not accumulate

Terrain:

rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Natural resources:

fish, wildlife

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

99%

forest and woodland:

0%

other: 1%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

poor soil fertility and a short growing season

Note:

deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), People

Population:

2,206 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.43% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Falkland Islander(s)

adjective:

Falkland Island

Ethnic divisions:

British

Religions:

primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church,

Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

English

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1,100 (est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding)

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Colony of the Falkland Islands

conventional short form:

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Digraph:

FA

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Stanley

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

3 October 1985

Legal system:

English common law

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (10 total, 8 elected) number of seats by party

NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, Executive Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Governor David Everard TATHAM (since August 1992)

Member of:

ICFTU

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of

the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major

economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the

islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs

most of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meet domestic

consumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown are primarily those

for providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to

the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of fish in the

surrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far,

efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. In

1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers

operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees

amount to more than $40 million per year and are a primary source of income

for the government. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development

Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant

wildlife and trout fishing.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7.4% (1980-87 average)

Unemployment rate:

NA%; labor shortage

Budget:

revenues $62.7 million; expenditures $41.8 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY90)

Exports:

at least $14.7 million

commodities:

wool, hides and skins, and meat

partners:

UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.)

Imports:

at least $13.9 million

commodities:

food, clothing, fuels, and machinery

partners:

UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

9,200 kW capacity; 17 million kWh produced, 8,940 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

wool and fish processing

Agriculture:

predominantly sheep farming; small dairy herds; some fodder and vegetable

crops

Economic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$277 million

Currency:

1 Falkland pound (#F) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652

(1991), 0.5604 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); note - the Falkland

pound is at par with the British pound

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Economy

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Communications

Highways:

510 km total; 30 km paved, 80 km gravel, and 400 km unimproved earth

Ports:

Stanley

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networks provide

effective service to almost all points on both islands; 590 telephones;

broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station with links through London to other countries

*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Defense Forces

Branches:

British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force, Royal

Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Faroe Islands, Header

Affiliation: (part of the Danish realm)

*Faroe Islands, Geography

Location:

in the north Atlantic Ocean, located half way between Norway and Iceland

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total area:

1,400 km2

land area:

1,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than eight times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

764 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Terrain:

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

98%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands; archipelago

of 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited islets

Note:

strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic

*Faroe Islands, People

Population:

48,065 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.67% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.45 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.92 years

male:

74.51 years

female:

81.45 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.52 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Faroese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Faroese

Ethnic divisions:

Scandinavian

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

17,585

by occupation:

largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce

*Faroe Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Faroe Islands local long form:

none

local short form:

Foroyar

Digraph:

FO

Type:

part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division of

Denmark

Capital:

Torshavn

Administrative divisions:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Independence:

none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative

division of Denmark)

Constitution:

Danish

Legal system:

Danish

National holiday:

Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Political parties and leaders:

three-party ruling coalition:

Social Democratic Party, Marita PETERSEN; Republican Party, Signer HANSEN;

Home Rule Party, Hilmar KASS

opposition:

Cooperation Coalition Party, Pauli ELLEFSEN; Progressive and Fishing

Industry Party-Christian People's Party (PFIP-CPP), leader NA; Progress

Party, leader NA; People's Party, Jogvan SUND-STEIN

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

Danish Parliament:

last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Social Democratic 1, People's

Party 1; note - the Faroe Islands elects two representatives to the Danish

Parliament

Faroese Parliament:

last held 17 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - Social

Democratic 27.4%, People's Party 21.9%, Cooperation Coalition Party 18.9%,

Republican Party 14.7%, Home Rule 8.8%, PFIP-CPP 5.9%, other 2.4%; seats -

(32 total) two-party coalition 17 (Social Democratic 10, People's Party 7),

Cooperation Coalition Party 6, Republican Party 4, Home Rule 3, PFIP-CPP 2

Executive branch:

Danish monarch, high commissioner, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet (Landsstyri)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Lgting)

Judicial branch:

none

*Faroe Islands, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner

Bent KLINTE (since NA)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Marita PETERSEN (since 18 January 1993)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

US diplomatic representation:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag:

white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the

flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the

style of the DANNEBROG (Danish flag)

*Faroe Islands, Economy

Overview:

The Faroese, who have long enjoyed the affluent living standards of the

Danes and other Scandinavians, now must cope with the decline of the

all-important fishing industry and one of the world's heaviest per capita

external debts of nearly $30,000. When the nations of the world extended

their fishing zones to 200 nautical miles in the early 1970s, the Faroese no

longer could continue their traditional long-distance fishing and

subsequently depleted their own nearby fishing areas. The government's tight

controls on fish stocks and its austerity measures have caused a recession,

and subsidy cuts will force nationalization in the fishing industry, which

has already been plagued with bankruptcies. Copenhagen has threatened to

withhold its annual subsidy of $130 million - roughly one-third of the

islands' budget revenues - unless the Faroese make significant efforts to

balance their budget. To this extent the Faroe government is expected to

continue its tough policies, including introducing a 20% VAT in 1993, and

has agreed to an IMF economic-political stabilization plan. In addition to

its annual subsidy, the Danish government has bailed out the second largest

Faroe bank to the tune of $140 million since October 1992.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $662 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1989 est.)

National product per capita:

$14,000 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (1988)

Unemployment rate:

5%-6% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $425 million; expenditures $480 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)

Exports:

$386 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

fish and fish products 88%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment (ships)

(1989)

partners:

Denmark 20%, Germany 18.3%, UK 14.2%, France 11.2%, Spain 7.9%, US 4.5%

Imports:

$322 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 24.4%, manufactures 24%, food and

livestock 19%, fuels 12%, chemicals 6.5%

partners:

Denmark 43.8%, Norway 19.8%, Sweden 4.9%, Germany 4.2%, US 1.3%

External debt:

$1.3 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

80,000 kW capacity; 280 million kWh produced, 5,760 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

fishing, shipbuilding, handicrafts

Agriculture:

accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 27% of labor force; principal crops -

potatoes and vegetables; livestock - sheep; annual fish catch about 360,000

metric tons

Economic aid:

receives an annual subsidy from Denmark of about $130 million

*Faroe Islands, Economy

Currency:

1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 ore

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.236 (January 1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396

(1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Faroe Islands, Communications

Highways:

200 km

Ports:

Torshavn, Tvoroyri

Merchant marine:

10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,015 GRT/24,007 DWT; includes 1

short-sea passenger, 5 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 2 refrigerated cargo; note

- a subset of the Danish register

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1 with runways over 3659 m:

0

with runways 2440-3659 m:

0

with runways 1220-2439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

good international communications; fair domestic facilities; 27,900

telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 (10 repeaters) FM, 3 (29 repeaters)

TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables

*Faroe Islands, Defense Forces

Branches:

small Police Force, no organized native military forces

Note:

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

*Fiji, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 2,500 km north of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

18,270 km2

land area:

18,270 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,129 km

Maritime claims:

(measured from claimed archipelagic baselines)

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim added

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Natural resources:

timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potential

Land use: arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

65%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes from November to January; includes 332 islands of

which approximately 110 are inhabited

*Fiji, People

Population:

756,762 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.95% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.74 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.59 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-8.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

18.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

64.86 years

male:

62.62 years

female:

67.21 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.98 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Fijian(s)

adjective:

Fijian

Ethnic divisions:

Fijian 49%, Indian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese,

and other 5%

Religions:

Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%,

other 2%

note:

Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslim

minority (1986)

Languages: English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1985)

total population:

86%

male:

90%

female:

81%

Labor force:

235,000

by occupation:

subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15% (1987)

*Fiji, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Fiji

conventional short form:

Fiji

Digraph:

FJ

Type:

republic

note:

military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji a

republic on 6 October 1987

Capital:

Suva

Administrative divisions:

4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western, Independence:

10 October 1970 (from UK)

Constitution:

10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new Constitution was proposed

on 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990; the 1990 Constitution

is currently still under review (February 1993)

Legal system:

based on British system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 October (1970)

Political parties and leaders:

Fijian Political Party (SVT - primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen. Sitivini

RABUKA; National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian), Siddiq KOYA;

Christian Fijian Nationalist Party (CFNP), Sakeasi BUTADROKA; Fiji Labor

Party (FLP), Jokapeci KOROI; All National Congress (ANC), Apisai TORA;

General Voters Party (GVP), Max OLSSON; Fiji Conservative Party (FCP),

Isireli VUIBAU; Conservative Party of Fiji (CPF), Jolale ULUDOLE and Viliame

SAVU; Fiji Indian Liberal Party, Swami MAHARAJ; Fiji Indian Congress Party,

Ishwari BAJPAI; Fiji Independent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four Corners

Party, David TULVANUAVOU

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 23-29 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (70 total, with ethnic Fijians allocated 37 seats,

ethnic Indians 27 seats, and independents and other 6 seats) number of seats

by party NA

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet, Great Councils of Chiefs (highest

ranking members of the traditional chiefly system)

Legislative branch:

the bicameral Parliament, consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lower

house or House of Representatives, was dissolved following the coup of 14

May 1987; the Constitution of 23 September 1988 provides for a bicameral

Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu GANILAU (since 5 December 1987); Vice

President Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (since 14 April 1992); Vice President Ratu

Sir Josaia TAIVAIQIA (since 14 April 1992)

*Fiji, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Sitiveni RABUKA (since 2 June 1992); Deputy Prime Minister

Filipe BOLE (since 11 June 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Ratu Timoci VESIKULA

(since 11 June 1993)

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Pita Kewa NACUVA

chancery:

Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 337-8320

consulate:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Evelyn I. H. TEEGEN

embassy:

31 Loftus Street, Suva

mailing address:

P. O. Box 218, Suva

telephone:

[679] 314-466

FAX:

[679] 300-081

Flag:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Fijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts a

yellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint George

featuring stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove

*Fiji, Economy

Overview:

Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural, with a large subsistence sector.

Sugar exports are a major source of foreign exchange, and sugar processing

accounts for one-third of industrial output. Industry, including sugar

milling, contributes 13% to GDP. Fiji traditionally had earned considerable

sums of hard currency from the 250,000 tourists who visited each year. In

1987, however, after two military coups, the economy went into decline. GDP

dropped by 7.8% in 1987 and by another 2.5% in 1988; political uncertainty

created a drop in tourism, and the worst drought of the century caused sugar

production to fall sharply. In contrast, sugar and tourism turned in strong

performances in 1989, and the economy rebounded vigorously. In 1990 the

economy received a setback from cyclone Sina, which cut sugar output by an

estimated 21%. Sugar exports recovered in 1991-92.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,900 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.9% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $455 million; expenditures $546 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$435 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

sugar 40%, gold, clothing, copra, processed fish, lumber

partners:

EC 31%, Australia 21%, Japan 8%, US 6%

Imports:

$553 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 32%, food 15%, petroleum products,

consumer goods, chemicals

partners:

Australia 30%, NZ 17%, Japan 13%, EC 6%, US 6%

External debt:

$428 million (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 8.4% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP

Electricity:

215,000 kW capacity; 420 million kWh produced, 560 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

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

industries

Agriculture:

accounts for 23% of GDP; principal cash crop is sugarcane; coconuts,

cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; small livestock sector includes

cattle, pigs, horses, and goats; fish catch nearly 33,000 tons (1989)

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89),

$815 million

Currency:

1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 cents

*Fiji, Economy

Exchange rates:

Fijian dollars (F$) per US$1 - 1.5809 (January 1993), 1.5029 (1992), 1.4756

(1991), 1.4809 (1990), 1.4833 (1989), 1.4303 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Fiji, Communications

Railroads:

644 km 0.610-meter narrow gauge, belonging to the government-owned Fiji

Sugar Corporation

Highways:

3,300 km total; 1,590 km paved; 1,290 km gravel, crushed stone, or

stabilized soil surface; 420 unimproved earth (1984)

Inland waterways:

203 km; 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton barges

Ports:

Lambasa, Lautoka, Savusavu, Suva

Merchant marine:

7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 40,072 GRT/47,187 DWT; includes 2

roll-on/roll-off, 2 container, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 cargo

Airports:

total:

25

usable:

22

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) public

and special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities;

regional radio center; important COMPAC cable link between US-Canada and New

Zealand-Australia; 53,228 telephones (71 telephones per 1,000 persons);

broadcast stations - 7 AM, 1 FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Fiji, Defense Forces

Branches:

Fiji Military Force (FMF; including a naval division, police)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 194,634; fit for military service 107,304; reach military

age (18) annually 7,834 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $22.4 million, about 2% of GDP (FY91/92)

*Finland, Geography

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Russia

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

337,030 km2

land area:

305,470 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Montana

Land boundaries:

total 2,628 km, Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 km

Coastline:

1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

6 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

4 nm

International disputes:

none

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

Natural resources:

timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silver

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops: 0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

76%

other:

16%

Irrigated land:

620 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

permanently wet ground covers about 30% of land; population concentrated on

small southwestern coastal plain

Note:

long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital on

European continent

*Finland, People

Population:

5,050,942 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.37% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.61 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.65 years

male:

71.85 years

female:

79.62 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.79 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Finn(s)

adjective:

Finnish

Ethnic divisions:

Finn, Swede, Lapp, Gypsy, Tatar

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%

Languages:

Finnish 93.5% (official), Swedish 6.3% (official), small Lapp- and

Russian-speaking minorities

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population: 100%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

2.533 million

by occupation:

public services 30.4%, industry 20.9%, commerce 15.0%, finance, insurance,

and business services 10.2%, agriculture and forestry 8.6%, transport and

communications 7.7%, construction 7.2%

*Finland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Finland

conventional short form:

Finland

local long form:

Suomen Tasavalta

local short form:

Suomi

Digraph:

FI

Type:

republic

Capital:

Helsinki

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Ahvenanmaa, Hame, Keski-Suomi,

Kuopio, Kymi, Lappi, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pohjois-Karjala, Turku ja Pori, Uusimaa,

Vaasa

Independence:

6 December 1917 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

17 July 1919

Legal system:

civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request legislation

interpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 December (1917)

Political parties and leaders:

government coalition:

Center Party, Esko AHO; National Coalition (conservative) Party, Perti

SALOLAINEN; Swedish People's Party, (Johan) Ole NORRBACK; Finnish Christian

League, Toimi KANKAANNIEMI

other parties:

Social Democratic Party, Antero KEKKONEN, Acting Chairman; Leftist Alliance

(Communist) People's Democratic League and Democratic Alternative, Claes

ANDERSON; Green League, Pekka SAURI; Rural Party, Tina MAKELA; Liberal

People's Party, Kalle MAATTA

Other political or pressure groups: Finnish Communist Party-Unity, Yrjo HAKANEN; Constitutional

Rightist Party;

Finnish Pensioners Party; Communist Workers Party, Timo LAHDENMAKI

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 31 January - 1 February and 15 February 1988 (next to be held

January 1994); results - Mauno KOIVISTO 48%, Paavo VAYRYNEN 20%, Harri

HOLKERI 18%

Parliament:

last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - Center Party

24.8%, Social Democratic Party 22.1%, National Coalition (Conservative)

Party 19.3%, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 10.1%, Green League 6.8%, Swedish

People's Party 5.5%, Rural 4.8%, Finnish Christian League 3.1%, Liberal

People's Party 0.8%; seats - (200 total) Center Party 55, Social Democratic

Party 48, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 40, Leftist Alliance

(Communist) 19, Swedish People's Party 12, Green League 10, Finnish

Christian League 8, Rural 7, Liberal People's Party 1

*Finland, Government

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of State

(Valtioneuvosto)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Eduskunta)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Korkein Oikeus)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Mauno KOIVISTO (since 27 January 1982)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Esko AHO (since 26 April 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Ilkka

KANERVA (since 26 April 1991)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM

(cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA (associate), FAO, G-9,

GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest),

NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,

UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTSO,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jukka VALTASAARI

chancery:

3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

telephone:

(202) 363-2430

FAX:

(202) 363-8233

consulates general:

Los Angeles and New York

consulates: Chicago and Houston

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John H. KELLY

embassy:

Itainen Puistotie 14A, SF-00140, Helsinki

mailing address:

APO AE 09723

telephone:

[358] (0) 171931

FAX:

[358] (0) 174681

Flag:

white with a blue cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical

part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the DANNEBROG

(Danish flag)

*Finland, Economy

Overview:

Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free market economy, with per

capita output two-thirds of the US figure. Its key economic sector is

manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, and engineering industries.

Trade is important, with the export of goods representing about 30% of GDP.

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. The economy, which experienced an

average of 4.9% annual growth between 1987 and 1989, sank into deep

recession in 1991 as growth contracted by 6.5%. The recession - which

continued in 1992 with growth contracting by 3.5% - has been caused by

economic overheating, depressed foreign markets, and the dismantling of the

barter system between Finland and the former Soviet Union under which Soviet

oil and gas had been exchanged for Finnish manufactured goods. The Finnish

Government has proposed efforts to increase industrial competitiveness and

efficiency by an increase in exports to Western markets, cuts in public

expenditures, partial privatization of state enterprises, and changes in

monetary policy. In June 1991 Helsinki had tied the markka to the EC's

European Currency Unit (ECU) to promote stability. Ongoing speculation

resulting from a lack of confidence in the government's policies forced

Helsinki to devalue the markka by about 12% in November 1991 and to

indefinitely break the link in September 1992. By boosting the

competitiveness of Finnish exports, these measures presumably have kept the

economic downturn from being even more severe. Unemployment probably will

remain a serious problem during the next few years - monthly figures in

early 1993 are approaching 20% - with the majority of Finnish firms facing a

weak domestic market and the troubled German and Swedish export markets.

Declining revenues, increased transfer payments, and extensive funding to

bail out the banking system are expected to push the central government's

budget deficit to nearly 13% in 1993. Helsinki continues to harmonize its

economic policies with those of the EC during Finland's current EC

membership bid.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $79.4 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-3.5% (1992)

National product per capita:

$15,900 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

13.1% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $26.8 billion; expenditures $40.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$24.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

timber, paper and pulp, ships, machinery, clothing and footwear

partners:

EC 53.2% (Germany 15.6%, UK 10.7%), EFTA 19.5% (Sweden 12.8%), US 5.9%,

Japan 1.3%, Russia 2.8% (1992)

Imports:

$21.2 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transport

equipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, fodder

grains

*Finland, Economy

partners:

EC 47.2% (Germany 16.9%, UK 8.7%), EFTA 19.0% (Sweden 11.7%), US 6.1%, Japan

5.5%, Russia 7.1% (1992)

External debt:

$25 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.6% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

13,500,000 kW capacity; 55,300 million kWh produced, 11,050 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

metal products, shipbuilding, forestry and wood processing (pulp, paper),

copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothing

Agriculture:

accounts for 5% of GDP (including forestry); livestock production,

especially dairy cattle, predominates; forestry is an important export

earner and a secondary occupation for the rural population; main crops -

cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; 85% self-sufficient, but short of foodgrains

and fodder grains; annual fish catch about 160,000 metric tons

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.7 billion

Currency:

1 markkaa (FMk) or Finmark = 100 pennia

Exchange rates:

markkaa (FMk) per US$1 - 5.4193 (January 1993), 4.4794 (1992), 4.0440

(1991), 3.8235 (1990), 4.2912 (1989), 4.1828 (1988)

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Finland, Communications

Railroads:

5,924 km total; Finnish State Railways (VR) operate a total of 5,863 km

1.524-meter gauge, of which 480 km are multiple track and 1,445 km are

electrified

Highways:

about 103,000 km total, including 35,000 km paved (bituminous, concrete,

bituminous-treated surface) and 38,000 km unpaved (stabilized gravel,

gravel, earth); additional 30,000 km of private (state-subsidized) roads

Inland waterways:

6,675 km total (including Saimaa Canal); 3,700 km suitable for steamers

Pipelines:

natural gas 580 km

Ports:

Helsinki, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, Turku

Merchant marine:

87 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 935,260 GRT/973,995 DWT; includes 3

passenger, 11 short-sea passenger, 17 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 26

roll-on/roll-off, 14 oil tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 7 bulk

Airports:

total:

160

usable:

157

with permanent-surface runways:

66

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

25

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

22

Telecommunications:

good service from cable and microwave radio relay network; 3,140,000

telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 105 FM, 235 TV; 1 submarine cable;

INTELSAT satellite transmission service via Swedish earth station and a

receive-only INTELSAT earth station near Helsinki

*Finland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Coast Guard)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,323,381; fit for military service 1,091,613; reach

military age (17) annually 33,828 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.93 billion, about 2% of GDP (1992)

*France, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Spain and Germany

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

547,030 km2

land area:

545,630 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Colorado

note:

includes Corsica and the rest of metropolitan France, but excludes the

overseas administrative divisions

Land boundaries:

total 2,892.4 km, Andorra 60 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488

km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 km

Coastline:

3,427 km (mainland 2,783 km, Corsica 644 km)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12-24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de

Nova Island, and Tromelin Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claims

Tromelin Island; Seychelles claims Tromelin Island; Suriname claims part of

French Guiana; Mexico claims Clipperton Island; territorial claim in

Antarctica (Adelie Land); Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus of maritime

boundary dispute between Canada and France

Climate:

generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summers

along the Mediterranean

Terrain:

mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder is

mountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in east

Natural resources:

coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potash

Land use:

arable land:

32%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

23%

forest and woodland:

27%

other:

16%

Irrigated land: 11,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

most of large urban areas and industrial centers in Rhone, Garonne, Seine,

or Loire River basins; occasional warm tropical wind known as mistral

Note:

largest West European nation

*France, People

Population:

57,566,091 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.48% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.24 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

78 years

male:

74.04 years

female:

82.16 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective:

French

Ethnic divisions:

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

minorities

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim (North African workers)

1%, unaffiliated 6%

Languages:

French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal,

Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

24.17 million by occupation:

services 61.5%, industry 31.3%, agriculture 7.2% (1987)

*France, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

French Republic

conventional short form:

France

local long form:

Republique Francaise

local short form:

France

Digraph:

FR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Paris

Administrative divisions:

22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne,

Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse,

Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon,

Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire,

Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpes

note:

the 22 regions are subdivided into 96 departments; see separate entries for

the overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)

and the territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon)

Dependent areas:

Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Polynesia, French

Southern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, New

Caledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futuna

note:

the US does not recognize claims to Antarctica

Independence:

486 (unified by Clovis)

Constitution:

28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962,

ammended to comply with provisions of EC Maastricht Treaty in 1992

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but not

legislative acts

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of theBastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Rally for the Republic (RPR), Jacques CHIRAC; Union for French Democracy

(UDF, federation of UREI, UC, RDE), Valery Giscard d'ESTAING; Republican

Party (PR), Gerard LONGUET; Center for Social Democrats (CDS), Pierre

MEHAIGNERIE; Radical (RAD), Yves GALLAND; Socialist Party (PS), Michel

ROCARD; Left Radical Movement (MRG), Emile ZUCCARELLI; Communist Party

(PCF), Georges MARCHAIS; National Front (FN), Jean-Marie LE PEN; Union of

Republican and Independents (UREI); Centrist Union (UC); (RDE)

Other political or pressure groups:

Communist-controlled labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail) nearly

2.4 million members (claimed); Socialist-leaning labor union (Confederation

Francaise Democratique du Travail or CFDT) about 800,000 members est.;

independent labor union (Force Ouvriere) 1 million members (est.);

independent white-collar union (Confederation Generale des Cadres) 340,000

members (claimed); National Council of French Employers (Conseil National du

Patronat Francais - CNPF or Patronat)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*France, Government

Elections:

President:

last held 8 May 1988 (next to be held by May 1995); results - Second Ballot

Francois MITTERRAND 54%, Jacques CHIRAC 46%

Senate:

last held NA September 1992 (next to be held September 1995 - nine-year

term, elected by thirds every three years); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (321 total; 296 metropolitan France, 13 for overseas

departments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad) RPR 91, UDF

142 (UREI 51, UC 68, RDE 23), PS 66, PCF 16, independents 2, other 4

National Assembly:

last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (577 total) RPR 247, UDF 213, PS 67, PCF 24,

independents 26

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate

(Senat) and a lower house or National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (Cour Constitutionnelle)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Edouard BALLADUR (since 29 March 1993)

Member of:

ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CCC, CDB

(non-regional), CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE,

ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, FZ, GATT, G-5, G-7, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,

UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UN Trusteeship Council,

UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jacques ANDREANI

chancery:

4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone: (202) 944-6000

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New

Orleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Pamela HARRIMAN

embassy:

2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08, Unit 21551

mailing address:

APO AE 09777

telephone:

[33] (1) 4296-12-02 or 4261-80-75

FAX:

[33] (1) 4266-9783

consulates general:

Bordeaux, Marseille, Strasbourg

*France, Government

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known as

the French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and colors have been the basis

for a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Cote

d'Ivoire, and Luxembourg; the official flag for all French dependent areas

*France, Economy

Overview:

One of the world's most developed economies, France has substantial

agricultural resources and a highly diversified modern industrial sector.

Large tracts of fertile land, the application of modern technology, and

subsidies have combined to make it the leading agricultural producer in

Western Europe. France is largely self-sufficient in agricultural products

and is a major exporter of wheat and dairy products. The industrial sector

generates about one-quarter of GDP, and the growing services sector has

become crucial to the economy. The French economy is entering its fourth

consecutive year of sluggish growth after a strong expansion in the late

1980s. Growth averaged only 1.3% in 1990-92 and is expected to drop to

between zero and -0.5% in 1993. The government budget deficit rose to 3.2%

of GDP in 1992 and is expected to be far larger than planned in the 1993

budget. Paris remains committed to maintaining the franc-deutsch mark

parity, which has kept French interest rates high despite France's low

inflation. Although the pace of economic integration within the European

Community has slowed down, integration presumably will remain a major force

shaping the fortunes of the various economic sectors.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.08 trillion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.1% (1992)

National product per capita:

$18,900 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10.5% (end 1992)

Budget:

revenues $220.5 billion; expenditures $249.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $47 billion (1993 budget)

Exports:

$212.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, agricultural

products, iron and steel products, textiles and clothing

partners:

Germany 18.6%, Italy 11.0%, Spain 11.0%, Belgium-Luxembourg 9.1%, UK 8.8%,

Netherlands 7.9%, US 6.4%, Japan 2.0%, former USSR 0.7% (1991 est.)

Imports:

$230.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

crude oil, machinery and equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, iron

and steel products

partners:

Germany 17.8%, Italy 10.9%, US 9.5%, Netherlands 8.9%, Spain 8.8%,

Belgium-Luxembourg 8.5%, UK 7.5%, Japan 4.1%, former USSR 1.3% (1991 est.)

External debt:

$270 billion (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.2% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

110,000,000 kW capacity; 426,000 million kWh produced, 7,430 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

steel, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics,

mining, textiles, food processing, tourism

*France, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 4% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); one of the world's

top five wheat producers; other principal products - beef, dairy products,

cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; self-sufficient for most

temperate-zone foods; shortages include fats and oils and tropical produce,

but overall net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 850,000 metric tons

ranks among world's top 20 countries and is all used domestically

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.1 billion

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*France, Communications

Railroads:

French National Railways (SNCF) operates 34,322 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge; 12,434 km electrified, 15,132 km double or multiple track; 99 km of

various gauges (1.000-meter), privately owned and operated

Highways:

1,551,400 km total; 33,400 km national highway; 347,000 km departmental

highway; 421,000 km community roads; 750,000 km rural roads; 5,401 km of

controlled-access divided autoroutes; about 803,000 km paved

Inland waterways:

14,932 km; 6,969 km heavily traveled

Pipelines:

crude oil 3,059 km; petroleum products 4,487 km; natural gas 24,746 km

Ports:

coastal - Bordeaux, Boulogne, Brest, Cherbourg, Dunkerque, Fos-Sur-Mer, Le

Havre, Marseille, Nantes, Sete, Toulon; inland - Rouen

Merchant marine:

130 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,224,945 GRT/5,067,252 DWT; includes

7 short-sea passenger, 10 cargo, 20 container, 1 multifunction large-load

carrier, 27 roll-on/roll-off, 36 oil tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied

gas, 2 specialized tanker, 10 bulk; note - France also maintains a captive

register for French-owned ships in the Kerguelen Islands (French Southern

and Antarctic Lands) and French Polynesia

Airports:

total:

471

usable:

461

with permanent-surface runways:

256

with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

37

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

136

Telecommunications:

highly developed; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks;

large-scale introduction of optical-fiber systems; satellite systems for

domestic traffic; 39,200,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 41 AM, 800

(mostly repeaters) FM, 846 (mostly repeaters) TV; 24 submarine coaxial

cables; 2 INTELSAT earth stations (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for the

Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 3 for the Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT); HF radio

communications with more than 20 countries; INMARSAT service; EUTELSAT TV

service

*France, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Naval Air), Air Force, National Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 14,662,761; fit for military service 12,247,950; reach

military age (18) annually 386,504 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $36.6 billion, 3.1% of GDP (1993 est.)

*French Guiana, Header

Affiliation: (overseas department of France)

*French Guiana, Geography

Location:

northern South America, bordering on the North Atlantic Ocean between

Suriname and Brazil

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

91,000 km2

land area:

89,150 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total 1,183 km, Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 km

Coastline:

378 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (both

headwaters of the Lawa)

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountains

Natural resources:

bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar, kaolin, fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

82%

other:

18%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

mostly an unsettled wilderness

*French Guiana, People

Population:

133,376 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

4.42% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.46 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.72 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

22.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

16.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.87 years

male:

71.59 years

female:

78.32 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

French Guianese (singular and plural)

adjective:

French Guianese

Ethnic divisions:

black or mulatto 66%, Caucasian 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%,

other 10%

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1982)

total population:

82%

male:

81%

female:

83%

Labor force:

23,265

by occupation:

services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry 21.2%, agriculture 18.2%

(1980)

*French Guiana, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Department of Guiana

conventional short form:

French Guiana

local long form:

none

local short form:

Guyane

Digraph:

FG

Type:

overseas department of France

Capital:

Cayenne

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Guianese Socialist Party (PSG), Gerard HOLDER; Rally for the Republic (RPR),

Paulin BRUNE; Union of the Center Rally (URC); Union for French Democracy

(UDF), Claude Ho A CHUCK; Guyana Democratic Front (FDG), Georges OTHILY

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French National Assembly:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PSG 1, RPR 1

French Senate:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1998); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PSG 1

Regional Council:

last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (31 total) PSG 16

Executive branch:

French president, commissioner of the republic

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council and a unicameral Regional Council

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeals (highest local court based in Martinique with jurisdiction

over Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government: Prefect Jean-Francois CORDET (since NA 1992)

Member of:

FZ, WCL

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas department of France, the interests of French Guiana are

represented in the US by France

*French Guiana, Government

US diplomatic representation:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*French Guiana, Economy

Overview:

The economy is tied closely to that of France through subsidies and imports.

Besides the French space center at Kourou, fishing and forestry are the most

important economic activities, with exports of fish and fish products

(mostly shrimp) accounting for more than 60% of total revenue in 1987. The

large reserves of tropical hardwoods, not fully exploited, support an

expanding sawmill industry that provides sawn logs for export. Cultivation

of crops - rice, cassava, bananas, and sugarcane - is limited to the coastal

area, where the population is largely concentrated. French Guiana is heavily

dependent on imports of food and energy. Unemployment is a serious problem,

particularly among younger workers.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $421 million (1986)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$4,390 (1986)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (1987)

Unemployment rate:

13% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $735 million; expenditures $735 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1987)

Exports:

$64.8 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

shrimp, timber, rum, rosewood essence

partners:

France 36%, US 14%, Japan 6% (1990)

Imports:

$435 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

food (grains, processed meat), other consumer goods, producer goods,

petroleum

partners: France 62%, Trinidad and Tobago 9%, US 4%, FRG 3% (1987)

External debt:

$1.2 billion (1988)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

92,000 kW capacity; 185 million kWh produced, 1,450 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

construction, shrimp processing, forestry products, rum, gold mining

Agriculture:

some vegetables for local consumption; rice, corn, manioc, cocoa, bananas,

sugar; livestock - cattle, pigs, poultry

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$1.51 billion

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*French Guiana, Communications

Highways:

680 km total; 510 km paved, 170 km improved and unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

460 km, navigable by small oceangoing vessels and river and coastal

steamers; 3,300 km navigable by native craft

Ports:

Cayenne

Airports:

total:

10

usable:

10

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

fair open-wire and microwave radio relay system; 18,100 telephones;

broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 FM, 9 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*French Guiana, Defense Forces

Branches:

French Forces, Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males 15-49 39,005; fit for military service 25,477 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

Note:

defense is the responsibility of France

*French Polynesia, Header

Affiliation: (overseas territory of France)

*French Polynesia, Geography

Location:

Oceania, halfway between Australia and South America

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

3,941 km2

land area:

3,660 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than one-third the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,525 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, but moderate

Terrain:

mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs

Natural resources:

timber, fish, cobalt

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

19%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland: 31%

other:

44%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

occasional cyclonic storm in January; includes five archipelagoes

Note:

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

*French Polynesia, People

Population:

210,333 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.26% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

27.89 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.27 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

15 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.33 years

male:

67.95 years

female:

72.84 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.32 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

French Polynesian(s)

adjective:

French Polynesian

Ethnic divisions:

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

Religions:

Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 16%

Languages:

French (official), Tahitian (official)

Literacy:

age 14 and over but definition of literacy not available (1977)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

98%

Labor force:

76,630 employed (1988)

*French Polynesia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of French Polynesia

conventional short form:

French Polynesia

local long form:

Territoire de la Polynesie Francaise

local short form:

Polynesie Francaise

Digraph:

FP

Type:

overseas territory of France since 1946

Capital:

Papeete

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative

divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 5 archipelagic

divisions named Archipel des Marquises, Archipel des Tuamotu, Archipel des

Tubuai, Iles du Vent, and Iles Sous-le-Vent

note:

Clipperton Island is administered by France from French Polynesia

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

based on French system

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

People's Rally (Tahoeraa Huiraatira; Gaullist), Gaston FLOSSE; Polynesian

Union Party (Te Tiarama; centrist), Alexandre LEONTIEFF; New Fatherland

Party (Ai'a Api), Emile VERNAUDON; Polynesian Liberation Front (Tavini

Huiraatira), Oscar TEMARU; other small parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French National Assembly:

last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held 21 and 28 March 1993); results

- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) People's Rally (Gaullist)

1, New Fatherland Party 1

French Senate:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1998); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) party NA

Territorial Assembly:

last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) People's Rally (Gaullist) 18,

Polynesian Union Party 14, New Fatherland Party 5, other 4

Executive branch:

French president, high commissioner of the republic, president of the

Council of Ministers, vice president of the Council of Ministers, Council of

Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, Court of the First Instance, Court of Administrative Law

*French Polynesia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981); High Commissioner of the

Republic Michel JAU (since NA 1992)

Head of Government:

President of the Council of Ministers Gaston FLOSSE (since 10 May 1991);

Vice President of the Council of Ministers Joel BUILLARD (since 12 September

1991)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas territory of France, French Polynesian interests are

represented in the US by France

US diplomatic representation:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*French Polynesia, Economy

Overview:

Since 1962, when France stationed military personnel in the region, French

Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to one in which a high

proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports

the tourist industry. Tourism accounts for about 20% of GDP and is a primary

source of hard currency earnings.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.2 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$6,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

14.9% (1988 est.)

Budget:

revenues $614 million; expenditures $957 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1988)

Exports:

$88.9 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

coconut products 79%, mother-of-pearl 14%, vanilla, shark meat

partners:

France 54%, US 17%, Japan 17%

Imports:

$765 million (c.i.f., 1989)

commodities:

fuels, foodstuffs, equipment

partners:

France 53%, US 11%, Australia 6%, NZ 5%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

75,000 kW capacity; 275 million kWh produced, 1,330 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, pearls, agricultural processing, handicrafts

Agriculture:

coconut and vanilla plantations; vegetables and fruit; poultry, beef, dairy

products

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88),

$3.95 billion

Currency:

1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 99.65 (January

1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30

(1988); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*French Polynesia, Communications

Highways:

600 km (1982)

Ports:

Papeete, Bora-bora

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,127 GRT/6,710 DWT; includes 2

passenger-cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo; note - a captive subset of the French

register

Airports:

total:

43

usable:

41

with permanent-surface runways:

23

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

12

Telecommunications:

33,200 telephones; 84,000 radio receivers; 26,400 TV sets; broadcast

stations - 5 AM, 2 FM, 6 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*French Polynesia, Defense Forces

Branches:

French forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force), Gendarmerie

Note:

defense is responsibility of France

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Header

Affiliation: (overseas territory of France)

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Geography

Location:

in the southern Indian Ocean, about equidistant between Africa, Antarctica,

and Australia

Map references:

Antarctic Region, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

7,781 km2

land area:

7,781 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Delaware

note:

includes Ile Amsterdam, Ile Saint-Paul, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Crozet;

excludes Terre Adelie claim of about 500,000 km2 in Antarctica that is not

recognized by the US

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,232 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm from Iles Kerguelen only

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Terre Adelie claim in Antarctica is not recognized by the US

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain: volcanic

Natural resources:

fish, crayfish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

Ile Amsterdam and Ile Saint-Paul are extinct volcanoes

Note:

remote location in the southern Indian Ocean

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, People

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are researchers whose numbers vary

from 150 in winter (July) to 200 in summer (January)

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Government

Names:

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

Digraph:

FS

Type:

overseas territory of France since 1955; governed by High Administrator

Bernard de GOUTTES (since May 1990), who is assisted by a 7-member

Consultative Council and a 12-member Scientific Council

Capital:

none; administered from Paris, France

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative

divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 districts named

Ile Crozet, Iles Kerguelen, and Iles Saint-Paul et Amsterdam; excludes Terre

Adelie claim in Antarctica that is not recognized by the US

Independence: none (overseas territory of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to servicing meteorological and geophysical

research stations and French and other fishing fleets. The fishing catches

landed on Iles Kerguelen by foreign ships are exported to France and

Reunion.

Budget:

revenues $17.5 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1992)

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Merchant marine:

16 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 292,490 GRT/514,389 DWT; includes 2

cargo, 4 refrigerated cargo, 4 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 oil tanker, 3 bulk,

1 multifunction large load carrier; note - a captive subset of the French

register

Telecommunications:

NA

*French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Gabon, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the Equator between the

Congo and Equatorial Guinea

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

267,670 km2

land area:

257,670 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries: total 2,551 km, Cameroon 298 km, Congo 1,903 km, Equatorial Guinea 350 km

Coastline:

885 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary dispute with Equatorial Guinea because of disputed

sovereignty over islands in Corisco Bay

Climate:

tropical; always hot, humid

Terrain:

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

Natural resources:

petroleum, manganese, uranium, gold, timber, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

78%

other:

2%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

deforestation

*Gabon, People

Population:

1,122,550 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.45% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

28.63 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

14.08 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

97.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

54.19 years

male:

51.46 years female:

57.01 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.02 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Gabonese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Gabonese

Ethnic divisions:

Bantu tribes including four major tribal groupings (Fang, Eshira, Bapounou,

Bateke), Africans and Europeans 100,000, including 27,000 French

Religions:

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

Languages:

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

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

61%

male:

74%

female:

48%

Labor force:

120,000 salaried

by occupation:

agriculture 65.0%, industry and commerce 30.0%, services 2.5%, government

2.5%

note:

58% of population of working age (1983)

*Gabon, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Gabonese Republic

conventional short form:

Gabon

local long form:

Republique Gabonaise

local short form:

Gabon

Digraph:

GB

Type:

republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990)

Capital:

Libreville

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)

Constitution:

21 February 1961, revised 15 April 1975

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court; compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction not accepted

National holiday:

Renovation Day, 12 March (1968) (Gabonese Democratic Party established)

Political parties and leaders:

Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG, former sole party), El Hadj Omar BONGO,

president; National Recovery Movement - Lumberjacks (Morena-Bucherons);

Gabonese Party for Progress (PGP); National Recovery Movement

(Morena-Original); Association for Socialism in Gabon (APSG); Gabonese

Socialist Union (USG); Circle for Renewal and Progress (CRP); Union for

Democracy and Development (UDD)

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held on 28 October 1990 (next to be held by NA); results - percent of

vote NA; seats - (120 total, 111 elected) PDG 62, National Recovery Movement

- Lumberjacks (Morena-Bucherons) 19, PGP 18, National Recovery Movement

(Morena-Original) 7, APSG 6, USG 4, CRP 1, independents 3

President:

last held on 9 November 1986 (next to be held December 1993); results -

President Omar BONGO was reelected without opposition

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President El Hadj Omar BONGO (since 2 December 1967)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Casimir OYE-MBA (since 3 May 1990)

*Gabon, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS (associate), NAM, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UDEAC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

2034 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 797-1000

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission: Ambassador John C. WILSON IV

embassy:

Boulevard de la Mer, Libreville

mailing address:

B. P. 4000, Libreville

telephone:

(241) 762003/4, or 743492

FAX:

[241] 745-507

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and blue

*Gabon, Economy

Overview:

The economy, dependent on timber and manganese until the early 1970s, is now

dominated by the oil sector. In 1981-85, oil accounted for about 45% of GDP,

80% of export earnings, and 65% of government revenues on average. The high

oil prices of the early 1980s contributed to a substantial increase in per

capita national income, stimulated domestic demand, reinforced migration

from rural to urban areas, and raised the level of real wages to among the

highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The subsequent slide of Gabon's economy,

which began with falling oil prices in 1985, was reversed in 1989-90, but

debt servicing obligations continue to limit prospects for further domestic

development. Real growth in 1991-92 was weak because of a combination of an

overstaffed bureaucracy, a large budget deficit, and the continued

underdevelopment of the whole economy outside the petroleum sector.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.6 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

13% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$4,200 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.7% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $1.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $247 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

crude oil 80%, manganese 7%, wood 7%, uranium 2%

partners:

France 48%, US 15%, Germany 2%, Japan 2%

Imports:

$702 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, chemical products, petroleum products, construction materials,

manufactures, machinery

partners:

France 64%, African countries 7%, US 5%, Japan 3%

External debt: $4.4 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate - 10% (1988 est.); accounts for 45% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

315,000 kW capacity; 995 million kWh produced, 920 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

petroleum, food and beverages, lumbering and plywood, textiles, mining -

manganese, uranium, gold, cement

Agriculture:

accounts for 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); cash crops -

cocoa, coffee, palm oil; livestock not developed; importer of food; small

fishing operations provide a catch of about 20,000 metric tons; okoume (a

tropical softwood) is the most important timber product

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $68 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2,342 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $27 million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

*Gabon, Economy

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Gabon, Communications

Railroads:

649 km 1.437-meter standard-gauge single track (Transgabonese Railroad)

Highways:

7,500 km total; 560 km paved, 960 km laterite, 5,980 km earth

Inland waterways:

1,600 km perennially navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 270 km; petroleum products 14 km

Ports:

Owendo, Port-Gentil, Libreville

Merchant marine:

2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 18,563 GRT/25,330 DWT

Airports:

total:

68

usable:

56

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

22

Telecommunications:

adequate system of cable, radio relay, tropospheric scatter links and

radiocommunication stations; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 6

FM, 3 (5 repeaters) TV; satellite earth stations - 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

and 12 domestic satellite

*Gabon, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Presidential Guard, National Gendarmerie, National

Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 269,066; fit for military service 135,836; reach military

age (20) annually 9,680 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $102 million, 3.2% of GDP (1990 est.)

*The Gambia, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean almost completely

surrounded by Senegal

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

11,300 km2

land area:

10,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Delaware

Land boundaries:

total 740 km, Senegal 740 km

Coastline:

80 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

18 nm

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

short section of boundary with Senegal is indefinite

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

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

16%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

20%

other:

55%

Irrigated land:

120 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation

Note:

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

*The Gambia, People

Population:

930,249 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

46.85 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.1 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

126.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

49.61 years

male:

47.41 years

female:

51.87 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.35 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Gambian(s)

adjective:

Gambian

Ethnic divisions:

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other

4%), non-Gambian 1%

Religions:

Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

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

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

27%

male:

39%

female:

16%

Labor force:

400,000 (1986 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 75.0%, industry, commerce, and services 18.9%, government 6.1%

note:

55% population of working age (1983)

*The Gambia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form:

The Gambia

Digraph:

GA

Type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Banjul

Administrative divisions:

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Lower River, MacCarthy Island, North Bank,, Upper River,

Western

Independence:

18 February 1965 (from UK; The Gambia and Senegal signed an agreement on 12

December 1981 that called for the creation of a loose confederation to be

known as Senegambia, but the agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)

Constitution:

24 April 1970

Legal system:

based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and customary law;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

Political parties and leaders:

People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dawda K. JAWARA, secretary general;

National Convention Party (NCP), Sheriff DIBBA; Gambian People's Party

(GPP), Hassan Musa CAMARA; United Party (UP), leader NA; People's Democratic

Organization of Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), leader NA; People's

Democratic Party (PDP), Jabel SALLAH

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 11 March 1987 (next to be held by March 1992); results - PPP

56.6%, NCP 27.6%, GPP 14.7%, PDOIS 1%; seats - (43 total, 36 elected) PPP

31, NCP 5

President:

last held on 11 March 1987 (next to be held March 1992); results - Sir Dawda

JAWARA (PPP) 61.1%, Sherif Mustapha DIBBA (NCP) 25.2%, Assan Musa CAMARA

(GPP) 13.7%

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA (since 24 April 1970); Vice

President Saihou SABALLY (since NA)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ousman A. SALLAH

*The Gambia, Government

chancery:

Suite 720, 1030 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone:

(202) 842-1356 or 842-1359

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Arlene RENDER

embassy:

Pipeline Road (Kairaba Avenue), Fajara, Banjul

mailing address:

P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone:

[220] 92856 or 92858, 91970, 91971

FAX:

(220) 92475

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green

*The Gambia, Economy

Overview:

The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a

limited agricultural base. It is one of the world's poorest countries with a

per capita income of about $325. About 75% of the population is engaged in

crop production and livestock raising, which contribute 30% to GDP.

Small-scale manufacturing activity - processing peanuts, fish, and hides -

accounts for less than 10% of GDP. Tourism is a growing industry. The Gambia

imports one-third of its food, all fuel, and most manufactured goods.

Exports are concentrated on peanut products (about 75% of total value).

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $292 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991)

National product per capita:

$325 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $94 million; expenditures $80 million, including capital

expenditures of $25 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$133 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.)

commodities:

peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels

partners:

Japan 60%, Europe 29%, Africa 5%, US 1%, other 5% (1989)

Imports:

$174 million (f.o.b., FY91 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, manufactures, raw materials, fuel, machinery and transport

equipment

partners:

Europe 57%, Asia 25%, USSR and Eastern Europe 9%, US 6%, other 3% (1989)

External debt:

$336 million (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6.7%; accounts for 5.8% of GDP (FY90)

Electricity:

30,000 kW capacity; 65 million kWh produced, 75 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

peanut processing, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly,

woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Agriculture:

accounts for 30% of GDP and employs about 75% of the population; imports

one-third of food requirements; major export crop is peanuts; other

principal crops - millet, sorghum, rice, corn, cassava, palm kernels;

livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; forestry and fishing resources not fully

exploited

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $93 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $535 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $39 million

Currency:

1 dalasi (D) = 100 bututs

Exchange rates:

dalasi (D) per US$1 - 8.673 (October 1992), 8.803 (1991), 7.883 (1990),

7.5846 (1989), 6.7086 (1988), 7.0744 (1987)

*The Gambia, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

*The Gambia, Communications

Highways:

3,083 km total; 431 km paved, 501 km gravel/laterite, and 2,151 km

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

400 km

Ports:

Banjul

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

adequate network of radio relay and wire; 3,500 telephones; broadcast

stations - 3 AM, 2 FM; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*The Gambia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, National Gendarmerie, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 201,026; fit for military service 101,642 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Gaza Strip, Header

Note:

The war between Israel and the Arab states in June 1967 ended with Israel in

control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Sinai, and the Golan

Heights. As stated in the 1978 Camp David accords and reaffirmed by

President Bush's post-Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of the

West Bank and the Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and a

peace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among the

concerned parties. Camp David further specifies that these negotiations will

resolve the respective boundaries. Pending the completion of this process,

it is US policy that the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

has yet to be determined. In the US view, the term West Bank describes all

of the area west of the Jordan River under Jordanian administration before

the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. With respect to negotiations envisaged in the

framework agreement, however, it is US policy that a distinction must be

made between Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank because of the city's

special status and circumstances. Therefore, a negotiated solution for the

final status of Jerusalem could be different in character from that of the

rest of the West Bank.

*Gaza Strip, Geography

Location:

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

Israel

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total area:

380 km2

land area:

380 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 62 km, Egypt 11 km, Israel 51 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

Israeli occupied with status to be determined

International disputes:

Israeli occupied with status to be determined

Climate:

temperate, mild winters, dry and warm to hot summers

Terrain:

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

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

13%

permanent crops:

32%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

55%

Irrigated land: 200 km2

Environment:

desertification

*Gaza Strip, People

Population:

705,834 (July 1993 est.)

note:

in addition, there are 4,000 Jewish settlers in the Gaza Strip (1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.56% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

38.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.26 years

male:

66.01 years

female:

68.57 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.51 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

NA

adjective:

NA

Ethnic divisions:

Palestinian Arab and other 99.8%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions:

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 99%, Christian 0.7%, Jewish 0.3%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew (spoken by Israeli settlers), English (widely understood)

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

small industry, commerce and business 32.0%, construction 24.4%, service and

other 25.5%, agriculture 18.1% (1984)

note:

excluding Israeli Jewish settlers

*Gaza Strip, Government

Note:

The Gaza Strip is currently governed by Israeli military authorities and

Israeli civil administration. It is US policy that the final status of the

Gaza Strip will be determined by negotiations among the concerned parties.

These negotiations will determine how this area is to be governed.

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Gaza Strip

local long form:

none

local short form:

Qita Ghazzah

Digraph:

GZ

*Gaza Strip, Economy

Overview:

In 1990 roughly 40% of Gaza Strip workers were employed across the border by

Israeli industrial, construction, and agricultural enterprises, with worker

remittances accounting for about one-third of GNP. The construction,

agricultural, and industrial sectors account for about 15%, 12%, and 8% of

GNP, respectively. Gaza depends upon Israel for some 90% of its external

trade. Unrest in the territory in 1988-93 (intifadah) has raised

unemployment and substantially lowered the standard of living of Gazans. The

Persian Gulf crisis and its aftershocks also have dealt severe blows to Gaza

since August 1990. Worker remittances from the Gulf states have plunged,

unemployment has increased, and exports have fallen dramatically. The area's

economic outlook remains bleak.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $380 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-30% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$590 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1990 est.)

Budget:

revenues $33.8 million; expenditures $33.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY88)

Exports:

$30 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

citrus

partners: Israel, Egypt

Imports:

$255 million (c.i.f., 1989)

commodities:

food, consumer goods, construction materials

partners:

Israel, Egypt

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate 10% (1989); accounts for about 8% of GNP

Electricity:

power supplied by Israel

Industries:

generally small family businesses that produce textiles, soap, olive-wood

carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some

small-scale modern industries in an industrial center

Agriculture:

accounts for about 12% of GNP; olives, citrus and other fruits, vegetables,

beef, dairy products

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 2.6480 (November 1992), 2.4591 (1992),

2.2791 (1991), 2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989), 1.5989 (1988), 1.5946 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year (since 1 January 1992)

*Gaza Strip, Communications

Railroads:

one line, abandoned and in disrepair, some trackage remains

Highways:

small, poorly developed indigenous road network

Ports:

facilities for small boats to service the city of Gaza

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - no AM, no FM, no TV

*Gaza Strip, Defense Forces

Branches:

NA

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 136,311; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Georgia, Header

Note:

Georgia is currently besieged by conflicts driven by separatists in its

Abkazian and South Ossetian enclaves, and supporters of ousted President

GAMAKHURDIA control much of western Georgia

*Georgia, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia

Map references:

Africa, Asia, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

69,700 km2

land area:

69,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total 1,461 km, Armenia 164 km, Azerbaijan 322 km, Russia 723 km, Turkey 252

km

Coastline:

310 km

Maritime claims:

note:

12 nm in 1973 USSR-Turkish Protocol concerning the sea boundary between the

two states in the Black Sea; Georgia claims the coastline along the Black

Sea as its international waters, although it cannot control this area and

the Russian navy and commercial ships transit freely

International disputes:

none

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; Kolkhida Lowland opens to the Black Sea in

the west; Kura River Basin in the east; good soils in river valley flood

plains, foothills of Kolkhida lowland

Natural resources: forest lands, hydropower, manganese deposits, iron ores, copper, minor coal

and oil deposits; coastal climate and soils allow for important tea and

citrus growth

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

4,660 km2 (1990)

Environment:

air pollution, particularly in Rustavi; heavy pollution of Kura River, Black

Sea

*Georgia, People

Population:

5,634,296 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.85% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

16.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.68 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.) note - this data may be low

because of movement of Ossetian, Russian, and Abkhaz refugees due to ongoing

conflicts

Infant mortality rate:

24.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.58 years

male:

68.89 years

female:

76.46 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.21 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Georgian(s)

adjective:

Georgian

Ethnic divisions:

Georgian 70.1%, Armenian 8.1%, Russian 6.3%, Azeri 5.7%, Ossetian 3%, Abkhaz

1.8%, other 5%

Religions: Georgian Orthodox 65%, Russian Orthodox 10%, Muslim 11%, Armenian Orthodox

8%, unknown 6%

Languages:

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

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

2.763 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 31%, agriculture and forestry 25%, other 44%

(1990)

*Georgia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Georgia

conventional short form:

Georgia

local long form:

Sakartvelo Respublika

local short form:

Sakartvelo

former:

Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

GG

Type:

republic

Capital:

T'bilisi (Tbilisi)

Administrative divisions:

2 autonomous republics (avtomnoy respubliki, singular - avtom respublika);

Abkhazia (Sukhumi), Ajaria (Batumi)

note:

the administrative centers of the autonomous republics are included in

parentheses; there are no oblasts - the rayons around T'bilisi are under

direct republic jurisdiction; also included is the South Ossetia Autonomous

Oblast

Independence:

9 April 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted NA 1921; currently amending constitution for Parliamentary and

popular review by late 1995

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 April 1991

Political parties and leaders:

All-Georgian Merab Kostava Society, Vazha ADAMIA, chairman; All-Georgian

Traditionalists' Union, Akakiy ASATIANI, chairman; Georgian National Front -

Radical Union, Ruslan GONGADZE, chairman; Georgian Social Democratic Party,

Guram MUCHAIDZE, chairman; Green Party, Zurab ZHVANIA, chairman;

Monarchist-Conservative Party (MCP), Temur ZHORZHOLIANI, chairman; Georgian

Popular Front (GPF), Nodar NATADZE, chairman; National Democratic Party

(NDP), Georgi CHANTURIA, chairman; National Independence Party (NIP), Irakli

TSERETELI and Irakli BATIASHVILI, chairmen; Charter 1991 Party, Tedo

PAATASHVILI, chairman; Democratic Georgia Party, Georgiy SHENGELAYA,

Chairman; Peace Bloc; Unity; October 11

Other political or pressure groups:

supporters of ousted President GAMSAKHURDIA boycotted the October elections

and remain an important source of opposition and instability

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Chairman of Parliament:

last held NA October 1992 (next to be held NA); results - Eduard

SHEVARDNADZE 95%

*Georgia, Government

Georgian Parliament (Supreme Soviet):

last held 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (225 total) number of seats by party NA; note -

representatives of 26 parties elected; Peace Bloc, October 11, Unity,

National Democratic Party, and the Greens Party won the largest

representation

Executive branch:

chairman of Parliament, Council of Ministers, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Chairman of Parliament Eduard Amvrosiyevich SHEVARDNADZE (since 10 March

1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Tengiz SIGUA (since NA January 1992); First Deputy Prime

Minister Roman GOTSIRIDZE (since NA); Deputy Prime Ministers Aleksandr

KAVADZE, Avtandil MARGIANI, Zurab KERVALISHVILI (since NA)

Member of:

BSEC, CSCE, EBRD, IBRD, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

NA

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission: Ambassador Kent N. BROWN

embassy:

#25 Antoneli Street, T'bilisi

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

(7) 8832-74-46-23

Flag:

maroon field with small rectangle in upper hoist side corner; rectangle

divided horizontally with black on top, white below

*Georgia, Economy

Overview:

Among the former Soviet republics, Georgia has been noted for its Black Sea

tourist industry, its large output of citrus fruits and tea, and an

industrial sector that accounted, however, for less than 2% of the USSR's

output. Another salient characteristic of the economy has been a flourishing

private sector (compared with the other republics). About 25% of the labor

force is employed in agriculture. Mineral resources consist of manganese and

copper, and, to a lesser extent, molybdenum, arsenic, tungsten, and mercury.

Except for very small quantities of domestic oil, gas, and coal, fuel must

be imported from neighboring republics. Oil and its products have been

delivered by pipeline from Azerbaijan to the port of Batumi for export and

local refining. Gas has been supplied in pipelines from Krasnodar and

Stavropol'. The dismantling of central economic controls has been delayed by

political factionalism, marked by bitter armed struggles. In early 1993 the

Georgian economy was operating at well less than half capacity due to

disruptions in fuel supplies and vital transportation links as a result of

conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, antigovernment activity in Western

Georgia, and Azerbaijani pressure against Georgian assistance for Armenia.

To restore economic viability, Georgia must establish domestic peace and

must maintain economic ties to the other former Soviet republics while

developing new links to the West.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-35% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

50% per month (January 1993 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3% but large numbers of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

citrus fruits, tea, other agricultural products; diverse types of machinery;

ferrous and nonferrous metals; textiles

partners:

Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan (1992)

Imports: $NA

commodities:

machinery and parts, fuel, transport equipment, textiles

partners:

Russia, Ukraine (1992)

External debt:

$650 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -50% (1992)

Electricity:

4,875,000 kW capacity; 15,800 million kWh produced, about 2,835 kWh per

capita (1992)

*Georgia, Economy

Industries:

heavy industrial products include raw steel, rolled steel, cement, lumber;

machine tools, foundry equipment, electric mining locomotives, tower cranes,

electric welding equipment, machinery for food preparation, meat packing,

dairy, and fishing industries; air-conditioning electric motors up to 100 kW

in size, electric motors for cranes, magnetic starters for motors; devices

for control of industrial processes; trucks, tractors, and other farm

machinery; light industrial products, including cloth, hosiery, and shoes

Agriculture:

accounted for 97% of former USSR citrus fruits and 93% of former USSR tea;

berries and grapes; sugar; vegetables, grains, potatoes; cattle, pigs,

sheep, goats, poultry; tobacco

Illicit drugs:

illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption;

used as transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

coupons introduced in April 1993 to be followed by introduction of the lari

at undetermined future date; Russian ruble remains official currency until

introduction of the lari

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Georgia, Communications

Railroads:

1,570 km, does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

33,900 km total; 29,500 km hard surfaced, 4,400 km earth (1990)

Pipelines:

crude oil 370 km, refined products 300 km, natural gas 440 km (1992)

Ports:

coastal - Batumi, Poti, Sukhumi

Merchant marine: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 658,192 GRT/1,014,056 DWT; includes 16

bulk cargo, 30 oil tanker, and 1 specialized liquid carrier

Airports:

total:

37

useable:

26

with permanent-surface runways:

19

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

9

Telecommunications:

poor telephone service; as of 1991, 672,000 republic telephone lines

providing 12 lines per 100 persons; 339,000 unsatisfied applications for

telephones (31 January 1992); international links via landline to CIS

members and Turkey; low capacity satellite earth station and leased

international connections via the Moscow international gateway switch;

international electronic mail and telex service established

Note:

transportation network is disrupted by ethnic conflict, criminal activities,

and fuel shortages

*Georgia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, National Guard, Interior Ministry Troops

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,338,606; fit for military service 1,066,309; reach

military age (18) annually 43,415 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GNP

Note:

Georgian forces are poorly organized and not fully under the government's

control

*Germany, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea between France and Poland

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

356,910 km2

land area:

349,520 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Montana

note:

includes the formerly separate Federal Republic of Germany, the German

Democratic Republic, and Berlin following formal unification on 3 October

1990

Land boundaries:

total 3,621 km, 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:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm in North Sea and Schleswig-Holstein coast of Baltic Sea (extends, at

one point, to 16 nm in the Helgolander Bucht); 12 nm in remainder of Baltic

Sea

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional

warm, tropical foehn wind; high relative humidity

Terrain:

lowlands in north, uplands in center, Bavarian Alps in south

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, potash, timber, lignite, uranium, copper, natural gas, salt,

nickel

Land use:

arable land:

34%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

16%

forest and woodland:

30%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

4,800 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

air and water pollution; groundwater, lakes, and air quality in eastern

Germany are especially bad; significant deforestation in the eastern

mountains caused by air pollution and acid rain

*Germany, Geography

Note:

strategic location on North European Plain and along the entrance to the

Baltic Sea

*Germany, People

Population:

80,767,591 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.4% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76 years

male:

73 years

female:

79 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

German(s)

adjective:

German

Ethnic divisions:

German 95.1%, Turkish 2.3%, Italians 0.7%, Greeks 0.4%, Poles 0.4%, other

1.1% (made up largely of people fleeing the war in the former Yugoslavia)

Religions:

Protestant 45%, Roman Catholic 37%, unaffiliated or other 18%

Languages:

German

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1977 est.)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

36.75 million

by occupation:

industry 41%, agriculture 6%, other 53% (1987)

*Germany, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Federal Republic of Germany conventional short form:

Germany

local long form:

Bundesrepublik Deutschland

local short form:

Deutschland

Digraph:

GM

Type:

federal republic

Capital:

Berlin

note:

the shift from Bonn to Berlin will take place over a period of years with

Bonn retaining many administrative functions and several ministries

Administrative divisions:

16 states (laender, singular - land); Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bayern, Berlin,

Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Niedersachsen,

Nordrhein-Westfalen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Sachsen, Sachsen-Anhalt,

Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringen

Independence:

18 January 1871 (German Empire unification); divided into four zones of

occupation (UK, US, USSR, and later, 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; unification of West Germany and East Germany took place 3 October

1990; all four power rights formally relinquished 15 March 1991

Constitution:

23 May 1949, provisional constitution known as Basic Law

Legal system:

civil law system with indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative

acts in the Federal Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

German Unity Day, 3 October (1990)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Helmut KOHL, chairman; Christian Social

Union (CSU), Theo WAIGEL, chairman; Free Democratic Party (FDP), Klaus

KINKEL, chairman; Social Democratic Party (SPD); Green Party, Ludger VOLMER,

Christine WEISKE, co-chairmen (after the 2 December 1990 election the East

and West German Green Parties united); Alliance 90 united to form one party

in September 1991, Petra MORAWE, chairwoman; Party of Democratic Socialism

(PDS), Gregor GYSI, chairman; Republikaner, Franz SCHOENHUBER; National

Democratic Party (NPD), Walter BACHMANN; Communist Party (DKP), Rolf PRIEMER

Other political or pressure groups:

expellee, refugee, and veterans groups

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*Germany, Government

Elections:

Federal Diet: last held 2 December 1990 (next to be held October 1994); results - CDU

36.7%, SPD 33.5%, FDP 11.0%, CSU 7.1%, Green Party (West Germany) 3.9%, PDS

2.4%, Republikaner 2.1%, Alliance 90/Green Party (East Germany) 1.2%, other

2.1%; seats - (662 total, 656 statutory with special rules to allow for

slight expansion) CDU 268, SPD 239, FDP 79, CSU 51, PDS 17, Alliance

90/Green Party (East Germany) 8; note - special rules for this election

allowed former East German parties to win seats if they received at least 5%

of vote in eastern Germany

Executive branch:

president, chancellor, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral parliament (no official name for the two chambers as a whole)

consists of an upper chamber or Federal Council (Bundesrat) and a lower

chamber or Federal Diet (Bundestag)

Judicial branch:

Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Dr. Richard von WEIZSACKER (since 1 July 1984)

Head of Government:

Chancellor Dr. Helmut KOHL (since 4 October 1982)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BDEAC, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CDB

(non-regional), CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-5,

G-7, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS,

MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNHCR, UNTAC, UPU, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Juergen RUHFUS

chancery:

4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 298-4000

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,

San Francisco, Seattle

consulates:

Manila (Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands) and Wellington (America

Samoa)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert M. KIMMITT

embassy:

Deichmanns Avenue, 5300 Bonn 2, Unit 21701

mailing address:

APO AE 09080

telephone:

[49] (228) 3391

FAX:

[49] (228) 339-2663

branch office:

Berlin

consulates general:

Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and yellow

*Germany, Economy

Overview:

With the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe in 1989, prospects seemed

bright for a fairly rapid incorporation of East Germany into the highly

successful West German economy. The Federal Republic, however, continues to

experience difficulties in integrating and modernizing eastern Germany, and

the tremendous costs of unification have sunk western Germany deeper into

recession. The western German economy grew by less than 1% in 1992 as the

Bundesbank set high interest rates to offset the inflationary effects of

large government deficits and high wage settlements. Eastern Germany grew by

6.8% in 1992 but this was from a shrunken base. Despite government transfers

to the east amounting to nearly $110 billion annually, a self-sustaining

economy in the region is still some years away. The bright spots are eastern

Germany's construction, transportation, telecommunications, and service

sectors, which have experienced strong growth. Western Germany has an

advanced market economy and is a world leader in exports. It has a highly

urbanized and skilled population that enjoys excellent living standards,

abundant leisure time, and comprehensive social welfare benefits. Western

Germany is relatively poor in natural resources, coal being the most

important mineral. Western Germany's world-class companies manufacture

technologically advanced goods. The region's economy is mature: services and

manufacturing account for the dominant share of economic activity, and raw

materials and semimanufactured goods constitute a large portion of imports.

In recent years, manufacturing has accounted for about 31% of GDP, with

other sectors contributing lesser amounts. Gross fixed investment in 1992

accounted for about 21.5% of GDP. GDP in the western region is now $20,000

per capita, or 85% of US per capita GDP. Eastern Germany's economy appears

to be changing from one anchored on manufacturing into a more

service-oriented economy. The German government, however, is intent on

maintaining a manufacturing base in the east and is considering a policy for

subsidizing industrial cores in the region. Eastern Germany's share of

all-German GDP is only 7% and eastern productivity is just 30% that of the

west even though eastern wages are at roughly 70% of western levels. The

privatization agency for eastern Germany, Treuhand, has privatized more than

four-fifths of the almost 12,000 firms under its control and will likely

wind down operations in 1994. Private investment in the region continues to

be lackluster, resulting primarily from the deepening recession in western

Germany and excessively high eastern wages. Eastern Germany has one of the

world's largest reserves of low-grade lignite coal but little else in the

way of mineral resources. The quality of statistics from eastern Germany is

improving, yet many gaps remain; the federal government began producing

all-German data for select economic statistics at the start of 1992. The

most challenging economic problem is promoting eastern Germany's economic

reconstruction - specifically, finding the right mix of fiscal, monetary,

regulatory, and tax policies that will spur investment in eastern Germany -

without destabilizing western Germany's economy or damaging relations with

West European partners. The government hopes a "solidarity pact" among labor

unions, business, state governments, and the SPD opposition will provide the

right mix of wage restraints, investment incentives, and spending cuts to

stimulate eastern recovery. Finally, the homogeneity of the German economic

culture has been changed by the admission of large numbers of immigrants.

National product:

Germany:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.398 trillion (1992)

western:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.294 trillion (1992)

eastern:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $104 billion (1992)

*Germany, Economy

National product real growth rate:

Germany:

1.5% (1992)

western:

0.9% (1992)

eastern:

8% (1992)

National product per capita:

Germany:

$17,400 (1992)

western:

$20,000 (1992)

eastern:

$6,500 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

western:

4% (1992)

eastern:

NA%

Unemployment rate:

western:

7.1% (1992)

eastern:

13.5% (December 1992)

Budget:

western (federal, state, local):

revenues $684 billion; expenditures $704 billion, including capital

expenditures $NA (1990)

eastern:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$378.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

manufactures 86.6% (including machines and machine tools, chemicals, motor

vehicles, iron and steel products), agricultural products 4.9%, raw

materials 2.3%, fuels 1.3%

partners:

EC 54.3% (France 12.9%, Netherlands 8.3%, Italy 9.3%, UK 7.7%,

Belgium-Luxembourg 7.4%), other Western Europe 17.0%, US 6.4%, Eastern

Europe 5.6%, OPEC 3.4% (1992)

Imports:

$354.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities: manufactures 68.5%, agricultural products 12.0%, fuels 9.7%, raw materials

7.1%

partners:

EC 52.0 (France 12.0%, Netherlands 9.6%, Italy 9.2%, UK 6.8%,

Belgium-Luxembourg 7.0%), other Western Europe 15.2%, US 6.6%, Eastern

Europe 5.5%, OPEC 2.4% (1992)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

western:

growth rates -5% (1992 est.)

eastern:

$NA

Electricity:

134,000,000 kW capacity; 580,000 million kWh produced, 7,160 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Germany, Economy

Industries:

western:

among world's largest producers of iron, steel, coal, cement, chemicals,

machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics; food and beverages

eastern:

metal fabrication, chemicals, brown coal, shipbuilding, machine building,

food and beverages, textiles, petroleum refining

Agriculture:

western:

accounts for about 2% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); diversified

crop and livestock farming; principal crops and livestock include potatoes,

wheat, barley, sugar beets, fruit, cabbage, cattle, pigs, poultry; net

importer of food; fish catch of 202,000 metric tons in 1987

eastern:

accounts for about 10% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principal

crops - wheat, rye, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, fruit; livestock products

include pork, beef, chicken, milk, hides and skins; net importer of food;

fish catch of 193,600 metric tons in 1987

Illicit drugs:

source of precursor chemicals for South American cocaine processors

Economic aid:

western:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.5 billion

eastern:

donor - $4.0 billion extended bilaterally to non-Communist less developed

countries (1956-89)

Currency:

1 deutsche mark (DM) = 100 pfennige

Exchange rates:

deutsche marks (DM) per US$1 - 1.6158 (January 1993), 1.5617 (1992), 1.6595

(1991), 1.6157 (1990), 1.8800 (1989), 1.7562 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Germany, Communications

Railroads:

western:

31,443 km total; 27,421 km government owned, 1.435-meter standard gauge

(12,491 km double track, 11,501 km electrified); 4,022 km nongovernment

owned, including 3,598 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (214 km electrified)

and 424 km 1.000-meter gauge (186 km electrified)

eastern:

14,025 km total; 13,750 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 275 km 1.000-meter or

other narrow gauge; 3,830 (est.) km 1.435-meter standard gauge double-track;

3,475 km overhead electrified (1988)

Highways:

western:

466,305 km total; 169,568 km primary, includes 6,435 km autobahn, 32,460 km

national highways (Bundesstrassen), 65,425 km state highways

(Landesstrassen), 65,248 km county roads (Kreisstrassen); 296,737 km of

secondary communal roads (Gemeindestrassen)

eastern:

124,604 km total; 47,203 km concrete, asphalt, stone block, of which 1,855

km are autobahn and limited access roads, 11,326 km are trunk roads, and

34,022 km are regional roads; 77,401 km municipal roads (1988)

Inland waterways:

western:

5,222 km, of which almost 70% are usable by craft of 1,000-metric-ton

capacity or larger; major rivers include the Rhine and Elbe; Kiel Canal is

an important connection between the Baltic Sea and North Sea

eastern:

2,319 km (1988)

Pipelines:

crude oil 3,644 km; petroleum products 3,946 km; natural gas 97,564 km

(1988)

Ports:

coastal - Bremerhaven, Brunsbuttel, Cuxhaven, Emden, Bremen, Hamburg, Kiel,

Lubeck, Wilhelmshaven, Rostock, Wismar, Stralsund, Sassnitz; inland - 31

major on Rhine and Elbe rivers

Merchant marine:

565 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,928,759 GRT/6,292,193 DWT; includes

5 short-sea passenger, 3 passenger, 303 cargo, 10 refrigerated cargo, 134

container, 28 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 railcar carrier, 7 barge carrier, 9

oil tanker, 21 chemical tanker, 17 liquefied gas tanker, 5 combination

ore/oil, 6 combination bulk, 12 bulk; note - the German register includes

ships of the former East and West Germany; during 1991 the fleet underwent

major restructuring as surplus ships were sold off

Airports:

total:

499

usable:

492

with permanent-surface runways:

271

with runways over 3,659 m:

5

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

59 with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

67

*Germany, Communications

Telecommunications:

western:

highly developed, modern telecommunication service to all parts of the

country; fully adequate in all respects; 40,300,000 telephones; intensively

developed, highly redundant cable and microwave radio relay networks, all

completely automatic; broadcast stations - 80 AM, 470 FM, 225 (6,000

repeaters) TV; 6 submarine coaxial cables; satellite earth stations - 12

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT antennas, 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT antennas,

EUTELSAT, and domestic systems; 2 HF radiocommunication centers;

tropospheric links

eastern:

badly needs modernization; 3,970,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 23 AM,

17 FM, 21 TV (15 Soviet TV repeaters); 6,181,860 TVs; 6,700,000 radios; 1

satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT and Intersputnik systems

*Germany, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 20,295,655; fit for military service 17,577,570; reach

military age (18) annually 411,854 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $42.4 billion, 2.2% of GDP (1992)

*Ghana, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Cote d'Ivoire and

Togo

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

238,540 km2

land area:

230,020 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total 2,093 km, Burkina 548 km, Cote d'Ivoire 668 km, Togo 877 km

Coastline:

539 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone: 24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

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

Natural resources:

gold, timber, industrial diamonds, bauxite, manganese, fish, rubber

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures:

15%

forest and woodland:

37%

other:

36%

Irrigated land:

80 km2 (1989)

Environment:

recent drought in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities;

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; dry, northeasterly harmattan wind

(January to March)

Note:

Lake Volta is the world's largest artificial lake

*Ghana, People

Population:

16,699,105 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.12% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

84.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

55.19 years

male: 53.27 years

female:

57.17 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.21 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ghanaian(s)

adjective:

Ghanaian

Ethnic divisions:

black African 99.8% (major tribes - Akan 44%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga

8%), European and other 0.2%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 38%, Muslim 30%, Christian 24%, other 8%

Languages:

English (official), African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe,

and Ga)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

60%

male:

70%

female:

51%

Labor force:

3.7 million

by occupation:

agriculture and fishing 54.7%, industry 18.7%, sales and clerical 15.2%,

services, transportation, and communications 7.7%, professional 3.7%

note:

48% of population of working age (1983)

*Ghana, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Ghana

conventional short form:

Ghana

former:

Gold Coast

Digraph:

GH

Type:

constitutional democracy

Capital:

Accra

Administrative divisions:

10 regions; Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Central, Eastern, Greater Accra, Northern,

Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western

Independence:

6 March 1957 (from UK)

Constitution:

new constitution approved 28 April 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 March (1957)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Congress, Jerry John Rawlings; New Patriotic Party,

Albert Adu BOAHEN; People's Heritage Party, Alex Erskine; various other

smaller parties

Suffrage:

universal at 18

Elections:

President:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA)

National Assembly:

last held 29 December 1992 (next to be held NA)

Executive branch:

president, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Jerry John RAWLINGS (since 3 November 1992)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO,

ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM,

UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dr. Joseph ABBEY

chancery:

3512 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 686-4520

consulate general:

New York

*Ghana, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kenneth L. BROWN

embassy:

Ring Road East, East of Danquah Circle, Accra

mailing address:

P. O. Box 194, Accra

telephone:

[233] (21) 775348, 775349, 775295 or 775298

FAX: [233] (21) 776008

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), yellow, and green with a large

black five-pointed star centered in the gold band; 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

*Ghana, Economy

Overview:

Supported by substantial international assistance, Ghana has been

implementing a steady economic rebuilding program since 1983, including

moves toward privatization and relaxation of government controls. Heavily

dependent on cocoa, gold, and timber exports, economic growth so far has not

spread substantially to other areas of the economy. The costs of sending

peacekeeping forces to Liberia and preparing for the transition to a

democratic government have boosted government expenditures and undercut

structural adjustment reforms. Ghana opened a stock exchange in 1990.

Meanwhile, declining world commodity prices for Ghana's exports has placed

the government under severe financial pressure.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6.6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.9% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$410 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $1.0 billion; expenditures $905 million, including capital

expenditures of $200 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

cocoa 45%, gold, timber, tuna, bauxite, and aluminum

partners:

Germany 29%, UK 12%, US 12%, Japan 5%

Imports:

$1.4 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum 16%, consumer goods, foods, intermediate goods, capital equipment

partners:

UK 23%, US 11%, Germany 10%, Japan 6%

External debt:

$4.6 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.6% in manufacturing (1991); accounts for almost 15% of GDP

Electricity:

1,180,000 kW capacity; 4,490 million kWh produced, 290 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining, lumbering, light manufacturing, aluminum, food processing

Agriculture: accounts for about 50% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); the major

cash crop is cocoa; other principal crops - rice, coffee, cassava, peanuts,

corn, shea nuts, timber; normally self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $455 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.6 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $78 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $106

million

Currency:

1 cedi (C) = 100 pesewas

Exchange rates:

ceolis per US$1 - 437 (July 1992)

*Ghana, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Ghana, Communications

Railroads:

953 km, all 1.067-meter gauge; 32 km double track; railroads undergoing

major renovation

Highways:

32,250 km total; 6,084 km concrete or bituminous surface, 26,166 km gravel,

laterite, and improved earth surfaces

Inland waterways:

Volta, Ankobra, and Tano Rivers provide 168 km of perennial navigation for

launches and lighters; Lake Volta provides 1,125 km of arterial and feeder

waterways

Pipelines:

none

Ports:

Tema, Takoradi

Merchant marine:

6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 59,293 GRT/78,246 DWT; includes 5

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

10

usable:

9

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

6

Telecommunications:

poor to fair system handled primarily by microwave radio relay links; 42,300

telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 4 (8 translators) TV; 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Ghana, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force, Civil Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3,766,073; fit for military service 2,105,865; reach

military age (18) annually 171,145 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $30 million, less than 1% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Gibraltar, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Gibraltar, Geography

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the

North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, on the southern coast of

Spain

Map references:

Africa, Europe

Area:

total area:

6.5 km2

land area:

6.5 km2

comparative area:

about 11 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 1.2 km, Spain 1.2 km

Coastline:

12 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

3 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

source of occasional friction between Spain and the UK

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Terrain:

a narrow coastal lowland borders The Rock

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

natural freshwater sources are meager, so large water catchments (concrete

or natural rock) collect rain water

Note:

strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic

Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

*Gibraltar, People

Population:

31,508 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.53% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.68 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.89 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.06 years

male:

73.18 years

female:

78.91 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.37 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Gibraltarian(s)

adjective:

Gibraltar

Ethnic divisions:

Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, Spanish

Religions:

Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 11% (Church of England 8%, other 3%), Moslem

8%, Jewish 2%, none or other 5% (1981)

Languages:

English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian,

Portuguese, Russian

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

14,800 (including non-Gibraltar laborers)

note:

UK military establishments and civil government employ nearly 50% of the

labor force

*Gibraltar, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Gibraltar

Digraph:

GI

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Gilbraltar

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

30 May 1969

Legal system:

English law

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day (second Monday of March)

Political parties and leaders:

Socialist Labor Party (SL), Joe BOSSANO; Gibraltar Labor Party/Association

for the Advancement of Civil Rights (GCL/AACR), leader NA; Gibraltar Social

Democrats, Peter CARUANA; Gibraltar National Party, Joe GARCIA

Other political or pressure groups:

Housewives Association; Chamber of Commerce; Gibraltar Representatives

Organization

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects resident six months or

more

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held on 16 January 1992 (next to be held January 1996); results - SL

73.3%; seats - (18 total, 15 elected) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, chief minister, Gibraltar Council, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor and

Commander in Chief Adm. Sir Derek REFFELL (since NA 1989)

Head of Government:

Chief Minister Joe BOSSANO (since 25 March 1988)

Member of:

INTERPOL (subbureau)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

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

*Gibraltar, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends heavily on British defense expenditures, revenue from

tourists, fees for services to shipping, and revenues from banking and

finance activities. Because more than 70% of the economy is in the public

sector, changes in government spending have a major impact on the level of

employment. Construction workers are particularly affected when government

expenditures are cut.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $182 million (FY87)

National product real growth rate:

5% (FY87)

National product per capita:

$4,600 (FY87)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1988)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $136 million; expenditures $139 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY88)

Exports:

$82 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods 41%, other 8%

partners:

UK, Morocco, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, US, FRG

Imports:

$258 million (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

fuels, manufactured goods, and foodstuffs

partners:

UK, Spain, Japan, Netherlands

External debt:

$318 million (1987)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

47,000 kW capacity; 200 million kWh produced, 6,740 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, construction, commerce; support to large UK

naval and air bases; transit trade and supply depot in the port; light

manufacturing of tobacco, roasted coffee, ice, mineral waters, candy, beer,

and canned fish

Agriculture:

none

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $0.8 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $188 million

Currency:

1 Gibraltar pound (#G) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Gibraltar pounds (#G) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992),

0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); note - the

Gibraltar pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Gibraltar, Communications

Railroads:

1.000-meter-gauge system in dockyard area only

Highways:

50 km, mostly good bitumen and concrete

Pipelines:

none

Ports:

Gibraltar

Merchant marine:

32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 642,446 GRT/1,141,592 DWT; includes 4

cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 1 container, 18 oil tanker, 2 chemical tanker,

5 bulk; note - a flag of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international

radiocommunication and microwave facilities; 9,400 telephones; broadcast

stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 4 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Gibraltar, Defense Forces

Branches:

British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Glorioso Islands, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Glorioso Islands, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the Indian Ocean just north of Madagascar

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

5 km2

land area:

5 km2

comparative area:

about 8.5 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

note:

includes Ile Glorieuse, Ile du Lys, Verte Rocks, Wreck Rock, and South Rock

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

35.2 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Madagascar

Climate:

tropical

Terrain: NA

Natural resources:

guano, coconuts

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (all lush vegetation and coconut palms)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

subject to periodic cyclones

*Glorioso Islands, People

Population: unihabited

*Glorioso Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Glorioso Islands

local long form:

none

local short form:

Iles Glorieuses

Digraph:

GO

Type:

French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in

Reunion

Capital:

none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Glorioso Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Glorioso Islands, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runsways over 3,6359 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

*Glorioso Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Greece, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Turkey and Bulgaria

Map references:

Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

131,940 km2

land area:

130,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Alabama

Land boundaries:

total 1,210 km, Albania 282 km, Bulgaria 494 km, Turkey 206 km, Macedonia

228 km

Coastline:

13,676 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

6 nm, but Greece has threatened to claim 12 nm

International disputes:

air, continental shelf, and territorial water disputes with Turkey in Aegean

Sea; Cyprus question; northern Epirus question with Albania; Macedonia

question with Bulgaria and Macedonia

Climate:

temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with ranges extending into sea as peninsulas or chains of

islands

Natural resources:

bauxite, lignite, magnesite, petroleum, marble

Land use:

arable land:

23%

permanent crops:

8%

meadows and pastures:

40%

forest and woodland:

20%

other:

9%

Irrigated land:

11,900 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to severe earthquakes; air pollution

Note:

strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to

Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, possessing an archipelago of about

2,000 islands

*Greece, People

Population:

10,470,460 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.95% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

10.42 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.36 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

8.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.5 years

male:

75.02 years

female:

80.12 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Greek(s)

adjective: Greek

Ethnic divisions:

Greek 98%, other 2%

note:

the Greek Government states there are no ethnic divisions in Greece

Religions:

Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Languages:

Greek (official), English, French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

93%

male:

98%

female:

89%

Labor force:

3,966,900

by occupation:

services 45%, agriculture 27%, industry 28% (1990)

*Greece, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Hellenic Republic

conventional short form:

Greece

local long form:

Elliniki Dhimokratia

local short form:

Ellas

former:

Kingdom of Greece

Digraph:

GR

Type:

presidential parliamentary government; monarchy rejected by referendum 8

December 1974

Capital:

Athens

Administrative divisions:

52 prefectures (nomoi, singular - nomos); Aitolia kai Akarnania, Akhaia,

Argolis, Arkadhia, Arta, Attiki, Dhodhekanisos, Dhrama, Evritania, Evros,

Evvoia, Florina, Fokis, Fthiotis, Grevena, Ilia, Imathia, Ioannina,

Iraklion, Kardhitsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefallinia, Kerkira, Khalkidhiki,

Khania, Khios, Kikladhes, Kilkis, Korinthia, Kozani, Lakonia, Larisa,

Lasithi, Lesvos, Levkas, Magnisia, Messinia, Pella, Pieria, Piraievs,

Preveza, Rethimni, Rodhopi, Samos, Serrai, Thesprotia, Thessaloniki,

Trikala, Voiotia, Xanthi, Zakinthos, autonomous region: Agion Oros (Mt.

Athos)

Independence:

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire)

Constitution:

11 June 1975

Legal system:

based on codified Roman law; judiciary divided into civil, criminal, and

administrative courts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 March (1821) (proclamation of the war of independence)

Political parties and leaders:

New Democracy (ND; conservative), Konstantinos MITSOTAKIS; Panhellenic

Socialist Movement (PASOK), Andreas PAPANDREOU; Left Alliance, Maria

DAMANAKI; Democratic Renewal (DIANA), Konstantinos STEFANOPOULOS; Communist

Party (KKE), Aleka PAPARIGA; Ecologist-Alternative List, leader rotates

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 4 May 1990 (next to be held May 1995); results - Konstantinos

KARAMANLIS was elected by Parliament

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 8 April 1990 (next must be held by May 1994); results - ND 46.89%,

PASOK 38.62%, Left Alliance 10.27%, PASOK/Left Alliance 1.02%,

Ecologist-Alternative List 0.77%, DIANA 0.67%, Muslim independents 0.5%;

seats - (300 total) ND 150, PASOK 123, Left Alliance 19, PASOK-Left Alliance

4, Muslim independents 2, DEANA 1, Ecologist-Alternative List 1

note:

deputies shifting from one party to another and the dissolution of party

coalitions have resulted in the following seating arrangement: ND 152, PASOK

124, Left Alliance 14, KKE 7, Muslim deputies 2, Ecologist-Alternative List

1

*Greece, Government

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Greek Chamber of Deputies (Vouli ton Ellinon)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Judicial Court, Special Supreme Tribunal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Konstantinos KARAMANLIS (since 5 May 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Konstantinos MITSOTAKIS (since 11 April 1990)

Member of:

Australian Group, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB,

FAO, G-6, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR,

NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UPU, WEU (observer), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Christos ZACHARAKIS

chancery:

2221 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone:

(202) 939-5800

FAX:

(202) 939-5824

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco

consulate:

New Orleans

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires James A. WILLIAMS

embassy:

91 Vasilissis Sophias Boulevard, 10160 Athens

mailing address:

PSC 108, Box 56, APO AE 09842

telephone:

[30] (1) 721-2951 or 721-8401

FAX:

[30] (1) 645-6282

consulate general:

Thessaloniki

Flag:

nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; there is a

blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a white cross; the cross

symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion of the country

*Greece, Economy

Overview:

Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the basic entrepreneurial system

overlaid in 1981-89 by a socialist system that enlarged the public sector

from 55% of GDP in 1981 to about 70% when Prime Minister MITSOTAKIS took

office. Tourism continues as a major source of foreign exchange, and

agriculture is self-sufficient except for meat, dairy products, and animal

feedstuffs. Since 1986, real GDP growth has averaged only 1.6% a year,

compared with the Europen Community average of 3%. The MITSOTAKIS government

has made little progress during its two and one-half years in power in

coming to grips with Greece's main economic problems: an inflation rate

still four times the EC average, a large public sector deficit, and a

fragile current account position. In early 1991, the government secured a

three-year, $2.5 billion assistance package from the EC under the strictest

terms yet imposed on a member country, as the EC finally ran out of patience

with Greece's failure to put its financial affairs in order. On the advice

of the EC Commission, Greece delayed applying for the second installment

until 1993 because of the failure of the government to meet the 1992

targets. Although MITSOTAKIS faced down the unions in mid-1992 in a dispute

over privatization plans, social security reform, and tax and price

increases, and his new economics czar, Stephanos MANOS, is a respected

economist committed to renovating the ailing economy. However, a national

elections due by May 1994 will probably prompt MITSOTAKIS to backtrack on

economic reform. In 1993, the GDP growth rate likely will remain low; the

inflation rate probably will continue to fall, while remaining the highest

in the EC.

National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $82.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.2% (1992)

National product per capita:

$8,200 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15.6% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

9.1% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $37.6 billion; expenditures $45.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $5.4 billion (1993)

Exports:

$6.8 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 53%, foodstuffs 31%, fuels 9%

partners:

Germany 24%, France 18%, Italy 17%, UK 7%, US 6%

Imports:

$21.5 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 71%, foodstuffs 14%, fuels 10%

partners:

Germany 20%, Italy 14%, France 8%, UK 5%, US 4%

External debt:

$23.7 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1.0% (1991); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

10,500,000 kW capacity; 36,400 million kWh produced, 3,610 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Greece, Economy

Industries:

food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism,

mining, petroleum

Agriculture:

including fishing and forestry, accounts for 15% of GDP and 27% of the labor

force; principal products - wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives,

tomatoes, wine, tobacco, potatoes; self-sufficient in food except meat,

dairy products, and animal feedstuffs; fish catch of 116,600 metric tons in

1988

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and limited opium; mostly for domestic

production; serves as 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; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $525 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,390 million

Currency:

1 drachma (Dr) = 100 lepta

Exchange rates:

drachma (Dr) per US$1 - 215.82 (January 1993), 190.62 (1992), 182.27 (1991),

158.51 (1990), 162.42 (1989), 141.86 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Greece, Communications

Railroads:

2,479 km total; 1,565 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, of which 36 km

electrified and 100 km double track; 892 km 1.000-meter gauge; 22 km

0.750-meter narrow gauge; all government owned

Highways:

38,938 km total; 16,090 km paved, 13,676 km crushed stone and gravel, 5,632

km improved earth, 3,540 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

80 km; system consists of three coastal canals; including the Corinth Canal

(6 km) which crosses the Isthmus of Corinth connecting the Gulf of Corinth

with the Saronic Gulf and shortens the sea voyage from the Adriatic to

Piraievs (Piraeus) by 325 km; and three unconnected rivers

Pipelines:

crude oil 26 km; petroleum products 547 km

Ports:

Piraievs (Piraeus), Thessaloniki

Merchant marine:

998 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 25,483,768 GRT/47,047,285 DWT;

includes 14 passenger, 66 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 128 cargo,

26 container, 15 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 1 vehicle

carrier, 214 oil tanker, 19 chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 42 combination

ore/oil, 3 specialized tanker, 424 bulk, 22 combination bulk, 1 livestock

carrier; note - ethnic Greeks also own large numbers of ships under the

registry of Liberia, Panama, Cyprus, Malta, and The Bahamas

Airports:

total:

78

usable:

77

with permanent-surface runways:

63

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

24

Telecommunications:

adequate, modern networks reach all areas; 4,080,000 telephones; microwave

radio relay carries most traffic; extensive open-wire network; submarine

cables to off-shore islands; broadcast stations - 29 AM, 17 (20 repeaters)

FM, 361 TV; tropospheric links, 8 submarine cables; 1 satellite earth

station operating in INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean antenna),

and EUTELSAT systems

*Greece, Defense Forces

Branches:

Hellenic Army, Hellenic Navy, Hellenic Air Force, National Guard, Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,606,267; fit for military service 1,996,835; reach

military age (21) annually 73,541 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $4.2 billion, 5.1% of GDP (1992)

*Greenland, Header

Affiliation: (part of the Danish realm)

*Greenland, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Canada and Norway

Map references:

Arctic Region, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,175,600 km2

land area:

341,700 km2 (ice free)

comparative area:

slightly more than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

44,087 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan

Mayen

Climate:

arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters

Terrain:

flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous,

barren, rocky coast

Natural resources:

zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, cryolite, uranium, fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops: 0%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

99%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; continuous

permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island

Note:

dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe

*Greenland, People

Population:

56,533 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.62 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.66 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

28.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

66.19 years

male:

61.79 years

female:

70.6 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Greenlander(s)

adjective:

Greenlandic

Ethnic divisions:

Greenlander 86% (Eskimos and Greenland-born Caucasians), Danish 14%

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran

Languages:

Eskimo dialects, Danish

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA% female:

NA%

Labor force:

22,800

by occupation:

largely engaged in fishing, hunting, sheep breeding

*Greenland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Greenland

local long form:

none

local short form:

Kalaallit Nunaat

Digraph:

GL

Type:

part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division

Capital:

Nuuk (Godthab)

Administrative divisions:

3 municipalities (kommuner, singular - kommun); Nordgronland, Ostgronland,

Vestgronland

Independence:

none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative

division)

Constitution:

Danish

Legal system:

Danish

National holiday:

Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Political parties and leaders:

two-party ruling coalition; Siumut (a moderate socialist party that

advocates more distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from

Denmark), Lars Emil JOHANSEN, chairman; Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA; a

Marxist-Leninist party that favors complete independence from Denmark rather

than home rule), Arqaluk LYNGE; Atassut Party (a more conservative party

that favors continuing close relations with Denmark), leader NA; Polar Party

(conservative-Greenland nationalist), Lars CHEMNITZ; Center Party (a new

nonsocialist protest party), leader NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Danish Folketing:

last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); Greenland

elects two representatives to the Folketing; results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (2 total) Siumut 1, Atassut 1

Landsting:

last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held 5 March 1995); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) Siumut 11, Atassut Party 8, Inuit

Ataqatigiit 5, Center Party 2, Polar Party 1

Executive branch:

Danish monarch, high commissioner, home rule chairman, prime minister,

Cabinet (Landsstyre)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Landsting)

Judicial branch:

High Court (Landsret)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner

Torben Hede PEDERSEN (since NA)

*Greenland, Government

Head of Government:

Home Rule Chairman Lars Emil JOHANSEN (since 15 March 1991)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

US diplomatic representation:

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag:

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

*Greenland, Economy

Overview:

Greenland's economic situation at present is difficult and unemployment

increases. Prospects for economic growth in the immediate future are not

bright. The Home Rule Government's economic restraint measures introduced in

the late 1980s have assisted in shifting red figures into a balance in the

public budget. Foreign trade produced a surplus in 1989 and 1990, but has

now returned to a deficit. Following the closing of the Black Angel lead and

zinc mine in 1989, Greenland today is fully dependent on fishing and fish

processing, this sector accounting for 95% of exports. Prospects for

fisheries are not bright, as the important shrimp catches will at best

stabilize and cod catches have dropped. Resumption of mining and hydrocarbon

activities is not around the corner, thus leaving only tourism with some

potential for the near future. The public sector in Greenland, i.e. the HRG

and its commercial entities and the municipalities, plays a dominant role in

Greenland accounting for about two thirds of total employment. About half

the government's revenues come from grants from the Danish Government.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $500 million (1988)

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1990)

National product per capita:

$9,000 (1988)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

9% (1990 est.)

Budget:

revenues $381 million; expenditures $381 million, including capital

expenditures of $36 million (1989)

Exports:

$340.6 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

fish and fish products 95%

partners:

Denmark 79%, Benelux 9%, Germany 5%

Imports:

$403 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 28%, machinery and transport equipment 24%, food and live

animals 12.4%, petroleum products 12%

partners:

Denmark 65%, Norway 8.8%, US 4.6%, Germany 3.8%, Japan 3.8%, Sweden 2.4%

External debt:

$480 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

84,000 kW capacity; 176 million kWh produced, 3,060 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

fish processing (mainly shrimp), lead and zinc mining, handicrafts, some

small shipyards, potential for platinum and gold mining

Agriculture:

sector dominated by fishing and sheep raising; crops limited to forage and

small garden vegetables; 1988 fish catch of 133,500 metric tons

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 re

*Greenland, Economy

Exchange rates:

Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.236 (January 1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396

(1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Greenland, Communications

Highways:

80 km

Ports:

Kangerluarsoruseq (Faeringehavn), Paamiut (Frederikshaab), Nuuk (Godthaab),

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Julianehaab, Maarmorilik, North Star Bay

Airports: total:

11

usable:

8

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

adequate domestic and international service provided by cables and microwave

radio relay; 17,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 (35 repeaters)

FM, 4 (9 repeaters) TV; 2 coaxial submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Greenland, Defense Forces

Note: defense is responsibility of Denmark

*Grenada, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 150 im north of Trinidad and Tobago

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

340 km2

land area:

340 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

121 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; tempered by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

volcanic in origin with central mountains

Natural resources:

timber, tropical fruit, deepwater harbors

Land use:

arable land:

15%

permanent crops:

26%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

9%

other:

47%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

lies on edge of hurricane belt; hurricane season lasts from June to November

Note:

islands of the Grenadines group are divided politically with Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines

*Grenada, People

Population:

93,830 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.24% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

30.85 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-21.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.15 years

male:

67.79 years

female:

72.54 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Grenadian(s)

adjective:

Grenadian

Ethnic divisions:

black African

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Anglican, other Protestant sects

Languages: English (official), French patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

98%

Labor force:

36,000

by occupation:

services 31%, agriculture 24%, construction 8%, manufacturing 5%, other 32%

(1985)

*Grenada, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Grenada

Digraph:

GJ

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Saint George's

Administrative divisions:

6 parishes and 1 dependency*; Carriacou and Petit Martinique*, Saint Andrew,, Saint David, Saint

George, Saint John, Saint Mark, Saint Patrick

Independence:

7 February 1974 (from UK)

Constitution:

19 December 1973

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 February (1974)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Congress (NDC), Nicholas BRATHWAITE; Grenada United

Labor Party (GULP), Sir Eric GAIRY; The National Party (TNP), Ben JONES; New

National Party (NNP), Keith MITCHELL; Maurice Bishop Patriotic Movement

(MBPM), Terrence MARRYSHOW; New Jewel Movement (NJM), Bernard COARD

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 13 March 1990 (next to be held by NA March 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) NDC 8, GULP 3, TNP 2, NNP 2

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Ministers of Government

(cabinet)

Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Reginald Oswald PALMER (since 6 August 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Nicholas BRATHWAITE (since 13 March 1990)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OECS, OPANAL, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Denneth MODESTE

chancery:

1701 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 265-2561

*Grenada, Government

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Charge d'Affaires Annette T. VELER

embassy:

Ross Point Inn, Saint George's

mailing address:

P. O. Box 54, Saint George's

telephone:

(809) 444-1173 through 1178

FAX:

(809) 444-4820

Flag:

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 represent the seven

administrative divisions

*Grenada, Economy

Overview:

The economy is essentially agricultural and centers on the traditional

production of spices and tropical plants. Agriculture accounts for about 16%

of GDP and 80% of exports and employs 24% of the labor force. Tourism is the

leading foreign exchange earner, followed by agricultural exports.

Manufacturing remains relatively undeveloped, but is expected to grow, given

a more favorable private investment climate since 1983. The economy achieved

an impressive average annual growth rate of 5.5% in 1986-91 but stalled in

1992. Unemployment remains high at about 25%.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $250 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-0.4% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.6% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $78 million; expenditures $51 million, including capital

expenditures of $22 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$30 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

nutmeg 36%, cocoa beans 9%, bananas 14%, mace 8%, textiles 5%

partners:

US 12%, UK, FRG, Netherlands, Trinidad and Tobago (1989)

Imports:

$110 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

food 25%, manufactured goods 22%, machinery 20%, chemicals 10%, fuel 6%

(1989)

partners:

US 29%, UK, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, Canada (1989)

External debt:

$104 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.8% (1989 est.); accounts for 9% of GDP

Electricity:

12,500 kW capacity; 26 million kWh produced, 310 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food and beverage, textile, light assembly operations, tourism, construction

Agriculture:

accounts for 16% of GDP and 80% of exports; bananas, cocoa, nutmeg, and mace

account for two-thirds of total crop production; world's second-largest

producer and fourth-largest exporter of nutmeg and mace; small-size farms

predominate, growing a variety of citrus fruits, avocados, root crops,

sugarcane, corn, and vegetables

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY84-89), $60 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $70 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $32 million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Grenada, Communications

Highways:

1,000 km total; 600 km paved, 300 km otherwise improved; 100 km unimproved

Ports:

Saint George's

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

automatic, islandwide telephone system with 5,650 telephones; new SHF radio

links to Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Vincent; VHF and UHF radio links to

Trinidad and Carriacou; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV

*Grenada, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Grenada Police Force, Coast Guard

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Guadeloupe, Header

Affiliation: (overseas department of France)

*Guadeloupe, Geography

Location:

in the Caribbean Sea, 500 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

1,780 km2 land area:

1,760 km2

comparative area:

10 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

306 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical tempered by trade winds; relatively high humidity

Terrain:

Basse-Terre is volcanic in origin with interior mountains; Grand-Terre is

low limestone formation

Natural resources:

cultivable land, beaches and climate that foster tourism

Land use:

arable land:

18%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

13%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

24%

Irrigated land:

30 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes (June to October); La Soufriere is an active volcano

*Guadeloupe, People

Population:

422,114 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.67% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.18 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 76.72 years

male:

73.67 years

female:

79.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.08 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Guadeloupian(s)

adjective:

Guadeloupe

Ethnic divisions:

black or mulatto 90%, white 5%, East Indian, Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%

Languages:

French, creole patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1982)

total population:

90%

male:

90%

female:

91%

Labor force:

120,000

by occupation:

services, government, and commerce 53.0%, industry 25.8%, agriculture 21.2%

*Guadeloupe, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Department of Guadeloupe

conventional short form:

Guadeloupe

local long form:

Departement de la Guadeloupe

local short form:

Guadeloupe

Digraph:

GP

Type:

overseas department of France

Capital:

Basse-Terre

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Rally for the Republic (RPR), Marlene CAPTANT; Communist Party of Guadeloupe

(PCG), Christian Medard CELESTE; Socialist Party (PS), Dominique LARIFLA;

Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG); Independent

Republicans; Union for French Democracy (UDF); Union for the Center Rally

(URC coalition of the PS, RPR, and UDF); Guadeloupe Objective (OG), Lucette

MICHAUX-CHEVRY

Other political or pressure groups:

Popular Union for the Liberation of Guadeloupe (UPLG); Popular Movement for

Independent Guadeloupe (MPGI); General Union of Guadeloupe Workers (UGTG);

General Federation of Guadeloupe Workers (CGT-G); Christian Movement for the

Liberation of Guadeloupe (KLPG)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French National Assembly:

last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held March 1993); Guadeloupe

elects four representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -

(4 total) PS 2 seats, RPR 1 seat, PCG 1 seat

French Senate:

last held in September 1986 (next to be held September 1995); Guadeloupe

elects two representatives; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -

(2 total) PCG 1, PS 1

General Council:

last held 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to be held by NA 1992);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total) PS 26, URC 16

Regional Council:

last held on 22 March 1992 (next to be held by 16 March 1998); results - OG

33.1%, PSG 28.7%, PCG 23.8%, UDF 10.7%, other 3.7%; seats - (41 total) OG

15, PSG 12, PCG 10, UDF 4

Executive branch:

government commissioner

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional Council

*Guadeloupe, Government

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel) with jurisdiction over Guadeloupe, French

Guiana, and Martinique

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Prefect Franck PERRIEZ (since NA 1992)

Member of:

FZ, WCL

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas department of France, the interests of Guadeloupe are

represented in the US by France

US diplomatic representation:

none (overseas department of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Guadeloupe, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services.

It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies and imports. Tourism is

a key industry, with most tourists from the US. In addition, an increasingly

large number of cruise ships visit the islands. The traditionally important

sugarcane crop is slowly being replaced by other crops, such as bananas

(which now supply about 50% of export earnings), eggplant, and flowers.

Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption,

although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, which comes mainly

from France. Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production.

Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especially

high among the young.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.5 billion (1989)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$4,700 (1989)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

31.3% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $333 million; expenditures $671 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989)

Exports:

$168 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

bananas, sugar, rum

partners:

France 68%, Martinique 22% (1987)

Imports:

$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

vehicles, foodstuffs, clothing and other consumer goods, construction

materials, petroleum products

partners:

France 64%, Italy, FRG, US (1987)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

171,500 kW capacity; 441 million kWh produced, 1,080 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

construction, cement, rum, sugar, tourism

Agriculture: cash crops - bananas, sugarcane; other products include tropical fruits and

vegetables; livestock - cattle, pigs, goats; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $4 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.235 billion

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guadeloupe, Communications

Railroads:

privately owned, narrow-gauge plantation lines

Highways:

1,940 km total; 1,600 km paved, 340 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Pointe-a-Pitre, Basse-Terre

Airports:

total:

9

usable:

9

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

domestic facilities inadequate; 57,300 telephones; interisland microwave

radio relay to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Martinique; broadcast

stations - 2 AM, 8 FM (30 private stations licensed to broadcast FM), 9 TV;

1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT ground station

*Guadeloupe, Defense Forces

Branches:

French Forces, Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 98,069; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)

Note:

defense is responsibility of France

*Guam, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Guam, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,955 km west-southwest of Honolulu, about

three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

541.3 km2

land area:

541.3 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than three times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

125.5 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; generally warm and humid, moderated by northeast trade

winds; dry season from January to June, rainy season from July to December;

little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic origin, surrounded by coral reefs; relatively flat coraline

limestone plateau (source of most fresh water) with steep coastal cliffs and

narrow coastal plains in north, low-rising hills in center, mountains in

south

Natural resources:

fishing (largely undeveloped), tourism (especially from Japan)

Land use:

arable land:

11%

permanent crops:

11%

meadows and pastures:

15%

forest and woodland:

18%

other: 45%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

frequent squalls during rainy season; subject to relatively rare, but

potentially very destructive typhoons (especially in August)

Note:

largest and southernmost island in the Mariana Islands archipelago;

strategic location in western North Pacific Ocean

*Guam, People

Population:

145,935 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.53% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.16 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

3.86 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

15.17 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.29 years

male:

72.42 years

female:

76.13 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Guamanian(s)

adjective:

Guamanian

Ethnic divisions:

Chamorro 47%, Filipino 25%, Caucasian 10%, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and

other 18%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%, other 2%

Languages:

English, Chamorro, Japanese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

96%

male:

96%

female:

96%

Labor force: 46,930 (1990)

by occupation:

federal and territorial government 40%, private 60% (trade 18%, services

15.6%, construction 13.8%, other 12.6%) (1990)

*Guam, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Guam

conventional short form:

Guam

Digraph:

GQ

Type:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between

Guam and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Territorial and

International Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Capital:

Agana

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

Constitution:

Organic Act of 1 August 1950

Legal system:

modeled on US; federal laws apply

National holiday:

Guam Discovery Day (first Monday in March); Liberation Day, 21 July

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party (controls the legislature); Republican Party (party of the

Governor)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; US citizens, but do not vote in US presidential

elections

Elections:

Governor:

last held on 6 November 1990 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

Joseph F. ADA reelected

Legislature:

last held on 9 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (21 total) Democratic 14, Republican 7

US House of Representatives:

last held 9 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1994); Guam elects

one delegate; results - Robert UNDERWOOD was elected as delegate; seats - (1

total) Democrat 1

Executive branch:

US president, governor, lieutenant governor, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislature

Judicial branch:

Federal District Court, Territorial Superior Court

Leaders: Chief of State:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

Head of Government:

Governor Joseph A. ADA (since November 1986); Lieutenant Governor Frank F.

BLAS (since NA)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), IOC, SPC

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of the US)

*Guam, Government

Flag:

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, outrigger canoe with sail, and a palm tree with the word GUAM

superimposed in bold red letters; US flag is the national flag

*Guam, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends mainly on US military spending and on revenues from

tourism. Over the past 20 years the tourist industry has grown rapidly,

creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones.

Visitors numbered about 900,000 in 1992. About 60% of the labor force works

for the private sector and the rest for government. Most food and industrial

goods are imported, with about 75% from the US.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $2 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$14,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $525 million; expenditures $395 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$34 million (f.o.b., 1984)

commodities:

mostly transshipments of refined petroleum products, construction materials,

fish, food and beverage products

partners:

US 25%, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands 63%, other 12%

Imports:

$493 million (c.i.f., 1984)

commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, food, manufactured goods

partners:

US 23%, Japan 19%, other 58%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

500,000 kW capacity; 2,300 million kWh produced, 16,300 kWh per capita

(1990)

Industries:

US military, tourism, construction, transshipment services, concrete

products, printing and publishing, food processing, textiles

Agriculture:

relatively undeveloped with most food imported; fruits, vegetables, eggs,

pork, poultry, beef, copra

Economic aid:

although Guam receives no foreign aid, it does receive large transfer

payments from the general revenues of the US Federal Treasury into which

Guamanians pay no income or excise taxes; under the provisions of a special

law of Congress, the Guamanian Treasury, rather than the US Treasury,

receives federal income taxes paid by military and civilian Federal

employees stationed in Guam

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Guam, Communications

Highways:

674 km all-weather roads

Ports:

Apra Harbor

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,200-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

26,317 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 3 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 2 Pacific

Ocean INTELSAT ground stations

*Guam, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Guatemala, Geography

Location:

Central America, between Honduras and Mexico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

108,890 km2

land area:

108,430 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total 1,687 km, Belize 266 km, El Salvador 203 km, Honduras 256 km, Mexico

962 km

Coastline:

400 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

the outer edge of the continental shelf

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

border with Belize in dispute; negotiations to resolve the dispute have

begun

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in lowlands; cooler in highlands

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau

(Peten)

Natural resources:

petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

12%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

32%

Irrigated land:

780 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

numerous volcanoes in mountains, with frequent violent earthquakes;

Caribbean coast subject to hurricanes and other tropical storms;

deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

Note:

no natural harbors on west coast

*Guatemala, People

Population:

10,446,015 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.63% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

36.19 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.74 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

55.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

63.99 years

male:

61.46 years

female:

66.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.9 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Guatemalan(s)

adjective:

Guatemalan

Ethnic divisions:

Ladino 56% (mestizo - mixed Indian and European ancestry), Indian 44%

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan

Languages:

Spanish 60%, Indian language 40% (18 Indian dialects, including Quiche,

Cakchiquel, Kekchi)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

55%

male:

63%

female:

47%

Labor force:

2.5 million

by occupation:

agriculture 60%, services 13%, manufacturing 12%, commerce 7%, construction

4%, transport 3%, utilities 0.8%, mining 0.4% (1985)

*Guatemala, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Guatemala

conventional short form:

Guatemala

local long form:

Republica de Guatemala

local short form:

Guatemala

Digraph:

GT

Type:

republic

Capital:

Guatemala

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)

Constitution:

31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986

note:

suspended on 25 May 1993 by President SERRANO; reinstated on 5 June 1993

following ouster of president

Legal system:

civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

National Centrist Union (UCN), Jorge CARPIO Nicolle; Solidarity Action

Movement (MAS), Jorge SERRANO Elias; Christian Democratic Party (DCG),

Alfonso CABRERA Hidalgo; National Advancement Party (PAN), Alvaro ARZU

Irigoyen; National Liberation Movement (MLN), Mario SANDOVAL Alarcon; Social

Democratic Party (PSD), Mario SOLARZANO Martinez; Popular Alliance 5 (AP-5),

Max ORLANDO Molina; Revolutionary Party (PR), Carlos CHAVARRIA; National

Authentic Center (CAN), Hector MAYORA Dawe; Democratic Institutional Party

(PID), Oscar RIVAS; Nationalist United Front (FUN), Gabriel GIRON;

Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG), Efrain RIOS Montt

Other political or pressure groups:

Federated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACIF); Mutual Support Group

(GAM); Agrarian Owners Group (UNAGRO); Committee for Campesino Unity (CUC);

leftist guerrilla movement known as Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union

(URNG) has four main factions - Guerrilla army of the Poor (EGP);

Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA); Rebel Armed Forces

(FAR); Guatemalan Labor Party (PGT/O)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Congress:

last held on 11 November 1990 (next to be held 11 November 1995); results -

UCN 25.6%, MAS 24.3%, DCG 17.5%, PAN 17.3%, MLN 4.8%, PSD/AP-5 3.6%, PR

2.1%; seats - (116 total) UCN 38, DCG 27, MAS 18, PAN 12, Pro - Rios Montt

10, MLN 4, PR 1, PSD/AP-5 1, independent 5

*Guatemala, Government

President:

runoff held on 11 January 1991 (next to be held 11 November 1995); results -

Jorge SERRANO Elias (MAS) 68.1%, Jorge CARPIO Nicolle (UCN) 31.9%

note:

President SERRANO resigned on 1 June 1993 shortly after dissolving Congress

and the judiciary; on 6 June 1993, Ramiro DE LEON Carpio was chosen as the

new president by a vote of Congress; he will finish off the remainder of

SERRANO's five-year term which expires in 1995

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Ramiro DE LEON Carpio (since 6 June 1993); Vice President Arturo

HERBRUGER (since 18 June 1993)

Member of:

BCIE, CACM, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU,

LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Juan Jose CASO-FANJUL

chancery:

2220 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 745-4952 through 4954

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San

Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Marilyn MCAFEE (since 28 May 1993)

embassy:

7-01 Avenida de la Reforma, Zone 10, Guatemala City

mailing address:

APO AA 34024

telephone:

[502] (2) 31-15-41

FAX:

[502] (2) 318855

Flag: 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) 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 and a

pair of crossed swords and framed by a wreath

*Guatemala, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on family and corporate agriculture, which accounts for

26% of GDP, employs about 60% of the labor force, and supplies two-thirds of

exports. Manufacturing, predominantly in private hands, accounts for about

18% of GDP and 12% of the labor force. In both 1990 and 1991, the economy

grew by 3%, the fourth and fifth consecutive years of mild growth. In 1992

growth picked up to 4% as government policies favoring competition and

foreign trade and investment took stronger hold.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $12.6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.2% (1992)

National product per capita:

$1,300 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.5% (1991 est.), with 30-40% underemployment

Budget:

revenues $604 million; expenditures $808 million, including capital

expenditures of $134 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

coffee 26%, sugar 13%, bananas 7%, beef 3%

partners:

US 36%, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Germany, Honduras

Imports:

$1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

fuel and petroleum products, machinery, grain, fertilizers, motor vehicles

partners:

US 40%, Mexico, Venezuela, Japan, Germany

External debt:

$2.5 billion (December 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.9% (1991 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP

Electricity:

847,600 kW capacity; 2,500 million kWh produced, 260 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

sugar, textiles and clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals,

rubber, tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 26% of GDP; most important sector of economy; contributes

two-thirds of export earnings; principal crops - sugarcane, corn, bananas,

coffee, beans, cardamom; livestock - cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens; food

importer

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium poppy and cannabis for the international drug

trade; the government has an active eradication program for cannabis and

opium poppy; transit country for cocaine shipments

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $1.1 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.92 billion

Currency:

1 quetzal (Q) = 100 centavos

*Guatemala, Economy

Exchange rates:

free market quetzales (Q) per US$1 - 5.2850 (December 1993), 5.1706 (1992),

5.0289 (1991), 2.8161 (1989), 2.6196 (1988); note - black-market rate 2.800

(May 1989)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guatemala, Communications

Railroads:

1,019 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; 917 km government owned, 102 km

privately owned

Highways:

26,429 km total; 2,868 km paved, 11,421 km gravel, and 12,140 unimproved

Inland waterways:

260 km navigable year round; additional 730 km navigable during high-water

season

Pipelines:

crude oil 275 km

Ports:

Puerto Barrios, Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomas de Castilla

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,129 GRT/6,450 DWT

Airports:

total:

474

usable:

418

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

21

Telecommunications:

fairly modern network centered in Guatemala [city]; 97,670 telephones;

broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 25 TV, 15 shortwave; connection into

Central American Microwave System; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Guatemala, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,410,760; fit for military service 1,576,569; reach

military age (18) annually 115,178 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $121 million, 1% of GDP (1993)

*Guernsey, Header

Affiliation:

(British crown dependency)

*Guernsey, Geography

Location:

in the English Channel, 52 km west of France between UK and France

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total area:

194 km2

land area:

194 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

note:

includes Alderney, Guernsey, Herm, Sark, and some other smaller islands

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

50 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate with mild winters and cool summers; about 50% of days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly level with low hills in southwest

Natural resources:

cropland

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

large, deepwater harbor at Saint Peter Port

*Guernsey, People

Population:

63,075 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.02% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.08 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

7.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

6.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.96 years

male:

75.27 years

female:

80.68 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.66 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Channel Islander(s)

adjective:

Channel Islander

Ethnic divisions:

UK and Norman-French descent

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, Methodist

Languages:

English, French; Norman-French dialect spoken in country districts

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male: NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Guernsey, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Bailiwick of Guernsey

conventional short form:

Guernsey

Digraph:

GK

Type:

British crown dependency

Capital:

Saint Peter Port

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency)

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

English law and local statute; justice is administered by the Royal Court

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Assembly of the States:

last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party

since all are independents; seats - (60 total, 33 elected), all independents

Executive branch:

British monarch, lieutenant governor, bailiff, deputy bailiff

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States

Judicial branch:

Royal Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Lt. Gen. Sir Michael WILKINS

(since NA 1990); Bailiff Mr. Graham Martyn DOREY (since February 1992)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (British crown dependency)

US diplomatic representation: none (British crown dependency)

Flag:

white with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) extending

to the edges of the flag

*Guernsey, Economy

Overview:

Tourism is a major source of revenue. Other economic activity includes

financial services, breeding the world-famous Guernsey cattle, and growing

tomatoes and flowers for export.

National product:

GDP - $NA

National product real growth rate:

9% (1987)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (1988)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $208.9 million; expenditures $173.9 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1988)

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

tomatoes, flowers and ferns, sweet peppers, eggplant, other vegetables

partners:

UK (regarded as internal trade)

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

coal, gasoline, and oil

partners:

UK (regarded as internal trade)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

173,000 kW capacity; 525 million kWh produced, 9,060 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, banking

Agriculture:

tomatoes, flowers (mostly grown in greenhouses), sweet peppers, eggplant,

other vegetables, fruit; Guernsey cattle

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Guernsey (#G) pound = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Guernsey pounds (#G) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652

(1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); note - the Guernsey

pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guernsey, Communications

Ports:

Saint Peter Port, Saint Sampson

Airports:

total:

2

useable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 41,900 telephones; 1 submarine cable

*Guernsey, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Guinea, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and

Sierra Leone

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

245,860 km2

land area:

245,860 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total 3,399 km, Guinea-Bissau 386 km, Cote d'Ivoire 610 km, Liberia 563 km,

Mali 858 km, Senegal 330 km, Sierra Leone 652 km

Coastline:

320 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

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

Natural resources:

bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold, uranium, hydropower, fish

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

12%

forest and woodland:

42%

other:

40%

Irrigated land:

240 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season;

deforestation

*Guinea, People

Population:

6,236,506 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.46% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.76 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

20.13 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

141.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

43.68 years

male:

41.49 years

female:

45.93 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.9 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality: noun:

Guinean(s)

adjective:

Guinean

Ethnic divisions:

Fulani 35%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20%, indigenous tribes 15%

Religions:

Muslim 85%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 7%

Languages:

French (official); each tribe has its own language

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

24%

male:

35%

female:

13%

Labor force:

2.4 million (1983)

by occupation:

agriculture 82.0%, industry and commerce 11.0%, services 5.4%

note:

88,112 civil servants (1987); 52% of population of working age (1985)

*Guinea, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Guinea

conventional short form:

Guinea

local long form:

Republique de Guinee

local short form:

Guinee

former:

French Guinea

Digraph:

GV

Type:

republic

Capital:

Conakry

Administrative divisions:

33 administrative regions (regions administratives, singular - region

administrative); Beyla, Boffa, Boke, Conakry, Coyah, Dabola, Dalaba,

Dinguiraye, 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)

Constitution: 23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)

Legal system:

based on French civil law system, customary law, and decree; legal codes

currently being revised; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Second Republic, 3 April (1984)

Political parties and leaders:

political parties were legalized on 1 April 1992

pro-government:

Party for Unity and Progress (PUP), leader NA

other:

Rally for the Guinean People (RPG), Alpha CONDE; Union for a New Republic

(UNR), Mamadon BAH; Party for Renewal and Progress (PRP), Siradion DIALLO

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

none

Executive branch:

president, Transitional Committee for National Recovery (Comite

Transitionale de Redressement National or CTRN) replaced the Military

Committee for National Recovery (Comite Militaire de Redressement National

or CMRN); Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire) was

dissolved after the 3 April 1984 coup; framework established in December

1991 for a new National Assembly with 114 seats

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Gen. Lansana CONTE (since 5 April 1984)

*Guinea, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO (observer), ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires ad interim Ansoumane CAMARA

chancery:

2112 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-9420

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dane F. SMITH, Jr.

embassy:

2nd Boulevard and 9th Avenue, Conakry

mailing address:

B. P. 603, Conakry

telephone: (224) 44-15-20 through 24

FAX:

(224) 44-15-22

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green; uses the

popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Rwanda, which

has a large black letter R centered in the yellow band

*Guinea, Economy

Overview:

Although possessing many natural resources and considerable potential for

agricultural development, Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the

world. The agricultural sector contributes about 40% to GDP and employs more

than 80% of the work force, while industry accounts for 27% of GDP. Guinea

possesses over 25% of the world's bauxite reserves; exports of bauxite and

alumina accounted for about 70% of total exports in 1989.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3 billion (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.3% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$410 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

19.6% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $449 million; expenditures $708 million, including capital

expenditures of $361 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$788 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

alumina, bauxite, diamonds, coffee, pineapples, bananas, palm kernels

partners:

US 33%, EC 33%, USSR and Eastern Europe 20%, Canada

Imports:

$692 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs,

textiles, and other grain

partners:

US 16%, France, Brazil

External debt:

$2.6 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 27% of GDP

Electricity:

113,000 kW capacity; 300 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1989)

Industries:

bauxite mining, alumina, gold, diamond mining, light manufacturing and

agricultural processing industries

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP (includes fishing and forestry); mostly subsistence

farming; principal products - rice, coffee, pineapples, palm kernels,

cassava, bananas, sweet potatoes, timber; livestock - cattle, sheep and

goats; not self-sufficient in food grains

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $227 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,465 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $120 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $446

million

Currency:

1 Guinean franc (FG) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Guinean francs (FG) per US$1 - 675 (1990), 618 (1989), 515 (1988), 440

(1987), 383 (1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guinea, Communications

Railroads:

1,045 km; 806 km 1.000-meter gauge, 239 km 1.435-meter standard gauge

Highways:

30,100 km total; 1,145 km paved, 12,955 km gravel or laterite (of which

barely 4,500 km are currently all-weather roads), 16,000 km unimproved earth

(1987)

Inland waterways:

1,295 km navigable by shallow-draft native craft

Ports:

Conakry, Kamsar

Airports:

total:

15

usable:

15

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

10

Telecommunications:

poor to fair system of open-wire lines, small radiocommunication stations,

and new radio relay system; 15,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM 1

FM, 1 TV; 65,000 TV sets; 200,000 radio receivers; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

earth station

*Guinea, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (acts primarily as a coast guard), Air Force, Presidential Guard,

Republican Guard, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, National Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,403,776; fit for military service 708,078 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $29 million, 1.2% of GDP (1988)

*Guinea-Bissau, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Guinea and

Senegal

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

36,120 km2

land area:

28,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total 724 km, Guinea 386 km, Senegal 338 km

Coastline:

350 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 12 November 1991 rendered its

decision on the Guinea-Bissau/Senegal maritime boundary in favor of Senegal

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

Natural resources:

unexploited deposits of petroleum, bauxite, phosphates, fish, timber

Land use:

arable land:

11%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

43%

forest and woodland:

38%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

hot, dry, dusty harmattan haze may reduce visibility during dry season

*Guinea-Bissau, People

Population:

1,072,439 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.38% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

41.26 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

17.45 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

122.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

47.03 years

male:

45.38 years

female:

48.73 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Guinea-Bissauan(s)

adjective:

Guinea-Bissauan

Ethnic divisions:

African 99% (Balanta 30%, Fula 20%, Manjaca 14%, Mandinga 13%, Papel 7%),

European and mulatto less than 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 65%, Muslim 30%, Christian 5%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Criolo, African languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

36%

male:

50%

female:

24%

Labor force:

403,000 (est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 90%, industry, services, and commerce 5%, government 5%

note:

population of working age 53% (1983)

*Guinea-Bissau, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Guinea-Bissau

conventional short form:

Guinea-Bissau

local long form:

Republica de Guine-Bissau

local short form:

Guine-Bissau

former:

Portuguese Guinea

Digraph:

PU

Type:

republic highly centralized multiparty since mid-1991; the African Party for

the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) held an

extraordinary party congress in December 1990 and established a two-year

transition program during which the constitution will be revised, allowing

for multiple political parties and a presidential election in 1993

Capital:

Bissau

Administrative divisions:

9 regions (regioes, singular - regiao); Bafata, Biombo, Bissau, Bolama,

Cacheu, Gabu, Oio, Quinara, Tombali

Independence:

10 September 1974 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

16 May 1984

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Independence Day, 10 September (1974)

Political parties and leaders:

African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC),

President Joao Bernardo VIEIRA, leader; Democratic Social Front (FDS),

Rafael BARBOSA, leader; Bafata Movement, Domingos Fernandes GARNER, leader;

Democratic Front, Aristides MENEZES, leader

note:

PAIGC is still the major party (of 10 parties) and controls all aspects of

the government

Suffrage:

15 years of age; universal

Elections:

National People's Assembly:

last held 15 June 1989 (next to be held 15 June 1994); results - PAIGC is

the only party; seats - (150 total) PAIGC 150, appointed by Regional

Councils

President of Council of State:

last held 19 June 1989 (next to be held NA 1993); results - Gen. Joao

Bernardo VIEIRA was reelected without opposition by the National People's

Assembly

Executive branch:

president of the Council of State, vice presidents of the Council of State,

Council of State, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch: unicameral National People's Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular)

Judicial branch:

none; there is a Ministry of Justice in the Council of Ministers

*Guinea-Bissau, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President of the Council of State Gen. Joao Bernardo VIEIRA (assumed power

14 November 1980 and elected President of Council of State on 16 May 1984)

Member of:

ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN,

UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Alfredo Lopes CABRAL

chancery:

918 16th Street NW, Mezzanine Suite, Washington, DC 20006

telephone:

(202) 872-4222

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roger A. MAGUIRE

embassy:

17 Avenida Domingos Ramos, Bissau

mailing address:

1067 Bissau Codex, Bissau

telephone:

[245] 20-1139, 20-1145, 20-1113

FAX:

[245] 20-1159

Flag:

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; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the

flag of Cape Verde, which has the black star raised above the center of the

red band and is framed by two corn stalks and a yellow clam shell

*Guinea-Bissau, Economy

Overview:

Guinea-Bissau ranks among the poorest countries in the world, with a per

capita GDP of roughly $200. Agriculture and fishing are the main economic

activities. Cashew nuts, peanuts, and palm kernels are the primary exports.

Exploitation of known mineral deposits is unlikely at present because of a

weak infrastructure and the high cost of development. The government's

four-year plan (1988-91) targeted agricultural development as the top

priority.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $210 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate: 2.3% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$210 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

55% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $33.6 million; expenditures $44.8 million, including capital

expenditures of $.57 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$20.4 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

cashews, fish, peanuts, palm kernels

partners:

Portugal, Senegal, France, The Gambia, Netherlands, Spain

Imports:

$63.5 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

capital equipment, consumer goods, semiprocessed goods, foods, petroleum

partners:

Portugal, Netherlands, Senegal, USSR, Germany

External debt:

$462 million (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.0% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP (1989 est.)

Electricity:

22,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

agricultural processing, beer, soft drinks

Agriculture:

accounts for over 50% of GDP, nearly 100% of exports, and 90% of employment;

rice is the staple food; other crops include corn, beans, cassava, cashew

nuts, peanuts, palm kernels, and cotton; not self-sufficient in food;

fishing and forestry potential not fully exploited

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $49 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $615 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $41 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $68

million

Currency:

1 Guinea-Bissauan peso (PG) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Guinea-Bissauan pesos (PG) per US$1 - 1987.2 (1989), 1363.6 (1988), 851.65

(1987), 238.98 (1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guinea-Bissau, Communications

Highways:

3,218 km; 2,698 km bituminous, remainder earth

Inland waterways:

scattered stretches are important to coastal commerce

Ports:

Bissau

Airports:

total:

33

usable:

15

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

poor system of radio relay, open-wire lines, and radiocommunications; 3,000

telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 1 TV

*Guinea-Bissau, Defense Forces

Branches:

People's Revolutionary Armed Force (FARP; including Army, Navy, Air Force),

paramilitary force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 235,931; fit for military service 134,675 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $9.3 million, 5%-6% of GDP (1987)

*Guyana, Geography

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Suriname

and Venezuela

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

214,970 km2

land area:

196,850 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Idaho

Land boundaries:

total 2,462 km, Brazil 1,119 km, Suriname 600 km, Venezuela 743 km

Coastline:

459 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm or the outer edge of continental margin

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

all of the area west of the Essequibo River claimed by Venezuela; Suriname

claims area between New (Upper Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers

(all headwaters of the Courantyne)

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, moderated by northeast trade winds; two rainy seasons

(May to mid-August, mid-November to mid-January)

Terrain:

mostly rolling highlands; low coastal plain; savanna in south

Natural resources:

bauxite, gold, diamonds, hardwood timber, shrimp, fish

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

83%

other:

8%

Irrigated land:

1,300 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

flash floods a constant threat during rainy seasons; water pollution

*Guyana, People

Population:

734,640 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.68% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.47 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.39 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-19.89 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

49.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

64.7 years

male:

61.46 years

female:

68.1 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.35 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Guyanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Guyanese

Ethnic divisions:

East Indian 51%, black and mixed 43%, Amerindian 4%, European and Chinese 2%

Religions:

Christian 57%, Hindu 33%, Muslim 9%, other 1%

Languages:

English, Amerindian dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended scool (1990)

total population:

95%

male:

98%

female:

96%

Labor force:

268,000

by occupation:

industry and commerce 44.5%, agriculture 33.8%, services 21.7%

note:

public-sector employment amounts to 60-80% of the total labor force (1985)

*Guyana, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

conventional short form:

Guyana

former:

British Guiana

Digraph:

GY

Type:

republic

Capital:

Georgetown

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 UK)

Constitution:

6 October 1980

Legal system:

based on English common law with certain admixtures of Roman-Dutch law; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Republic Day, 23 February (1970)

Political parties and leaders: People's National Congress (PNC), Hugh Desmond HOYTE; People's

Progressive

Party (PPP), Cheddi JAGAN; Working People's Alliance (WPA), Eusi KWAYANA,

Rupert ROOPNARINE; Democratic Labor Movement (DLM), Paul TENNASSEE; People's

Democratic Movement (PDM), Llewellyn JOHN; National Democratic Front (NDF),

Joseph BACCHUS; The United Force (TUF), Manzoor NADIR; United Republican

Party (URP), Leslie RAMSAMMY; National Republican Party (NRP), Robert

GANGADEEN; Guyana Labor Party (GLP), Nanda GOPAUL

Other political or pressure groups:

Trades Union Congress (TUC); Guyana Council of Indian Organizations (GCIO);

Civil Liberties Action Committee (CLAC)

note:

the latter two organizations are small and active but not well organized

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Executive President:

last held on 5 October 1992; results - Cheddi JAGAN was elected president

since he was leader of the party with the most votes in the National

Assembly elections

National Assembly:

last held on 5 October 1992 (next to be held in 1997); results - PPP 53.4%,

PNC 42.3%, WPA 2%, TUF 1.2%; seats - (65 total, 53 elected) PPP 36, PNC 26,

WPA 2, TUF 1

Executive branch:

executive president, first vice president, prime minister, first deputy

prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Judicature

*Guyana, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Executive President Cheddi JAGAN (since 5 October 1992); First Vice

President Sam HINDS (since 5 October 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Sam HINDS (since 5 October 1992)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS,

UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dr. Odeen ISHMAEL

chancery:

2490 Tracy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-6900

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission: Ambassador George Jones

embassy:

99-100 Young and Duke Streets, Georgetown

mailing address:

P. O. Box 10507, Georgetown

telephone:

[592] (2) 54900 through 54909 and 57960 through 57969

FAX:

[592] (2) 58497

Flag:

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

*Guyana, Economy

Overview:

Guyana is one of the world's poorest countries with a per capita income less

than one-fifth the South American average. After growing on average at less

than 1% a year in 1986-87, GDP dropped by 5% a year in 1988-90. The decline

resulted from bad weather, labor trouble in the cane fields, and flooding

and equipment problems in the bauxite industry. Consumer prices rose about

100% in 1989 and 75% in 1990, and the current account deficit widened

substantially as sugar and bauxite exports fell. Moreover, electric power

has been in short supply and constitutes a major barrier to future gains in

national output. The government, in association with international financial

agencies, seeks to reduce its payment arrears and to raise new funds. The

government's stabilization program - aimed at establishing realistic

exchange rates, reasonable price stability, and a resumption of growth -

requires considerable public administrative abilities and continued patience

by consumers during a long incubation period. Buoyed by a recovery in mining

and agriculture, the economy posted 6% growth in 1991 and 7% growth in 1992,

according to official figures. A large volume of illegal and quasi-legal

economic activity is not captured in estimates of the country's total

output.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $267.5 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$370 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

12%-15% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $121 million; expenditures $225 million, including capital

expenditures of $50 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$268 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

sugar, bauxite/alumina, rice, gold, shrimp, molasses, timber, rum

partners:

UK 28%, US 25%, FRG 8%, Canada 7%, Japan 6% (1989)

Imports:

$242.4 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

manufactures, machinery, food, petroleum

partners:

US 40%, Trinidad & Tobago 13%, UK 11%, Japan 5%, Netherland Antilles 3%

(1989)

External debt:

$2 billion including arrears (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 12% (1990 est.); accounts for about 24% of GDP

Electricity:

253,500 kW capacity; 276 million kWh produced, 370 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

bauxite mining, sugar, rice milling, timber, fishing (shrimp), textiles,

gold mining

Agriculture:

most important sector, accounting for 25% of GDP and about half of exports;

sugar and rice are key crops; development potential exists for fishing and

forestry; not self-sufficient in food, especially wheat, vegetable oils, and

animal products

*Guyana, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $116 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $325 million;

Communist countries 1970-89, $242 million

Currency:

1 Guyanese dollar (G$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Guyanese dollars (G$) per US$1 - 125.8 (January 1993) 125.0 (1992), 111.8

(1991), 39.533 (1990), 27.159 (1989), 10.000 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Guyana, Communications

Railroads:

187 km total, all single track 0.914-meter gauge

Highways:

7,665 km total; 550 km paved, 5,000 km gravel, 1,525 km earth, 590 km

unimproved

Inland waterways:

6,000 km total of navigable waterways; Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo

Rivers are navigable by oceangoing vessels for 150 km, 100 km, and 80 km,

respectively

Ports:

Georgetown, New Amsterdam

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,317 GRT/2,558 DWT

Airports: total:

53

usable:

48

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

13

Telecommunications:

fair system with radio relay network; over 27,000 telephones; tropospheric

scatter link to Trinidad; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM, no TV, 1

shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Guyana, Defense Forces

Branches:

Guyana Defense Force (GDF; including the Ground Forces, Coast Guard and Air

Corps), Guyana People's Militia (GPM), Guyana National Service (GNS)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 196,960; fit for military service 149,583 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Haiti, Geography

Location:

in the northern Caribbean Sea, about 90 km southeast of Cuba

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

27,750 km2

land area:

27,560 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 275 km, Dominican Republic 275 km

Coastline:

1,771 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes:

claims US-administered Navassa Island

Climate:

tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rough and mountainous

Natural resources:

bauxite

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

13%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

45%

Irrigated land:

750 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

lies in the middle of the hurricane belt and subject to severe storms from

June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes; deforestation; soil

erosion

Note:

shares island of Hispaniola with Dominican Republic (western one-third is

Haiti, eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic)

*Haiti, People

Population:

6,384,877 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.68% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

40.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

18.88 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

109.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

45.45 years

male:

43.88 years

female:

47.11 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.05 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality: noun:

Haitian(s)

adjective:

Haitian

Ethnic divisions:

black 95%, mulatto and European 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 80% (of which an overwhelming majority also practice Voodoo),

Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none

1%, other 3% (1982)

Languages:

French (official) 10%, Creole

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

53%

male:

59%

female:

47%

Labor force:

2.3 million

by occupation:

agriculture 66%, services 25%, industry 9%

note:

shortage of skilled labor, unskilled labor abundant (1982)

*Haiti, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Haiti

conventional short form:

Haiti

local long form:

Republique d'Haiti

local short form:

Haiti

Digraph:

HA

Type:

republic

Capital:

Port-au-Prince

Administrative divisions:

9 departments, (departements, singular - departement); Artibonite, Centre,

Grand'Anse, Nord, Nord-Est, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Est

Independence:

1 January 1804 (from France)

Constitution:

27 August 1983, suspended February 1986; draft constitution approved March

1987, suspended June 1988, most articles reinstated March 1989; October

1991, government claims to be observing the Constitution

Legal system: based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1804)

Political parties and leaders:

National Front for Change and Democracy (FNCD), including National Congress

of Democratic Movements (CONACOM), Victor BENOIT, and National Cooperative

Action Movement (MKN), Volvick Remy JOSEPH; Movement for the Installation of

Democracy in Haiti (MIDH), Marc BAZIN; National Progressive Revolutionary

Party (PANPRA), Serge GILLES; National Patriotic Movement of November 28

(MNP-28), Dejean BELIZAIRE; National Agricultural and Industrial Party

(PAIN), Louis DEJOIE; Movement for National Reconstruction (MRN), Rene

THEODORE; Haitian Christian Democratic Party (PDCH), Joseph DOUZE; Assembly

of Progressive National Democrats (RDNP), Leslie MANIGAT; National Party of

Labor (PNT), Thomas DESULME; Mobilization for National Development (MDN),

Hubert DE RONCERAY; Democratic Movement for the Liberation of Haiti

(MODELH), Francois LATORTUE; Haitian Social Christian Party (PSCH), Gregoire

EUGENE; Movement for the Organization of the Country (MOP), Gesner COMEAU

and Jean MOLIERE

Other political or pressure groups:

Democratic Unity Confederation (KID); Roman Catholic Church; Confederation

of Haitian Workers (CTH); Federation of Workers Trade Unions (FOS);

Autonomous Haitian Workers (CATH); National Popular Assembly (APN)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 16 December 1990, with runoff held 20 January 1991 (next to be

held by December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (83 total)

FNCD 27, ANDP 17, PDCH 7, PAIN 6, RDNP 6, MDN 5, PNT 3, MKN 2, MODELH 2, MRN

1, independents 5, other 2

President:

last held 16 December 1990 (next election to be held by December 1995);

results - Rev. Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE 67.5%, Marc BAZIN 14.2%, Louis DEJOIE

4.9%

*Haiti, Government

Senate:

last held 18 January 1993, widely condemned as illegitimate (next to be held

December 1994); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (27 total) FNCD 12,

ANDP 8, PAIN 2, MRN 1, RDNP 1, PNT 1, independent 2

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) consisting of an upper

house or Senate and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (Cour de Cassation)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7 February 1991), ousted in a coup

in September 1991, but still recognized by international community as Chief

of State

Head of Government: de facto Prime Minister Marc BAZIN (since NA June 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, CARICOM (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,

LAES, LORCS, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jean CASIMIR

chancery:

2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-4090 through 4092

consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Special Charge d'Affaires Charles REDMAN

embassy:

Harry Truman Boulevard, Port-au-Prince

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1761, Port-au-Prince

telephone:

[509] 22-0354, 22-0368, 22-0200, or 22-0612

FAX:

[509] 23-9007

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white

rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by

flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE

(Union Makes Strength)

*Haiti, Economy

Overview:

About 75% of the population live in abject poverty. Agriculture is mainly

small-scale subsistence farming and employs nearly three-fourths of the work

force. The majority of the population does not have ready access to safe

drinking water, adequate medical care, or sufficient food. Few social

assistance programs exist, and the lack of employment opportunities remains

one of the most critical problems facing the economy, along with soil

erosion and political instability. Trade sanctions applied by the

Organization of American States in response to the September 1991 coup

against President ARISTIDE have further damaged the economy.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-4% (FY91 est.)

National product per capita:

$340 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% (FY91 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25-50% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $300 million; expenditures $416 million, including capital

expenditures of $145 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$146 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

light manufactures 65%, coffee 19%, other agriculture 8%, other 8%

partners:

US 84%, Italy 4%, France 3%, other industrial countries 6%, less developed

countries 3% (1987)

Imports:

$252 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machines and manufactures 34%, food and beverages 22%, petroleum products

14%, chemicals 10%, fats and oils 9%

partners:

US 64%, Netherlands Antilles 5%, Japan 5%, France 4%, Canada 3%, Germany 3%

(1987)

External debt:

$838 million (December 1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate -2.0% (1991 est.); accounts for 15% of GDP

Electricity:

217,000 kW capacity; 480 million kWh produced, 75 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

sugar refining, textiles, flour milling, cement manufacturing, tourism,

light assembly industries based on imported parts

Agriculture:

accounts for 28% of GDP and employs around 70% of work force; mostly

small-scale subsistence farms; commercial crops - coffee, mangoes,

sugarcane, wood; staple crops - rice, corn, sorghum; shortage of wheat flour

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for cocaine

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $700 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $770 million

Currency:

1 gourde (G) = 100 centimes

*Haiti, Economy

Exchange rates:

gourdes (G) per US$1 - 8.4 (December 1991), fixed rate of 5.000 through

second quarter of 1991)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Haiti, Communications

Railroads:

40 km 0.760-meter narrow gauge, single-track, privately owned industrial

line

Highways:

4,000 km total; 950 km paved, 900 km otherwise improved, 2,150 km unimproved

Inland waterways:

negligible; less than 100 km navigable

Ports:

Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haitien

Airports:

total:

13

usable:

10

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

domestic facilities barely adequate, international facilities slightly

better; 36,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 33 AM, no FM, 4 TV, 2

shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Haiti, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (including Police), Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,289,310; fit for military service 695,997; reach military

age (18) annually 60,588 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 1.5% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Geography

Location:

in the Indian Ocean, 4,100 km southwest of Australia

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total area:

412 km2

land area:

412 km2 comparative area:

slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101.9 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

antarctic

Terrain:

Heard Island - bleak and mountainous, with an extinct volcano; McDonald

Islands - small and rocky

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

primarily used for research stations

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, People

Population: uninhabited

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands

conventional short form:

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Digraph:

HM

Type:

territory of Australia administered by the Ministry for Arts, Sport, the

Environment, Tourism and Territories

Capital:

none; administered from Canberra, Australia

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

*Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

*Holy See (Vatican City), Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome - central Italy

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total area:

0.44 km2

land area:

0.44 km2

comparative area:

about 0.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 3.2 km, Italy 3.2 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to mid-May) with hot, dry summers

(May to September)

Terrain:

low hill

Natural resources: none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

urban

Note:

landlocked; enclave of Rome, Italy; world's smallest state; outside the

Vatican City, 13 buildings in Rome and Castel Gandolfo (the pope's summer

residence) enjoy extraterritorial rights

*Holy See (Vatican City), People

Population:

811 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.15% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

none

adjective:

none

Ethnic divisions:

Italians, Swiss

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages: Italian, Latin, various other languages

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and 3,000 lay workers who live outside

the Vatican

*Holy See (Vatican City), Government

Names:

conventional long form:

The Holy See (State of the Vatican City)

conventional short form:

Holy See (Vatican City)

local long form:

Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)

local short form:

Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)

Digraph:

VT

Type:

monarchical-sacerdotal state

Capital:

Vatican City

Independence:

11 February 1929 (from Italy)

Constitution:

Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1 March 1968)

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Installation Day of the Pope, 22 October (1978) (John Paul II)

note:

Pope John Paul II was elected on 16 October 1978

Political parties and leaders:

none

Other political or pressure groups:

none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)

Suffrage:

limited to cardinals less than 80 years old

Elections:

Pope:

last held 16 October 1978 (next to be held after the death of the current

pope); results - Karol WOJTYLA was elected for life by the College of

Cardinals

Executive branch:

pope

Legislative branch:

unicameral Pontifical Commission

Judicial branch:

none; normally handled by Italy

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Pope JOHN PAUL II (Karol WOJTYLA; since 16 October 1978)

Head of Government:

Secretary of State Archbishop Angelo Cardinal SODANO (since NA)

Member of:

CSCE, IAEA, ICFTU, IMF (observer), INTELSAT, IOM (observer), ITU, OAS

(observer), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Apostolic Pro-Nuncio Archbishop Agostino CACCIAVILLAN

chancery:

3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 333-7121

*Holy See (Vatican City), Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Raymond L. FLYNN

embassy:

Villino Pacelli, Via Aurelia 294, 00165 Rome

mailing address:

PSC 59, APO AE 09624

telephone:

[396] 46741

FAX:

[396] 638-0159

Flag:

two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the crossed keys of

Saint Peter and the papal tiara centered in the white band

*Holy See (Vatican City), Economy

Overview:

This unique, noncommercial economy is supported financially by contributions

(known as Peter's Pence) from Roman Catholics throughout the world, the sale

of postage stamps and tourist mementos, fees for admission to museums, and

the sale of publications. The incomes and living standards of lay workers

are comparable to, or somewhat better than, those of counterparts who work

in the city of Rome.

Budget:

revenues $86 million; expenditures $178 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Electricity:

5,000 kW standby capacity (1992); power supplied by Italy

Industries: printing and production of a small amount of mosaics and staff uniforms;

worldwide banking and financial activities

Currency:

1 Vatican lira (VLit) = 100 centesimi

Exchange rates:

Vatican lire (VLit) per US$1 - 1,482.5 (January 1993), 1,232.4 (1992),

1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1,372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988); note - the

Vatican lira is at par with the Italian lira which circulates freely

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Holy See (Vatican City), Communications

Railroads:

850 m, 750 mm gauge (links with Italian network near the Rome station of

Saint Peter's)

Highways:

none; all city streets

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, no TV; 2,000-line automatic telephone

exchange; no communications satellite systems

*Holy See (Vatican City), Defense Forces

Note:

defense is the responsibility of Italy; Swiss Papal Guards are posted at

entrances to the Vatican City

*Honduras, Geography

Location:

Central America, between Guatemala and Nicaragua

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

112,090 km2

land area:

111,890 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total 1,520 km, Guatemala 256 km, El Salvador 342 km, Nicaragua 922 km

Coastline:

820 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

land boundary dispute with El Salvador mostly resolved by 11 September 1992

International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision; ICJ referred the maritime

boundary in the Golfo de Fonseca to an earlier agreement in this century and

advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras and

Nicaragua likely would be required

Climate:

subtropical in lowlands, temperate in mountains

Terrain:

mostly mountains in interior, narrow coastal plains

Natural resources:

timber, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron ore, antimony, coal, fish

Land use:

arable land:

14%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

30%

forest and woodland:

34%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

900 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to frequent, but generally mild, earthquakes; damaging hurricanes

and floods along Caribbean coast; deforestation; soil erosion

*Honduras, People

Population:

5,170,108 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.8% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

47.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.17 years

male:

64.82 years

female: 69.62 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.87 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Honduran(s)

adjective:

Honduran

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo (mixed Indian and European) 90%, Indian 7%, black 2%, white 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant minority

Languages:

Spanish, Indian dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

73%

male:

76%

female:

71%

Labor force:

1.3 million

by occupation:

agriculture 62%, services 20%, manufacturing 9%, construction 3%, other 6%

(1985)

*Honduras, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Honduras

conventional short form:

Honduras

local long form:

Republica de Honduras

local short form:

Honduras

Digraph:

HO

Type:

republic

Capital:

Tegucigalpa

Administrative divisions:

18 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Atlantida,

Choluteca, Colon, Comayagua, Copan, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan,

Gracias a Dios, Intibuca, Islas de la Bahia, La Paz, Lempira, Ocotepeque,

Olancho, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution:

11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982

Legal system:

rooted in Roman and Spanish civil law; some influence of English common law;

accepts ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

Liberal Party (PLH), Carlos Roberto REINA, presidential candidate, Rafael

PINEDA Ponce, president; National Party (PN) has two factions: Movimiento

Nacional de Reivindication Callejista (Monarca), Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS,

and Oswaldista, Oswaldo RAMOS SOTO, presidential candidate; National

Innovation and Unity Party (PINU), German LEITZELAR, president; Christian

Democratic Party (PDCH), Efrain DIAZ Arrivillaga, president

Other political or pressure groups:

National Association of Honduran Campesinos (ANACH); Honduran Council of

Private Enterprise (COHEP); Confederation of Honduran Workers (CTH);

National Union of Campesinos (UNC); General Workers Confederation (CGT);

United Federation of Honduran Workers (FUTH); Committee for the Defense of

Human Rights in Honduras (CODEH); Coordinating Committee of Popular

Organizations (CCOP)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held on 26 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results -

Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS (PNH) 51%, Carlos FLORES Facusse (PLH) 43.3%, other

5.7%

National Congress:

last held on 26 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - PNH

51%, PLH 43%, PDCH 1.9%, PINU-SD 1.5%, other 2.6%; seats - (128 total) PNH

71, PLH 55, PINU-SD 2

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional)

*Honduras, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justica)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Rafael Leonardo CALLEJAS Romero (since 26 January 1990)

Member of:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS,

OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Rene Arturo BENDANA-VALENZUELA

chancery:

3007 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 966-7702

consulates general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco

consulates:

Baton Rouge, Boston, Detroit, Houston, and Jacksonville

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William Bryce (since 28 May 1993)

embassy:

Avenida La Paz, Tegucigalpa

mailing address:

APO AA 34022, Tegucigalpa

telephone:

[504] 32-3120

FAX:

[504] 32-0027

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with five blue

five-pointed stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band; the

stars represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central

America - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua;

similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled

by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the

white band; also similar to the flag of Nicaragua, which features a triangle

encircled by the word REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on top and AMERICA CENTRAL on

the bottom, centered in the white band

*Honduras, Economy

Overview:

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Agriculture, the most important sector of the economy, accounts for more

than 25% of GDP, employs 62% of the labor force, and produces two-thirds of

exports. Productivity remains low. Industry, still in its early stages,

employs nearly 9% of the labor force, accounts for 15% of GDP, and generates

20% of exports. The service sectors, including public administration,

account for 50% of GDP and employ nearly 20% of the labor force. Basic

problems facing the economy include rapid population growth, high

unemployment, a lack of basic services, a large and inefficient public

sector, and the dependence of the export sector mostly on coffee and

bananas, which are subject to sharp price fluctuations. A far-reaching

reform program initiated by President CALLEJAS in 1990 is beginning to take

hold.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.5 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,090 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (30-40% underemployed) (1989)

Budget:

revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $511 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

bananas, coffee, shrimp, lobster, minerals, meat, lumber

partners:

US 65%, Germany 9%, Japan 8%, Belgium 7%

Imports:

$1.3 billion (c.i.f. 1991)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, chemical products, manufactured goods,

fuel and oil, foodstuffs

partners:

US 45%, Japan 9%, Netherlands 7%, Mexico 7%, Venezuela 6%

External debt:

$2.8 billion (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.8% (1990 est.); accounts for 15% of GDP

Electricity:

575,000 kW capacity; 2,000 million kWh produced, 390 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

agricultural processing (sugar and coffee), textiles, clothing, wood

products

Agriculture:

most important sector, accounting for more than 25% of GDP, more than 60% of

the labor force, and two-thirds of exports; principal products include

bananas, coffee, timber, beef, citrus fruit, shrimp; importer of wheat

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, cultivated on small plots and used principally

for local consumption; transshipment point for cocaine

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion

*Honduras, Economy

Currency:

1 lempira (L) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

lempiras (L) per US$1 - 5.4 (fixed rate); 5.70 parallel black-market rate

(November 1990); the lempira was allowed to float in 1992; current rate

about US$1 - 5.65

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Honduras, Communications

Railroads:

785 km total; 508 km 1.067-meter gauge, 277 km 0.914-meter gauge

Highways:

8,950 km total; 1,700 km paved, 5,000 km otherwise improved, 2,250 km

unimproved earth

Inland waterways: 465 km navigable by small craft

Ports:

Puerto Castilla, Puerto Cortes, San Lorenzo

Merchant marine:

252 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 819,100 GRT/1,195,276 DWT; includes 2

passenger-cargo, 162 cargo, 20 refrigerated cargo, 10 container, 6

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 22 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 specialized

tanker, 22 bulk, 3 passenger, 2 short-sea passenger; note - a flag of

convenience registry; Russia owns 10 ships under the Honduran flag

Airports:

total:

165

usable:

137

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

14

Telecommunications:

inadequate system with only 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; international

services provided by 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earch stations and the

Central American microwave radio relay system; broadcast stations - 176 AM,

no FM, 7 SW, 28 TV

*Honduras, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, Public Security Forces (FUSEP)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,185,072; fit for military service 706,291; reach military

age (18) annually 58,583 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $45 million, about 1% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Hong Kong, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Hong Kong, Geography

Location:

East Asia, on the southeast coast of China bordering the South China Sea

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

1,040 km2

land area:

990 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 30 km, China 30 km

Coastline:

733 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

3 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical monsoon; cool and humid in winter, hot and rainy from spring

through summer, warm and sunny in fall

Terrain:

hilly to mountainous with steep slopes; lowlands in north

Natural resources:

outstanding deepwater harbor, feldspar

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

12%

other:

79%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989)

Environment:

more than 200 islands; occasional typhoons

*Hong Kong, People

Population:

5,552,965 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.06% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.27 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.68 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

79.99 years

male:

76.55 years

female:

83.64 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.34 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Chinese

adjective:

Chinese

Ethnic divisions:

Chinese 98%, other 2%

Religions:

eclectic mixture of local religions 90%, Christian 10%

Languages:

Chinese (Cantonese), English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1971)

total population:

77%

male:

90%

female:

64%

Labor force:

2.8 million (1990)

by occupation:

manufacturing 28.5%, wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels

27.9%, services 17.7%, financing, insurance, and real estate 9.2%, transport

and communications 4.5%, construction 2.5%, other 9.7% (1989)

*Hong Kong, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Hong Kong

Abbreviation:

HK

Digraph:

HK

Type:

dependent territory of the UK scheduled to revert to China in 1997

Capital:

Victoria

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK; the UK signed an agreement with China

on 19 December 1984 to return Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997; in the

joint declaration, China promises to respect Hong Kong's existing social and

economic systems and lifestyle)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice; new Basic Law

approved in March 1990 in preparation for 1997

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 29 August (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

United Democrats of Hong Kong, Martin LEE, chairman; Democratic Alliance for

the Betterment of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Democratic Foundation

Other political or pressure groups:

Cooperative Resources Center, Allen LEE, chairman; Meeting Point, Anthony

CHEUNG, chairman; Association of Democracy and People's Livelihood,

Frederick FUNG Kin Kee, chairman; Liberal Democratic Federation, HEUNG Yee

Kuk; Federation of Trade Unions (pro-China); Hong Kong and Kowloon Trade

Union Council (pro-Taiwan); Confederation of Trade Unions (prodemocracy);

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Chinese General Chamber of Commerce

(pro-China); Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Chinese Manufacturers'

Association of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union; Hong Kong

Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China

Suffrage:

direct election 21 years of age; universal as a permanent resident living in

the territory of Hong Kong for the past seven years indirect election

limited to about 100,000 professionals of electoral college and functional

constituencies

Elections:

Legislative Council:

indirect elections last held 12 September 1991 and direct elections were

held for the first time 15 September 1991 (next to be held in September 1995

when the number of directly-elected seats increases to 20); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total; 21 indirectly elected by

functional constituencies, 18 directly elected, 18 appointed by governor, 3

ex officio members); indirect elections - number of seats by functional

constituency NA; direct elections - UDHK 12, Meeting Point 3, ADPL 1, other

2

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, chief secretary of the Executive Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

*Hong Kong, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Governor Chris PATTEN (since NA July 1992); Chief Secretary Sir David Robert

FORD (since NA February 1987)

Member of: APEC, AsDB, CCC, ESCAP (associate), GATT, ICFTU, IMO (associate), INTERPOL

(subbureau), IOC, ISO (correspondent), WCL, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a dependent territory of the UK, the interests of Hong Kong in the US are

represented by the UK

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Consul General Richard L. WILLIAMS

embassy:

Consulate General at 26 Garden Road, Hong Kong

mailing address:

Box 30, Hong Kong, or FPO AP 96522-0002

telephone:

[852] 239-011

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with the Hong

Kong coat of arms on a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag;

the coat of arms contains a shield (bearing two junks below a crown) held by

a lion (representing the UK) and a dragon (representing China) with another

lion above the shield and a banner bearing the words HONG KONG below the

shield

*Hong Kong, Economy

Overview:

Hong Kong has a bustling free market economy with few tariffs or nontariff

barriers. Natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be

imported. Manufacturing accounts for about 18% of GDP, employs 28% of the

labor force, and exports about 90% of its output. Real GDP growth averaged a

remarkable 8% in 1987-88, slowed to 3.0% in 1989-90, and picked up to 4.2%

in 1991 and 5.9% in 1992. Unemployment, which has been declining since the

mid-1980s, is now about 2%. A shortage of labor continues to put upward

pressure on prices and the cost of living. Short-term prospects remain

bright so long as major trading partners continue to be reasonably

prosperous.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $86 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.9% (1992)

National product per capita:

$14,600 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.4% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $17.4 billion; expenditures $14.7 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY92)

Exports:

$118 billion, including reexports of $85.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

clothing, textiles, yarn and fabric, footwear, electrical appliances,

watches and clocks, toys

partners: US 29%, China 21%, Germany 8%, UK 6%, Japan 5% (1990)

Imports:

$120 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, transport equipment, raw materials, semimanufactures, petroleum

partners:

China 37%, Japan 16%, Taiwan 9%, US 8% (1990)

External debt:

$9.5 billion (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

9,566,000 kW capacity; 29,400 million kWh produced, 4,980 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, clothing, tourism, electronics, plastics, toys, watches, clocks

Agriculture:

minor role in the economy; rice, vegetables, dairy products; less than 20%

self-sufficient; shortages of rice, wheat, water

Illicit drugs:

a hub for Southeast Asian heroin trade; transshipment and major financial

and money-laundering center

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $152 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $923 million

Currency:

1 Hong Kong dollar (HK$) = 100 cents

*Hong Kong, Economy

Exchange rates:

Hong Kong dollars (HK$) per US$ - 7.800 (1992), 7.771 (1991), 7.790 (1990),

7.800 (1989), 7.810 (1988), 7.760 (1987); note - linked to the US dollar at

the rate of about 7.8 HK$ per 1 US$ since 1985

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Hong Kong, Communications

Railroads:

35 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, government owned

Highways:

1,100 km total; 794 km paved, 306 km gravel, crushed stone, or earth

Ports:

Hong Kong

Merchant marine:

176 ships (1,000 GRT or over), totaling 5,870,007 GRT/10,006,390 DWT;

includes 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 20 cargo, 6 refrigerated cargo,

29 container, 15 oil tanker, 3 chemical tanker, 6 combination ore/oil, 5

liquefied gas, 88 bulk, 2 combination bulk; note - a flag of convenience

registry; ships registered in Hong Kong fly the UK flag, and an estimated

500 Hong Kong-owned ships are registered elsewhere

Airports:

total:

2

useable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

modern facilities provide excellent domestic and international services;

3,000,000 telephones; microwave transmission links and extensive optical

fiber transmission network; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 6 FM, 4 TV; 1 British

Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) repeater station and 1 British Forces

Broadcasting Service repeater station; 2,500,000 radio receivers; 1,312,000

TV sets (1,224,000 color TV sets); satellite earth stations - 1 Pacific

Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; coaxial cable to Guangzhou,

China; links to 5 international submarine cables providing access to ASEAN

member nations, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe

*Hong Kong, Defense Forces

Branches:

Headquarters of British Forces, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Hong Kong

Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Hong Kong Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,635,516; fit for military service 1,256,057; reach

military age (18) annually 43,128 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $300 million, 0.5% of GDP (1989 est.); this

represents one-fourth of the total cost of defending itself, the remainder

being paid by the UK

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Howland Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Howland Island, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 2,575 km southwest of Honolulu, just north of

the Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia

Map references: Oceania

Area:

total area:

1.6 km2

land area:

1.6 km2

comparative area:

about 2.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6.4 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

equatorial; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain:

low-lying, nearly level, sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing

reef; depressed central area

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s)

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

5%

other:

95%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

almost totally covered with grasses, prostrate vines, and low-growing

shrubs; small area of trees in the center; lacks fresh water; primarily a

nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds, shorebirds, and marine

wildlife; feral cats

*Howland Island, People

Population:

uninhabited; note - American civilians evacuated in 1942 after Japanese air

and naval attacks during World War II; occupied by US military during World

War II, but abandoned after the war; public entry is by special-use permit

only and generally restricted to scientists and educators

*Howland Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Howland Island

Digraph:

HQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife

Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National

Wildlife Refuge System

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Howland Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Howland Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only, one boat landing area along the middle of the

west coast

Airports:

airstrip constructed in 1937 for scheduled refueling stop on the

round-the-world flight of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan - they left Lae,

New Guinea, for Howland Island, but were never seen again; the airstrip is

no longer serviceable

Note:

Earhart Light is a day beacon near the middle of the west coast that was

partially destroyed during World War II, but has since been rebuilt in

memory of famed aviatrix Amelia Earhart

*Howland Island, Defense Forces

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard

*Hungary, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, between Slovakia and Romania

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe

Area:

total area:

93,030 km2

land area:

92,340 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total 1,952 km, Austria 366 km, Croatia 292 km, Romania 443 km, Serbia and

Montenegro 151 km (all with Serbia), Slovakia 515 km, Slovenia 82 km,

Ukraine 103 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

Gabcikovo Dam dispute with Slovakia; Vojvodina taken from Hungary and

awarded to the former Yugoslavia by treaty of Trianon in 1920

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy, humid winters; warm summers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling plains

Natural resources:

bauxite, coal, natural gas, fertile soils

Land use:

arable land:

50.7%

permanent crops:

6.1%

meadows and pastures:

12.6%

forest and woodland:

18.3%

other:

12.3%

Irrigated land:

1,750 km2 (1989)

Environment:

levees are common along many streams, but flooding occurs almost every year

Note:

landlocked; strategic location astride main land routes between Western

Europe and Balkan Peninsula as well as between Ukraine and Mediterranean

basin

*Hungary, People

Population:

10,324,018 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.33 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

13.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

13.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.86 years

male:

66.81 years

female:

75.12 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Hungarian(s)

adjective:

Hungarian

Ethnic divisions:

Hungarian 89.9%, Gypsy 4%, German 2.6%, Serb 2%, Slovak 0.8%, Romanian 0.7%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 67.5%, Calvinist 20%, Lutheran 5%, atheist and other 7.5%

Languages:

Hungarian 98.2%, other 1.8%

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

99%

female:

98%

Labor force:

5.4 million

by occupation:

services, trade, government, and other 44.8%, industry 29.7%, agriculture

16.1%, construction 7.0% (1991)

*Hungary, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Hungary

conventional short form:

Hungary

local long form:

Magyar Koztarsasag

local short form:

Magyarorszag

Digraph: HU

Type:

republic

Capital:

Budapest

Administrative divisions:

38 counties (megyek, singular - megye) and 1 capital city* (fovaros);, Bacs-Kiskun, Baranya,

Bekes, Bekescsaba, Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen, Budapest*,, Csongrad, Debrecen, Dunaujvaros, Eger, Fejer,

Gyor, Gyor-Moson-Sopron,

Hajdu-Bihar, Heves, Hodmezovasarhely, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Kaposvar,

Kecskemet, Komarom-Esztergom, Miskolc, Nagykanizsa, Nograd, Nyiregyhaza,

Pecs, Pest, Somogy, Sopron, Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg, Szeged, Szekesfehervar,

Szolnok, Szombathely, Tatabanya, Tolna, Vas, Veszprem, Zala, Zalaegerszeg

Independence:

1001 (unification by King Stephen I)

Constitution:

18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October

1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks

on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of

parliamentary oversight

Legal system:

in process of revision, moving toward rule of law based on Western model

National holiday:

October 23 (1956) (commemorates the Hungarian uprising)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Forum, Jozsef ANTALL, chairman, Dr. Lajos FUR, executive

chairman; Independent Smallholders (FKGP), Jozsef TORGYAN, president;

Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), Gyula HORN, chairman; Christian Democratic

People's Party (KDNP), Dr. Lazlo SURJAN, president; Federation of Young

Democrats (FIDESZ), Viktor ORBAN, chairman; Alliance of Free Democrats

(SZDSZ), Ivan PETO, chairman

note:

the Hungarian Socialist (Communist) Workers' Party (MSZMP) renounced

Communism and became the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSP) in October 1989;

there is still a small (fringe) MSZMP

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 3 August 1990 (next to be held NA 1995); results - President GONCZ

elected by parliamentary vote; note - President GONCZ was elected by the

National Assembly with a total of 295 votes out of 304 as interim President

from 2 May 1990 until elected President

National Assembly:

last held on 25 March 1990 (first round, with the second round held 8 April

1990); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (386 total) Democratic

Forum 162, Free Democrats 90, Independent Smallholders 45, Hungarian

Socialist Party (MSP) 33, Young Democrats 22, Christian Democrats 21,

independents or jointly sponsored candidates 13

*Hungary, Government

Executive branch:

president, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Orszaggyules)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Arpad GONCZ (since 3 August 1990; previously interim president

from 2 May 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Jozsef ANTALL (since 21 May 1990)

Member of:

Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, GATT,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Pal TAR

chancery:

3910 Shoemaker Street NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 362-6730

FAX:

(202) 966-8135

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles H. THOMAS

embassy:

V. Szabadsag Ter 12, Budapest

mailing address:

Am Embassy, Unit 25402, APO AE 09213-5270

telephone:

[36] (1) 112-6450

FAX:

[36] (1) 132-8934

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and green

*Hungary, Economy

Overview:

Hungary is in the midst of a difficult transition from a command to a market

economy. Agriculture is an important sector, providing sizable export

earnings and meeting domestic food needs. Industry accounts for about 40% of

GDP and 30% of employment. Hungary claims that less than 25% of foreign

trade is now with former CEMA countries, while about 70% is with OECD

members. Hungary's economic reform programs during the Communist era gave it

a head start in creating a market economy and attracting foreign investment.

In 1991, Hungary received 60% of all foreign investment in Eastern Europe,

and in 1992 received the largest single share. The growing private sector

accounts for about one-third of national output according to unofficial

estimates. Privatization of state enterprises is progressing, although

excessive red tape, bureaucratic oversight, and uncertainties about pricing

have slowed the process. Escalating unemployment and high rates of inflation

may impede efforts to speed up privatization and budget reform, while

Hungary's heavy foreign debt will make the government reluctant to introduce

full convertibility of the forint before 1994 and to rein in inflation. The

government is projecting an end to the 5-year recession in 1993, and GDP is

forecast to grow 0%-3%.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $55.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$5,380 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

23% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

12.3% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $13.2 billion; expenditures $15.4 billion, including capital

expenditures $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$10.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

raw materials, semi-finished goods, chemicals 35.5%, machinery 13.5%, light

industry 23.3%, food and agricultural 24.8%, fuels and energy 2.8%

partners:

OECD 70.7%, (EC 50.1%, EFTA 15.0%), LDCs 5.1%, former CEMA members 23.2%,

others 1.0% (1991)

Imports:

$11.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

fuels and energy 14.9%, raw materials, semi-finished goods, chemicals 37.6%,

machinery 19.7%, light industry 21.5%, food and agricultural 6.3%

partners:

OECD 71.0%, (EC 45.4%, EFTA 20.0%), LDCs 3.9%, former CEMA members 23.9%,

others 1.2% (1991)

External debt:

$23.5 billion (September 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -10% (1992)

Electricity:

7,200,000 kW capacity; 30,000 million kWh produced, 3,000 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

mining, metallurgy, construction materials, processed foods, textiles,

chemicals (especially pharmaceuticals), buses, automobiles

*Hungary, Economy

Agriculture:

including forestry, accounts for 15% of GDP and 16% of employment; highly

diversified crop and livestock farming; principal crops - wheat, corn,

sunflowers, potatoes, sugar beets; livestock - hogs, cattle, poultry, dairy

products; self-sufficient in food output

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for Southeast Asia heroin transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

recipient - $9.1 billion in assistance from OECD countries (from 1st quarter

1990 to end of 2nd quarter 1991)

Currency:

1 forint (Ft) = 100 filler

Exchange rates:

forints per US$1 - 83.97 (December 1992), 78.99 (1992), 74.74 (1991), 63.21

(1990), 59.07 (1989), 50.41 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Hungary, Communications

Railroads:

7,765 km total; 7,508 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 222 km narrow gauge

(mostly 0.760-meter), 35 km 1.520-meter broad gauge; 1,236 km double track,

2,249 km electrified; all government owned (1990)

Highways:

130,218 km total; 29,919 km national highway system (27,212 km asphalt, 126

km concrete, 50 km stone and road brick, 2,131 km macadam, 400 km unpaved);

58,495 km country roads (66% unpaved), and 41,804 km other roads (70%

unpaved) (1988)

Inland waterways:

1,622 km (1988)

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,204 km; natural gas 4,387 km (1991)

Ports:

Budapest and Dunaujvaros are river ports on the Danube; coastal outlets are

Rostock (Germany), Gdansk (Poland), Gdynia (Poland), Szczecin (Poland),

Galati (Romania), and Braila (Romania)

Merchant marine:

12 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) and 1 bulk totaling 83,091 GRT/115,950

DWT

Airports:

total:

92

usable:

92

with permanent-surface runways:

25

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

28

Telecommunications:

automatic telephone network based on microwave radio relay system; 1,128,800

phones (1991); telephone density is at 19.4 per 100 inhabitants; 49% of all

phones are in Budapest; 608,000 telephones on order (1991); 12-15 year wait

for a phone; 14,213 telex lines (1991); broadcast stations - 32 AM, 15 FM,

41 TV (8 Soviet TV repeaters); 4.2 million TVs (1990); 1 satellite ground

station using INTELSAT and Intersputnik

*Hungary, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces, Border Guard, Territorial Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,630,552; fit for military service 2,101,637; reach

military age (18) annually 91,979 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

66.5 billion forints, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Iceland, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and Norway

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

103,000 km2

land area:

100,250 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,988 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Ireland, and the UK

(Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area)

Climate:

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp,

cool summers

Terrain:

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply

indented by bays and fiords

Natural resources:

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

Land use:

arable land:

1% permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

1%

other:

78%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to earthquakes and volcanic activity

Note:

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European

country; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe

*Iceland, People

Population:

261,270 (July 1993 est.)

note:

population data estimates based on average growth rate may differ slightly

from official population data because of volatile migration rates

Population growth rate:

0.88% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

16.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.74 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.47 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

78.69 years

male:

76.45 years

female:

81.04 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Icelander(s)

adjective:

Icelandic

Ethnic divisions:

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norwegians and Celts

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 96%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, none 1%

(1988)

Languages:

Icelandic

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

100%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

127,900

by occupation:

commerce, transportation, and services 60.0%, manufacturing 12.5%, fishing

and fish processing 11.8%, construction 10.8%, agriculture 4.0% (1990)

*Iceland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Iceland

conventional short form:

Iceland

local long form:

Lyoveldio Island

local short form:

Island

Digraph:

IC

Type:

republic

Capital:

Reykjavik

Administrative divisions:

23 counties (syslar, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns*, (kaupstadhir, singular -

kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla,, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla,

Austur-Skaftafellssysla,

Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla,

Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*,, Myrasysla,

Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la,, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla,

Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*,, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*,,

Skagafjardharsysla,

Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla,

Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla,, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla,

Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla

Independence:

17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

Constitution:

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944

Legal system:

civil law system based on Danish law; does not accept compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Establishment of the Republic, 17 June (1944)

Political parties and leaders:

Independence Party (conservative), David ODDSSON; Progressive Party,

Steingrimur HERMANNSSON; Social Democratic Party, Jon Baldvin HANNIBALSSON;

People's Alliance (left socialist), Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON; Women's List

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 29 June 1988 (next scheduled for June 1996); results - there

was no election in 1992 as President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR was unopposed

Althing:

last held on 20 April 1991 (next to be held by April 1995); results -

Independence Party 38.6%, Progressive Party 18.9%, Social Democratic Party

15.5%, People's Alliance 14.4%, Womens List 8.3%, Liberals 1.2%, other 3.1%;

seats - (63 total) Independence 26, Progressive 13, Social Democratic 10,

People's Alliance 9, Womens List 5

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Althing)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Haestirettur)

*Iceland, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Vigdis FINNBOGADOTTIR (since 1 August 1980)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991)

Member of:

Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NC, NEA,

NIB, OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

2022 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-6653 through 6655

FAX:

(202) 265-6656

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Jon GUNDERSEN

embassy:

Laufasvegur 21, Box 40, Reykjavik

mailing address:

USEMB, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340

telephone:

[354] (1) 29100

FAX: [354] (1) 29139

Flag:

blue with a red cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the

flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the

style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

*Iceland, Economy

Overview:

Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, but with an

extensive welfare system, relatively low unemployment, and comparatively

even distribution of income. The economy is heavily dependent on the fishing

industry, which provides nearly 75% of export earnings and employs 12% of

the workforce. In the absence of other natural resources - except energy -

Iceland's economy is vulnerable to changing world fish prices. Iceland's

economy has been in recession since 1988. The recession deepened in 1992 due

to severe cutbacks in fishing quotas and falling world prices for the

country's main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon.

Real GDP declined 3.3% in 1992 and is forecast to contract another 1.5% in

1993. The center-right government's economic goals include reducing the

budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing

inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the

economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The recession has led to a

wave of bankruptcies and mergers throughout the economy, as well as the

highest unemployment of the post-World War II period. The national

unemployment rate reached 5% in early 1993, with some parts of the country

experiencing unemployment in the 9-10% range. Inflation, previously a

serious problem, declined from double digit rates in the 1980s to only 3.7%

in 1992.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $4.5 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-3.3% (1992)

National product per capita:

$17,400 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.7% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5% (first quarter 1993)

Budget:

revenues $1.8 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $191 million (1992)

Exports:

$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

fish and fish products, animal products, aluminum, ferrosilicon, diatomite

partners:

EC 68% (UK 25%, Germany 12%), US 11%, Japan 8% (1992)

Imports:

$1.5 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, petroleum products, foodstuffs,

textiles

partners: EC 53% (Germany 14%, Denmark 10%, UK 9%), Norway 14%, US 9% (1992)

External debt:

$3.9 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.75% (1991 est.)

Electricity:

1,063,000 kW capacity; 5,165 million kWh produced, 19,940 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferro-silicon production, geothermal

power

*Iceland, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for about 25% of GDP; fishing is most important economic activity,

contributing nearly 75% to export earnings; principal crops - potatoes,

turnips; livestock - cattle, sheep; self-sufficient in crops; fish catch of

about 1.4 million metric tons in 1989

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $19.1 million

Currency:

1 Icelandic krona (IKr) = 100 aurar

Exchange rates:

Icelandic kronur (IKr) per US$1 - 63.789 (January 1993), 57.546 (1992),

58.996 (1991), 58.284 (1990), 57.042 (1989), 43.014 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Iceland, Communications

Highways:

11,543 km total; 2,690 km hard surfaced, 8,853 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hafnarfjordhur, Keflavik, Seydhisfjordhur,

Siglufjordhur, Vestmannaeyjar

Merchant marine:

10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,832 GRT/53,037 DWT; includes 3

cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1

chemical tanker

Airports:

total:

90

usable:

84

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 12

Telecommunications:

adequate domestic service; coaxial and fiber-optical cables and microwave

radio relay for trunk network; 140,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 5

AM, 147 (transmitters and repeaters) FM, 202 (transmitters and repeaters)

TV; 2 submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station carries all

international traffic; a second INTELSAT earth station is scheduled to be

operational in 1993

*Iceland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police, Coast Guard

note:

no armed forces, Iceland's defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic

Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 69,499; fit for military service 61,798 (1993 est.); no

conscription or compulsory military service

Defense expenditures:

none

*India, Geography

Location:

South Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between

Bangladesh and Pakistan

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

3,287,590 km2

land area:

2,973,190 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than one-third the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total 14,103 km, Bangladesh 4,053 km, Bhutan 605 km, Burma 1,463 km, China

3,380 km, Nepal 1,690 km, Pakistan 2,912 km

Coastline:

7,000 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

boundaries with Bangladesh and China; status of Kashmir with Pakistan;

water-sharing problems with downstream riparians, Bangladesh over the Ganges

and Pakistan over the Indus

Climate:

varies from tropical monsoon in south to temperate in north

Terrain:

upland plain (Deccan Plateau) in south, flat to rolling plain along the

Ganges, deserts in west, Himalayas in north

Natural resources:

coal (fourth-largest reserves in the world), iron ore, manganese, mica,

bauxite, titanium ore, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, petroleum, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

55%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

23%

other:

17%

Irrigated land:

430,390 km2 (1989)

Environment:

droughts, flash floods, severe thunderstorms common; deforestation; soil

erosion; overgrazing; air and water pollution; desertification

Note:

dominates South Asian subcontinent; near important Indian Ocean trade routes

*India, People

Population:

903,158,968 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.86% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

29.11 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

80.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

58.12 years

male:

57.69 years

female:

58.59 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.57 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun: Indian(s)

adjective:

Indian

Ethnic divisions:

Indo-Aryan 72%, Dravidian 25%, Mongoloid and other 3%

Religions:

Hindu 82.6%, Muslim 11.4%, Christian 2.4%, Sikh 2%, Buddhist 0.7%, Jains

0.5%, other 0.4%

Languages:

English enjoys associate status but is the most important language for

national, political, and commercial communication, Hindi the national

language and primary tongue of 30% of the people, Bengali (official), Telugu

(official), Marathi (official), Tamil (official), Urdu (official), Gujarati

(official), Malayalam (official), Kannada (official), Oriya (official),

Punjabi (official), Assamese (official), Kashmiri (official), Sindhi

(official), Sanskrit (official), Hindustani a popular variant of Hindu/Urdu,

is spoken widely throughout northern India

note:

24 languages each spoken by a million or more persons; numerous other

languages and dialects, for the most part mutually unintelligible

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

48%

male:

62%

female:

34%

Labor force:

284.4 million

by occupation:

agriculture 67% (FY85)

*India, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of India

conventional short form:

India

Digraph:

IN

Type:

federal republic

Capital:

New Delhi

Administrative divisions:

25 states and 7 union territories*; Andaman and Nicobar Islands*, Andhra, Pradesh, Arunachal

Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh*, Dadra and Nagar, Haveli*, Daman and Diu*, Delhi*, Goa,,

Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,

Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep*, Madhya Pradesh,, Maharashtra, Manipur,

Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Pondicherry*,, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu,

Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal

Independence: 15 August 1947 (from UK)

Constitution:

26 January 1950

Legal system:

based on English common law; limited judicial review of legislative acts;

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 26 January (1950)

Political parties and leaders:

Congress (I) Party, P. V. Narasimha RAO, president; Bharatiya Janata Party,

M. M. JOSHI; Janata Dal Party; Communist Party of India/Marxist (CPI/M),

Harkishan Singh SURJEET; Communist Party of India (CPI), C. Rajeswara RAO;

Telugu Desam (a regional party in Andhra Pradesh), N. T. Rama RAO; All-India

Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (AIADMK; a regional party in Tamil Nadu),

JAYALALITHA Jeyaram; Samajwadi Janata Party, CHANDRA SHEKHAR; Shiv Sena, Bal

THACKERAY; Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Tridip CHOWDHURY; Bahujana

Samaj Party (BSP), Kanshi RAM; Congress (S) Party, leader NA; Communist

Party of India/Marxist-Leninist (CPI/ML), Satyanarayan SINGH; Dravida

Munnetra Kazagham (a regional party in Tamil Nadu), M. KARUNANIDHI; Akali

Dal factions representing Sikh religious community in the Punjab; National

Conference (NC; a regional party in Jammu and Kashmir), Farooq ABDULLAH;

Asom Gana Parishad (a regional party in Assam), Prafulla MAHANTA

Other political or pressure groups:

various separatist groups seeking greater communal and/or regional autonomy;

numerous religious or militant/chauvinistic organizations, including Adam

Sena, Ananda Marg, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

People's Assembly:

last held 21 May, 12 and 15 June 1991 (next to be held by November 1996);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (545 total, 543 elected, 2

appointed) Congress (I) Party 245, Bharatiya Janata Party 119, Janata Dal

Party 39, Janata Dal (Ajit Singh) 20, CPI/M 35, CPI 14, Telugu Desam 13,

AIADMK 11, Samajwadi Janata Party 5, Shiv Sena 4, RSP 4, BSP 1, Congress (S)

Party 1, other 23, vacant 9

Executive branch:

president, vice president, prime minister, Council of Ministers

*India, Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Sansad) consists of an upper house or Council of

States (Rajya Sabha) and a lower house or People's Assembly (Lok Sabha)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Shankar Dayal SHARMA (since 25 July 1992); Vice President K.R.

NARAYANAN (since 21 August 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha RAO (since 21 June 1991)

Member of:

AG (observer), AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-6, G-15, G-19, AfDB, G-24,

G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

ONUSAL, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ,

UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Siddhartha Shankar RAY

chancery:

2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-7000

consulates general:

Chicago, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering

embassy:

Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri 110021, New Delhi

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[91] (11) 600651

FAX:

[91] (11) 687-2028, 687-2391

consulates general:

Bombay, Calcutta, Madras

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a blue

chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of

Niger, which has a small orange disk centered in the white band

*India, Economy

Overview:

India's economy is a mixture of traditional village farming, modern

agriculture, handicrafts, a wide range of modern industries, and a multitude

of support services. Faster economic growth in the 1980s permitted a

significant increase in real per capita private consumption. A large share

of the population, perhaps as much as 40%, remains too poor to afford an

adequate diet. Financial strains in 1990 and 1991 prompted government

austerity measures that slowed industrial growth but permitted India to meet

its international payment obligations without rescheduling its debt. Policy

reforms since 1991 have extended earlier economic liberalization and greatly

reduced government controls on production, trade, and investment.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $240 billion (FY93 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4% (FY93 est.)

National product per capita:

$270 (FY93 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.9% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $39.2 billion; expenditures $41.06 billion, including capital

expenditures of $10.2 billion (FY92)

Exports:

$19.8 billion (f.o.b., FY93 est.)

commodities:

gems and jewelry, clothing, engineering goods, leather manufactures, cotton

yarn, and fabric

partners:

USSR 16.1%, US 14.7%, West Germany 7.8% (FY91)

Imports:

$25.5 billion (c.i.f., FY93 est.)

commodities:

crude oil and petroleum products, gems, fertilizer, chemicals, machinery

partners:

US 12.1%, West Germany 8.0%, Japan 7.5% (FY91)

External debt:

$73 billion (March 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.5% (FY93 est.); accounts for about 25% of GDP

Electricity:

82,000,000 kW capacity; 310,000 million kWh produced, 340 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment,

cement, mining, petroleum, machinery

Agriculture:

accounts for about 30% of GDP and employs 67% of labor force; principal

crops - rice, wheat, oilseeds, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes;

livestock - cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, poultry; fish catch of about 3

million metric tons ranks India among the world's top 10 fishing nations

Illicit drugs:

licit producer of opium poppy for the pharmaceutical trade, but some opium

is diverted to illicit international drug markets; major transit country for

illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries; illicit producer of

hashish

*India, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $31.7 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $315 million; USSR (1970-89), $11.6 billion;

Eastern Europe (1970-89), $105 million

Currency:

1 Indian rupee (Re) = 100 paise

Exchange rates:

Indian rupees (Rs) per US$1 - 26.156 (January 1993), 25.918 (1992), 22.742

(1991), 17.504 (1990), 16.226 (1989), 13.917 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*India, Communications

Railroads:

61,850 km total (1986); 33,553 km 1.676-meter broad gauge, 24,051 km

1.000-meter gauge, 4,246 km narrow gauge (0.762 meter and 0.610 meter);

12,617 km is double track; 6,500 km is electrified

Highways:

1,970,000 km total (1989); 960,000 km surfaced and 1,010,000 km gravel,

crushed stone, or earth

Inland waterways:

16,180 km; 3,631 km navigable by large vessels

Pipelines:

crude oil 3,497 km; petroleum products 1,703 km; natural gas 902 km (1989)

Ports:

Bombay, Calcutta, Cochin, Kandla, Madras, New Mangalore, Port Blair (Andaman

Islands)

Merchant marine:

306 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,278,672 GRT/10,446,073 DWT;

includes 1 short-sea passenger, 6 passenger-cargo, 87 cargo, 1

roll-on/roll-off, 8 container, 63 oil tanker, 10 chemical tanker, 8

combination ore/oil, 114 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 6 liquefied gas

Airports:

total:

336

usable:

285

with permanent-surface runways:

205

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

58

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

90

Telecommunications:

domestic telephone system is poor providing only one telephone for about 200

persons on average; long distance telephoning has been improved by a

domestic satellite system which also carries TV; international service is

provided by 3 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth stations and by submarine cables

to Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates; broadcast stations - 96 AM, 4 FM,

274 TV (government controlled)

*India, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Security or Paramilitary Forces (including Border

Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Coast Guard)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 242,866,053; fit for military service 143,008,471; about

9,466,323 reach military age (17) annually (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $5.8 billion, 2.4% of GDP (FY93/94)

*Indian Ocean, Geography

Location:

body of water between Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica

Map references:

Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

73.6 million km2

comparative area:

slightly less than eight times the size of the US; third-largest ocean

(after the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, but larger than the Arctic

Ocean)

note:

includes Arabian Sea, Bass Straight, Bay of Bengal, Java Sea, Persian Gulf,

Red Sea, Straight of Malacca, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Coastline:

66,526 km

International disputes:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Climate:

northeast monsoon (December to April), southwest monsoon (June to October);

tropical cyclones occur during May/June and October/November in the north

Indian Ocean and January/February in the south Indian Ocean

Terrain:

surface dominated by counterclockwise gyre (broad, circular system of

currents) in the south Indian Ocean; unique reversal of surface currents in

the north Indian Ocean, low atmospheric pressure over southwest Asia from

hot, rising, summer air results in the southwest monsoon and

southwest-to-northeast winds and currents, while high pressure over northern

Asia from cold, falling, winter air results in the northeast monsoon and

northeast-to-southwest winds and currents; ocean floor is dominated by the

Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge and subdivided by the Southeast Indian Ocean Ridge,

Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, and Ninety East Ridge; maximum depth is 7,258

meters in the Java Trench

Natural resources:

oil and gas fields, fish, shrimp, sand and gravel aggregates, placer

deposits, polymetallic nodules

Environment:

endangered marine species include the dugong, seals, turtles, and whales;

oil pollution in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, and Red Sea

Note:

major chokepoints include Bab el Mandeb, Strait of Hormuz, Strait of

Malacca, southern access to the Suez Canal, and the Lombok Strait; ships

subject to superstructure icing in extreme south near Antarctica from May to

October

*Indian Ocean, Government

Digraph:

XO

*Indian Ocean, Economy

Overview:

The Indian Ocean provides major sea routes connecting the Middle East,

Africa, and East Asia with Europe and the Americas. It carries a

particularly heavy traffic of petroleum and petroleum products from the oil

fields of the Persian Gulf and Indonesia. Its fish are of great and growing

importance to the bordering countries for domestic consumption and export.

Fishing fleets from Russia, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan also exploit the Indian

Ocean, mainly for shrimp and tuna. Large reserves of hydrocarbons are being

tapped in the offshore areas of Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and Western

Australia. An estimated 40% of the world's offshore oil production comes

from the Indian Ocean. Beach sands rich in heavy minerals and offshore

placer deposits are actively exploited by bordering countries, particularly

India, South Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Industries:

based on exploitation of natural resources, particularly marine life,

minerals, oil and gas production, fishing, sand and gravel aggregates,

placer deposits

*Indian Ocean, Communications

Ports:

Bombay (India), Calcutta (India), Madras (India), Colombo (Sri Lanka),

Durban (South Africa), Fremantle (Australia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Melbourne

(Australia), Richard's Bay (South Africa)

Telecommunications:

submarine cables from India to United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, and from

Sri Lanka to Djibouti and Indonesia

*Indonesia, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Australia

Map references:

Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,919,440 km2

land area:

1,826,440 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 2,602 km, Malaysia 1,782 km, Papua New Guinea 820 km

Coastline:

54,716 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Portugal

and not recognized by the UN; two islands in dispute with Malaysia

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands; larger islands have interior mountains

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, natural gas, nickel, timber, bauxite, copper, fertile soils,

coal, gold, silver

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

67%

other:

15%

Irrigated land:

75,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

archipelago of 13,500 islands (6,000 inhabited); occasional floods, severe

droughts, and tsunamis; deforestation

Note:

straddles Equator; strategic location astride or along major sea lanes from

Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean

*Indonesia, People

Population:

197,232,428 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.61% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.84 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.73 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

69.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

60.26 years

male:

58.28 years

female:

62.34 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate: 2.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Indonesian(s)

adjective:

Indonesian

Ethnic divisions:

Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays 7.5%, other 26%

Religions:

Muslim 87%, Protestant 6%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist 1%, other

1% (1985)

Languages:

Bahasa Indonesia (modified form of Malay; official), English, Dutch, local

dialects the most widely spoken of which is Javanese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

77%

male:

84%

female:

68%

Labor force:

67 million

by occupation:

agriculture 55%, manufacturing 10%, construction 4%, transport and

communications 3% (1985 est.)

*Indonesia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Indonesia

conventional short form:

Indonesia

local long form:

Republik Indonesia

local short form:

Indonesia

former name:

Netherlands East Indies; Dutch East Indies

Digraph:

ID

Type:

republic

Capital:

Jakarta

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (propinsi-propinsi, singular - propinsi), 2 special regions*, (daerah-daerah

istimewa, singular - daerah istimewa), and 1 special capital

city district** (daerah khusus ibukota); Aceh*, Bali, Bengkulu, Irian Jaya,, Jakarta Raya**,,

Jambi, Jawa Barat, Jawa Tengah, Jawa Timur, Kalimantan

Barat, Kalimantan Selatan, Kalimantan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur, Lampung,

Maluku, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Riau, Sulawesi Selatan,

Sulawesi Tengah, Sulawesi Tenggara, Sulawesi Utara, Sumatera Barat, Sumatera

Selatan, Sumatera Utara, Timor Timur, Yogyakarta*, Independence:

17 August 1945 (proclaimed independence; on 27 December 1949, Indonesia

became legally independent from the Netherlands)

Constitution:

August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional

Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts and

by new criminal procedures code; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 17 August (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

GOLKAR (quasi-official party based on functional groups), Lt. Gen. (Ret.)

WAHONO, general chairman; Indonesia Democracy Party (PDI - federation of

former Nationalist and Christian Parties), SOERYADI, chairman; Development

Unity Party (PPP, federation of former Islamic parties), Ismail Hasan

METAREUM, chairman

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal and married persons regardless of age

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 8 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - GOLKAR 68%,

PPP 17%, PDI 15%; seats - (500 total, 400 elected, 100 appointed) GOLKAR

282, PPP 62, PDI 56

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat or DPR); note -

the People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat or MPR)

includes the DPR plus 500 indirectly elected members who meet every five

years to elect the president and vice president and, theoretically, to

determine national policy

*Indonesia, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Mahkamah Agung)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Gen. (Ret.) SOEHARTO (since 27 March 1968); Vice President Gen.

(Ret.) Try SUTRISNO (since 11 March 1993)

Member of:

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Abdul Rachman RAMLY

chancery:

2020 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone:

(202) 775-5200

consulates general:

Houston, New York, and Los Angeles

consulates:

Chicago and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert L. BARRY

embassy:

Medan Merdeka Selatan 5, Jakarta

mailing address:

APO AP 96520

telephone:

[62] (21) 360-360

FAX:

[62] (21) 360-644

consulates:

Medan, Surabaya

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of

Monaco, which is shorter; also similar to the flag of Poland, which is white

(top) and red

*Indonesia, Economy

Overview:

Indonesia is a mixed economy with many socialist institutions and central

planning but with a recent emphasis on deregulation and private enterprise.

Indonesia has extensive natural wealth, yet, with a large and rapidly

increasing population, it remains a poor country. Real GDP growth in 1985-92

averaged about 6%, quite impressive, but not sufficient to both slash

underemployment and absorb the 2.3 million workers annually entering the

labor force. Agriculture, including forestry and fishing, is an important

sector, accounting for almost 20% of GDP and over 50% of the labor force.

The staple crop is rice. Once the world's largest rice importer, Indonesia

is now nearly self-sufficient. Plantation crops - rubber and palm oil - and

textiles and plywood are being encouraged for both export and job

generation. Industrial output now accounts for almost 40% of GDP and is

based on a supply of diverse natural resources, including crude oil, natural

gas, timber, metals, and coal. Of these, the oil sector dominates the

external economy, generating more than 20% of the government's revenues and

40% of export earnings in 1989. However, the economy's growth is highly

dependent on the continuing expansion of nonoil exports. Japan remains

Indonesia's most important customer and supplier of aid. Rapid growth in the

money supply in 1989-90 prompted Jakarta to implement a tight monetary

policy in 1991, forcing the private sector to go to foreign banks for

investment financing. Real interest rates remained above 10% and off-shore

commercial debt grew. The growth in off-shore debt prompted Jakarta to limit

foreign borrowing beginning in late 1991. Despite the continued problems in

moving toward a more open financial system and the persistence of a fairly

tight credit situation, GDP growth in 1992 is estimated to have stayed at

6%.

National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $133 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$680 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3% ; underemployment 45% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $17.2 billion; expenditures $23.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $8.9 billion (FY91)

Exports:

$29.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum and liquefied natural gas 40%, timber 15%, textiles 7%, rubber 5%,

coffee 3%

partners:

Japan 37%, Europe 13%, US 12%, Singapore 8% (1991)

Imports:

$24.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery 39%, chemical products 19%, manufactured goods 16%

partners:

Japan 25%, Europe 23%, US 13%, Singapore 5% (1991)

External debt:

$50.5 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 11.6% (1989 est.); accounts for almost 40% of GDP

*Indonesia, Economy

Electricity:

11,600,000 kW capacity; 38,000 million kWh produced, 200 kWh per capita

(1990)

Industries:

petroleum and natural gas, textiles, mining, cement, chemical fertilizers,

plywood, food, rubber

Agriculture:

accounts for almost 20% of GDP; subsistence food production; small-holder

and plantation production for export; main products are rice, cassava,

peanuts, rubber, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, copra, other tropical products,

poultry, beef, pork, eggs

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade, but not a

major player; government actively eradicating plantings and prosecuting

traffickers

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.4 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $25.9 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $213 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $175

million

Currency:

1 Indonesian rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen (sen no longer used)

Exchange rates:

Indonesian rupiahs (Rp) per US$1 - 2,064.7 (January 1993), 2,029.9 (1992),

1,950.3 (1991), 1,842.8 (1990), 1,770.1 (1989), 1,685.7 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Indonesia, Communications

Railroads:

6,964 km total; 6,389 km 1.067-meter gauge, 497 km 0.750-meter gauge, 78 km

0.600-meter gauge; 211 km double track; 101 km electrified; all government

owned

Highways:

119,500 km total; 11,812 km state, 34,180 km provincial, and 73,508 km

district roads

Inland waterways:

21,579 km total; Sumatra 5,471 km, Java and Madura 820 km, Kalimantan 10,460

km, Celebes 241 km, Irian Jaya 4,587 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,505 km; petroleum products 456 km; natural gas 1,703 km (1989)

Ports:

Cilacap, Cirebon, Jakarta, Kupang, Palembang, Ujungpandang, Semarang,

Surabaya

Merchant marine:

401 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,766,201 GRT/2,642,529 DWT; includes

6 short-sea passenger, 13 passenger-cargo, 238 cargo, 10 container, 4

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 4 vehicle carrier, 78 oil tanker, 6 chemical tanker,

6 liquefied gas, 7 specialized tanker, 1 livestock carrier, 26 bulk, 2

passenger

Airports:

total:

435

usable:

411

with permanent-surface runways:

119

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

11

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

67

Telecommunications:

interisland microwave system and HF police net; domestic service fair,

international service good; radiobroadcast coverage good; 763,000 telephones

(1986); broadcast stations - 618 AM, 38 FM, 9 TV; satellite earth stations -

1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth

station; and 1 domestic satellite communications system

*Indonesia, Defense Forces

Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 53,160,364; fit for military service 31,395,254; reach

military age (18) annually 2,148,927 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, 1.5% of GNP (FY93/94 est.)

*Iran, Geography

Location:

Middle East, between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea

Map references:

Asia, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1.648 million km2

land area:

1.636 million km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total 5,440 km, Afghanistan 936 km, Armenia 35 km, Azerbaijan (north) 432

km, Azerbaijan (northwest) 179 km, Iraq 1,458 km, Pakistan 909 km, Turkey

499 km, Turkmenistan 992 km

Coastline:

2,440 km

note:

Iran also borders the Caspian Sea (740 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive fishing zone:

50 nm in the Sea of Oman; continental shelf limit, continental shelf

boundaries, or median lines in the Persian Gulf

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to

work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their

eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom

of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway; Iran occupies

two islands in the Persian Gulf claimed by the UAE: Tunb as Sughra (Arabic),

Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Kuchek (Persian) or Lesser Tunb, and Tunb al Kubra

(Arabic), Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Bozorg (Persian) or Greater Tunb; it jointly

administers with the UAE an island in the Persian Gulf claimed by the UAE,

Abu Musa (Arabic) or Jazireh-ye Abu Musa (Persian); in 1992 the dispute over

Abu Musa and the Tunb Islands became more acute when Iran unilaterally tried

to control the entry of third country nationals into the UAE portion of Abu

Musa island, Tehran subsequently backed off in the face of significant

diplomatic support for the UAE in the region; periodic disputes with

Afghanistan over Helmand water rights,

Climate:

mostly arid or semiarid, subtropical along Caspian coast

Terrain: rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small,

discontinuous plains along both coasts

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese,

zinc, sulfur

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

27%

forest and woodland:

11%

*Iran, Geography

other:

54%

Irrigated land:

57,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation; overgrazing; desertification

*Iran, People

Population:

63,369,809 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.49% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.06 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

62.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.26 years

male:

64.37 years

female:

66.19 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Iranian(s)

adjective:

Iranian

Ethnic divisions:

Persian 51%, Azerbaijani 24%, Gilaki and Mazandarani 8%, Kurd 7%, Arab 3%,

Lur 2%, Baloch 2%, Turkmen 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Shi'a Muslim 95%, Sunni Muslim 4%, Zoroastrian, Jewish, Christian, and

Baha'i 1%

Languages:

Persian and Persian dialects 58%, Turkic and Turkic dialects 26%, Kurdish

9%, Luri 2%, Baloch 1%, Arabic 1%, Turkish 1%, other 2%

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

54%

male:

64%

female:

43%

Labor force:

15.4 million

by occupation:

agriculture 33%, manufacturing 21%

note:

shortage of skilled labor (1988 est.)

*Iran, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Islamic Republic of Iran

conventional short form:

Iran

local long form:

Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran

local short form:

Iran

Digraph:

IR

Type:

theocratic republic

Capital:

Tehran

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (ostanha, singular - ostan); Azarbayjan-e Bakhtari,

Azarbayjan-e Khavari, Bakhtaran, Bushehr, Chahar Mahall va Bakhtiari,

Esfahan, Fars, Gilan, Hamadan, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, Khorasan, Khuzestan,

Kohkiluyeh va Buyer Ahmadi, Kordestan, Lorestan, Markazi, Mazandaran,

Semnan, Sistan va Baluchestan, Tehran, Yazd, Zanjan

Independence:

1 April 1979 (Islamic Republic of Iran proclaimed)

Constitution:

2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and

eliminate the prime ministership

Legal system:

the Constitution codifies Islamic principles of government

National holiday:

Islamic Republic Day, 1 April (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

there are at least 18 licensed parties; the three most important are -

Tehran Militant Clergy Association, Mohammad Reza MAHDAVI-KANI; Militant

Clerics Association, Mehdi MAHDAVI-KARUBI and Mohammad Asqar

MUSAVI-KHOINIHA; Fedaiyin Islam Organization, Sadeq KHALKHALI

Other political or pressure groups:

groups that generally support the Islamic Republic include Hizballah,

Hojjatiyeh Society, Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution, Muslim Students

Following the Line of the Imam; armed political groups that have been almost

completely repressed by the government include Mojahedin-e Khalq

Organization (MEK), People's Fedayeen, Kurdish Democratic Party; the Society

for the Defense of Freedom

Suffrage:

15 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held July 1989 (next to be held 11 June 1993); results - Ali Akbar

HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI was elected with only token opposition

Islamic Consultative Assembly:

last held 8 April 1992 (next to be held April 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (270 seats total) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

supreme leader (velay-t-e faqih), president, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles-e-Shura-ye-Eslami)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Iran, Government

Leaders:

Supreme Leader and functional Chief of State:

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali HOSEINI-KHAMENEI (since 4

June 1989)

Head of Government:

President Ali Akbar HASHEMI-RAFSANJANI (since 3 August 1989)

Member of:

CCC, CP, ESCAP, ECO, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Iran has an Interests Section in the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, DC

chancery:

Iranian Interests Section, 2209 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 965-4990

US diplomatic representation:

protecting power in Iran is Switzerland

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red; the national

emblem (a stylized representation of the word Allah) in red is centered in

the white band; Allah Alkbar (God is Great) in white Arabic script is

repeated 11 times along the bottom edge of the green band and 11 times along

the top edge of the red band

*Iran, Economy

Overview:

Iran's economy is a mixture of central planning, state ownership of oil and

other large enterprises, village agriculture, and small-scale private

trading and service ventures. After a decade of economic decline, Iran's

real GDP grew by 10% in FY90 and 6% in FY91, according to Iranian Government

statistics. An oil windfall in 1990 combined with a substantial increase in

imports contributed to Iran's recent economic growth. Iran has also begun

implementing a number of economic reforms to reduce government intervention

(including subsidies) and has allocated substantial resources to development

projects in the hope of stimulating the economy. Lower oil revenues in 1991

- oil accounts for more than 90% of export revenues - together with a surge

in imports greatly weakened Iran's international financial position. By

mid-1992 Iran was unable to meet its obligations to foreign creditors.

Subsequently the government has tried to boost oil exports, curb imports

(especially of consumer goods), and renegotiate terms of its foreign debts.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $90 billion (FY92)

National product real growth rate:

6% (FY91)

National product per capita:

$1,500 (FY91)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

23.7% (September 1991-September 1992)

Unemployment rate:

30% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $63 billion; expenditures $80 billion, including capital

expenditures of $23 billion (FY90 est.)

Exports:

$17.2 billion (f.o.b., FY91 est.)

commodities:

petroleum 90%, carpets, fruits, nuts, hides

partners:

Japan, Italy, France, Netherlands, Belgium/Luxembourg, Spain, and Germany

Imports:

$21.0 billion (c.i.f., FY91 est.)

commodities:

machinery, military supplies, metal works, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals,

technical services, refined oil products

partners:

Germany, Japan, Italy, UK, France

External debt:

$17 billion (FY91 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 12% (1990 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP, including

petroleum

Electricity: 15,649,000 kW capacity; 43,600 million kWh produced, 710 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, textiles, cement and other building materials,

food processing (particularly sugar refining and vegetable oil production),

metal fabricating

Agriculture:

accounts for about 20% of GDP; principal products - wheat, rice, other

grains, sugar beets, fruits, nuts, cotton, dairy products, wool, caviar; not

self-sufficient in food

*Iran, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium poppy for the domestic and international drug

trade; transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin to Europe

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-80), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.675 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $976 million; note - aid fell sharply

following the 1979 revolution

Currency:

1 Iranian rial (IR) = 10 tomans

Exchange rates:

Iranian rials (IR) per US$1 - 67.095 (January 1993), 65.552 (1992), 67.505

(1991), 68.096 (1990), 72.015 (1989), 68.683 (1988); black-market rate 1,400

(January 1991); note - in March 1993 the Iranian government announced a new

single-parity exchange rate system with a new official rate of 1,538 rials

per dollar

Fiscal year:

21 March - 20 March

*Iran, Communications

Railroads:

4,852 km total; 4,760 km 1.432-meter gauge, 92 km 1.676-meter gauge; 480 km

under construction from Bafq to Bandar-e Abbas, rail construction from Bafq

to Sirjan has been completed and is operational; section from Sirjan to

Bandar-e Abbas still under construction

Highways:

140,200 km total; 42,694 km paved surfaces; 46,866 km gravel and crushed

stone; 49,440 km improved earth; 1,200 km (est.) rural road network

Inland waterways:

904 km; the Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about

130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 meters and is in use

Pipelines:

crude oil 5,900 km; petroleum products 3,900 km; natural gas 4,550 km

Ports:

Abadan (largely destroyed in fighting during 1980-88 war), Bandar Beheshti,

Bandar-e Abbas, Bandar-e Bushehr, Bandar-e Khomeyni, Bandar-e Torkeman

(Caspian Sea port), Khorramshahr (repaired after being largely destroyed in

fighting during 1980-88 war) has been in limited operation since November

1992

Merchant marine:

135 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,480,726 GRT/8,332,593 DWT; includes

39 cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 32 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3

refrigerated cargo, 48 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 1 liquefied gas

Airports:

total:

219

usable:

194

with permanent-surface runways:

83

with runways over 3,659 m:

16

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

70

Telecommunications:

microwave radio relay extends throughout country; system centered in Tehran;

2,143,000 telephones (35 telephones per 1,000 persons); broadcast stations -

77 AM, 3 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and

1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; HF radio and microwave radio relay to Turkey,

Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; submarine fiber optic

cable to UAE

*Iran, Defense Forces

Branches:

Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Forces, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force,

Revolutionary Guards (including Basij militia and own ground, air, and naval

forces), Law Enforcement Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 13,812,367; fit for military service 8,218,286; reach

military age (21) annually 575,392 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

hard currency expenditures on defense are 7-10% of total hard currency

expenditures; rial expenditures on defense are 8-13% of total rial

expenditures (1992 est.)

note:

conversion of rial expenditures into US dollars using the prevailing

exchange rate could produce misleading results

*Iraq, Geography

Location:

Middle East, between Iran and Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

437,072 km2 land area:

432,162 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Idaho

Land boundaries:

total 3,631 km, Iran 1,458 km, Jordan 181 km, Kuwait 242 km, Saudi Arabia

814 km, Syria 605 km, Turkey 331 km

Coastline:

58 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Iran and Iraq restored diplomatic relations in 1990 but are still trying to

work out written agreements settling outstanding disputes from their

eight-year war concerning border demarcation, prisoners-of-war, and freedom

of navigation and sovereignty over the Shatt al Arab waterway; in April 1991

official Iraqi acceptance of UN Security Council Resolution 687, which

demands that Iraq accept the inviolability of the boundary set forth in its

1963 agreement with Kuwait, ending earlier claims to Bubiyan and Warbah

Islands or to all of Kuwait; the 20 May 1993 final report of the UN

Iraq/Kuwait Boundary Demarcation Commission was welcomed by the Security

Council in Resolution 833 of 27 May 1993, which also reaffirmed that the

decisions of the commission on the boundary were final, bringing to a

completion the official demarcation of the Iraq-Kuwait boundary; Iraqi

officials still make public statements claiming Kuwait; periodic disputes

with upstream riparian Syria over Euphrates water rights; potential dispute

over water development plans by Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Climate:

mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers;

northernmost regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold

winters with occasionally heavy snows

Terrain:

mostly broad plains; reedy marshes in southeast; mountains along borders

with Iran and Turkey

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

75%

Irrigated land:

25,500 km2 (1989 est)

*Iraq, Geography

Environment:

development of Tigris-Euphrates Rivers system contingent upon agreements

with upstream riparians (Syria, Turkey); air and water pollution; soil

degradation (salinization) and erosion; desertification

*Iraq, People

Population:

19,161,956 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.73% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.57 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

71.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

64.96 years

male:

64.2 years

female:

65.76 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Iraqi(s)

adjective:

Iraqi

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 75-80%, Kurdish 15-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian or other 5%

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Shi'a 60-65%, Sunni 32-37%), Christian or other 3%

Languages:

Arabic, Kurdish (official in Kurdish regions), Assyrian, Armenian

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

60%

male:

70%

female:

49%

Labor force:

4.4 million (1989)

by occupation:

services 48%, agriculture 30%, industry 22%

note:

severe labor shortage; expatriate labor force was about 1,600,000 (July

1990); since then, it has declined substantially

*Iraq, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Iraq

conventional short form:

Iraq

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Iraqiyah

local short form:

Al Iraq

Digraph:

IZ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Baghdad

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Anbar, Al Basrah, Al

Muthanna, Al Qadisiyah, An Najaf, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, At Ta'mim, Babil,

Baghdad, Dahuk, Dhi Qar, Diyala, Karbala', Maysan, Ninawa, Salah ad Din,

Wasit

Independence:

3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

Constitution:

22 September 1968, effective 16 July 1970 (interim Constitution); new

constitution drafted in 1990 but not adopted

Legal system:

based on Islamic law in special religious courts, civil law system

elsewhere; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Revolution, 17 July (1968)

Political parties and leaders:

Ba'th Party

Other political or pressure groups:

political parties and activity severely restricted; possibly some opposition

to regime from disaffected members of the regime, Army officers, and Shi'a

religious and Kurdish ethnic dissidents; the Green Party

(government-controlled)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held on 1 April 1989 (next to be held NA); results - Sunni Arabs 53%,

Shi'a Arabs 30%, Kurds 15%, Christians 2% est.; seats - (250 total) number

of seats by party NA

note:

in northern Iraq, a "Kurdish Assembly" was elected in May 1992 and calls for

Kurdish self-determination within a federated Iraq

Executive branch:

president, vice president, chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council,

vice chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, prime minister, first

deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani)

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation

*Iraq, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President SADDAM Husayn (since 16 July 1979); Vice President Taha Muhyi

al-Din MA'RUF (since 21 April 1974); Vice President Taha Yasin RAMADAN

(since 23 March 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Muhammad Hamza al-ZUBAYDI (since 13 September 1991); Deputy

Prime Minister Tariq 'AZIZ (since NA 1979)

Member of:

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Iraq has an Interest Section in the Algerian embassy in Washington, DC

chancery:

Iraqi Interests Section, 1801 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 483-7500

FAX:

(202) 462-5066

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); note - operations have been temporarily suspended; a US Interests

Section is located in Poland's embassy in Baghdad

embassy:

Masbah Quarter (opposite the Foreign Ministry Club), Baghdad

mailing address:

P. O. Box 2447 Alwiyah, Baghdad

telephone:

[964] (1) 719-6138 or 719-6139, 718-1840, 719-3791

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with three green

five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band; the

phrase ALLAHU AKBAR (God is Great) in green Arabic script - Allahu to the

right of the middle star and Akbar to the left of the middle star - was

added in January 1991 during the Persian Gulf crisis; similar to the flag of

Syria that has two stars but no script and the flag of Yemen that has a

plain white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt that has a symbolic

eagle centered in the white band

*Iraq, Economy

Overview:

The Ba'thist regime engages in extensive central planning and management of

industrial production and foreign trade while leaving some small-scale

industry and services and most agriculture to private enterprise. The

economy has been dominated by the oil sector, which has traditionally

provided about 95% of foreign exchange earnings. In the 1980s, financial

problems caused by massive expenditures in the eight-year war with Iran and

damage to oil export facilities by Iran, led the government to implement

austerity measures and to borrow heavily and later reschedule foreign debt

payments. After the end of hostilities in 1988, oil exports gradually

increased with the construction of new pipelines and restoration of damaged

facilities. Agricultural development remained hampered by labor shortages,

salinization, and dislocations caused by previous land reform and

collectivization programs. The industrial sector, although accorded high

priority by the government, also was under financial constraints. Iraq's

seizure of Kuwait in August 1990, subsequent international economic

embargoes, and military action by an international coalition beginning in

January 1991 drastically changed the economic picture. Industrial and

transportation facilities suffered severe damage and have been only

partially restored. Oil exports remain at less than 10% of the previous

level. Shortages of spare parts continue. Living standards deteriorated even

further in 1992 and early 1993; consumer prices at least tripled in 1992.

The UN-sponsored economic embargo has reduced exports and imports and has

contributed to the sharp rise in prices. The government's policies of

supporting large military and internal security forces and of allocating

resources to key supporters of the regime have exacerbated shortages. In

brief, per capita output in early 1993 is far below the 1989-90 level, but

no reliable estimate is available.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $35 billion (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

10% (1989 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,940 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

200% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

less than 5% (1989 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$10.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

crude oil and refined products, fertilizer, sulfur

partners:

US, Brazil, Turkey, Japan, Netherlands, Spain (1990)

Imports:

$6.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

manufactures, food

partners:

Germany, US, Turkey, France, UK (1990)

External debt:

$45 billion (1989 est.), excluding debt of about $35 billion owed to Arab

Gulf states

Industrial production: NA%; manufacturing accounts for 10% of GNP (1989)

*Iraq, Economy

Electricity:

7,300,000 kW available out of 9,902,000 kW capacity due to Gulf war; 12,900

million kWh produced, 700 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

petroleum production and refining, chemicals, textiles, construction

materials, food processing

Agriculture:

accounts for 11% of GNP and 30% of labor force; principal products - wheat,

barley, rice, vegetables, dates, other fruit, cotton, wool; livestock -

cattle, sheep; not self-sufficient in food output

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-80), $3 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $647 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $3.9 billion

Currency:

1 Iraqi dinar (ID) = 1,000 fils

Exchange rates:

Iraqi dinars (ID) per US$1 - 3.2 (fixed official rate since 1982);

black-market rate (April 1993) US$1 = 53.5 Iraqi dinars

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Iraq, Communications

Railroads:

2,457 km 1.435-meter standard gauge

Highways:

34,700 km total; 17,500 km paved, 5,500 km improved earth, 11,700 km

unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

1,015 km; Shatt al Arab is usually navigable by maritime traffic for about

130 km; channel has been dredged to 3 meters and is in use; Tigris and

Euphrates Rivers have navigable sections for shallow-draft watercraft; Shatt

al Basrah canal was navigable by shallow-draft craft before closing in 1991

because of the Persian Gulf war

Pipelines:

crude oil 4,350 km; petroleum products 725 km; natural gas 1,360 km

Ports:

Umm Qasr, Khawr az Zubayr, Al Basrah (closed since 1980)

Merchant marine:

41 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 930,780 GRT/1,674,878 DWT; includes 1

passenger, 1 passenger-cargo, 15 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 3

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 19 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker; note - none of the

Iraqi flag merchant fleet was trading internationally as of 1 January 1993

Airports:

total:

114

usable: 99

with permanent-surface runways:

74

with runways over 3,659 m:

9

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

52

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

12

Telecommunications:

reconstitution of damaged telecommunication facilities began after Desert

Storm, most damaged facilities have been rebuilt; the network consists of

coaxial cables and microwave radio relay links; 632,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 16 AM, 1 FM, 13 TV; satellite earth stations - 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Atlantic Ocean GORIZONT

in the Intersputnik system and 1 ARABSAT; coaxial cable and microwave radio

relay to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey, Kuwait line is probably

non-operational

*Iraq, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army and Republican Guard, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, Border Guard

Force, Internal Security Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,235,321; fit for military service 2,379,999; reach

military age (18) annually 211,776 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP

*Ireland, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, across the Irish Sea from Great Britain

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

70,280 km2

land area:

68,890 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total 360 km, UK 360 km

Coastline:

1,448 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Northern Ireland question with the UK; Rockall continental shelf dispute

involving Denmark, Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a

boundary agreement in the Rockall area)

Climate:

temperate maritime; modified by North Atlantic Current; mild winters, cool

summers; consistently humid; overcast about half the time

Terrain:

mostly level to rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged hills and low

mountains; sea cliffs on west coast

Natural resources:

zinc, lead, natural gas, petroleum, barite, copper, gypsum, limestone,

dolomite, peat, silver

Land use:

arable land:

14%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

71%

forest and woodland:

5%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

deforestation

Note:

strategic location on major air and sea routes between North American and

northern Europe

*Ireland, People

Population:

3,529,566 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.26% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.39 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.38 years

male:

72.56 years

female: 78.36 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.02 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Irishman(men), Irishwoman(men), Irish (collective plural)

adjective:

Irish

Ethnic divisions:

Celtic, English

Religions:

Roman Catholic 93%, Anglican 3%, none 1%, unknown 2%, other 1% (1981)

Languages:

Irish (Gaelic), spoken mainly in areas located along the western seaboard,

English is the language generally used

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

98%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1.37 million

by occupation:

services 57.0%, manufacturing and construction 28%, agriculture, forestry,

and fishing 13.5%, energy and mining 1.5% (1992)

*Ireland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Ireland

Digraph:

EI

Type:

republic

Capital:

Dublin

Administrative divisions:

26 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry,

Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath,

Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath,

Wexford, Wicklow

Independence:

6 December 1921 (from UK)

Constitution:

29 December 1937; adopted 1937

Legal system:

based on English common law, substantially modified by indigenous concepts;

judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Saint Patrick's Day, 17 March

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Left, Proinsias DE ROSSA; Fianna Fail, Albert REYNOLDS; Labor

Party, Richard SPRING; Fine Gael, John BRUTON; Communist Party of Ireland,

Michael O'RIORDAN; Sinn Fein, Gerry ADAMS; Progressive Democrats, Desmond

O'MALLEY

note:

Prime Minister REYNOLDS heads a coalition consisting of the Fianna Fail and

the Labor Party

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 9 November 1990 (next to be held November 1997); results - Mary

Bourke ROBINSON 52.8%, Brian LENIHAN 47.2%

Senate:

last held on NA February 1992 (next to be held February 1997); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total, 49 elected) Fianna Fail 26,

Fine Gael 16, Labor 9, Progressive Democrats 2, Democratic Left 1,

independents 6

House of Representatives:

last held on 25 November 1992 (next to be held by June 1995); results -

Fianna Fail 39.1%, Fine Gael 24.5%, Labor Party 19.3%, Progressive Democrats

4.7%, Democratic Left 2.8%, Sinn Fein 1.6%, Workers' Party 0.7%,

independents 5.9%; seats - (166 total) Fianna Fail 68, Fine Gael 45, Labor

Party 33, Progressive Democrats 10, Democratic Left 4, Greens 1,

independents 5

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Oireachtas) consists of an upper house or Senate

(Seanad Eireann) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dail

Eireann)

*Ireland, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Mary Bourke ROBINSON (since 9 November 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Albert REYNOLDS (since 11 February 1992)

Member of:

Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, COCOM (cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, EC,

ECE, EIB, ESA, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NEA, NSG,

OECD, ONUSAL, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM,

UNPROFRO, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dermot A. GALLAGHER chancery:

2234 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 462-3939

consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William Henry G. FITZGERALD; Ambassador Designate Jean Kennedy

SMITH (17 March 1993)

embassy:

42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[353] (1) 687122

FAX:

[353] (1) 689946

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and orange; similar

to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which is shorter and has the colors

reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green; also similar to the flag

of Italy, which is shorter and has colors of green (hoist side), white, and

red

*Ireland, Economy

Overview:

The economy is small and trade dependent. Agriculture, once the most

important sector, is now dwarfed by industry, which accounts for 37% of GDP,

about 80% of exports, and employs 28% of the labor force. Since 1987, real

GDP growth, led by exports, has averaged 4% annually. Over the same period,

inflation has fallen sharply and chronic trade deficits have been

transformed into annual surpluses. Unemployment, at 22.7% remains a serious

problem, however, and job creation is the main focus of government policy.

To ease unemployment, Dublin aggressively courts foreign investors and

recently created a new industrial development agency to aid small indigenous

firms. Government assistance is constrained by Dublin's continuing deficit

reduction measures. After five years of fiscal restraint, total government

debt still exceeds GDP. Growth probably will moderate in 1993 as the heavily

indebted and trade-dependent economy is highly sensitive to changes in

exchange rates and world interest rates. Exports to the UK, Ireland's major

export market, probably will be hurt by the recent appreciation of the Irish

currency against sterling - for the first time since 1979 the value of the

Irish pound exceeds that of its British counterpart.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $42.4 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

2% (1992)

National product per capita:

$12,000 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (1992)

Unemployment rate: 22.7% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $16.0 billion; expenditures $16.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $1.6 billion (1992 est.)

Exports:

$28.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

chemicals, data processing equipment, industrial machinery, live animals,

animal products

partners:

EC 75% (UK 32%, Germany 13%, France 10%), US 9%

Imports:

$23.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

food, animal feed, data processing equipment, petroleum and petroleum

products, machinery, textiles, clothing

partners:

EC 66% (UK 41%, Germany 8%, Netherlands 4%), US 15%

External debt:

$15 billion (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 8.0% (1992 est.); accounts for 37% of GDP

Electricity:

5,000,000 kW capacity; 14,500 million kWh produced, 4,120 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

food products, brewing, textiles, clothing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals,

machinery, transportation equipment, glass and crystal

*Ireland, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 11% of GDP and 13% of the labor force; principal crops -

turnips, barley, potatoes, sugar beets, wheat; livestock - meat and dairy

products; 85% self-sufficient in food; food shortages include bread grain,

fruits, vegetables

Economic aid:

donor - ODA commitments (1980-89), $90 million

Currency:

1 Irish pound (#Ir) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Irish pounds (#Ir) per US$1 - 0.6118 (January 1993), 0.5864 (1992), 0.6190

(1991), 0.6030 (1990), 0.7472 (1989), 0.6553 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Ireland, Communications

Railroads:

Irish National Railways (CIE) operates 1,947 km 1.602-meter gauge,

government owned; 485 km double track; 37 km electrified

Highways: 92,294 km total; 87,422 km paved, 4,872 km gravel or crushed stone

Inland waterways:

limited for commercial traffic

Pipelines:

natural gas 225 km

Ports:

Cork, Dublin, Waterford

Merchant marine:

57 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 154,647 GRT/186,432 DWT; includes 4

short-sea passenger, 33 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 4 container, 3 oil

tanker, 3 specialized tanker, 3 chemical tanker, 5 bulk

Airports:

total:

40

usable:

39

with permanent-surface runways:

13

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

6

Telecommunications:

modern system using cable and digital microwave circuits; 900,000

telephones; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 45 FM, 86 TV; 2 coaxial submarine

cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Ireland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (including Naval Service and Air Corps), National Police (Garda

Siochana)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 903,536; fit for military service 731,085; reach military

age (17) annually 33,932 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $569 million, 1-2% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Israel, Header

Affiliation:

(also see separate Gaza Strip and West Bank entries)

Note:

The Arab territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war are not included

in the data below. As stated in the 1978 Camp David Accords and reaffirmed

by President Bush's post-Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of

the West Bank and Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and a

peace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among the

concerned parties. The Camp David Accords further specify that these

negotiations will resolve the location of the respective boundaries. Pending

the completion of this process, it is US policy that the final status of the

West Bank and Gaza Strip has yet to be determined (see West Bank and Gaza

Strip entries). On 25 April 1982, Israel relinquished control of the Sinai

to Egypt. Statistics for the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights are included in

the Syria entry.

*Israel, Geography

Location:

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

Lebanon

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

20,770 km2

land area:

20,330 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 1,006 km, Egypt 255 km, Gaza Strip 51 km, Jordan 238 km, Lebanon 79

km, Syria 76 km, West Bank 307 km

Coastline:

273 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

separated from Lebanon, Syria, and the West Bank by the 1949 Armistice Line;

differences with Jordan over the location of the 1949 Armistice Line that

separates the two countries; West Bank and Gaza Strip are Israeli occupied

with status to be determined; Golan Heights is Israeli occupied; Israeli

troops in southern Lebanon since June 1982; water-sharing issues with Jordan

Climate:

temperate; hot and dry in southern and eastern desert areas

Terrain:

Negev desert in the south; low coastal plain; central mountains; Jordan Rift

Valley

Natural resources:

copper, phosphates, bromide, potash, clay, sand, sulfur, asphalt, manganese,

small amounts of natural gas and crude oil

Land use:

arable land:

17%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

40%

forest and woodland:

6%

other: 32%

Irrigated land:

2,140 km2 (1989)

Environment:

sandstorms may occur during spring and summer; limited arable land and

natural water resources pose serious constraints; deforestation

Note:

there are 175 Jewish settlements in the West Bank, 38 in the

Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 18 in the Gaza Strip, and 14 Israeli-built

Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem

*Israel, People

Population:

4,918,946 (July 1993 est.)

note:

includes 102,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank, 14,000 in the

Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, 4,000 in the Gaza Strip, and 134,000 in East

Jerusalem (1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.08% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.72 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.45 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

16.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.77 years

male:

75.72 years

female:

79.93 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Israeli(s)

adjective:

Israeli

Ethnic divisions:

Jewish 83%, non-Jewish 17% (mostly Arab)

Religions:

Judaism 82%, Islam 14% (mostly Sunni Muslim), Christian 2%, Druze and other

2%

Languages:

Hebrew (official), Arabic used officially for Arab minority, English most

commonly used foreign language

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1983)

total population: 92%

male:

95%

female:

89%

Labor force:

1.4 million (1984 est.)

by occupation:

public services 29.3%, industry, mining, and manufacturing 22.8%, commerce

12.8%, finance and business 9.5%, transport, storage, and communications

6.8%, construction and public works 6.5%, personal and other services 5.8%,

agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.5%, electricity and water 1.0% (1983)

*Israel, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

State of Israel

conventional short form:

Israel

local long form:

Medinat Yisra'el

local short form:

Yisra'el

Digraph:

IS

Type:

republic

Capital:

Jerusalem

note:

Israel proclaimed Jerusalem its capital in 1950, but the US, like nearly all

other countries, maintains its Embassy in Tel Aviv

Administrative divisions:

6 districts (mehozot, singular - mehoz); Central, Haifa, Jerusalem,

Northern, Southern, Tel Aviv

Independence:

14 May 1948 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

Constitution:

no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled

by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the basic laws of the parliament

(Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law

Legal system:

mixture of English common law, British Mandate regulations, and, in personal

matters, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim legal systems; in December 1985,

Israel informed the UN Secretariat that it would no longer accept compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 14 May 1948 (Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948,

but the Jewish calendar is lunar and the holiday may occur in April or May)

Political parties and leaders:

members of the government:

Labor Party, Prime Minister Yitzhak RABIN; MERETZ, Minister of Education

Shulamit ALONI; SHAS, Minister of Interior Arieh DERI

opposition parties:

Likud Party, Binyamin NETANYAHU; Tzomet, Rafael EITAN; National Religious

Party, Zevulun HAMMER; United Torah Jewry, Avraham SHAPIRA; Democratic Front

for Peace and Equality (Hadash), Hashim MAHAMID; Moledet, Rehavam ZEEVI;

Arab Democratic Party, Abd al Wahab DARAWSHAH

note:

Israel currently has a coalition government comprising 3 parties that hold

62 seats of the Knesset's 120 seats

Other political or pressure groups:

Gush Emunim, Jewish nationalists advocating Jewish settlement on the West

Bank and Gaza Strip; Peace Now, critical of government's West Bank/Gaza

Strip and Lebanon policies

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 24 March 1993 (next to be held NA March 1999); results - Ezer

WEIZMAN elected by Knesset

*Israel, Government

Knesset:

last held June 1992 (next to be held by NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (120 total) Labor Party 44, Likud bloc 32, Meretz 12,

Tzomet 8, National Religious Party 6, Shas 6, United Torah Jewry 4,

Democratic Front for Peace and Equality 3, Moledet 3, Arab Democratic Party

2

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, vice prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament (Knesset)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ezer WEIZMAN (since 13 May 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Yitzhak RABIN (since July 1992)

Member of:

AG (observer), CCC, CERN (oberver), EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, OAS (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Itamar RABINOVICH

chancery:

3514 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 364-5500

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York,

Philadelphia, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission:

Acting Ambassador William BROWN

embassy:

71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv

mailing address:

APO AE 09830

telephone:

[972] (3) 654338

FAX:

[972] (3) 663449

consulate general:

Jerusalem

Flag:

white with a blue hexagram (six-pointed linear star) known as the Magen

David (Shield of David) centered between two equal horizontal blue bands

near the top and bottom edges of the flag

*Israel, Economy

Overview:

Israel has a market economy with substantial government participation. It

depends on imports of crude oil, grains, raw materials, and military

equipment. Despite limited natural resources, Israel has intensively

developed its agricultural and industrial sectors over the past 20 years.

Industry employs about 20% of Israeli workers, agriculture 5%, and services

most of the rest. Diamonds, high-technology equipment, and agricultural

products (fruits and vegetables) are leading exports. Israel usually posts

balance-of-payments deficits, which are covered by large transfer payments

from abroad and by foreign loans. Roughly half of the government's $17

billion external debt is owed to the United States, which is its major

source of economic and military aid. To earn needed foreign exchange, Israel

has been targeting high-technology niches in international markets, such as

medical scanning equipment. The influx of Jewish immigrants from the former

USSR, which topped 400,000 during the period 1990-92, has increased

unemployment, intensified housing problems, and widened the government

budget deficit. At the same time, a considerable number of the immigrants

bring to the economy valuable scientific and professional expertise.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $57.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6.4% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$12,100 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $33.9 billion; expenditures $36.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $9.3 billion (FY93)

Exports:

$11.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

polished diamonds, citrus and other fruits, textiles and clothing, processed

foods, fertilizer and chemical products, military hardware, electronics

partners:

US, EC, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland

Imports:

$19.6 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

military equipment, rough diamonds, oil, chemicals, machinery, iron and

steel, cereals, textiles, vehicles, ships, aircraft

partners:

US, EC, Switzerland, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Hong Kong

External debt:

$25 billion of which government debt is $17 billion (December 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 9.4% (1992 est.); accounts for about 20% of GDP

Electricity:

5,835,000 kW capacity; 21,840 million kWh produced, 4,600 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

food processing, diamond cutting and polishing, textiles, clothing,

chemicals, metal products, military equipment, transport equipment,

electrical equipment, miscellaneous machinery, potash mining,

high-technology electronics, tourism

*Israel, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for about 3% of GDP; largely self-sufficient in food production,

except for grains; principal products - citrus and other fruits, vegetables,

cotton; livestock products - beef, dairy, poultry

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $18.2 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.8 billion

Currency:

1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 2.8000 (December 1992), 2.4591 (1992),

2.2791 (1991), 2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989), 1.5989 (1988), 1.5946 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year (since 1 January 1992)

*Israel, Communications

Railroads:

600 km 1.435-meter gauge, single track; diesel operated

Highways:

4,750 km; majority is bituminous surfaced

Pipelines:

crude oil 708 km; petroleum products 290 km; natural gas 89 km

Ports:

Ashdod, Haifa

Merchant marine:

35 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 678,584 GRT/785,220 DWT; includes 8

cargo, 24 container, 2 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off; note - Israel

also maintains a significant flag of convenience fleet, which is normally at

least as large as the Israeli flag fleet; the Israeli flag of convenience

fleet typically includes all of its oil tankers

Airports:

total:

53

usable:

46

with permanent-surface runways:

28

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

12

Telecommunications:

most highly developed in the Middle East although not the largest; good

system of coaxial cable and microwave radio relay; 1,800,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 14 AM, 21 FM, 20 TV; 3 submarine cables; satellite

earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT

*Israel, Defense Forces

Branches:

Israel Defense Forces (including ground, naval, and air components)

note:

historically, there have been no separate Israeli military services

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,240,757; females age 15-49 1,218,610; males fit for

military service 1,018,212; females fit for military service 996,089; males

reach military age (18) annually 46,131; females reach military age (18)

annually 44,134 (1993 est.); both sexes are liable for military service

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $12.5 billion, 18% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Italy, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, a peninsula in the central Mediterranean Sea

Map references:

Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

301,230 km2

land area:

294,020 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Arizona

note:

includes Sardinia and Sicily

Land boundaries:

total 1,899.2 km, Austria 430 km, France 488 km, Holy See (Vatican City) 3.2

km, San Marino 39 km, Slovenia 199 km, Switzerland 740 km

Coastline:

4,996 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

small vocal minority in northern Italy seeks the return of parts of

southwestern Slovenia

Climate:

predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands

Natural resources:

mercury, potash, marble, sulfur, dwindling natural gas and crude oil

reserves, fish, coal

Land use:

arable land:

32%

permanent crops:

10%

meadows and pastures:

17%

forest and woodland:

22%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

31,000 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

regional risks include landslides, mudflows, snowslides, earthquakes,

volcanic eruptions, flooding, pollution; land sinkage in Venice

Note:

strategic location dominating central Mediterranean as well as southern sea

and air approaches to Western Europe

*Italy, People

Population:

58,018,540 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.2% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

10.65 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.66 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.03 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.43 years

male:

74.22 years

female:

80.85 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.37 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Italian(s)

adjective:

Italian

Ethnic divisions:

Italian (includes small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians

in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south),

Sicilians, Sardinians

Religions:

Roman Catholic 100%

Languages:

Italian, German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly

German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta

region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

97%

male:

98%

female:

96%

Labor force:

23.988 million

by occupation:

services 58%, industry 32.2%, agriculture 9.8% (1988)

*Italy, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Italian Republic

conventional short form:

Italy

local long form:

Repubblica Italiana

local short form:

Italia

former:

Kingdom of Italy

Digraph:

IT

Type:

republic

Capital:

Rome

Administrative divisions:

20 regions (regioni, singular - regione); Abruzzi, Basilicata, Calabria,

Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia,

Marche, Molise, Piemonte, Puglia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Toscana, Trentino-Alto

Adige, Umbria, Valle d'Aosta, Veneto

Independence:

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed)

Constitution:

1 January 1948

Legal system:

based on civil law system, with ecclesiastical law influence; appeals

treated as trials de novo; judicial review under certain conditions in

Constitutional Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Republic, 2 June (1946)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party (DC), Fermo Mino MARTINAZZOLI, general secretary;

Rosa Russo JERVOLINO, president; Socialist Party (PSI), Giorgio BENVENUTO,

party secretary; Social Democratic Party (PSDI), Enrico FERRI, party

secretary; Liberal Party (PLI); Democratic Party of the Left (PDS - was

Communist Party, or PCI, until January 1991), Achille OCCHETTO, secretary

general; Italian Social Movement (MSI), Gianfranco FINI, national secretary;

Republican Party (PRI), Giorgio BOGI, political secretary; Lega Nord

(Northern League), Umberto BOSSI, president; Communist Renewal (RC), Sergio

GARAVINI

Other political or pressure groups:

the Roman Catholic Church; three major trade union confederations (CGIL -

formerly Communist dominated, CISL - Christian Democratic, and UIL - Social

Democratic, Socialist, and Republican); Italian manufacturers association

(Confindustria); organized farm groups (Confcoltivatori, Confagricoltura)

Suffrage:

18 years of age, universal (except in senatorial elections, where minimum

age is 25)

Elections:

Senate:

last held 5-6 April 1992 (next to be held by April 1997); results - DC

27.3%, PDS 17.0%, PSI 13.6%, Northern Leagues 8.2%, other 33.9%; seats -

(326 total; 315 elected, 11 appointed senators-for-life) DC 107, PDS 64, PSI

49, Leagues 25, other 70

*Italy, Government

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 5-6 April 1992 (next to be held by April 1997); results - DC

29.7%, PDS 16.1%, PSI 13.6%, Northern Leagues 8.7%, RC 5.6%, MSI 5.4%, PRI

4.4%, PLI 2.8%, PSDI 2.7%, other 11%; seats - (630 total) DC 206, PDS 107,

PSI 92, Northern Leagues 55, RC 35, MSI 34, PRI 27, PLI 17, PSDI 16, other

41

Executive branch:

president, prime minister (president of the Council of Ministers)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Parlamento) consists of an upper chamber or Senate of

the Republic (Senato della Repubblica) and a lower chamber or Chamber of

Deputies (Camera dei Deputati)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (Corte Costituzionale)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Oscar Luigi SCALFARO (since 28 May 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Carlo Azeglio CIAMPI (29 April 1993)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), Australia Group, AsDB, BIS, CCC, CDB (non-regional),

CE, CEI, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-7, G-10,

GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IEA, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer),

LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNTSO, UPU,

WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Boris BIANCHERI CHIAPPORI

chancery:

1601 Fuller Street NW, Washington DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 328-5500

consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San

Francisco

consulates:

Detroit, New Orleans, and Newark (New Jersey)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Via Veneto 119/A, 00187, Rome

mailing address:

PSC 59, Box 100, APO AE 09624

telephone:

[39] (6) 46741

FAX:

[39] (6) 488-2672

consulates general:

Florence, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Palermo (Sicily)

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; similar to

the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and

orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors

reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green

*Italy, Economy

Overview:

Since World War II the economy has changed from one based on agriculture

into a ranking industrial economy, with approximately the same total and per

capita output as France and the UK. The country is still divided into a

developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and an

undeveloped agricultural south, dominated by large public enterprises.

Services account for 48% of GDP, industry 35%, agriculture 4%, and public

administration 13%. Most raw materials needed by industry and over 75% of

energy requirements must be imported. After growing at an annual average

rate of 3% in 1983-90, growth slowed to about 1% in 1991 and 1992. In the

second half of 1992, Rome became unsettled by the prospect of not qualifying

to participate in EC plans for economic and monetary union later in the

decade; thus it finally began to address its huge fiscal imbalances. Thanks

to the determination of Prime Minister AMATO, the government adopted a

fairly stringent budget for 1993, abandoned its highly inflationary wage

indexation system, and started to scale back its extremely generous social

welfare programs, including pension and health care benefits. Monetary

officials, who were forced to withdraw the lira from the European monetary

system in September 1992 when it came under extreme pressure in currency

markets, remain committed to bringing the currency back into the grid as

soon as conditions warrant. For the 1990s, Italy faces the problems of

refurbishing a tottering communications system, curbing pollution in major

industrial centers, and adjusting to the new competitive forces accompanying

the ongoing economic integration of the European Community.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.012 trillion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

0.9% (1992)

National product per capita:

$17,500 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.4% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

11% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $447 billion; expenditures $581 billion, including capital

expenditures of $46 billion (1992 est.)

Exports:

$168.8 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

textiles, wearing apparel, metals, production machinery, motor vehicles,

transportation equipment, chemicals, other

partners:

EC 58.3%, US 6.8%, OPEC 5.1% (1992)

Imports:

$169.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum, industrial machinery, chemicals, metals, food, agricultural

products

partners:

EC 58.8%, OPEC 6.1%, US 5.5% (1992)

External debt:

$42 billion (September 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -0.5% (1992 est.); accounts for almost 35% of GDP

Electricity:

58,000,000 kW capacity; 235,000 million kWh produced, 4,060 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Italy, Economy

Industries:

machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor

vehicles, clothing, footwear, ceramics

Agriculture:

accounts for about 4% of GDP and about 10% of the work force;

self-sufficient in foods other than meat, dairy products, and cereals;

principal crops - fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets,

soybeans, grain, olives; fish catch of 525,000 metric tons in 1990

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering

the European market

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $25.9 billion

Currency:

1 Italian lira (Lit) = 100 centesimi

Exchange rates:

Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,482.5 (January 1993), 1,232.4 (1992),

1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1,372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Italy, Communications

Railroads:

20,011 km total; 16,066 km 1.435-meter government-owned standard gauge

(8,999 km electrified); 3,945 km privately owned - 2,100 km 1.435-meter

standard gauge (1,155 km electrified) and 1,845 km 0.950-meter narrow gauge

(380 km electrified)

Highways:

298,000 km total; autostrada (expressway) 6,000 km, state highways 46,000

km, provincial highways 103,000 km, communal highways 143,000 km; 270,000 km

paved, 23,000 km gravel and crushed stone, 5,000 km earth

Inland waterways:

2,400 km for various types of commercial traffic, although of limited

overall value

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,703 km; petroleum products 2,148 km; natural gas 19,400 km

Ports:

Cagliari (Sardinia), Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Naples, Palermo (Sicily),

Taranto, Trieste, Venice

Merchant marine:

536 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,788,938 GRT/10,128,468 DWT;

includes 15 passenger, 36 short-sea passenger, 87 cargo, 4 refrigerated

cargo, 21 container, 69 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 8 vehicle carrier, 1

multifunction large-load carrier, 138 oil tanker, 34 chemical tanker, 45

liquefied gas, 10 specialized tanker, 9 combination ore/oil, 57 bulk, 2

combination bulk

Airports:

total:

137

usable: 133

with permanent-surface runways:

92

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

36

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

39

Telecommunications:

modern, well-developed, fast; 25,600,000 telephones; fully automated

telephone, telex, and data services; high-capacity cable and microwave radio

relay trunks; broadcast stations - 135 AM, 28 (1,840 repeaters) FM, 83

(1,000 repeaters) TV; international service by 21 submarine cables, 3

satellite earth stations operating in INTELSAT with 3 Atlantic Ocean

antennas and 2 Indian Ocean antennas; also participates in INMARSAT and

EUTELSAT systems

*Italy, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 14,898,913; fit for military service 12,989,142; reach

military age (18) annually 425,286 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $24.5 billion, 2% of GDP (1992)

*Jamaica, Geography

Location:

in the northern Caribbean Sea, about 160 km south of Cuba

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, North America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

10,990 km2

land area:

10,830 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,022 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes: none

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; temperate interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain

Natural resources:

bauxite, gypsum, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

19%

permanent crops:

6%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

28%

other:

29%

Irrigated land:

350 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes (especially July to November); deforestation; water

pollution

Note:

strategic location between Cayman Trench and Jamaica Channel, the main sea

lanes for Panama Canal

*Jamaica, People

Population:

2,529,981 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.96% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

22.24 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.72 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

17.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.09 years

male:

71.92 years

female:

76.36 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Jamaican(s)

adjective: Jamaican

Ethnic divisions:

African 76.3%, Afro-European 15.1%, East Indian and Afro-East Indian 3%,

white 3.2%, Chinese and Afro-Chinese 1.2%, other 1.2%

Religions:

Protestant 55.9% (Church of God 18.4%, Baptist 10%, Anglican 7.1%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 6.9%, Pentecostal 5.2%, Methodist 3.1%, United Church

2.7%, other 2.5%), Roman Catholic 5%, other, including some spiritual cults

39.1% (1982)

Languages:

English, Creole

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1990)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

99%

Labor force:

1,062,100

by occupation:

services 41%, agriculture 22.5%, industry 19%, unemployed 17.5% (1989)

*Jamaica, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Jamaica

Digraph:

JM

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Kingston

Administrative divisions:

14 parishes; Clarendon, Hanover, Kingston, Manchester, Portland, Saint

Andrew, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Saint

Mary, Saint Thomas, Trelawny, Westmoreland

Independence:

6 August 1962 (from UK)

Constitution:

6 August 1962

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day (first Monday in August)

Political parties and leaders:

People's National Party (PNP) P. J. PATTERSON; Jamaica Labor Party (JLP),

Edward SEAGA

Other political or pressure groups:

Rastafarians (black religious/racial cultists, pan-Africanists)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 30 March 1993 (next to be held by February 1998); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) PNP 52, JLP 8

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Sir Howard COOKE (since 1 August 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister P. J. PATTERSON (since 30 March 1992)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-19, G-77, GATT, G-15, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO,

ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard BERNAL

chancery:

Suite 355, 1850 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone:

(202) 452-0660

*Jamaica, Government

consulates general:

Miami and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Glen A. HOLDEN

embassy:

Kingston

mailing address:

3rd Floor, Jamaica Mutual Life Center, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston

telephone:

(809) 929-4850 through 4859

FAX:

(809) 926-6743

Flag:

diagonal yellow cross divides the flag into four triangles - green (top and

bottom) and black (hoist side and fly side)

*Jamaica, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on sugar, bauxite, and tourism. In 1985 it suffered a

setback with the closure of some facilities in the bauxite and alumina

industry, a major source of hard currency earnings. Since 1986 an economic

recovery has been under way. In 1987 conditions began to improve for the

bauxite and alumina industry because of increases in world metal prices. The

recovery has also been supported by growth in the manufacturing and tourism

sectors. In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert inflicted severe damage on

crops and the electric power system, a sharp but temporary setback to the

economy. By October 1989 the economic recovery from the hurricane was

largely complete, and real growth was up about 3% for 1989. In 1991,

however, growth dropped to 0.2% as a result of the US recession, lower world

bauxite prices, and monetary instability. In 1992, growth was 1.5%,

supported by a recovery in tourism and stabilization of the Jamaican dollar

in the second half of 1992.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.7 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

52% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.4% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $600 million; expenditures $736 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

alumina, bauxite, sugar, bananas, rum

partners:

US 39%, UK 14%, Canada 12%, Netherlands 8%, Norway 7%

Imports:

$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

fuel, other raw materials, construction materials, food, transport

equipment, other machinery and equipment

partners:

US 51%, UK 6%, Venezuela 5%, Canada 5%, Japan 4.5%

External debt:

$4.4 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.0% (1990); accounts for almost 25% of GDP

Electricity:

1,127,000 kW capacity; 2,736 million kWh produced, 1,090 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

tourism, bauxite mining, textiles, food processing, light manufactures

Agriculture:

accounts for about 9% of GDP, 22% of work force, and 17% of exports;

commercial crops - sugarcane, bananas, coffee, citrus, potatoes, vegetables;

livestock and livestock products include poultry, goats, milk; not

self-sufficient in grain, meat, and dairy products

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of cannabis; transshipment point for cocaine from

Central and South America to North America; government has an active

cannabis eradication program

*Jamaica, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.2 billion; other countries,

ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.6 billion

Currency:

1 Jamaican dollar (J$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Jamaican dollars (J$) per US$1 - 22.173 (September 1992), 12.116 (1991),

7.184 (1990), 5.7446 (1989), 5.4886 (1988), 5.4867 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Jamaica, Communications

Railroads:

294 km, all 1.435-meter standard gauge, single track

Highways:

18,200 km total; 12,600 km paved, 3,200 km gravel, 2,400 km improved earth

Pipelines:

petroleum products 10 km

Ports:

Kingston, Montego Bay, Port Antonio

Merchant marine:

4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,619 GRT/16,302 DWT; includes 1

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 2 bulk

Airports:

total:

36

usable:

23

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

fully automatic domestic telephone network; 127,000 telephones; broadcast

stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, 8 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; 3

coaxial submarine cables

*Jamaica, Defense Forces

Branches:

Jamaica Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard and Air Wing),

Jamaica Constabulary Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 651,931; fit for military service 461,980 (1993 est.); no

conscription; 26,445 reach minimum volunteer age (18) annually

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $19.3 million, 1% of GDP (FY91/92)

*Jan Mayen, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Norway)

*Jan Mayen, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, north of the Arctic Circle about 590 km

north-northeast of Iceland, between the Greenland Sea and the Norwegian Sea

Map references:

Arctic Region

Area:

total area:

373 km2

land area:

373 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

124.1 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

10 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

4 nm

International disputes:

Denmark has challenged Norway's maritime claims between Greenland and Jan

Mayen

Climate:

arctic maritime with frequent storms and persistent fog

Terrain:

volcanic island, partly covered by glaciers; Beerenberg is the highest peak,

with an elevation of 2,277 meters

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

barren volcanic island with some moss and grass; volcanic activity resumed

in 1970

*Jan Mayen, People

Population:

no permanent inhabitants; note - there are personnel who man the LORAN C

base and the weather and coastal services radio station

*Jan Mayen, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Jan Mayen

Digraph:

JN

Type:

territory of Norway

Capital:

none; administered from Oslo, Norway, through a governor (sysselmann)

resident in Longyearbyen (Svalbard)

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

*Jan Mayen, Economy

Overview:

Jan Mayen is a volcanic island with no exploitable natural resources.

Economic activity is limited to providing services for employees of Norway's

radio and meteorological stations located on the island.

Electricity:

15,000 kW capacity; 40 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1992)

*Jan Mayen, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

radio and meteorological station

*Jan Mayen, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Norway

*Japan, Geography

Location:

Northeast Asia, off the southeast coast of Russia and east of the Korean

peninsula

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

377,835 km2

land area:

374,744 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than California

note:

includes Bonin Islands (Ogasawara-gunto), Daito-shoto, Minami-jima,

Okinotori-shima, Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shoto), and Volcano Islands

(Kazan-retto)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

29,751 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea: 12 nm

3 nm in the international straits - La Perouse or Soya, Tsugaru, Osumi, and

Eastern and Western channels of the Korea or Tsushima Strait

International disputes:

Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan Islands and the Habomai island group

occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, now administered by Russia, claimed by

Japan; Liancourt Rocks disputed with South Korea; Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku

Islands) claimed by China and Taiwan

Climate:

varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous

Natural resources:

negligible mineral resources, fish

Land use:

arable land:

13%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

67%

other:

18%

Irrigated land:

28,680 km2 (1989)

Environment:

many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences

(mostly tremors) every year; subject to tsunamis

Note:

strategic location in northeast Asia

*Japan, People

Population:

124,711,551 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

10.31 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.17 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

4.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

79.18 years

male:

76.35 years

female:

82.15 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Japanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Japanese

Ethnic divisions:

Japanese 99.4%, other 0.6% (mostly Korean)

Religions:

Shinto 95.8%, Buddhist 76.3%, Christian 1.4%, other 12%

note:

most Japanese observe both Shinto and Buddhist rites so the percentages add

to more than 100%

Languages:

Japanese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1970)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

63.33 million

by occupation:

trade and services 54%, manufacturing, mining, and construction 33%,

agriculture, forestry, and fishing 7%, government 3% (1988)

*Japan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Japan

Digraph:

JA

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Tokyo

Administrative divisions:

47 prefectures; Aichi, Akita, Aomori, Chiba, Ehime, Fukui, Fukuoka,

Fukushima, Gifu, Gumma, Hiroshima, Hokkaido, Hyogo, Ibaraki, Ishikawa,

Iwate, Kagawa, Kagoshima, Kanagawa, Kochi, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Mie, Miyagi,

Miyazaki, Nagano, Nagasaki, Nara, Niigata, Oita, Okayama, Okinawa, Osaka,

Saga, Saitama, Shiga, Shimane, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokushima, Tokyo, Tottori,

Toyama, Wakayama, Yamagata, Yamaguchi, Yamanashi

Independence:

660 BC (traditional founding by Emperor Jimmu)

Constitution:

3 May 1947

Legal system:

modled after European civil law system with English-American influence;

judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; accepts compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Birthday of the Emperor, 23 December (1933)

Political parties and leaders:

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Kiichi MIYAZAWA, president; Seiroku

KAJIYAMA, secretary general; Social Democratic Party of Japan (SDPJ), Sadao

YAMAHANA, Chairman; Democratic Socialist Party (DSP), Keizo OUCHI, chairman;

Japan Communist Party (JCP), Tetsuzo FUWA, Presidium chairman; Komeito

(Clean Government Party, CGP), Koshiro ISHIDA, chairman; Japan New Party

(JNP), Morihiro HOSOKAWA, chairman

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Councillors:

last held on 26 July 1992 (next to be held NA July 1995); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (252 total) LDP 106, SDPJ 73, CGP 24, DSP 12,

JCP 11, JNP 4, other 22

House of Representatives:

last held on 18 February 1990 (next to be held by NA February 1994); results

- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (512 total) LDP 274, SDPJ 137, CGP

46, JCP 16, DSP 13, others 5, independents 6, vacant 15

Executive branch:

Emperor, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Diet (Kokkai) consists of an upper house or House of Councillors

(Sangi-in) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Shugi-in)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Emperor AKIHITO (since 7 January 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Kiichi MIYAZAWA (since 5 November 1991)

*Japan, Government

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), Australia Group, APEC, AsDB, BIS, CCC, COCOM, CP, CSCE

(observer), EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, G-2, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NEA, NSG,

OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNRWA,

UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Takakazu KURIYAMA

chancery:

2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-6700

consulates general: Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas

City (Missouri), Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, Seattle,

and Portland (Oregon)

consulates:

Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Michael H. ARMACOST

embassy:

10-5, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku (107), Tokyo

mailing address:

APO AP 96337-0001

telephone:

[81] (3) 3224-5000

FAX:

[81] (3) 3505-1862

consulates general:

Naha (Okinawa), Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo

consulate:

Fukuoka

Flag:

white with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the

center

*Japan, Economy

Overview:

Government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, and a comparatively

small defense allocation have helped Japan advance with extraordinary

rapidity, notably in high-technology fields. Industry, the most important

sector of the economy, is heavily dependent on imported raw materials and

fuels. Self-sufficient in rice, Japan must import about 50% of its

requirements of other grain and fodder crops. Japan maintains one of the

world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global

catch. Overall economic growth has been spectacular: a 10% average in the

1960s, a 5% average in the 1970s and 1980s. Economic growth slowed markedly

in 1992 largely because of contractionary domestic policies intended to

wring speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets. At the

same time, the stronger yen and slower global growth are containing export

growth. Unemployment and inflation remain low at 2%. Japan continues to run

a huge trade surplus - $107 billion in 1992, up nearly 40% from the year

earlier - which supports extensive investment in foreign assets. The

crowding of its habitable land area and the aging of its population are two

major long-run problems.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.468 trillion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.5% (1992)

National product per capita:

$19,800 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.1% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

2.2% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $490 billion; expenditures $579 billion, including capital

expenditures (public works only) of about $68 billion (FY93)

Exports:

$339.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

manufactures 97% (including machinery 40%, motor vehicles 18%, consumer

electronics 10%)

partners:

Southeast Asia 31%, US 29%, Western Europe 23%, Communist countries 4%,

Middle East 3%

Imports:

$232.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

manufactures 44%, fossil fuels 33%, foodstuffs and raw materials 23%

partners:

Southeast Asia 25%, US 22%, Western Europe 17%, Middle East 12%, former

Communist countries and China 8%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate -6.0% (1992); accounts for 30% of GDP

Electricity:

196,000,000 kW capacity; 835,000 million kWh produced, 6,700 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

steel and non-ferrous metallurgy, heavy electrical equipment, construction

and mining equipment, motor vehicles and parts, electronic and

telecommunication equipment and components, machine tools and automated

production systems, locomotives and railroad rolling stock, shipbuilding,

chemicals, textiles, food processing

*Japan, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for only 2% of GDP; highly subsidized and protected sector, with

crop yields among highest in world; principal crops - rice, sugar beets,

vegetables, fruit; animal products include pork, poultry, dairy and eggs;

about 50% self-sufficient in food production; shortages of wheat, corn,

soybeans; world's largest fish catch of 10 million metric tons in 1991

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $83.2 billion; ODA outlay of $9.1

billion in 1990 (est.)

Currency:

1 yen (Y) = 100 sen

Exchange rates:

yen (Y) per US$1 - 125.01 (January 1993), 126.65 (1992), 134.71 (1991),

144.79 (1990), 137.96 (1989), 128.15 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Japan, Communications

Railroads:

27,327 km total; 2,012 km 1.435-meter standard gauge and 25,315 km

predominantly 1.067-meter narrow gauge; 5,724 km doubletrack and multitrack

sections, 9,038 km 1.067-meter narrow-gauge electrified, 2,012 km

1.435-meter standard-gauge electrified (1987)

Highways:

1,111,974 km total; 754,102 km paved, 357,872 km gravel, crushed stone, or

unpaved; 4,400 km national expressways; 46,805 km national highways; 128,539

km prefectural roads; and 930,230 km city, town, and village roads, 6,400 km

other

Inland waterways:

about 1,770 km; seagoing craft ply all coastal inland seas

Pipelines:

crude oil 84 km; petroleum products 322 km; natural gas 1,800 km

Ports:

Chiba, Muroran, Kitakyushu, Kobe, Tomakomai, Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo,

Yokkaichi, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Niigata, Fushiki-Toyama, Shimizu, Himeji,

Wakayama-Shimozu, Shimonoseki, Tokuyama-Shimomatsu

Merchant marine:

950 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,080,149 GRT/32,334,270 DWT;

includes 10 passenger, 39 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger cargo, 81 cargo,

43 container, 43 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 87 refrigerated cargo, 97 vehicle

carrier, 240 oil tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 39 liquefied gas, 9 combination

ore/oil, 2 specialized tanker, 247 bulk, 1 multi-function large load

carrier; note - Japan also owns a large flag of convenience fleet, including

up to 44% of the total number of ships under the Panamanian flag

Airports:

total:

162

usable:

159

with permanent-surface runways:

132

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

32

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

50

Telecommunications:

excellent domestic and international service; 64,000,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 318 AM, 58 FM, 12,350 TV (196 major - 1 kw or greater);

satellite earth stations - 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean

INTELSAT; submarine cables to US (via Guam), Philippines, China, and Russia

*Japan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

(Navy), Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force), Maritime Safety Agency

(Coast Guard)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 32,134,496; fit for military service 27,689,029; reach

military age (18) annually 1,002,998 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $37 billion, 0.94% of GDP (FY93/94 est.)

*Jarvis Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Jarvis Island, Geography

Location:

in the South Pacific Ocean, 2,090 km south of Honolulu, just south of the

Equator, about halfway between Hawaii and the Cook Islands

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

4.5 km2

land area:

4.5 km2

comparative area:

about 7.5 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; scant rainfall, constant wind, burning sun

Terrain:

sandy, coral island surrounded by a narrow fringing reef

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until late 1800s)

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland: 0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

sparse bunch grass, prostrate vines, and low-growing shrubs; lacks fresh

water; primarily a nesting, roosting, and foraging habitat for seabirds,

shorebirds, and marine wildlife; feral cats

*Jarvis Island, People

Population:

uninhabited; note - Millersville settlement on western side of island

occasionally used as a weather station from 1935 until World War II, when it

was abandoned; reoccupied in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year

by scientists who left in 1958; public entry is by special-use permit only

and generally restricted to scientists and educators

*Jarvis Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Jarvis Island

Digraph:

DQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Fish and Wildlife

Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National

Wildlife Refuge System

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Jarvis Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Jarvis Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only - one boat landing area in the middle of the

west coast and another near the southwest corner of the island

Note:

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

*Jarvis Island, Defense Forces

defense is the responsibility of the US; visited annually by the US Coast Guard

*Jersey, Header

Affiliation:

(British crown dependency)

*Jersey, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, 27 km from France in the English Channel

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total area:

117 km2

land area:

117 km2

comparative area:

about 0.7 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

70 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; mild winters and cool summers

Terrain:

gently rolling plain with low, rugged hills along north coast

Natural resources:

agricultural land

Land use:

arable land:

57%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other: NA%

Environment:

about 30% of population concentrated in Saint Helier

Note:

largest and southernmost of Channel Islands

*Jersey, People

Population:

85,450 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.7% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.79 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.23 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

4.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

4.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.4 years

male:

73.28 years

female:

79.86 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.42 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Channel Islander(s)

adjective:

Channel Islander

Ethnic divisions:

UK and Norman-French descent

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Congregational New Church, Methodist,

Presbyterian

Languages:

English (official), French (official), Norman-French dialect spoken in

country districts

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Jersey, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Bailiwick of Jersey

conventional short form:

Jersey

Digraph:

JE

Type:

British crown dependency

Capital:

Saint Helier

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency)

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

English law and local statute

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 9 May (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

none; all independents

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

Assembly of the States:

last held NA (next to be held NA); results - no percent of vote by party

since all are independents; seats - (56 total, 52 elected) 52 independents

Executive branch:

British monarch, lieutenant governor, bailiff

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the States

Judicial branch:

Royal Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief Air Marshal Sir John SUTTON

(since NA 1990); Bailiff Sir Peter J. CRILL (since NA)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (British crown dependency)

US diplomatic representation:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag:

white with the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland)

extending to the corners of the flag

*Jersey, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based largely on financial services, agriculture, and

tourism. Potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, and especially flowers are

important export crops, shipped mostly to the UK. The Jersey breed of dairy

cattle is known worldwide and represents an important export earner. Milk

products go to the UK and other EC countries. In 1986 the finance sector

overtook tourism as the main contributor to GDP, accounting for 40% of the

island's output. In recent years the government has encouraged light

industry to locate in Jersey, with the result that an electronics industry

has developed alongside the traditional manufacturing of knitwear. All raw

material and energy requirements are imported, as well as a large share of

Jersey's food needs.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

8% (1987 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1988 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $308.0 million; expenditures $284.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1985)

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

light industrial and electrical goods, foodstuffs, textiles

partners:

UK

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, foodstuffs, mineral

fuels, chemicals

partners:

UK

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

50,000 kW standby capacity (1992); power supplied by France

Industries:

tourism, banking and finance, dairy

Agriculture:

potatoes, cauliflowers, tomatoes; dairy and cattle farming

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Jersey pound (#J) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Jersey pounds (#J) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652

(1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); the Jersey pound is at

par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Jersey, Communications

Ports:

Saint Helier, Gorey, Saint Aubin

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

63,700 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 3 submarine

cables

*Jersey, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Johnston Atoll, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Johnston Atoll, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,430 km west-southwest of Honolulu, about

one-third of the way between Hawaii and the Marshall Islands

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

2.8 km2

land area:

2.8 km2

comparative area: about 4.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

10 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, but generally dry; consistent northeast trade winds with little

seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly flat with a maximum elevation of 4 meters

Natural resources:

guano (deposits worked until about 1890)

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

some low-growing vegetation

Note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; Johnston Island and Sand

Island are natural islands; North Island (Akau) and East Island (Hikina) are

manmade islands formed from coral dredging; closed to the public; former

nuclear weapons test site; site of Johnston Atoll Chemical Agent Disposal

System (JACADS)

*Johnston Atoll, People

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 1,400 US Government personnel

and contractors

*Johnston Atoll, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Johnston Atoll

Digraph:

JQ

Type:

unincorportated territory of the US administered by the US Defense Nuclear

Agency (DNA) and managed cooperatively by DNA and the Fish and Wildlife

Service of the US Department of the Interior as part of the National

Wildlife Refuge system

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag:

the flag of the US is used

*Johnston Atoll, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel

and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must

be imported.

Electricity:

supplied by the management and operations contractor

*Johnston Atoll, Communications

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440 to 3,659 m:

1 with TACAN and beacon

with runways 1,220 to 2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

excellent system including 60-channel submarine cable, Autodin/SRT terminal,

digital telephone switch, Military Affiliated Radio System (MARS station),

commercial satellite television system, and UHF/VHF air-ground radio

*Johnston Atoll, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Jordan, Header

Affiliation: (also see separate West Bank entry)

*Jordan, Geography

Location:

Middle East, between Israel and Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

89,213 km2

land area:

88,884 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total 1,619 km, Iraq 181 km, Israel 238 km, Saudi Arabia 728 km, Syria 375

km, West Bank 97 km

Coastline:

26 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

differences with Israel over the location of the 1949 Armistice Line that

separates the two countries; water-sharing issues with Israel

Climate:

mostly arid desert; rainy season in west (November to April)

Terrain:

mostly desert plateau in east, highland area in west; Great Rift Valley

separates East and West Banks of the Jordan River

Natural resources:

phosphates, potash, shale oil

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

0.5%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

0.5%

other:

94%

Irrigated land: 570 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

lack of natural water resources; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

*Jordan, People

Population:

3,823,636 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.57% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

39.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.51 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

33.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.61 years

male:

69.83 years

female:

73.51 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.79 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Jordanian(s)

adjective:

Jordanian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 92%, Christian 8%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely understood among upper and middle classes

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

80%

male:

89%

female:

70%

Labor force:

572,000 (1988)

by occupation:

agriculture 20%, manufacturing and mining 20% (1987 est.)

*Jordan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

conventional short form:

Jordan

local long form:

Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah

local short form:

Al Urdun

former:

Transjordan

Digraph:

JO

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Amman

Administrative divisions:

8 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Balqa', Al Karak, Al

Mafraq, 'Amman, At Tafilah, Az Zarqa', Irbid, Ma'an

Independence:

25 May 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration)

Constitution:

8 January 1952

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts

in a specially provided High Tribunal; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 May (1946)

Political parties and leaders:

approximately 24 parties have been formed since the National Charter, but

the number fluctuates; after the 1989 parliamentary elections, King Hussein

promised to allow the formation of political parties; a national charter

that sets forth the ground rules for democracy in Jordan - including the

creation of political parties - was approved in principle by the special

National Conference on 9 June 1991, but its specific provisions have yet to

be passed by National Assembly

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 8 November 1989 (next to be held November 1993); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Muslim Brotherhood (fundamentalist)

22, Independent Islamic bloc (generally traditionalist) 6, Democratic bloc

(mostly leftist) 9, Constitutionalist bloc (traditionalist) 17, Nationalist

bloc (traditionalist) 16, independent 10

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly (Majlis al-'Umma) consists of an upper house or

House of Notables (Majlis al-A'ayan) and a lower house or House of

Representatives (Majlis al-Nuwaab); note - the House of Representatives has

been convened and dissolved by the King several times since 1974 and in

November 1989 the first parliamentary elections in 22 years were held

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation

*Jordan, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King HUSSEIN Ibn Talal Al Hashemi (since 11 August 1952)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Zayd bin SHAKIR (since 21 November 1991)

Member of:

ABEDA, ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNRWA, UNPROFOR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Fayez A. TARAWNEH

chancery:

3504 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 966-2664

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roger Gram HARRISON

embassy:

Jebel Amman, Amman

mailing address:

P. O. Box 354, Amman, or APO AE 09892

telephone:

[962] (6) 644-371

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), white, and green with a red

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a small white

seven-pointed star; the seven points on the star represent the seven

fundamental laws of the Koran

*Jordan, Economy

Overview:

Jordan benefited from increased Arab aid during the oil boom of the late

1970s and early 1980s, when its annual GNP growth averaged more than 10%. In

the remainder of the 1980s, however, reductions in both Arab aid and worker

remittances slowed economic growth to an average of roughly 2% per year.

Imports - mainly oil, capital goods, consumer durables, and food - have been

outstripping exports, with the difference covered by aid, remittances, and

borrowing. In mid-1989, the Jordanian Government began debt-rescheduling

negotiations and agreed to implement an IMF program designed to gradually

reduce the budget deficit and implement badly needed structural reforms. The

Persian Gulf crisis that began in August 1990, however, aggravated Jordan's

already serious economic problems, forcing the government to shelve the IMF

program, stop most debt payments, and suspend rescheduling negotiations. Aid

from Gulf Arab states and worker remittances have plunged, and refugees have

flooded the country, straining government resources. Economic recovery is

unlikely without substantial foreign aid, debt relief, and economic reform.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.6 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,100 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

40% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $440 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

phosphates, fertilizers, potash, agricultural products, manufactures

partners:

India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, UAE, China

Imports:

$2.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, machinery, transport equipment, food, live animals, manufactured

goods

partners:

EC countries, US, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey

External debt:

$9 billion (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

1,030,000 kW capacity; 3,814 million kWh produced, 1,070 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light manufacturing

Agriculture:

accounts for about 7% of GDP; principal products are wheat, barley, citrus

fruit, tomatoes, melons, olives; livestock - sheep, goats, poultry; large

net importer of food

*Jordan, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $9.5 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $44

million

Currency:

1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000 fils

Exchange rates:

Jordanian dinars (JD) per US$1 - 0.6890 (January 1993), 0.6797 (1992),

0.6808 (1991), 0.6636 (1990), 0.5704 (1989), 0.3709 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Jordan, Communications

Railroads:

789 km 1.050-meter gauge, single track

Highways:

7,500 km; 5,500 km asphalt, 2,000 km gravel and crushed stone

Pipelines:

crude oil 209 km

Ports:

Al 'Aqabah

Merchant marine:

2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 60,378 GRT/113,557 DWT; includes 1

cargo and 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

19

usable:

15

with permanent-surface runways:

14

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

13

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

adequate telephone system of microwave, cable, and radio links; 81,500

telephones; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 7 FM, 8 TV; satellite earth stations

- 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, 1 domestic

TV receive-only; coaxial cable and microwave to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and

Syria; microwave link to Lebanon is inactive; participant in MEDARABTEL, a

microwave radio relay network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia,

Algeria, and Morocco

*Jordan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Jordanian Land Force, Royal Jordanian Air Force, Royal Naval Force,

Public Security Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 936,213; fit for military service 664,095; reach military

age (18) annually 42,093 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $434.8 million, 7.9% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Juan de Nova Island, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Juan de Nova Island, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the central Mozambique Channel about one-third of the

way between Madagascar and Mozambique

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

4.4 km2

land area:

4.4 km2

comparative area:

about 7.5 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24.1 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Madagascar

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

NA

Natural resources:

guano deposits and other fertilizers

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

90%

other:

10%

Irrigated land: 0 km2

Environment:

subject to periodic cyclones; wildlife sanctuary

*Juan de Nova Island, People

Population: uninhibited

*Juan de Nova Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Juan de Nova Island

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ile Juan de Nova

Digraph:

JU

Type:

French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in

Reunion

Capital:

none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Juan de Nova Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Juan de Nova Island, Communications

Railroads:

short line going to a jetty

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permament-surface runways:

0 with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,439-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

*Juan de Nova Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Kazakhstan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, between Russia and Uzbekistan, bordering on the Caspian Sea and

the Aral Sea

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,717,300 km2

land area:

2,669,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than four times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 12,012 km, China 1,533 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,051 km, Russia 6,846 km,

Turkmenistan 379 km, Uzbekistan 2,203 km

Coastline:

0 km

note:

Kazakhstan borders the Aral Sea (1,015 km) and the Caspian Sea (1,894 km)

Maritime claims:

landlocked, but boundaries with Uzbekistan in the Sea of Azov and with

Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan in the Caspian Sea are yet to be

determined

International disputes:

none

Climate:

continental, arid and semiarid

Terrain:

extends from the Volga to the Altai Mountains and from the plains in western

Siberia to oasis and desert in Central Asia

Natural resources:

petroleum, coal, iron, manganese, chrome, nickel, cobalt, copper,

molybdenum, lead, zinc, bauxite, gold, uranium, iron

Land use:

arable land:

15%

permanent crops: 0%

meadows and pastures:

57%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

24%

Irrigated land:

23,080 km2 (1990)

Environment:

drying up of Aral Sea is causing increased concentrations of chemical

pesticides and natural salts; industrial pollution

Note:

landlocked

*Kazakhstan, People

Population:

17,156,370 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.65% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.55 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.95 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-5.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

41.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.83 years

male:

63.17 years

female:

72.73 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Kazakhstani(s)

adjective:

Kazakhstani

Ethnic divisions:

Kazakh (Qazaq) 41.9%, Russian 37%, Ukrainian 5.2%, German 4.7%, Uzbek 2.1%,

Tatar 2%, other 7.1%

Religions:

Muslim 47%, Russian Orthodox 15%, Protestant 2%, other 36%

Languages:

Kazakh (Qazaq; official language), Russian (language of interethnic

communication)

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population: 100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

7.563 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 32%, agriculture and forestry 23%, other 45%

(1990)

*Kazakhstan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Kazakhstan

conventional short form:

Kazakhstan

local long form:

Kazakhstan Respublikasy

local short form:

none

former:

Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

KZ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Almaty (Alma-Ata)

Administrative divisions:

19 oblasts (oblystar, singular - oblys) and 1 city (qalalar, singular -

qala)*; Almaty*, Almaty, Aqmola, Aqtobe, Atyrau, Batys Qazaqstan, Kokshetau,, Mangghystau,

Ongtustik Qazaqstan, Qaraghandy, Qostanay, Qyzylorda, Pavlodar,

Semey, Shyghys Qazaqstan, Soltustik Qazaqstan, Taldyqorghan, Torghay,

Zhambyl, Zhezqazghan,

Independence:

16 December 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted 18 January 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 December

Political parties and leaders:

Peoples Congress, Olzhas SULEYMENOV and Mukhtar SHAKHANOV, co-chairmen;

Kazakh Socialist Party (former Communist Party), Nursultan NAZARBAYEV,

chairman; December (Zheltoksan) Movement, Khasan KOZHAKMETOV, chairman;

Freedom (AZAT) Party, Kamal ORMANTAYEV, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Independent Trade Union Center (Birlesu; an association of independent trade

union and business associations), Leonid SOLOMIN, president

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); percent of vote by

party NA; Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV ran unopposed

Supreme Council:

last held NA April 1990 (next to be held NA December 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (358 total) Socialist Party 338

Executive branch:

president, cabinet of ministers, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Soviet

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Nursultan A. NAZARBAYEV (sinceNA April 1990); Vice President Yerik

ASANBAYEV (since 1 December 1991)

*Kazakhstan, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Sergey TERESHENKO (since 14 October 1991); First Deputy Prime

Minister Davlat SEMBAYEV (since NA November 1990); Supreme Council Chairman

Serikbolsyn ABDILDIN (since NA July 1991)

Member of:

CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, IBRD, IDA, IMF, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Alim S. DJAMBOURCHINE

chancery:

3421 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 333-4504

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William H. COURTNEY

embassy:

Furumanova 99/97, Almaty

mailing address:

US Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20521-7030

telephone:

(3272) 63-24-26

Flag:

sky blue background representing the endless sky and a gold sun with 32 rays

soaring above a golden steppe eagle in the center; on the hoist side is a

"national ornamentation" in yellow

*Kazakhstan, Economy

Overview:

The second-largest in area of the 15 former Soviet republics, Kazakhstan has

vast oil, coal, and agricultural resources. Kazakhstan is highly dependent

on trade with Russia, exchanging its natural resources for finished consumer

and industrial goods. Kazakhstan now finds itself with serious pollution

problems, backward technology, and little experience in foreign markets. The

government in 1992 continued to push privatization of the economy and freed

many prices. Output in 1992 dropped because of problems common to the

ex-Soviet Central Asian republics, especially the cumulative effects of the

disruption of old supply channels and the slow process of creating new

economic institutions. Kazakhstan lacks the funds, technology, and

managerial skills for a quick recovery of output. US firms have been

enlisted to increase oil output but face formidable obstacles; for example,

oil can now reach Western markets only through pipelines that run across

independent former Soviet republics. Finally, the end of monolithic

Communist control has brought ethnic grievances into the open. The 6 million

Russians in the republic, formerly the favored class, now face the hostility

of a society dominated by Muslims. Ethnic rivalry will be just one of the

formidable obstacles to the prioritization of national objectives and the

creation of a productive, technologically advancing society.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-15% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

28% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.4% includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of

underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $1.76

billion (1991)

Exports:

$1.5 billion to outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

oil, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, grain, wool, meat (1991)

partners:

Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Imports:

$500 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

machinery and parts, industrial materials

partners:

Russia and other former Soviet republics, China

External debt:

$2.6 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -15% (1992 est.); accounts for 30% of net material product

Electricity:

19,135,000 kW capacity; 81,300 million kWh produced, 4,739 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

extractive industries (oil, coal, iron ore, manganese, chromite, lead, zinc,

copper, titanium, bauxite, gold, silver, phosphates, sulfur), iron and

steel, nonferrous metal, tractors and other agricultural machinery, electric

motors, construction materials

*Kazakhstan, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for almost 40% of net material product; employs about 25% of the

labor force; grain, mostly spring wheat; meat, cotton, wool

Illicit drugs:

illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit

drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

recipient of limited foreign aid (1992)

Currency:

retaining Russian ruble as currency (May 1993)

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Kazakhstan, Communications

Railroads:

14,460 km (all 1.520-meter gauge); does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

189,000 km total; 108,100 km hard surfaced (paved or gravel), 80,900 km

earth (1990)

Inland waterways:

Syr Darya

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,850 km, refined products 1,500 km, natural gas 3,480 km (1992)

Ports:

inland - Atyrau (Guryev; on Caspian Sea)

Airports:

total:

365

useable:

152

with permanent-surface runways:

49

with runways over 3,659 m:

8

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

38

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

71

Telecommunications:

telephone service is poor, with only about 6 telephones for each 100

persons; of the approximately 1 million telephones, Almaty (Alma-Ata) has

184,000; international traffic with other former USSR republics and China

carried by landline and microwave, and with other countries by satellite and

through 8 international telecommunications circuits at the Moscow

international gateway switch; satellite earth stations - INTELSAT and Orbita

(TV receive only); new satellite ground station established at Almaty with

Turkish financial help (December 1992) with 2500 channel band width

*Kazakhstan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,349,509; fit for military service 3,499,718; reach

military age (18) annually 154,727 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

69,326 million rubles, NA% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note - conversion of

the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could

produce misleading results

*Kenya, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the northwestern India Ocean between Tanzania and

Somalia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

582,650 km2

land area:

569,250 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Nevada

Land boundaries:

total 3,446 km, Ethiopia 830 km, Somalia 682 km, Sudan 232 km, Tanzania 769

km, Uganda 933 km

Coastline:

536 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

administrative boundary with Sudan does not coincide with international

boundary; possible claim by Somalia based on unification of ethnic Somalis

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to arid in interior

Terrain:

low plains rise to central highlands bisected by Great Rift Valley; fertile

plateau in west

Natural resources:

gold, limestone, soda ash, salt barytes, rubies, fluorspar, garnets,

wildlife

Land use:

arable land:

3% permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

85%

Irrigated land:

520 km2 (1989)

Environment:

unique physiography supports abundant and varied wildlife of scientific and

economic value; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; glaciers on

Mt. Kenya

Note:

the Kenyan Highlands comprise one of the most successful agricultural

production regions in Africa

*Kenya, People

Population:

27,372,266 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.18% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.18 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.41 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

74.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

54.07 years

male:

52.27 years

female:

55.92 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.06 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Kenyan(s)

adjective:

Kenyan

Ethnic divisions:

Kikuyu 21%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 11%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%,

Asian, European, and Arab 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 28%, Protestant (including Anglican) 26%, indigenous beliefs

18%, Muslim 6%

Languages:

English (official), Swahili (official), numerous indigenous languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

69%

male:

80%

female:

58%

Labor force:

9.2 million (includes unemployed); the total employed is 1,370,000 (14.8% of

the labor force)

by occupation:

services 54.8%, industry 26.2%, agriculture 19.0% (1989)

*Kenya, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Kenya

conventional short form:

Kenya

former:

British East Africa

Digraph:

KE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Nairobi

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces; Central, Coast, Eastern, Nairobi, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift

Valley, Western

Independence:

12 December 1963 (from UK)

Constitution:

12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979,

1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, and 1992

Legal system:

based on English common law, tribal law, and Islamic law; judicial review in

High Court; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations;

constitutional amendment of 1982 making Kenya a de jure one-party state

repealed in 1991

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 December (1963)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party is Kenya African National Union (KANU), Daniel T. arap MOI,

president; opposition parties include Forum for the Restoration of Democracy

(FORD-Kenya), Oginga ODINGA; FORD-Asili, Kenneth MATIBA; Democratic Party of

Kenya (DP), Mwai KIBAKI; Kenya National Congress (KNC), Titus MBATHI; Kenya

Social Congress (KSC), George ANYONA; Kenya National Democratic Alliance

(KENYA), Mukara NG'ANG'A; Party for Independent Candidates of Kenya (PKK),

Otieno OTOERA

Other political or pressure groups:

labor unions; exile opposition - Mwakenya and other groups

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 29 December 1992; results - President Daniel T. arap MOI was

reelected with 37% of the vote; Kenneth Matiba (FORD-ASILI) 26%; Mwai Kibaki

(SP) 19%, Oginga Odinga (FORD-Kenya) 17%

National Assembly:

last held on 29 December 1992; results - (188 total) KANU 100, FORD-Kenya

31, FORD-Asili 31, DP 23, smaller parties 3; president nominates 12

additional members

note:

first multiparty election since repeal of one-party state law

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Bunge)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, High Court

*Kenya, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Daniel Teroitich arap MOI (since 14 October 1978); Vice President

George SAITOTI (since 10 May 1989)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS,

MINURSO, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Denis Daudi AFANDE

chancery:

2249 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 387-6101

consulates general:

Los Angeles and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Smith HEMPSTONE, Jr.

embassy:

corner of Moi Avenue and Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi

mailing address:

P. O. Box 30137, Nairobi or APO AE 09831

telephone:

[254] (2) 334141

FAX:

[254] (2) 340838

consulate:

Mombasa

Flag: three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green; the red band is

edged in white; a large warrior's shield covering crossed spears is

superimposed at the center

*Kenya, Economy

Overview:

Kenya's 3.6% annual population growth rate - one of the highest in the world

- presents a serious problem for the country's economy. In the meantime, GDP

growth in the near term has kept slightly ahead of population - annually

averaging 4.9% in the 1986-90 period. Undependable weather conditions and a

shortage of arable land hamper long-term growth in agriculture, the leading

economic sector. In 1991, deficient rainfall, stagnant export volume, and

sagging export prices held economic growth below the all-important

population growth figure, and in 1992 output fell.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $8.3 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-1% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$320 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

30% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $2.4 billion; expenditures $2.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $0.74 billion (FY90)

Exports:

$1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

tea 25%, coffee 18%, petroleum products 11% (1990)

partners:

EC 44%, Africa 25%, Asia 5%, US 5%, Middle East 4% (1990)

Imports:

$2.05 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment 29%, petroleum and petroleum products

15%, iron and steel 7%, raw materials, food and consumer goods (1989)

partners:

EC 45%, Asia 11%, Middle East 12%, US 5% (1988)

External debt:

$7 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.4% (1989 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP

Electricity:

730,000 kW capacity; 2,540 million kWh produced, 100 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, batteries, textiles, soap,

cigarettes, flour), agricultural processing, oil refining, cement, tourism

Agriculture:

most important sector, accounting for 25% of GDP and 65% of exports; cash

crops - coffee, tea, sisal, pineapple; food products - corn, wheat,

sugarcane, fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, eggs;

food output not keeping pace with population growth, and crop production has

been extended into marginal land

Illicit drugs:

widespread wild, small-plot cultivation of marijuana and gat; most locally

consumed; transit country for Southwest Asian heroin moving to West Africa

and onward to Europe and North America; Indian methaqualone also transits on

way to South Africa

*Kenya, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $839 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7,490 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $74 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $83

million

Currency:

1 Kenyan shilling (KSh) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Kenyan shillings (KSh) per US$1 -36.227 (January 1993), 32.217 (1992),

27.508 (1991), 22.915 (1990), 20.572 (1989), 17.747 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Kenya, Communications

Railroads:

2,040 km 1.000-meter gauge

Highways:

64,590 km total; 7,000 km paved, 4,150 km gravel, remainder improved earth

Inland waterways:

part of Lake Victoria system is within boundaries of Kenya

Pipelines:

petroleum products 483 km

Ports:

coastal - Mombasa, Lamu; inland - Kisumu

Merchant marine:

1 oil tanker ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,727 GRT/5,558 DWT

Airports:

total:

247

usable:

208

with permanent-surface runways:

18

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

43

Telecommunications:

in top group of African systems; consists primarily of radio relay links;

over 260,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 16 AM; 4 FM, 6 TV; satellite

earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT

*Kenya, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary General Service Unit of the Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,912,744; fit for military service 3,654,738 (1993 est.);

no conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $294 million, 4.9% of GDP (FY88/89 est.)

*Kingman Reef, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Kingman Reef, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu, about

halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

1 km2

land area:

1 km2

comparative area:

about 1.7 times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, but moderated by prevailing winds

Terrain: low and nearly level with a maximum elevation of about 1 meter

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

barren coral atoll with deep interior lagoon; wet or awash most of the time

Note:

maximum elevation of about 1 meter makes this a navigational hazard; closed

to the public

*Kingman Reef, People

Population: uninhabited

*Kingman Reef, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Kingman Reef

Digraph:

KQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Kingman Reef, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Kingman Reef, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

lagoon was used as a halfway station between Hawaii and American Samoa by

Pan American Airways for flying boats in 1937 and 1938

*Kingman Reef, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Kiribati, Geography

Location:

Oceania, straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between

Hawaii and Australia

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

717 km2

land area:

717 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes three island groups - Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix

Islands

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,143 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; marine, hot and humid, moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly low-lying coral atolls surrounded by extensive reefs

Natural resources:

phosphate (production discontinued in 1979)

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

51%

meadows and pastures:

0% forest and woodland:

3%

other:

46%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

typhoons can occur any time, but usually November to March; 20 of the 33

islands are inhabited

Note:

Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati is one of the three great phosphate rock

islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Makatea in French Polynesia

and Nauru

*Kiribati, People

Population:

76,320 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.03% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

32.03 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.31 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

98.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

54.16 years

male:

52.56 years

female:

55.78 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.82 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

I-Kiribati (singular and plural)

adjective:

I-Kiribati

Ethnic divisions:

Micronesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 52.6%, Protestant (Congregational) 40.9%, Seventh-Day

Adventist, Baha'i, Church of God, Mormon 6% (1985)

Languages:

English (official), Gilbertese

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA% female:

NA%

Labor force:

7,870 economically active, not including subsistence farmers (1985 est.)

*Kiribati, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Kiribati

conventional short form:

Kiribati

former:

Gilbert Islands

Digraph:

KR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Tarawa

Administrative divisions:

3 units; Gilbert Islands, Line Islands, Phoenix Islands

note:

a new administrative structure of 6 districts (Banaba, Central Gilberts,

Line Islands, Northern Gilberts, Southern Gilberts, Tarawa) may have been

changed to 21 island councils (one for each of the inhabited islands) named

Abaiang, Abemama, Aranuka, Arorae, Banaba, Beru, Butaritari, Canton,

Kiritimati, Kuria, Maiana, Makin, Marakei, Nikunau, Nonouti, Onotoa,

Tabiteuea, Tabuaeran, Tamana, Tarawa, Teraina

Independence:

12 July 1979 (from UK)

Constitution:

12 July 1979

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

National Progressive Party, Teatao TEANNAKI; Christian Democratic Party,

Teburoro TITO; New Movement Party, leader NA; Liberal Party, Tewareka

TENTOA; Maneaba Party, Roniti TEIWAKI

note:

there is no tradition of formally organized political parties in Kiribati;

they more closely resemble factions or interest groups because they have no

party headquarters, formal platforms, or party structures

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 8 July 1991 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - Teatao

TEANNAKI 52%, Roniti TEIWAKI 28%

House of Assembly:

last held on 8 May 1991 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (40 total; 39 elected) percent of seats by party

NA

Executive branch:

president (Beretitenti), vice president (Kauoman-ni-Beretitenti), Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly (Maneaba Ni Maungatabu)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Teatao TEANNAKI (since 8 July 1991); Vice President Taomati IUTA

(since 8 July 1991)

*Kiribati, Government

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU,

SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

US diplomatic representation:

the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to Kiribati

Flag:

the upper half is red with a yellow frigate bird flying over a yellow rising

sun, and the lower half is blue with three horizontal wavy white stripes to

represent the ocean

*Kiribati, Economy

Overview:

The country has few national resources. Commercially viable phosphate

deposits were exhausted at the time of independence in 1979. Copra and fish

now represent the bulk of production and exports. The economy has fluctuated

widely in recent years. Real GDP declined about 8% in 1987, as the fish

catch fell sharply to only one-fourth the level of 1986 and copra production

was hampered by repeated rains. Output rebounded strongly in 1988, with real

GDP growing by 17%. The upturn in economic growth came from an increase in

copra production and a good fish catch. Following the strong surge in output

in 1988, GNP increased 1% in both 1989 and 1990.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $36.8 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$525 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.8% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $29.9 million; expenditures $16.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $14.0 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$5.8 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

copra 18%, fish 17%, seaweed 13%

partners:

EC 50%, Fiji 22%, US 18% (1990)

Imports:

$26.7 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery and equipment, miscellaneous manufactured goods, fuel

partners:

Australia 33%, Japan 24%, Fiji 19%, NZ 6%, US 6% (1990)

External debt:

$2 million (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0% (1988 est.); accounts for less than 4% of GDP

Electricity:

5,000 kW capacity; 13 million kWh produced, 190 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

fishing, handicrafts

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP (including fishing); copra and fish contribute about

95% to exports; subsistence farming predominates; food crops - taro,

breadfruit, sweet potatoes, vegetables; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$273 million

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

NA

*Kiribati, Communications

Highways:

640 km of motorable roads

Inland waterways:

small network of canals, totaling 5 km, in Line Islands

Ports:

Banaba and Betio (Tarawa)

Airports:

total:

21

useable:

20

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m :

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

1,400 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Kiribati, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police Force (carries out law enforcement functions and paramilitary duties;

there are small police posts on all islands); no military force is

maintained

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Korea, North, Geography

Location:

Northeast Asia, between China and South Korea

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

120,540 km2

land area:

120,410 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Mississippi

Land boundaries:

total 1,673 km, China 1,416 km, South Korea 238 km, Russia 19 km

Coastline:

2,495 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

military boundary line:

50 nm in the Sea of Japan and the exclusive economic zone limit in the

Yellow Sea where all foreign vessels and aircraft without permission are

banned

International disputes:

short section of boundary with China is indefinite; Demarcation Line with

South Korea

Climate:

temperate with rainfall concentrated in summer

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains separated by deep, narrow valleys; coastal plains

wide in west, discontinuous in east

Natural resources: coal, lead, tungsten, zinc, graphite, magnesite, iron ore, copper, gold,

pyrites, salt, fluorspar, hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

18%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

74%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

14,000 km2 (1989)

Environment:

mountainous interior is isolated, nearly inaccessible, and sparsely

populated; late spring droughts often followed by severe flooding

Note:

strategic location bordering China, South Korea, and Russia

*Korea, North, People

Population:

22,645,811 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.86% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.09 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

28.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.51 years

male:

66.42 years

female:

72.75 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Korean(s)

adjective:

Korean

Ethnic divisions:

racially homogeneous

Religions:

Buddhism and Confucianism, some Christianity and syncretic Chondogyo

note: autonomous religious activities now almost nonexistent; government-sponsored

religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom

Languages:

Korean

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

99%

male:

99%

female:

99%

Labor force:

9.615 million

by occupation:

agricultural 36%, nonagricultural 64%

note:

shortage of skilled and unskilled labor (mid-1987 est.)

*Korea, North, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Democratic People's Republic of Korea

conventional short form:

North Korea

local long form:

Choson-minjujuui-inmin-konghwaguk

local short form:

none

Abbreviation:

DPRK

Digraph:

KN

Type:

Communist state; Stalinist dictatorship

Capital:

P'yongyang

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 3 special cities* (jikhalsi,, singular and plural);

Chagang-do (Chagang Province), Hamgyong-bukto (North

Hamgyong Province), Hamgyong-namdo (South Hamgyong Province), Hwanghae-bukto

(North Hwanghae Province), Hwanghae-namdo (South Hwanghae Province),

Kaesong-si* (Kaesong City), Kangwon-do (Kangwon Province), Namp'o-si*, (Namp'o City),

P'yongan-bukto (North P'yongan Province), P'yongan-namdo

(South P'yongan Province), P'yongyang-si* (P'yongyang City), Yanggang-do, (Yanggang Province)

Independence:

9 September 1948

note:

15 August 1945, date of independence from the Japanese and celebrated in

North Korea as National Liberation Day

Constitution:

adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in April

1992

Legal system:

based on German civil law system with Japanese influences and Communist

legal theory; no judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

DPRK Foundation Day, 9 September (1948)

Political parties and leaders:

major party - Korean Workers' Party (KWP), KIM Il-song, general secretary,

and his son, KIM Chong-il, secretary, Central Committee; Korean Social

Democratic Party, KIM Yong-ho, vice-chairman; Chondoist Chongu Party, CHONG

Sin-hyok, chairman

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 24 May 1990 (next to be held by NA 1994); results - President KIM

Il-song was reelected without opposition

Supreme People's Assembly:

last held on 7-9 April 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (687 total) the KWP approves a single list of

candidates who are elected without opposition; minor parties hold a few

seats

Executive branch:

president, two vice presidents, premier, ten vice premiers, State

Administration Council (cabinet)

*Korea, North, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme People's Assembly (Ch'oego Inmin Hoeui)

Judicial branch:

Central Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President KIM Il-song (national leader since 1948, president since 28

December 1972); designated successor KIM Chong-il (son of president, born 16

February 1942)

Head of Government:

Premier KANG Song-san (since December 1992)

Member of:

ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, IFAD, IMF (observer), IMO, IOC, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

none

US diplomatic representation:

none

Flag:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red

band is edged in white; on the hoist side of the red band is a white disk

with a red five-pointed star

*Korea, North, Economy

Overview:

More than 90% of this command economy is socialized; agricultural land is

collectivized; and state-owned industry produces 95% of manufactured goods.

State control of economic affairs is unusually tight even for a Communist

country because of the small size and homogeneity of the society and the

strict rule of KIM Il-song and his son, KIM Chong-il. Economic growth during

the period 1984-88 averaged 2-3%, but output declined by 3-5% annually

during 1989-92 because of systemic problems and disruptions in

socialist-style economic relations with the former USSR and China. In 1992,

output dropped sharply, by perhaps 10-15%, as the economy felt the

cumulative effect of the reduction in outside support. The leadership

insisted in maintaining its high level of military outlays from a shrinking

economic pie. Moreover, a serious drawdown in inventories and critical

shortages in the energy sector have led to increasing interruptions in

industrial production. Abundant mineral resources and hydropower have formed

the basis of industrial development since WWII. Output of the extractive

industries includes coal, iron ore, magnesite, graphite, copper, zinc, lead,

and precious metals. Manufacturing is centered on heavy industry, including

military industry, with light industry lagging far behind. Despite the use

of improved seed varieties, expansion of irrigation, and the heavy use of

fertilizers, North Korea has not yet become self-sufficient in food

production. Five consecutive years of poor harvests, coupled with

distribution problems, have led to chronic food shortages. North Korea

remains far behind South Korea in economic development and living standards.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $22 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-10% to -15% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $18.5 billion; expenditures $18.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

minerals, metallurgical products, agricultural and fishery products,

manufactures (including armaments)

partners:

China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico

Imports:

$1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum, grain, coking coal, machinery and equipment, consumer goods

partners:

China, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore

External debt:

$8 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -15% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

7,300,000 kW capacity; 26,000 million kWh produced, 1,160 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Korea, North, Economy

Industries:

machine building, military products, electric power, chemicals, mining,

metallurgy, textiles, food processing

Agriculture:

accounts for about 25% of GNP and 36% of work force; principal crops - rice,

corn, potatoes, soybeans, pulses; livestock and livestock products - cattle,

hogs, pork, eggs; not self-sufficient in grain; fish catch estimated at 1.7

million metric tons in 1987

Economic aid:

Communist countries, $1.4 billion a year in the 1980s

Currency:

1 North Korean won (Wn) = 100 chon

Exchange rates:

North Korean won (Wn) per US$1 - 2.13 (May 1992), 2.14 (September 1991), 2.1

(January 1990), 2.3 (December 1989), 2.13 (December 1988), 0.94 (March 1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Korea, North, Communications

Railroads:

4,915 km total; 4,250 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 665 km 0.762-meter

narrow gauge; 159 km double track; 3,084 km electrified; government owned

(1989)

Highways:

about 30,000 km (1991); 92.5% gravel, crushed stone, or earth surface; 7.5%

paved

Inland waterways:

2,253 km; mostly navigable by small craft only

Pipelines:

crude oil 37 km

Ports:

primary - Ch'ongjin, Hungnam (Hamhung), Najin, Namp'o, Wonsan; secondary -

Haeju, Kimchaek, Kosong, Sinuiju, Songnim, Sonbong (formerly Unggi), Ungsang

Merchant marine:

80 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 675,666 GRT/1,057,815 DWT; includes 1

passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 67 cargo, 2 oil tanker,

5 bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 container

Airports:

total:

55

usable :

55 (est.)

with permanent-surface runways:

about 30

with runways over 3,659 m: fewer than 5

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

30

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 18 AM, no FM, 11 TV; 300,000 TV sets (1989); 3,500,000

radio receivers; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Korea, North, Defense Forces

Branches:

Korean People's Army (including the Army, Navy, Air Force), Civil Security

Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,567,684; fit for military service 3,996,893; reach

military age (18) annually 208,132 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - about $5 billion, 20-25% of GNP (1991 est.); note

- the officially announced but suspect figure is $1.9 billion (1991) 8% of

GNP (1991 est.)

*Korea, South, Geography

Location:

Northeast Asia, between North Korea and Japan

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

98,480 km2

land area:

98,190 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Indiana

Land boundaries:

total 238 km, North Korea 238 km

Coastline:

2,413 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm; 3 nm in the Korea Strait

International disputes:

Demarcation Line with North Korea; Liancourt Rocks claimed by Japan

Climate:

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Terrain:

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Natural resources:

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

21%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

67%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

13,530 km2 (1989)

Environment:

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; earthquakes in southwest;

air pollution in large cities

*Korea, South, People

Population:

44,613,993 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.05% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.72 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.16 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

22.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.29 years

male:

67.1 years

female:

73.68 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.64 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Korean(s)

adjective:

Korean

Ethnic divisions:

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Religions:

Christianity 48.6%, Buddhism 47.4%, Confucianism 3%, pervasive folk religion

(Shamanism), Chondogyo (religion of the heavenly way) 0.2%

Languages:

Korean, English widely taught in high school

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

96%

male:

99%

female:

94%

Labor force:

19 million

by occupation:

services and other 52%, mining and manufacturing 27%, agriculture, fishing,

forestry 21% (1991)

*Korea, South, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Korea

conventional short form:

South Korea

local long form:

Taehan-min'guk

local short form:

none

Abbreviation:

ROK

Digraph:

KS

Type:

republic

Capital:

Seoul

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural) and 6 special cities* (jikhalsi,, singular and plural);

Cheju-do, Cholla-bukto, Cholla-namdo,

Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Ch'ungch'ong-namdo, Inch'on-jikhalsi*, Kangwon-do,, Kwangju-jikhalsi*,,

Kyonggi-do, Kyongsang-bukto, Kyongsang-namdo,

Pusan-jikhalsi*, Soul-t'ukpyolsi*, Taegu-jikhalsi*, Taejon-jikhalsi*, Independence:

15 August 1948

Constitution:

25 February 1988

Legal system:

combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American

law, and Chinese classical thought

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 August (1948)

Political parties and leaders:

majority party:

Democratic Liberal Party (DLP), KIM Young Sam, president

opposition:

Democratic Party (DP), LEE Ki Taek, executive chairman; United People's

Party (UPP), CHUNG Ju Yung, chairman; several smaller parties

note:

the DLP resulted from a merger of the Democratic Justice Party (DJP),

Reunification Democratic Party (RDP), and New Democratic Republican Party

(NDRP) on 9 February 1990

Other political or pressure groups:

Korean National Council of Churches; National Democratic Alliance of Korea;

National Federation of Student Associations; National Federation of Farmers'

Associations; National Council of Labor Unions; Federation of Korean Trade

Unions; Korean Veterans' Association; Federation of Korean Industries;

Korean Traders Association

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 18 December 1992 (next to be held NA December 1997); results -

KIM Young Sam (DLP) 41.9%, KIM Dae Jung (DP) 33.8%, CHUNG Ju Yung (UPP)

16.3%, other 8%

*Korea, South, Government

National Assembly:

last held on 24 March 1992; results - DLP 38.5%, DP 29.2%, Unification

National Party (UNP) 17.3% (name later changed to UPP), other 15%; seats -

(299 total) DLP 149, DP 97, UNP 31, other 22; the distribution of seats as

of May 1993 was DLP 167, DP 95, UPP 14, other 23

note:

the change in the distribution of seats reflects the fluidity of the current

situation where party members are constantly switching from one party to

another

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, State Council

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Kuk Hoe)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President KIM Young Sam (since 25 February 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister HWANG In Sung (since 25 February 1993); Deputy Prime Minister

LEE Kyung Shick (since 25 February 1993) and Deputy Prime Minister HAN Wan

Sang (since 25 February 1993)

Member of:

AfDB, APEC, AsDB, CCC, COCOM (cooperating country), CP, EBRD, ESCAP, FAO,

G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS (observer), UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador HAN Seung Soo

chancery:

2370 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-5600

consulates general: Agana (Guam), Anchorage, Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles,

New York, San Francisco, and Seattle

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant), Charge d'Affaires Raymond BURGHARDT

embassy:

82 Sejong-Ro, Chongro-ku, Seoul, AMEMB, Unit 15550

mailing address:

APO AP 96205-0001

telephone:

[82] (2) 732-2601 through 2618

FAX:

[82] (2) 738-8845

consulate:

Pusan

Flag:

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a

different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each

corner of the white field

*Korea, South, Economy

Overview:

The driving force behind the economy's dynamic growth has been the planned

development of an export-oriented economy in a vigorously entrepreneurial

society. Real GNP increased more than 10% annually between 1986 and 1991.

This growth ultimately led to an overheated situation characterized by a

tight labor market, strong inflationary pressures, and a rapidly rising

current account deficit. As a result, in 1992, focusing attention on slowing

the growth rate of inflation and reducing the deficit is leading to a

slow-down in growth. The economy remains the envy of the great majority of

the world's peoples.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $287 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2.4% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $48.4 billion; expenditures $48.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993)

Exports:

$76.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

textiles, clothing, electronic and electrical equipment, footwear,

machinery, steel, automobiles, ships, fish

partners:

US 24%, Japan 15% (1992)

Imports:

$81.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport

equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains

partners:

Japan 24%, US 22% (1992)

External debt:

$42 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.0% (1992 est.); accounts for about 45% of GNP

Electricity:

24,000,000 kW capacity; 105,000 million kWh produced, 2,380 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, clothing, footwear, food processing, chemicals, steel,

electronics, automobile production, shipbuilding

Agriculture:

accounts for 8% of GNP and employs 21% of work force (including fishing and

forestry); principal crops - rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit;

livestock and livestock products - cattle, hogs, chickens, milk, eggs;

self-sufficient in food, except for wheat; fish catch of 2.9 million metric

tons, seventh-largest in world

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.9 billion; non-US countries

(1970-89), $3.0 billion

Currency:

1 South Korean won (W) = 100 chon (theoretical)

*Korea, South, Economy

Exchange rates:

South Korean won (W) per US$1 - 791.99 (January 1993), 780.65 (1992), 733.35

(1991), 707.76 (1990), 671.46 (1989), 731.47 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Korea, South, Communications

Railroads:

3,091 km total (1991); 3,044 km 1.435 meter standard gauge, 47 km

0.610-meter narrow gauge, 847 km double track; 525 km electrified,

government owned

Highways:

63,201 km total (1991); 1,551 expressways, 12,190 km national highway,

49,460 km provincial and local roads

Inland waterways:

1,609 km; use restricted to small native craft

Pipelines:

petroleum products 455 km

Ports:

Pusan, Inchon, Kunsan, Mokpo, Ulsan

Merchant marine:

431 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,689,227 GRT/11,016,014 DWT;

includes 2 short-sea passenger, 138 cargo, 61 container, 11 refrigerated

cargo, 9 vehicle carrier, 45 oil tanker, 12 chemical tanker, 13 liquefied

gas, 2 combination ore/oil, 135 bulk, 2 combination bulk, 1 multifunction

large-load carrier

Airports:

total:

103

usable:

93

with permanent-surface runways:

59

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

22

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

18

Telecommunications:

excellent domestic and international services; 13,276,449 telephone

subscribers; broadcast stations - 79 AM, 46 FM, 256 TV (57 of 1 kW or

greater); satellite earth stations - 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian

Ocean INTELSAT

*Korea, South, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 13,286,969; fit for military service 8,542,640; reach

military age (18) annually 432,434 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $12.2 billion, 3.6% of GNP (1993 est.)

*Kuwait, Geography

Location:

Middle East, at the head of the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

17,820 km2

land area:

17,820 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 464 km, Iraq 242 km, Saudi Arabia 222 km

Coastline:

499 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf: not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

in April 1991 Iraq officially accepted UN Security Council Resolution 687,

which demands that Iraq accept the inviolability of the boundary set forth

in its 1963 agreement with Kuwait, ending earlier claims to Bubiyan and

Warbah Islands, or to all of Kuwait; the 20 May 1993 final report of the UN

Iraq/Kuwait Boundary Demarcation Commission was welcomed by the Security

Council in Resolution 833 of 27 May 1993, which also reaffirmed that the

decisions of the commission on the boundary were final, bringing to a

completion the official demarcation of the Iraq-Kuwait boundary; Iraqi

officials still make public statements claiming Kuwait; ownership of Qaruh

and Umm al Maradim Islands disputed by Saudi Arabia

Climate:

dry desert; intensely hot summers; short, cool winters

Terrain:

flat to slightly undulating desert plain

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, shrimp, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

8%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

92%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities

provide most of water; air and water pollution; desertification

Note:

strategic location at head of Persian Gulf

*Kuwait, People

Population:

1,698,077 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

8.67% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

30.29 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

2.39 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

58.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

13.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population:

74.62 years

male:

72.47 years

female:

76.87 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.11 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Kuwaiti(s)

adjective:

Kuwaiti

Ethnic divisions:

Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%

Religions:

Muslim 85% (Shi'a 30%, Sunni 45%, other 10%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and

other 15%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English widely spoken

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

73%

male:

77%

female:

67%

Labor force:

566,000 (1986)

by occupation:

services 45.0%, construction 20.0%, trade 12.0%, manufacturing 8.6%, finance

and real estate 2.6%, agriculture 1.9%, power and water 1.7%, mining and

quarrying 1.4%

note:

70% of labor force was non-Kuwaiti (1986)

*Kuwait, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

State of Kuwait

conventional short form:

Kuwait

local long form:

Dawlat al Kuwayt

local short form:

Al Kuwayt

Digraph:

KU

Type:

nominal constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Kuwait

Administrative divisions:

5 governorates (mu'hafaz'at, singular - muh'afaz'ah); Al Ah'madi, Al Jahrah,

Al Kuwayt, 'Hawalli; Farwaniyah

Independence:

19 June 1961 (from UK)

Constitution:

16 November 1962 (some provisions suspended since 29 August 1962)

Legal system:

civil law system with Islamic law significant in personal matters; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 25 February

Political parties and leaders:

none

Other political or pressure groups:

40,000 Palestinian community; small, clandestine leftist and Shi'a

fundamentalist groups are active; several groups critical of government

policies are active

Suffrage:

adult males who resided in Kuwait before 1920 and their male descendants at

age 21

note:

out of all citizens, only 10% are eligible to vote and only 5% actually vote

Elections:

National Assembly:

dissolved 3 July 1986; new elections were held on 5 October 1992 with a

second election in the 14th and 16th constituencies scheduled for 15

February 1993

Executive branch:

amir, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Majlis al 'umma) dissolved 3 July 1986;

elections for new Assembly held 5 October 1992

Judicial branch:

High Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Amir Shaykh JABIR al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah (since 31 December 1977)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister and Crown Prince SA'D al-'Abdallah al-Salim al-Sabah (since 8

February 1978); Deputy Prime Minister SABAH al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah

(since 17 October 1992)

*Kuwait, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, BDEAC, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GATT, GCC, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Muhammad al-Sabah al-Salim al-SABAH

chancery: 2940 Tilden Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 966-0702

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edward (Skip) GNEHM, Jr.

embassy:

Bneid al-Gar (opposite the Kuwait International Hotel), Kuwait City

mailing address:

P.O. Box 77 SAFAT, 13001 SAFAT, Kuwait; APO AE 09880

telephone:

[965] 242-4151 through 4159

FAX:

[956] 244-2855

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and red with a black

trapezoid based on the hoist side

*Kuwait, Economy

Overview:

Kuwait is a small and relatively open economy with proven crude oil reserves

of about 94 billion barrels - 10% of world reserves. Kuwait is rebuilding

its war-ravaged petroleum sector and the increase in crude oil production to

nearly 2.0 million barrels per day by the end of 1992 led to an enormous

increase in GDP for the year. The government ran a cumulative fiscal deficit

of approximately $70 billion over its last two fiscal years, reducing its

foreign asset position and increasing its public debt to roughly $40

billion. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP and over 90% of export

and government revenue.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $15.3 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

80% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$11,100 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NEGL% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $7.1 billion; expenditures $10.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3.1 billion (FY88)

Exports:

$750 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

oil

partners:

France 16%, Italy 15%, Japan 12%, UK 11%

Imports:

$4.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

food, construction materials, vehicles and parts, clothing

partners: US 35%, Japan 12%, UK 9%, Canada 9%

External debt:

$7.2 billion (December 1989 est.)

note:

external debt has grown substantially in 1991 and 1992 to pay for

restoration of war damage

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for NA% of GDP

Electricity:

6,873,000 kW available out of 7,398,000 kW capacity due to Persian Gulf war;

12,264 million kWh produced, 8,890 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

petroleum, petrochemicals, desalination, food processing, building

materials, salt, construction

Agriculture:

practically none; dependent on imports for food; about 75% of potable water

must be distilled or imported

Economic aid:

donor - pledged $18.3 billion in bilateral aid to less developed countries

(1979-89)

Currency:

1 Kuwaiti dinar (KD) = 1,000 fils

Exchange rates:

Kuwaiti dinars (KD) per US$1 - 0.3044 (January 1993), 0.2934 (1992), 0.2843

(1991), 0.2915 (1990), 0.2937 (1989), 0.2790 (1988)

*Kuwait, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

*Kuwait, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

3,900 km total; 3,000 km bituminous; 900 km earth, sand, light gravel

Pipelines:

crude oil 877 km; petroleum products 40 km; natural gas 165 km

Ports:

Ash Shu'aybah, Ash Shuwaykh, Mina' al 'Ahmadi

Merchant marine:

42 ships (1,000 GRT or over), totaling 1,996,052 GRT/3,373,088 DWT; includes

7 cargo, 4 livestock carrier, 24 oil tanker, 4 liquefied gas, 3 container

Airports:

total:

7

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m: 0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

civil network suffered extensive damage as a result of Desert Storm and

reconstruction is still under way with some restored international and

domestic capabilities; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 0 FM, 3 TV; satellite

earth stations - destroyed during Persian Gulf War and not rebuilt yet;

temporary mobile satellite ground stations provide international

telecommunications; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia;

service to Iraq is nonoperational

*Kuwait, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Police Force, National Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 498,254; fit for military service 298,865; reach military

age (18) annually 14,459 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion, 7.3% of GDP (FY92/93)

*Kyrgyzstan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, between China and Kazakhstan

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

198,500 km2

land area:

191,300 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total 3,878 km, China 858 km, Kazakhstan 1,051 km, Tajikistan 870 km,

Uzbekistan 1,099 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

territorial dispute with Tajikistan on southern boundary in Isfara Valley

area

Climate:

dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan; subtropical in south (Fergana

Valley)

Terrain: peaks of Tien Shan rise to 7,000 meters, and associated valleys and basins

encompass entire nation

Natural resources:

small amounts of coal, natural gas, oil, nepheline, rare earth metals,

mercury, bismuth, gold, lead, zinc, hydroelectric power

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

10,320 km2 (1990)

Environment:

NA

Note:

landlocked

*Kyrgyzstan, People

Population:

4,625,954 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.56% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.69 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.45 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

47.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.71 years

male:

63.47 years

female:

72.15 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.39 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Kirghiz(s)

adjective:

Kirghiz

Ethnic divisions:

Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 21.5%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian 2.5%, German 2.4%,

other 8.3%

Religions:

Muslim 70%, Russian Orthodox NA%

Languages:

Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - official language, Russian

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

1.748 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 33%, industry and construction 28%, other 39%

(1990)

*Kyrgyzstan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Kyrgyzstan

conventional short form:

Kyrgyzstan

local long form:

Kyrgyzstan Respublikasy

local short form:

none

former:

Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

KG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Bishkek (Frunze)

Administrative divisions:

6 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Chu, Jalal-Abad, Ysyk-Kul', Naryn,

Osh, Talas

Independence:

31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted 5 May 1993

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

National Day, 2 December

Political parties and leaders:

Kyrgyz Democratic Movement, Kazat AKMAKOV, chairman; Civic Accord, Coalition

representing nonnative minority groups; National Revived Asaba (Banner)

Party, Asan ORMUSHEV, chairman; Communist Party was banned but has

registered as political party 18 September 1992

Other political or pressure groups: National Unity Democratic Movement; Peasant Party; Council of

Free Trade

Unions; Union of Entrepreneurs

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 12 October 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Askar AKAYEV

won in uncontested election with 95% of vote with 90% of electorate voting;

note - president elected by Supreme Soviet 28 October 1990, then by popular

vote 12 October 1991

Zhogorku Keneshom:

last held 25 February 1990 for the Supreme Soviet (next to be held no later

than NA November 1994 for the Zhgorku Keneshom); results - Commnunists 90%;

seats - (350 total) Communists 310

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet of Ministers, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Zhogorku Keneshom

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Askar AKAYEV (since 28 October 1990); Vice President Feliks KULOV

(since 12 October 1992)

*Kyrgyzstan, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Tursenbek CHYNGYSHEV (since 2 March 1992); Deputy Prime

Minister Abdygani ERKEBAYEV; Supreme Soviet Chairman Medetkan SHERIMKULOV

(since NA)

Member of:

CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, IDA, ILO, IMF, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roza OTUNBAYEVA

chancery:

1511 K Street, NW, Washington, DC

telephone:

(202) 347-5029

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edward HURWITZ

embassy:

(temporary) Erkindik Prospekt #66, Bishkek

mailing address:

APO AE 09721

telephone:

7-3312 22-26-93, 22-35-51, 22-29-20

FAX:

7-3312 22-35-51

Flag:

red field with a yellow sun in the center having 40 rays representing the 40

Krygyz tribes; on the obverse side the rays run counterclockwise, on the

reverse, clockwise; in the center of the sun is a red ring crossed by two

sets of three lines, a stylized representation of the roof of the

traditional Kyrgyz yurt

*Kyrgyzstan, Economy

Overview:

Kyrgyzstan's small economy (less than 1% of the total for the former Soviet

Union) is oriented toward agriculture, producing mainly livestock such as

goats and sheep, as well as cotton, grain, and tobacco. Industry,

concentrated around Bishkek, produces small quantities of electric motors,

livestock feeding equipment, washing machines, furniture, cement, paper, and

bricks. Mineral extraction is small, the most important minerals being coal,

rare earth metals and gold. Kyrgyzstan is a net importer of many types of

food and fuel but is a net exporter of electricity. In 1992, the Kirghiz

leadership made progress on reform, primarily by privatizing business,

granting life-long tenure to farmers, and freeing most prices. Nonetheless,

in 1992 overall industrial and livestock output declined because of acute

fuel shortages and a widespread lack of spare parts.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-25% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

29% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.1% includes officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of

underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

wool, chemicals, cotton, ferrous and nonferrous metals, shoes, machinery,

tobacco

partners:

Russia 70%, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and others

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

lumber, industrial products, ferrous metals, fuel, machinery, textiles,

footwear

partners:

other CIS republics

External debt:

$650 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA% (1992)

Electricity:

4,100,000 kW capacity; 11,800 million kWh produced, 2,551 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

small machinery, textiles, food-processing industries, cement, shoes, sawn

logs, refrigerators, furniture, electric motors, gold, and rare earth metals

Agriculture:

wool, tobacco, cotton, livestock (sheep, goats, cattle), vegetables, meat,

grapes, fruits and berries, eggs, milk, potatoes

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication program; used as transshipment point for illicit

drugs to Western Europel

Economic aid:

$300 million official and commitments by foreign donors (1992)

*Kyrgyzstan, Economy

Currency:

introduced national currency, the som (10 May 1993)

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Kyrgyzstan, Communications

Railroads:

370 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

30,300 km total; 22,600 km paved or graveled, 7,700 km earth(1990)

Pipelines:

natural gas 200 km

Ports:

none; landlocked

Airports:

total:

52

useable:

27

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

13

Telecommunications:

poorly developed; 56 telephones per 1000 persons (December 1990);

connections with other CIS countries by landline or microwave and with other

countries by leased connections with Moscow international gateway switch;

satellite earth stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only); new

intelsat earth station provide TV receive-only capability for Turkish

broadcasts

*Kyrgyzstan, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border troops), Civil Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,093,694; fit for military service 890,961 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Laos, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, between Vietnam and Thailand

Map references:

Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

236,800 km2

land area:

230,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Utah

Land boundaries:

total 5,083 km, Burma 235 km, Cambodia 541 km, China 423 km, Thailand 1,754

km, Vietnam 2,130 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

boundary dispute with Thailand

Climate:

tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to

April)

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains; some plains and plateaus

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower, gypsum, tin, gold, gemstones

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

58%

other:

35%

Irrigated land:

1,200 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation; soil erosion; subject to floods

Note:

landlocked

*Laos, People

Population:

4,569,327 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.86% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

15.22 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

104.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

51.18 years

male:

49.67 years

female:

52.77 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Lao(s) or Laotian(s)

adjective:

Lao or Laotian

Ethnic divisions:

Lao 50%, Phoutheung (Kha) 15%, tribal Thai 20%, Meo, Hmong, Yao, and other

15%

Religions:

Buddhist 85%, animist and other 15%

Languages:

Lao (official), French, English

Literacy:

age 15-45 can read and write (1985)

total population:

84%

male:

92%

female:

76%

Labor force:

1-1.5 million

by occupation:

agriculture 85-90% (est.)

*Laos, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Lao People's Democratic Republic

conventional short form:

Laos

local long form:

Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao

local short form:

none

Digraph:

LA

Type:

Communist state

Capital:

Vientiane

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces (khoueng, singular and plural) and 1 municipality* (kampheng, nakhon, singular and

plural); Attapu, Bokeo, Bolikhamsai, Champasak,

Houaphan, Khammouan, Louang Namtha, Louangphrabang, Oudomxai, Phongsali,

Saravan, Savannakhet, Sekong, Vientiane, Vientiane*, Xaignabouri,, Xiangkhoang

Independence:

19 July 1949 (from France)

Constitution:

promulgated August 1991

Legal system:

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

National holiday:

National Day, 2 December (1975) (proclamation of the Lao People's Democratic

Republic)

Political parties and leaders:

Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), KHAMTAI Siphandon, party president;

includes Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC); other parties moribund

Other political or pressure groups:

non-Communist political groups moribund; most leaders fled the country in

1975

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Third National Assembly:

last held on 20 December 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (85 total) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

president, prime minister and two deputy prime ministers, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President NOUHAK Phoumsavan (since 25 November 1992)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Gen. KHAMTAI Siphandon (since 15 August 1991)

Member of:

ACCT (associate), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

*Laos, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador HIEM Phommachanh

chancery:

2222 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-6416 or 6417

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles B. SALMON, Jr.

embassy:

Rue Bartholonie, Vientiane

mailing address:

B. P. 114, Vientiane, or AMEMB, Box V, APO AP 96546

telephone:

(856) 2220, 2357, 2384

FAX:

(856) 4675

Flag:

three horizontal bands of red (top), blue (double width), and red with a

large white disk centered in the blue band

*Laos, Economy

Overview:

One of the world's poorest nations, Laos has had a Communist centrally

planned economy with government ownership and control of productive

enterprises of any size. In recent years, however, the government has been

decentralizing control and encouraging private enterprise. Laos is a

landlocked country with a primitive infrastructure; that is, it has no

railroads, a rudimentary road system, limited external and internal

telecommunications, and electricity available in only a limited area.

Subsistence agriculture is the main occupation, accounting for over 60% of

GDP and providing about 85-90% of total employment. The predominant crop is

rice. For the foreseeable future the economy will continue to depend for its

survival on foreign aid from the IMF and other international sources; aid

from the former USSR and Eastern Europe has been cut sharply.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $900 million (1991)

National product real growth rate:

4% (1991)

National product per capita:

$200 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 10% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

21% (1989 est.)

Budget:

revenues $83 million; expenditures $188.5 million, including capital

expenditures of $94 million (1990 est.)

Exports:

$72 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

electricity, wood products, coffee, tin

partners:

Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, USSR, US, China

Imports:

$238 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)

commodities:

food, fuel oil, consumer goods, manufactures

partners:

Thailand, USSR, Japan, France, Vietnam, China

External debt:

$1.1 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 12% (1991 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1991 est.)

Electricity:

226,000 kW capacity; 990 million kWh produced, 220 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tin and gypsum mining, timber, electric power, agricultural processing,

construction

Agriculture:

accounts for 60% of GDP and employs most of the work force; subsistence

farming predominates; normally self-sufficient in nondrought years;

principal crops - rice (80% of cultivated land), sweet potatoes, vegetables,

corn, coffee, sugarcane, cotton; livestock - buffaloes, hogs, cattle,

poultry

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, opium poppy for the international drug trade,

third-largest opium producer

*Laos, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-79), $276 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $605 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $995 million

Currency:

1 new kip (NK) = 100 at

Exchange rates:

new kips (NK) per US$1 - 710 (May 1992), 710 (December 1991), 700 (September

1990), 576 (1989), 385 (1988), 200 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Laos, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

about 27,527 km total; 1,856 km bituminous or bituminous treated; 7,451 km

gravel, crushed stone, or improved earth; 18,220 km unimproved earth and

often impassable during rainy season mid-May to mid-September

Inland waterways:

about 4,587 km, primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional

kilometers are sectionally navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m

Pipelines:

petroleum products 136 km

Ports:

none

Airports:

total:

54

usable:

41

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

15

Telecommunications:

service to general public practically non-existant; radio communications

network provides generally erratic service to government users; 7,390

telephones (1986); broadcast stations - 10 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 satellite

earth station

*Laos, Defense Forces

Branches:

Lao People's Army (LPA; including naval, aviation, and militia elements),

Air Force, National Police Department

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 980,274; fit for military service 528,450; reach military

age (18) annually 43,849 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Latvia, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering on the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Russia

Map references:

Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area: 64,100 km2

land area:

64,100 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total 1,078 km, Belarus 141 km, Estonia 267 km, Lithuania 453 km, Russia 217

km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

the Abrene section of border ceded by the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

to Russia in 1944

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

low plain

Natural resources:

minimal; amber, peat, limestone, dolomite

Land use:

arable land:

27%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

13%

forest and woodland:

39%

other:

21%

Irrigated land:

160 km2 (1990)

Environment:

heightened levels of air and water pollution because of a lack of waste

conversion equipment; Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted;

contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products

at military bases

*Latvia, People

Population:

2,735,573 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.5% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.73 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate: 3.72 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

22 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.23 years

male:

64.15 years

female:

74.55 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Latvian(s)

adjective:

Latvian

Ethnic divisions:

Latvian 51.8%, Russian 33.8%, Belarusian 4.5%, Ukrainian 3.4%, Polish 2.3%,

other 4.2%

Religions:

Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox

Languages:

Latvian (official), Lithuanian, Russian, other

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

1.407 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 16%, other 43%

(1990)

*Latvia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Latvia

conventional short form:

Latvia

local long form:

Latvijas Republika

local short form:

Latvija

former:

Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

LG

Type: republic

Capital:

Riga

Administrative divisions:

none (all districts are under direct republic jurisdiction)

Independence:

6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted NA May 1922, considering rewriting constitution

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 November (1918)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Labor Party of Latvia, Juris BOJARS, chairman; Inter-Front of the

Working People of Latvia, Igor LOPATIN, chairman (Inter-Front was banned

after the coup); Latvian National Movement for Independence, Eduards

BERKLAVS, chairman; Latvian Democratic Party, Janis DINEVICS, chairman;

Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party, Uldis BERZINS, chairman; Latvian

People's Front, Uldis AUGST-KALNS, chairman; Latvian Liberal Party, Georg

LANSMANIS, chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held October 1988 (next to be held NA); note - Anatolijs V. GORBUNOVS

elected by Supreme Soviet; elected to restyled post of Chairman of the

Supreme Council on 3 May 1990; new elections have not been scheduled

Supreme Council:

last held 18 March 1990 for the Supreme Soviet (next to be held 5-6 June

1993 for the Saeima); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (234

total) Latvian Communist Party 59, Latvian Democratic Workers Party 31,

Social Democratic Party of Latvia 4, Green Party of Latvia 7, Latvian

Farmers Union 7, Latvian Popular Front 126; note - the Supreme Council is an

interim 201-seats legislative body; a new parliament or Saiema to be elected

in June 1993

Congress of Latvia:

last held April 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (231 total) number of seats by party NA; note - the

Congress of Latvia is a quasi-governmental structure

Executive branch:

Chairman of Supreme Council (president), prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council

*Latvia, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Chairman Supreme Council Anatolijs V. GORBUNOVS (since NA October 1988)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Ivars GODMANIS (since NA May 1990)

Member of:

CBSS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, ILO, IMF, IOM (observer), ITU,

NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ojars KALNINS

chancery:

4325 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone:

(202) 726-8213 and 8214

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ints M, SILINS;

embassy:

Raina Boulevard 7, Riga 226050

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

0-11 [358] (49) 311-348 (cellular)

FAX:

[358] (49) 314-665 (cellular), (7) (01-32) 220-502

note:

dialing to the Baltics still requires use of an international operator,

unless you use the cellular phone lines

Flag:

two horizontal bands of maroon (top and bottom), white (middle, narrower

than other two bands)

*Latvia, Economy

Overview:

Latvia is in the process of reforming the centrally planned economy

inherited from the former USSR into a market economy. Prices have been

freed, and privatization of shops and farms has begun. Latvia lacks natural

resources, aside from its arable land and small forests. Its most valuable

economic asset is its work force, which is better educated and disciplined

than in most of the former Soviet republics. Industrial production is highly

diversified, with products ranging from agricultural machinery to consumer

electronics. One conspicuous vulnerability: Latvia produces only 10% of its

electric power needs. Latvia in the near term must retain key commercial

ties to Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine while moving in the long run toward

joint ventures with technological support from, and trade ties to the West.

Because of the efficiency of its mostly individual farms, Latvians enjoy a

diet that is higher in meat, vegetables, and dairy products and lower in

grain and potatoes than diets in the 12 non-Baltic republics of the former

USSR. Good relations with Russia are threatened by animosity between ethnic

Russians (34% of the population) and native Latvians. The cumulative

difficulties in replacing old sources of supply and old markets, together

with the phasing out of the Russian ruble as the medium of exchange, help

account for the sharp 30% drop in GDP in 1992.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-30% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (March 1993); but large numbers of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

External debt:

$650 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -35% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

2,140,000 kW capacity; 5,800 million kWh produced, 2,125 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

employs 33% of labor force; highly diversified; dependent on imports for

energy, raw materials, and intermediate products; produces buses, vans,

street and railroad cars, synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery,

fertilizers, washing machines, radios, electronics, pharmaceuticals,

processed foods, textiles

*Latvia, Economy

Agriculture:

employs 16% of labor force; principally dairy farming and livestock feeding;

products - meat, milk, eggs, grain, sugar beets, potatoes, vegetables;

fishing and fish packing

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to

Western Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domestic

consumption; also produces illicit amphetamines for export

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 lat = 100 NA; introduced NA March 1993

Exchange rates:

lats per US$1 - 1.32 (March 1993)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Latvia, Communications

Railroads:

2,400 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

59,500 km total; 33,000 km hard surfaced 26,500 km earth (1990)

Inland waterways:

300 km perennially navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 750 km, refined products 780 km, natural gas 560 km (1992)

Ports:

coastal - Riga, Ventspils, Liepaja; inland - Daugavpils

Merchant marine:

96 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 905,006 GRT/1,178,844 DWT; includes 14

cargo, 27 refrigerated cargo, 2 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 44 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

50

useable:

15

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

7

Telecommunications:

NMT-450 analog cellular network is operational covering Riga, Ventspils,

Daugavpils, Rezekne, and Valmiera; broadcast stations - NA; international

traffic carried by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway

switch and through new independent international automatic telephone

exchange in Riga and the Finnish cellular net

*Latvia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Security Forces (internal and border

troops), Border Guard, Home Guard (Zemessardze)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 648,273; fit for military service 511,297; reach military

age (18) annually 18,767 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

176 million rubles, 3-5% of GDP; note - conversion of the military budget

into US$ using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results

*Lebanon, Header

Note:

Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions and

regaining its national sovereignty since the end of the devastating 16-year

civil war in October 1990. Under the Ta'if accord - the blueprint for

national reconciliation - the Lebanese have established a more equitable

political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the

political process. Since December 1990, the Lebanese have formed three

cabinets and conducted the first legislative election in 20 years. Most of

the militias have been weakened or disbanded. The Lebanese Armed Forces

(LAF) has seized vast quantities of weapons used by the militias during the

war and extended central government authority over about one-half of the

country. Hizballah, the radical Sh'ia party, is the only significant group

that retains most of its weapons. Foreign forces still occupy areas of

Lebanon. Israel continues to support a proxy militia, The Army of South

Lebanon (ASL), along a narrow stretch of territory contiguous to its border.

The ASL's enclave encompasses this self-declared security zone and about 20

kilometers north to the strategic town of Jazzine. As of December 1992,

Syria maintained about 30,000 troops in Lebanon. These troops are based

mainly in Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley. Syria's deployment

was legitimized by the Arab League early in Lebanon's civil war and in the

Ta'if accord. Citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests,

and failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the

constitutional reforms in the Ta'if accord, Damascus has so far refused to

withdraw its troops from Beirut.

*Lebanon, Geography

Location:

Middle East, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Syria

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

10,400 km2

land area:

10,230 km2

comparative area:

about 0.8 times the size of Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total 454 km, Israel 79 km, Syria 375 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Israeli troops in southern

Lebanon since June 1982; Syrian troops in northern, central, and eastern

Lebanon since October 1976

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool, wet winters with hot, dry summers; Lebanon

mountians experience heavy winter snows

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain; Al Biqa' (Bekaa Valley) separates Lebanon and

Anti-Lebanon Mountains

Natural resources: limestone, iron ore, salt, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region

Land use:

arable land:

21%

permanent crops:

9%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

8%

other:

61%

Irrigated land:

860 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

rugged terrain historically helped isolate, protect, and develop numerous

factional groups based on religion, clan, ethnicity; deforestation; soil

erosion; air and water pollution; desertification

Note:

Nahr al Litani only major river in Near East not crossing an international

boundary

*Lebanon, People

Population:

3,552,369 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.81% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

27.86 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.66 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

41 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.01 years

male:

66.63 years

female:

71.52 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Lebanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Lebanese

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 95%, Armenian 4%, other 1%

Religions:

Islam 70% (5 legally recognized Islamic groups - Alawite or Nusayri, Druze,

Isma'ilite, Shi'a, Sunni), Christian 30% (11 legally recognized Christian

groups - 4 Orthodox Christian, 6 Catholic, 1 Protestant), Judaism NEGL%

Languages:

Arabic (official), French (official), Armenian, English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

80%

male:

88%

female:

73%

Labor force:

650,000

by occupation:

industry, commerce, and services 79%, agriculture 11%, government 10% (1985)

*Lebanon, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Lebanon

conventional short form:

Lebanon

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Lubnaniyah

local short form:

none

Digraph:

LE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Beirut

Administrative divisions:

5 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Biqa, 'Al Janub, Ash

Shamal, Bayrut, Jabal Lubnan

Independence:

22 November 1943 (from League of Nations mandate under French

administration)

Constitution:

26 May 1926 (amended)

Legal system:

mixture of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law; no

judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 November (1943)

Political parties and leaders:

political party activity is organized along largely sectarian lines;

numerous political groupings exist, consisting of individual political

figures and followers motivated by religious, clan, and economic

considerations

Suffrage: 21 years of age; compulsory for all males; authorized for women at age 21

with elementary education

Elections:

National Assembly:

Lebanon's first legislative election in 20 years was held in the summer of

1992; the National Assembly is composed of 128 deputies, one-half Christian

and one-half Muslim; its mandate expires in 1996

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet; note - by custom, the president is a

Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of

the legislature is a Shi'a Muslim

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Arabic - Majlis Alnuwab, French - Assemblee

Nationale)

Judicial branch:

four Courts of Cassation (three courts for civil and commercial cases and

one court for criminal cases)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ilyas HARAWI (since 24 November 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Rafiq HARIRI (since 22 October 1992)

*Lebanon, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Simon KARAM

chancery:

2560 28th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-6300

consulates general:

Detroit, New York, and Los Angeles

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ryan C. CROCKER

mailing embassy:

Antelias, Beirut

address:

P. O. Box 70-840, Beirut, or Box B, FPO AE 09836

telephone:

[961] 417774 or 415802, 415803, 402200, 403300

Flag:

three horizontal bands of red (top), white (double width), and red with a

green and brown cedar tree centered in the white band

*Lebanon, Economy

Overview:

Since 1975 civil war has seriously damaged Lebanon's economic

infrastructure, cut national output by half, and all but ended Lebanon's

position as a Middle Eastern entrepot and banking hub. Following October

1990, however, a tentative peace has enabled the central government to begin

restoring control in Beirut, collect taxes, and regain access to key port

and government facilities. The battered economy has also been propped up by

a financially sound banking system and resilient small- and medium-scale

manufacturers. Family remittances, banking transactions, manufactured and

farm exports, the narcotics trade, and international emergency aid are main

sources of foreign exchange. In the relatively settled year of 1991,

industrial production, agricultural output, and exports showed substantial

gains. The further rebuilding of the war-ravaged country was delayed in 1992

because of an upturn in political wrangling. Hope for restoring economic

momentum in 1993 rests with the new, business-oriented Prime Minister

HARIRI.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.8 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$1,400 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

100% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

35% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $533 million; expenditures $1.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)

Exports:

$490 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

agricultural products, chemicals, textiles, precious and semiprecious metals

and jewelry, metals and metal products

partners:

Saudi Arabia 21%, Switzerland 9.5%, Jordan 6%, Kuwait 12%, US 5%

Imports:

$3.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

Consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, petroleum products

partners:

Italy 14%, France 12%, US 6%, Turkey 5%, Saudi Arabia 3%

External debt:

$400 million (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

1,300,000 kW capacity; 3,413 million kWh produced, 990 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

banking, food processing, textiles, cement, oil refining, chemicals,

jewelry, some metal fabricating

Agriculture:

accounts for about one-third of GDP; principal products - citrus fruits,

vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, hemp (hashish), sheep, goats; not

self-sufficient in grain

*Lebanon, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium, hashish, and heroin for the international drug

trade; opium poppy production in Al Biqa almost completely eradicated this

year; hashish production is shipped to Western Europe, Israel, US, the

Middle East, and South America

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $356 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $664 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $962 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $9

million

Currency:

1 Lebanese pound (#L) = 100 piasters

Exchange rates:

Lebanese pounds (#L) per US$1 - 1,742.00 (April 1993), 1,712.80 (1992),

928.23 (1991), 695.09 (1990), 496.69 (1989), 409.23 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Lebanon, Communications

Railroads:

system in disrepair, considered inoperable

Highways:

7,300 km total; 6,200 km paved, 450 km gravel and crushed stone, 650 km

improved earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 72 km (none in operation)

Ports:

Beirut, Tripoli, Ra'Sil'ata, Juniyah, Sidon, Az Zahrani, Tyre, Jubayl,

Shikka Jadidah

Merchant marine:

63 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 270,505 GRT/403,328 DWT; includes 39

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 1

container, 9 livestock carrier, 2 chemical tanker, 1 specialized tanker, 4

bulk, 1 combination bulk

Airports:

total:

9

usable:

8

with permanent-surface runways:

6

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

telecommunications system severely damaged by civil war; rebuilding still

underway; 325,000 telephones (95 telephones per 1,000 persons); domestic

traffic carried primarily by microwave radio relay and a small amount of

cable; international traffic by satellite - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth

station and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station (erratic operations),

coaxial cable to Syria; microwave radio relay to Syria but inoperable beyond

Syria to Jordan, 3 submarine coaxial cables; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3

FM, 13 TV (numerous AM and FM stations are operated sporadically by various

factions)

*Lebanon, Defense Forces

Branches:

Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF; including Army, Navy, and Air Force)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 798,299; fit for military service 495,763 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $271 million, 8.2% of GDP (1992 budget)

*Lesotho, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, an enclave of South Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

30,350 km2

land area:

30,350 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 909 km, South Africa 909 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; cool to cold, dry winters; hot, wet summers

Terrain:

mostly highland with some plateaus, hills, and mountains

Natural resources:

some diamonds and other minerals, water, agricultural and grazing land

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

0% meadows and pastures:

66%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

24%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in

overgrazing, severe soil erosion, soil exhaustion; desertification

Note:

landlocked; surrounded by South Africa; Highlands Water Project will

control, store, and redirect water to South Africa

*Lesotho, People

Population:

1,896,484 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.52% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

34.64 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

71.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

61.73 years

male:

59.91 years

female:

63.6 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mosotho (singular), Basotho (plural)

adjective:

Basotho

Ethnic divisions:

Sotho 99.7%, Europeans 1,600, Asians 800

Religions:

Christian 80%, rest indigenous beliefs

Languages:

Sesotho (southern Sotho), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1966)

total population:

59%

male: 44%

female:

68%

Labor force:

689,000 economically active

by occupation:

86.2% of resident population engaged in subsistence agriculture; roughly 60%

of active male labor force works in South Africa

*Lesotho, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Lesotho

conventional short form:

Lesotho

former:

Basutoland

Digraph:

LT

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Maseru

Administrative divisions:

10 districts; Berea, Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Mafeteng, Maseru, Mohale's Hoek,

Mokhotlong, Qacha's Nek, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka

Independence:

4 October 1966 (from UK)

Constitution:

4 October 1966, suspended January 1970

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman-Dutch law; judicial review of

legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 October (1966)

Political parties and leaders:

Basotho National Party (BNP), Evaristus SEKHONYANA; Basutoland Congress

Party (BCP), Ntsu MOKHEHLE; National Independent Party (NIP), A. C. MANYELI;

Marematlou Freedom Party (MFP), Vincent MALEBO; United Democratic Party,

Charles MOFELI; Communist Party of Lesotho (CPL), JCOB M. KENA

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

dissolved following the military coup in January 1986; military has pledged

elections will take place in March 1993

Executive branch:

monarch, chairman of the Military Council, Military Council, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

none - the bicameral Parliament was dissolved following the military coup in

January 1986; note - a National Constituent Assembly convened in June 1990

to rewrite the constitution and debate issues of national importance, but it

has no legislative authority

Judicial branch:

High Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King LETSIE III (since 12 November 1990 following dismissal of his father,

exiled King MOSHOESHOE II, by Maj. Gen. LEKHANYA)

Head of Government:

Chairman of the Military Council Gen. Elias Phisoana RAMAEMA (since 30 April

1991)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

*Lesotho, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Designate Teboho KITLEI

chancery:

2511 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 797-5534

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Leonard H.O. SPEARMAN, Sr.

embassy:

address NA, Maseru

mailing address:

P. O. Box 333, Maseru 100 Lesotho

telephone:

[266] 312-666

FAX:

(266) 310-116

Flag:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper half is white

bearing the brown silhouette of a large shield with crossed spear and club;

the lower half is a diagonal blue band with a green triangle in the corner

*Lesotho, Economy

Overview:

Small, landlocked, and mountainous, Lesotho has no important natural

resources other than water. Its economy is based on agriculture, light

manufacturing, and remittances from laborers employed in South Africa ($439

million in 1991). The great majority of households gain their livelihoods

from subsistence farming and migrant labor. Manufacturing depends largely on

farm products to support the milling, canning, leather, and jute industries;

other industries include textile, clothing, and construction (in particular,

a major water improvement project which will permit the sale of water to

South Africa). Industry's share of GDP rose from 6% in 1982 to 15% in 1989.

Political and economic instability in South Africa raises uncertainty for

Lesotho's economy, especially with respect to migrant worker remittances -

recently the equivalent of nearly three-fourths of domestic output.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $620 million (1991 est.)

note:

GNP of $1.0 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.3% (1991 est.); GNP 2.2% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$340 (1991 est.); GNP $570 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

17.9% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

at least 55% among adult males (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $388 million; expenditures $399 million, including capital

expenditures of $132 million (FY93)

Exports:

$57 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

wool, mohair, wheat, cattle, peas, beans, corn, hides, skins, baskets

partners:

South Africa 53%, EC 30%, North and South America 13% (1989)

Imports:

$805 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

mainly corn, building materials, clothing, vehicles, machinery, medicines,

petroleum

partners:

South Africa 95%, EC 2% (1989)

External debt:

$358 million (for public sector) (December 1990/91 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.0% (1991 est.); accounts for 11% of GDP

Electricity:

power supplied by South Africa

Industries:

food, beverages, textiles, handicrafts, tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 19% of GDP (1990 est.) and employs 60-70% of all households;

exceedingly primitive, mostly subsistence farming and livestock; principal

crops corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $268 million; US, $10.3 million

(1992), $10.1 million (1993 est.); Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF

bilateral commitments (1970-89), $819 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89),

$4 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $14 million

*Lesotho, Economy

Currency:

1 loti (L) = 100 lisente

Exchange rates:

maloti (M) per US$1 - 3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991),

2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988); note - the Basotho loti is at

par with the South African rand

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Lesotho, Communications

Railroads:

2.6 km; owned, operated by, and included in the statistics of South Africa

Highways:

7,215 km total; 572 km paved; 2,337 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized

soil; 1,806 km improved earth, 2,500 km unimproved earth

Airports:

total:

28

usable:

28

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

rudimentary system consisting of a few landlines, a small microwave system,

and minor radio communications stations; 5,920 telephones; broadcast

stations - 3 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Lesotho, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Lesotho Defense Force (RLDF; including Army, Air Wing), Royal Lesotho

Mounted Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 422,802; fit for military service 228,102 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 13% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Liberia, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Pacific Ocean between Cote d'Ivoire and

Sierra Leone

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

111,370 km2

land area:

96,320 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total 1,585 km, Guinea 563 km, Cote d'Ivoire 716 km, Sierra Leone 306 km

Coastline:

579 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry winters with hot days and cool to cold nights;

wet, cloudy summers with frequent heavy showers

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling coastal plains rising to rolling plateau and low

mountains in northeast

Natural resources:

iron ore, timber, diamonds, gold

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

39%

other:

55%

Irrigated land:

20 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

West Africa's largest tropical rain forest, subject to deforestation

*Liberia, People

Population:

2,874,881 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.37% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 115.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

57.28 years

male:

54.88 years

female:

59.76 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.42 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Liberian(s)

adjective:

Liberian

Ethnic divisions:

indigenous African tribes 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo,

Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, and Bella), Americo-Liberians

5% (descendants of repatriated slaves)

Religions:

traditional 70%, Muslim 20%, Christian 10%

Languages:

English 20% (official), Niger-Congo language group about 20 local languages

come from this group

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

40%

male:

50%

female:

29%

Labor force:

510,000 including 220,000 in the monetary economy

by occupation:

agriculture 70.5%, services 10.8%, industry and commerce 4.5%, other 14.2%

note:

non-African foreigners hold about 95% of the top-level management and

engineering jobs; 52% of population of working age

*Liberia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Liberia

conventional short form:

Liberia

Digraph:

LI

Type:

republic

Capital:

Monrovia

Administrative divisions: 13 counties; Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Grand

Kru,

Lofa, Margibi, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, River Cess, Sinoe

Independence:

26 July 1847

Constitution:

6 January 1986

Legal system:

dual system of statutory law based on Anglo-American common law for the

modern sector and customary law based on unwritten tribal practices for

indigenous sector

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1847)

Political parties and leaders:

National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL), Augustus CAINE, chairman;

Liberian Action Party (LAP), Emmanuel KOROMAH, chairman; Unity Party (UP),

Carlos SMITH, chairman; United People's Party (UPP), Gabriel Baccus

MATTHEWS, chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - Gen. Dr. Samuel

Kanyon DOE (NDPL) 50.9%, Jackson DOE (LAP) 26.4%, other 22.7%; note -

President Doe was killed by rebel forces on 9 September 1990

Senate:

last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (26 total) NDPL 21, LAP 3, UP 1, UPP 1

House of Representatives:

last held on 15 October 1985 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (64 total) NDPL 51, LAP 8, UP 3, UPP 2

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower

house or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

People's Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

interim President Dr. Amos SAWYER (since 15 November 1990)

note:

this is an interim government appointed by the Economic Community of West

African States (ECOWAS) that will be replaced after elections are held under

a West African-brokered peace plan; a rebel faction led by Charles TAYLOR is

challenging the SAWYER government's legitimacy; former president, Gen. Dr.

Samuel Kanyon DOE, was killed on 9 September 1990 by Prince Y. JOHNSON

*Liberia, Government

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission:

Ambassador James TARPEH

chancery:

5201 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone:

(202) 723-0437 through 0440

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William H. TWADDELL

embassy:

111 United Nations Drive, Monrovia

mailing address:

P. O. Box 98, Monrovia, or APO AE 09813

telephone:

[231] 222991 through 222994

FAX:

(231) 223710

Flag:

11 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white;

there is a white five-pointed star on a blue square in the upper hoist-side

corner; the design was based on the US flag

*Liberia, Economy

Overview:

Civil war since 1990 has destroyed much of Liberia's economy, especially the

infrastructure in and around Monrovia. Businessmen have fled the country,

taking capital and expertise with them. Many will not return. Richly endowed

with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to

agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products,

while local manufacturing, mainly foreign owned, had been small in scope.

Political instability threatens prospects for economic reconstruction and

repatriation of some 750,000 Liberian refugees who have fled to neighboring

countries. The political impasse between the interim government and rebel

leader Charles Taylor has prevented restoration of normal economic life,

including the re-establishment of a strong central government with effective

economic development programs.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $988 million (1988)

National product real growth rate:

1.5% (1988)

National product per capita:

$400 (1988)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

43% urban (1988)

Budget:

revenues $242.1 million; expenditures $435.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $29.5 million (1989)

Exports:

$505 million (f.o.b., 1989 est.)

commodities:

iron ore 61%, rubber 20%, timber 11%, coffee

partners:

US, EC, Netherlands

Imports:

$394 million (c.i.f., 1989 est.)

commodities:

rice, mineral fuels, chemicals, machinery, transportation equipment, other

foodstuffs

partners:

US, EC, Japan, China, Netherlands, ECOWAS

External debt:

$1.6 billion (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.5% in manufacturing (1987); accounts for 22% of GDP

Electricity:

410,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 275 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

rubber processing, food processing, construction materials, furniture, palm

oil processing, mining (iron ore, diamonds)

Agriculture:

accounts for about 40% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); principal

products - rubber, timber, coffee, cocoa, rice, cassava, palm oil,

sugarcane, bananas, sheep, goats; not self-sufficient in food, imports 25%

of rice consumption

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $665 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $870 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $25 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $77

million

*Liberia, Economy

Currency:

1 Liberian dollar (L$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Liberian dollars (L$) per US$1 - 1.00 (fixed rate since 1940); unofficial

parallel exchange rate of L$7 = US$1, January 1992

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Liberia, Communications

Railroads:

480 km total; 328 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 152 km 1.067-meter narrow

gauge; all lines single track; rail systems owned and operated by foreign

steel and financial interests in conjunction with Liberian Government

Highways:

10,087 km total; 603 km bituminous treated, 2,848 km all weather, 4,313 km

dry weather; there are also 2,323 km of private, laterite-surfaced roads

open to public use, owned by rubber and timber companies

Ports: Monrovia, Buchanan, Greenville, Harper (or Cape Palmas)

Merchant marine:

1,618 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 57,769,476 DWT/ 101,391,576 DWT;

includes 20 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger, 132 cargo, 56 refrigerated

cargo, 21 roll-on/roll-off, 58 vehicle carrier, 97 container, 3 barge

carrier, 499 oil tanker, 108 chemical, 68 combination ore/oil, 62 liquefied

gas, 6 specialized tanker, 456 bulk, 31 combination bulk; note - a flag of

convenience registry; all ships are foreign owned; the top 4 owning flags

are US 16%, Japan 14%, Norway 11%, and Hong Kong 9%

Airports:

total:

59

usable:

41

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

telephone and telegraph service via radio relay network; main center is

Monrovia; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

earth station; most telecommunications services inoperable due to insurgency

movement

*Liberia, Defense Forces

Branches:

the ultimate structure of the Liberian military force will depend on who is

the victor in the ongoing civil war

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 684,681; fit for military service 365,518 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Libya, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, between

Egypt and Tunisia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,759,540 km2

land area:

1,759,540 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total 4,383 km, Algeria 982 km, Chad 1,055 km, Egypt 1,150 km, Niger 354 km,

Sudan 383 km, Tunisia 459 km

Coastline:

1,770 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

Gulf of Sidra closing line:

32 degrees 30 minutes north

International disputes:

claims and occupies the Aozou Strip in northern Chad; maritime boundary

dispute with Tunisia; Libya claims part of northern Niger and part of

southeastern Algeria

Climate:

Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat to undulating plains, plateaus, depressions

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, gypsum

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

8%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

90%

Irrigated land:

2,420 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry, dust-laden ghibli is a southern wind lasting one to four days in

spring and fall; desertification; sparse natural surface-water resources

Note:

the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the

world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to

coastal cities

*Libya, People

Population:

4,872,598 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.73% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.37 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 65.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

63.47 years

male:

61.35 years

female:

65.7 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Libyan(s)

adjective:

Libyan

Ethnic divisions:

Berber and Arab 97%, Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis,

Turks, Indians, Tunisians

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 97%

Languages:

Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

64%

male:

75%

female:

50%

Labor force:

1 million includes about 280,000 resident foreigners

by occupation:

industry 31%, services 27%, government 24%, agriculture 18%

*Libya, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

conventional short form:

Libya

local long form:

Al Jumahiriyah al Arabiyah al Libiyah ash Shabiyah al Ishirakiyah

local short form:

none

Digraph:

LY

Type:

Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace

through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship

Capital:

Tripoli

Administrative divisions: 25 municipalities (baladiyah, singular - baladiyat); Ajdabiya, Al

'Aziziyah,

Al Fatih, Al Jabal al Akhdar, Al Jufrah, Al Khums, Al Kufrah, An Nuqat al

Khams, Ash Shati', Awbari, Az Zawiyah, Banghazi, Darnah, Ghadamis, Gharyan,

Misratah, Murzuq, Sabha, Sawfajjin, Surt, Tarabulus, Tarhunah, Tubruq,

Yafran, Zlitan

Independence:

24 December 1951 (from Italy)

Constitution:

11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977

Legal system:

based on Italian civil law system and Islamic law; separate religious

courts; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Revolution Day, 1 September (1969)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Other political or pressure groups:

various Arab nationalist movements and the Arab Socialist Resurrection

(Ba'th) party with almost negligible memberships may be functioning

clandestinely, as well as some Islamic elements

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

national elections are indirect through a hierarchy of peoples' committees

Executive branch:

revolutionary leader, chairman of the General People's Committee (premier),

General People's Committee (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral General People's Congress

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Revolutionary Leader Col. Mu'ammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September

1969)

Head of Government:

Chairman of the General People's Committee (Premier) Abu Zayd 'umar DURDA

(since 7 October 1990)

*Libya, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAU, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

none

US diplomatic representation:

none

Flag:

plain green; green is the traditional color of Islam (the state religion)

*Libya, Economy

Overview:

The socialist-oriented economy depends primarily upon revenues from the oil

sector, which contributes practically all export earnings and about

one-third of GDP. In 1990 per capita GDP was the highest in Africa at

$5,410, but GDP growth rates have slowed and fluctuate sharply in response

to changes in the world oil market. Import restrictions and inefficient

resource allocations have led to shortages of basic goods and foodstuffs,

although the reopening of the Libyan-Tunisian border in April 1988 and the

Libyan-Egyptian border in December 1989 have eased shortages. Austerity

budgets and a lack of trained technicians have undermined the government's

ability to implement a number of planned infrastructure development

projects. Windfall revenues from the hike in world oil prices in late 1990

improved the foreign payments position and resulted in a current account

surplus for the first time in five years. The nonoil manufacturing and

construction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded from

processing mostly agricultural products to include petrochemicals, iron,

steel, and aluminum. Although agriculture accounts for only 5% of GDP, it

employs about 20% of the labor force. Climatic conditions and poor soils

severely limit farm output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food

requirements.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $26.1 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.2% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$5,800 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $8.1 billion; expenditures $9.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3.1 billion (1989 est.)

Exports:

$9.71 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas

partners:

Italy, former USSR, Germany, Spain, France, Belgium/Luxembourg, Turkey

Imports:

$8.66 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, food, manufactured goods

partners:

Italy, former USSR, Germany, UK, Japan, Korea

External debt:

$3.5 billion excluding military debt (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 10.5%; accounts for 7.6% of GDP (not including oil) (1990)

Electricity:

4,935,000 kW capacity; 14,385 million kWh produced, 2,952 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, food processing, textiles, handicrafts, cement

Agriculture:

5% of GNP; cash crops - wheat, barley, olives, dates, citrus fruits,

peanuts; 75% of food is imported

*Libya, Economy

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87),

$242 million; no longer a recipient

Currency:

1 Libyan dinar (LD) = 1,000 dirhams

Exchange rates:

Libyan dinars (LD) per US$1 - 0.2998 (January 1993), 0.3013 (1992), 0.2684

(1991), 0.2699 (1990), 0.2922 (1989), 0.2853 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Libya, Communications

Railroads:

Libya has had no railroad in operation since 1965, all previous systems

having been dismantled; current plans are to construct a standard gauge

(1.435 m) line from the Tunisian frontier to Tripoli and Misratah, then

inland to Sabha, center of a mineral rich area, but there has been no

progress; other plans made jointly with Egypt would establish a rail line

from As Sallum, Egypt to Tobruk with completion set for mid-1994, progress

unknown

Highways:

19,300 km total; 10,800 km bituminous/bituminous treated, 8,500 km crushed

stone or earth

Inland waterways:

none

Pipelines:

crude oil 4,383 km; natural gas 1,947 km; petroleum products 443 km

(includes liquified petroleum gas 256 km)

Ports:

Tobruk, Tripoli, Banghazi, Misratah, Marsa al Burayqah, Ra's Lanuf, Ra's al

Unif

Merchant marine:

32 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 694,883 GRT/1,215,494 DWT; includes 4

short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 4 roll-on/roll-off, 10 oil tanker, 1 chemical

tanker, 2 liquefied gas

Airports:

total:

138

usable:

124

with permanent-surface runways:

56

with runways over 3,659 m: 9

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

27

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

47

Telecommunications:

modern telecommunications system using radio relay, coaxial cable,

tropospheric scatter, and domestic satellite stations; 370,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 12 TV; satellite earth stations - 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 14 domestic; submarine

cables to France and Italy; radio relay to Tunisia and Egypt; tropospheric

scatter to Greece; planned ARABSAT and Intersputnik satellite stations

*Libya, Defense Forces

Branches:

Armed Peoples of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriyah (including Army, Navy, Air and

Air Defense Command)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,058,134; fit for military service 628,285; reach military

age (17) annually 50,997 (1993 est.); conscription now being implemented

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $3.3 billion, 15% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Liechtenstein, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, between Austria and Switzerland

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

160 km2

land area:

160 km2

comparative area:

about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 78 km, Austria 37 km, Switzerland 41 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

claims 620 square miles of Czech territory confiscated from its royal family

in 1918; the Czech Republic insists that restitution does not go back before

February 1948, when the Communists seized power

Climate:

continental; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow or rain; cool to

moderately warm, cloudy, humid summers

Terrain:

mostly mountainous (Alps) with Rhine Valley in western third

Natural resources:

hydroelectric potential

Land use:

arable land:

25%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

38%

forest and woodland:

19%

other:

18%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

variety of microclimatic variations based on elevation

Note:

landlocked

*Liechtenstein, People

Population:

29,894 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.15 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.62 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.29 years

male:

73.65 years

female:

80.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Liechtensteiner(s)

adjective:

Liechtenstein

Ethnic divisions:

Alemannic 95%, Italian and other 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 87.3%, Protestant 8.3%, unknown 1.6%, other 2.8% (1988)

Languages:

German (official), Alemannic dialect

Literacy:

age 10 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

19,905 of which 11,933 are foreigners; 6,885 commute from Austria and

Switzerland to work each day

by occupation:

industry, trade, and building 53.2%, services 45%, agriculture, fishing,

forestry, and horticulture 1.8% (1990)

*Liechtenstein, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Principality of Liechtenstein

conventional short form:

Liechtenstein

local long form:

Furstentum Liechtenstein

local short form:

Liechtenstein

Digraph:

LS

Type:

hereditary constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Vaduz

Administrative divisions:

11 communes (gemeinden, singular - gemeinde); Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin,

Mauren, Planken, Ruggell, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen, Triesenberg, Vaduz

Independence:

23 January 1719 (Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established)

Constitution:

5 October 1921

Legal system:

local civil and penal codes; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Assumption Day, 15 August

Political parties and leaders:

Fatherland Union (VU), Dr. Otto HASLER; Progressive Citizens' Party (FBP),

Emanuel VOGT; Free Electoral List (FL)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Diet:

last held on 7 February 1993 (next to be held by March 1997); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) FBP 12, VU 11, FL 2

Executive branch: reigning prince, hereditary prince, head of government, deputy head of

government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Diet (Landtag)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) for criminal cases, Superior Court

(Obergericht) for civil cases

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Prince Hans ADAM II (since 13 November 1989; assumed executive powers 26

August 1984); Heir Apparent Prince ALOIS von und zu Liechtenstein (born 11

June 1968)

Head of Government:

Markus BUECHEL (since 7 February 1993); Deputy Head of Government Dr.

Herbert WILLE (since 2 February 1986)

Member of:

CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, IAEA, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN,

UNCTAD, UPU, WCL, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in US:

in routine diplomatic matters, Liechtenstein is represented in the US by the

Swiss Embassy

*Liechtenstein, Government

US diplomatic representation:

the US has no diplomatic or consular mission in Liechtenstein, but the US

Consul General at Zurich (Switzerland) has consular accreditation at Vaduz

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a gold crown on the

hoist side of the blue band

*Liechtenstein, Economy

Overview:

The prosperous economy is based primarily on small-scale light industry and

tourism. Industry accounts for 53% of total employment, the service sector

45% (mostly based on tourism), and agriculture and forestry 2%. The sale of

postage stamps to collectors is estimated at $10 million annually. Low

business taxes (the maximum tax rate is 20%) and easy incorporation rules

have induced about 25,000 holding or so-called letter box companies to

establish nominal offices in Liechtenstein. Such companies, incorporated

solely for tax purposes, provide 30% of state revenues. The economy is tied

closely to Switzerland's economy in a customs union, and incomes and living

standards parallel those of the more prosperous Swiss groups.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $630 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$22,300 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5.4% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

1.5% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $259 million; expenditures $292 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990)

Exports:

$1.6 billion

commodities:

small specialty machinery, dental products, stamps, hardware, pottery

partners:

EFTA countries 20.9% (Switzerland 15.4%), EC countries 42.7%, other 36.4%

(1990)

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

machinery, metal goods, textiles, foodstuffs, motor vehicles

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

23,000 kW capacity; 150 million kWh produced, 5,230 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

electronics, metal manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food

products, precision instruments, tourism

Agriculture:

livestock, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, grapes

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.4781 (January 1993),

1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990), 1.6359 (1989), 1.4633 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Liechtenstein, Communications

Railroads:

18.5 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, electrified; owned, operated, and

included in statistics of Austrian Federal Railways

Highways:

130.66 km main roads, 192.27 km byroads

Airports:

none

Telecommunications:

limited, but sufficient automatic telephone system; 25,400 telephones;

linked to Swiss networks by cable and radio relay for international

telephone, radio, and TV services

*Liechtenstein, Defense Forces

Note: defense is responsibility of Switzerland

*Lithuania, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Russia

Map references:

Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

65,200 km2

land area:

65,200 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total 1,273 km, Belarus 502 km, Latvia 453 km, Poland 91 km, Russia

(Kaliningrad) 227 km

Coastline:

108 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

dispute with Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) over the position of the Neman

River border presently located on the Lithuanian bank and not in midriver as

by international standards

Climate:

maritime; wet, moderate winters

Terrain:

lowland, many scattered small lakes, fertile soil

Natural resources:

peat

Land use:

arable land:

49.1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

22.2%

forest and woodland:

16.3%

other:

12.4%

Irrigated land:

430 km2 (1990)

Environment:

risk of accidents from the two Chernobyl-type reactors at the Ignalina

Nuclear Power Plant; contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum

products and chemicals at military bases

*Lithuania, People

Population:

3,819,638 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.76% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.95 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

16.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.12 years

male:

66.39 years

female:

76.08 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.03 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Lithuanian(s)

adjective:

Lithuanian

Ethnic divisions:

Lithuanian 80.1%, Russian 8.6%, Polish 7.7%, Belarusian 1.5%, other 2.1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Lutheran, other

Languages:

Lithuanian (official), Polish, Russian

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

1.836 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 42%, agriculture and forestry 18%, other 40%

(1990)

*Lithuania, Government

Names: conventional long form:

Republic of Lithuania

conventional short form:

Lithuania

local long form:

Lietuvos Respublika

local short form:

Lietuva

former:

Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

LH

Type:

republic

Capital:

Vilnius

Administrative divisions:

NA districts

Independence:

6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted 25 October 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 February

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party, Egidijus KLUMBYS, chairman; Democratic Labor

Party of Lithuania, Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian

Democratic Party, Sauluis PECELIUNAS, chairman; Lithuanian Green Party,

Irena IGNATAVICIENE, chairwoman; Lithuanian Humanism Party, Vytautas

KAZLAUSKAS, chairman; Lithuanian Independence Party, Virgilijus CEPAITIS,

chairman; Lithuanian Liberty League, Antanas TERLECKAS; Lithuanian Liberal

Union, Vytautus RADZVILAS, chairman; Lithuanian Nationalist Union, Rimantas

SMETONA, chairman; Lithuanian Social Democratic Party, Aloizas SAKALAS,

chairman; Union of the Motherland, Vytavtas LANDSBERGIS, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Sajudis; Lithuanian Future Forum; Farmers Union

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held NA); results - Algirdas

BRAZAUSKAS was elected

Seimas (parliament):

last held 26 October and 25 November 1992 (next to be held NA); results -

Democratic Labor Party 51%; seats - (141 total) Democratic Labor Party 73

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Seimas (parliament)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Court of Appeals

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Seimas Chairman and Acting President Algirdas Mykolas BRAZAUSKAS (since 15

November 1992); Deputy Seimas Chairmen Aloyzas SAKALAS (since NA December

1992) and Egidius BICKAUSKAS (since NA December 1992)

*Lithuania, Government

Head of Government:

Premier Adolfas SLEZEVICIUS (since NA)

Member of:

CBSS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL, ITU, NACC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Stasys LOZORAITIS, Jr.

chancery:

2622 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 234-5860, 2639

FAX:

(202) 328-0466

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Darryl N. JOHNSON

embassy:

Akmenu 6, Vilnius 232600

mailing address:

APO AE 09723

telephone:

011 [7] (012-2) 222-031

FAX:

011 [7] (012-2) 222-779

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), green, and red

*Lithuania, Economy

Overview:

Lithuania is striving to become an independent privatized economy. Although

it was substantially above average in living standards and technology in the

old USSR, Lithuania historically lagged behind Latvia and Estonia in

economic development. The country has no important natural resources aside

from its arable land and strategic location. Industry depends entirely on

imported materials that have come from the republics of the former USSR.

Lithuania benefits from its ice-free port at Klaipeda on the Baltic Sea and

its rail and highway hub at Vilnius, which provides land communication

between Eastern Europe and Russia, Latvia, Estonia, and Belarus. Industry

produces a small assortment of high-quality products, ranging from complex

machine tools to sophisticated consumer electronics. Because of nuclear

power, Lithuania is presently self-sufficient in electricity, exporting its

surplus to Latvia and Belarus; the nuclear facilities inherited from the

USSR, however, have come under world scrutiny as seriously deficient in

safety standards. Agriculture is efficient compared with most of the former

Soviet Union. Lithuania held first place in per capita consumption of meat,

second place for eggs and potatoes, and fourth place for milk and dairy

products. Grain must be imported to support the meat and dairy industries.

Lithuania is pressing ahead with plans to privatize at least 60% of

state-owned property (industry, agriculture, and housing), having already

sold almost all housing and many small enterprises using a voucher system.

Other government priorities include encouraging foreign investment by

protecting the property rights of foreign firms and redirecting foreign

trade away from Eastern markets to the more competitive Western markets. For

the moment, Lithuania will remain highly dependent on Russia for energy, raw

materials, grains, and markets for its products. In 1992, output plummeted

by 30% because of cumulative problems with inputs and with markets, problems

that were accentuated by the phasing out of the Russian ruble as the medium

of exchange.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-30% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10%-20% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

1% (February 1993); but large numbers of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $258.5 million; expenditures $270.2 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

electronics 18%, petroleum products 5%, food 10%, chemicals 6% (1989)

partners:

Russia 40%, Ukraine 16%, other former Soviet republics 32%, West 12%

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

oil 24%, machinery 14%, chemicals 8%, grain NA% (1989)

partners:

Russia 62%, Belarus 18%, former Soviet republics 10%, West 10%

External debt:

$650 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -50% (1992 est.)

*Lithuania, Economy

Electricity:

5,925,000 kW capacity; 25,000 million kWh produced, 6,600 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

employs 25% of the labor force; shares in the total production of the former

USSR are: metal-cutting machine tools 6.6%; electric motors 4.6%; television

sets 6.2%; refrigerators and freezers 5.4%; other branches: petroleum

refining, shipbuilding (small ships), furniture making, textiles, food

processing, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, optical equipment,

electronic components, computers, and amber

Agriculture:

employs around 20% of labor force; sugar, grain, potatoes, sugarbeets,

vegetables, meat, milk, dairy products, eggs, fish; most developed are the

livestock and dairy branches, which depend on imported grain; net exporter

of meat, milk, and eggs

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for illicit drugs from Central and Southwest Asia to

Western Europe; limited producer of illicit opium; mostly for domestic

consumption

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-86), $NA million;

Communist countries (1971-86), $NA million

Currency:

using talonas as temporary currency (March 1993), but planning introduction

of convertible litas (late 1993)

Exchange rates:

NA

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Lithuania, Communications

Railroads:

2,100 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

44,200 km total 35,500 km hard surfaced, 8,700 km earth (1990)

Inland waterways:

600 km perennially navigable

Pipelines:

crude oil 105 km, natural gas 760 km (1992)

Ports:

coastal - Klaipeda; inland - Kaunas

Merchant marine:

46 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 282,633 GRT/332,447 DWT; includes 31

cargo, 3 railcar carrier, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 11 combination bulk

Airports:

total:

96

useable:

19

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

11

Telecommunications:

better developed than in most other former USSR republics; operational

NMT-450 analog cellular network in Vilnius; fiber optic cable installed

beween Vilnius and Kaunas; 224 telephones per 1000 persons; broadcast

stations - 13 AM, 26 FM, 1 SW, 1 LW, 3 TV; landlines or microwave to former

USSR republics; leased connection to the Moscow international switch for

traffic with other countries; satellite earth stations - (8 channels to

Norway); new international digital telephone exchange in Kaunas for direct

access to 13 countries via satellite link out of Copenhagen, Denmark

*Lithuania, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Security Forces (internal and border

troops), National Guard (Skat)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 933,245; fit for military service 739,400; reach military

age (18) annually 27,056 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, 5.5% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Luxembourg, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, between Belgium and Germany

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,586 km2

land area:

2,586 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

total 359 km, Belgium 148 km, France 73 km, Germany 138 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

modified continental with mild winters, cool summers

Terrain:

mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to

slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle floodplain in

the southeast

Natural resources:

iron ore (no longer exploited)

Land use:

arable land:

24%

permanent crops: 1%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

21%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

deforestation

Note:

landlocked

*Luxembourg, People

Population:

398,220 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.04% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.96 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.56 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.43 years

male:

72.71 years

female:

80.3 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.63 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Luxembourger(s)

adjective:

Luxembourg

Ethnic divisions:

Celtic base (with French and German blend), Portuguese, Italian, and

European (guest and worker residents)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant and Jewish 3%

Languages:

Luxembourgisch, German, French, English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

100%

male: 100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

177,300 one-third of labor force is foreign workers, mostly from Portugal,

Italy, France, Belgium, and Germany

by occupation:

services 65%, industry 31.6%, agriculture 3.4% (1988)

*Luxembourg, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

conventional short form:

Luxembourg

local long form:

Grand-Duche de Luxembourg

local short form:

Luxembourg

Digraph:

LU

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Luxembourg

Administrative divisions:

3 districts; Diekirch, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Independence:

1839

Constitution:

17 October 1868, occasional revisions

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 23 June (1921) (public celebration of the Grand Duke's

birthday)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Social Party (CSV), Jacques SANTER; Socialist Workers Party

(LSAP), Jacques POOS; Liberal (DP), Colette FLESCH; Communist (KPL), Andre

HOFFMANN; Green Alternative (GAP), Jean HUSS

Other political or pressure groups:

group of steel companies representing iron and steel industry; Centrale

Paysanne representing agricultural producers; Christian and Socialist labor

unions; Federation of Industrialists; Artisans and Shopkeepers Federation

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

Chamber of Deputies:

last held on 18 June 1989 (next to be held by June 1994); results - CSV

31.7%, LSAP 27.2%, DP 16.2%, Greens 8.4%, PAC 7.3%, KPL 5.1%, other 4.1%;

seats - (60 total) CSV 22, LSAP 18, DP 11, Greens 4, PAC 4, KPL 1

Executive branch:

grand duke, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes); note - the Council of

State (Conseil d'Etat) is an advisory body whose views are considered by the

Chamber of Deputies

Judicial branch:

Superior Court of Justice (Cour Superieure de Justice)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Grand Duke JEAN (since 12 November 1964); Heir Apparent Prince HENRI (son of

Grand Duke Jean, born 16 April 1955)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Jacques SANTER (since 21 July 1984); Vice Prime Minister

Jacques F. POOS (since 21 July 1984)

*Luxembourg, Government

Member of:

ACCT, Australia Group, Benelux, CCC, CE, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, EIB,

FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OECD,

PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Alphonse BERNS

chancery:

2200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-4171

FAX:

(202) 328-8270

consulates general:

New York and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edward M. ROWELL

embassy:

22 Boulevard Emmanuel-Servais, 2535 Luxembourg City

mailing address:

PSC 11, APO AE 09132-5380

telephone:

[352] 460123

FAX:

[352] 461401

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and light blue; similar to

the flag of the Netherlands, which uses a darker blue and is shorter; design

was based on the flag of France

*Luxembourg, Economy

Overview: The stable economy features moderate growth, low inflation, and negligible

unemployment. Agriculture is based on small but highly productive

family-owned farms. The industrial sector, until recently dominated by

steel, has become increasingly more diversified, particularly toward

high-technology firms. During the past decade, growth in the financial

sector has more than compensated for the decline in steel. Services,

especially banking, account for a growing proportion of the economy.

Luxembourg participates in an economic union with Belgium on trade and most

financial matters and is also closely connected economically to the

Netherlands.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.5 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

2.5% (1992)

National product per capita:

$21,700 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

1.4% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $3.5 billion; expenditures $3.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$6.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

finished steel products, chemicals, rubber products, glass, aluminum, other

industrial products

partners:

EC 76%, US 5%

Imports:

$8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

minerals, metals, foodstuffs, quality consumer goods

partners:

Belgium 37%, FRG 31%, France 12%, US 2%

External debt:

$131.6 million (1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -0.5% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP

Electricity:

1,238,750 kW capacity; 1,375 million kWh produced, 3,450 kWh per capita

(1990)

Industries:

banking, iron and steel, food processing, chemicals, metal products,

engineering, tires, glass, aluminum

Agriculture:

accounts for less than 3% of GDP (including forestry); principal products -

barley, oats, potatoes, wheat, fruits, wine grapes; cattle raising

widespread

Illicit drugs:

money-laundering hub

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Luxembourg franc (LuxF) = 100 centimes

*Luxembourg, Economy

Exchange rates:

Luxembourg francs (LuxF) per US$1 - 33.256 (January 1993), 32.150 (1992),

34.148 (1991), 33.418 (1990), 39.404 (1989), 36.768 (1988); note - the

Luxembourg franc is at par with the Belgian franc, which circulates freely

in Luxembourg

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Luxembourg, Communications

Railroads:

Luxembourg National Railways (CFL) operates 272 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge; 178 km double track; 178 km electrified

Highways:

5,108 km total; 4,995 km paved, 57 km gravel, 56 km earth; about 80 km

limited access divided highway

Inland waterways:

37 km; Moselle River

Pipelines:

petroleum products 48 km

Ports:

Mertert (river port)

Merchant marine:

53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,570,466 GRT/2,614,154 DWT; includes

2 cargo, 5 container, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 6 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 3

combination ore/oil, 8 liquefied gas, 2 passenger, 8 bulk, 6 combination

bulk, 4 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

highly developed, completely automated and efficient system, mainly buried

cables; 230,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV; 3

channels leased on TAT-6 coaxial submarine cable; 1 direct-broadcast

satellite earth station; nationwide mobile phone system

*Luxembourg, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, National Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 103,607; fit for military service 86,003; reach military age

(19) annually 2,227 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.2% of GDP (1992)

*Macau, Header

Affiliation: (overseas territory of Portugal)

*Macau, Geography

Location:

East Asia, 27 km west-southwest of Hong Kong on the southeast coast of China

bordering the South China Sea

Map references:

Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

16 km2

land area:

16 km2

comparative area:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 0.34 km, China 0.34 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

not specified

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical; marine with cool winters, warm summers

Terrain:

generally flat

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other: 100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

essentially urban; one causeway and one bridge connect the two islands to

the peninsula on mainland

*Macau, People

Population:

477,850 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.44% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.45 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

79.64 years

male:

77.24 years

female:

82.17 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.44 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Macanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Macau

Ethnic divisions:

Chinese 95%, Portuguese 3%, other 2%

Religions:

Buddhist 45%, Roman Catholic 7%, Protestant 1%, none 45.8%, other 1.2%

(1981)

Languages:

Portuguese (official), Cantonese is the language of commerce

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

90%

male:

93%

female:

86%

Labor force:

180,000 (1986)

by occupation:

NA

*Macau, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Macau

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ilha de Macau

Digraph:

MC

Type:

overseas territory of Portugal scheduled to revert to China in 1999

Capital:

Macau

Administrative divisions:

2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Ilhas, Macau

Independence:

none (territory of Portugal; Portugal signed an agreement with China on 13

April 1987 to return Macau to China on 20 December 1999; in the joint

declaration, China promises to respect Macau's existing social and economic

systems and lifestyle for 50 year after transition)

Constitution:

17 February 1976, Organic Law of Macau; basic law drafted primarily by

Beijing awaiting final approval

Legal system:

Portuguese civil law system

National holiday:

Day of Portugal, 10 June

Political parties and leaders:

Association to Defend the Interests of Macau; Macau Democratic Center; Group

to Study the Development of Macau; Macau Independent Group

Other political or pressure groups:

wealthy Macanese and Chinese representing local interests, wealthy

pro-Communist merchants representing China's interests; in January 1967 the

Macau Government acceded to Chinese demands that gave China veto power over

administration

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held on 10 March 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -

(23 total; 8 elected by universal suffrage, 8 by indirect suffrage, and 7

appointed by the governor) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

president of Portugal, governor, Consultative Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders: Chief of State:

President (of Portugal) Mario Alberto SOARES (since 9 March 1986)

Head of Government:

Governor Gen. Vasco Joachim Rocha VIEIRA (since 20 March 1991)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), GATT, IMO (associate), WTO (associate)

*Macau, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

as Chinese territory under Portuguese administration, Macanese interests in

the US are represented by Portugal

US diplomatic representation:

the US has no offices in Macau, and US interests are monitored by the US

Consulate General in Hong Kong

Flag:

the flag of Portugal is used

*Macau, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based largely on tourism (including gambling) and textile and

fireworks manufacturing. Efforts to diversify have spawned other small

industries - toys, artificial flowers, and electronics. The tourist sector

has accounted for roughly 25% of GDP, and the clothing industry has provided

about two-thirds of export earnings; the gambling industry represented well

over 40% of GDP in 1992. Macau depends on China for most of its food, fresh

water, and energy imports. Japan and Hong Kong are the main suppliers of raw

materials and capital goods.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

3.1% (1991)

National product per capita:

$6,700 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.2% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $305 million; expenditures $298 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989)

Exports:

$1.8 billion (1992 est.)

commodities:

textiles, clothing, toys

partners:

US 36%, Hong Kong 13%, Germany 12%, France 8% (1991)

Imports:

$2.0 billion (1992 est.)

commodities:

raw materials, foodstuffs, capital goods

partners:

Hong Kong 35%, China 22%, Japan 17% (1991)

External debt:

$91 million (1985)

Industrial production:

NA

Electricity:

258,000 kW capacity; 855 million kWh produced, 1,806 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

clothing, textiles, toys, plastic products, furniture, tourism

Agriculture:

rice, vegetables; food shortages - rice, vegetables, meat; depends mostly on

imports for food requirements

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 pataca (P) = 100 avos

Exchange rates:

patacas (P) per US$1 - 8.034 (1991), 8.024 (1990), 8.030 (1989), 8.044

(1988), 7.993 (1987); note - linked to the Hong Kong dollar at the rate of

1.03 patacas per Hong Kong dollar

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Macau, Communications

Highways:

42 km paved

Ports:

Macau

Airports:

none useable, 1 under construction; 1 seaplane station

Telecommunications:

fairly modern communication facilities maintained for domestic and

international services; 52,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 3 FM,

no TV (TV programs received from Hong Kong); 115,000 radio receivers (est.);

international high-frequency radio communication facility; access to

international communications carriers provided via Hong Kong and China; 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Macau, Defense Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 137,738; fit for military service 77,159 (1993 est.)

Note:

defense is responsibility of Portugal

*Macedonia, Header

Macedonia has proclaimed independent statehood but has not been formally recognized as a state by the United States.

*Macedonia, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, between Serbia and Montenegro and Greece

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

25,333 km2

land area:

24,856 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Vermont

Land boundaries:

total 748 km, Albania 151 km, Bulgaria 148 km, Greece 228 km, Serbia and

Montenegro 221 km (all with Serbia)

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

Greece claims republic's name implies territorial claims against Aegean

Macedonia

Climate:

hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall

Terrain:

mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; there are three

large lakes, each divided by a frontier line

Natural resources:

chromium, lead, zinc, manganese, tungsten, nickel, low-grade iron ore,

asbestos, sulphur, timber

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

30%

other:

40%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

Macedonia suffers from high seismic hazard; air pollution from metallurgical

plants

Note:

landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to

Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe

*Macedonia, People

Population:

2,193,951 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.91% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.91 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.79 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

29.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.19 years

male:

71.15 years

female:

75.41 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Macedonian(s)

adjective:

Macedonian

Ethnic divisions:

Macedonian 67%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 4%, Serb 2%, other 6%

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 59%, Muslim 26%, Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other 10%

Languages:

Macedonian 70%, Albanian 21%, Turkish 3%, Serbo-Croatian 3%, other 3%

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

507,324

by occupation:

agriculture 8%, manufacturing and mining 40% (1990)

*Macedonia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Macedonia

conventional short form:

Macedonia local long form:

Republika Makedonija

local short form:

Makedonija

Digraph:

MK

Type:

emerging democracy

Capital:

Skopje

Administrative divisions:

34 districts (opcine, singular - opcina) Berovo, Bitola, Brod, Debar,

Delcevo, Demir Hisar, Gevgelija, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Kicevo, Kocani,

Kratovo, Kriva Palanka, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Negotino, Ohrid, Prilep,

Probistip, Radovis, Resen, Skopje-Centar, Skopje-Cair, Skopje-Karpos,

Skopje-Kisela Voda, Skopje-Gazi Baba, Stip, Struga, Strumica, Sveti Nikole,

Tetovo, Titov Veles, Valandovo, Vinica

Independence:

20 November 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Constitution:

adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

Social-Democratic League of Macedonia (SDSM; former Communist Party), Branko

CRVENKOVSKI, president; Party for Democratic Prosperity in Macedonia (PDPM),

Nevzat HALILI, president; National Democratic Party (PDP), Ilijas HALINI,

president; Alliance of Reform Forces of Macedonia (SRSM), Stojan ANDOV,

president; Socialist Party of Macedonia (SPM), Kiro POPOVSKI, president;

Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization - Democratic Party for

Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), Ljupco GEORGIEVSKI, president; Party

of Yugoslavs in Macedonia (SJM), Milan DURCINOV, president

Other political or pressure groups:

Movement for All Macedonian Action (MAAK); League for Democracy; Albanian

Democratic Union-Liberal Party

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Kiro GLIGOROV was

elected by the Assembly

Assembly:

last held 11 and 25 November and 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (120 total) VMRO-DPMNE 37,

SDSM 31, PDPM 25, SRSM 17, SJM 1, SPM 5, others 4

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers, prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly (Sobranje)

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Judicial Court of the Republic

*Macedonia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Kiro GLIGOROV (since 27 January 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Branko CRVENKOVSKI (since NA September 1992), Deputy Prime

Ministers Jovan ANDONOV (since NA March 1991), Stevo CRVENKOVSKI (since NA

September 1992), and Becir ZUTA (since NA March 1991)

Member of:

EBRD, ICAO, IMF, UN, UNCTAD, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

none; US does not recognize Macedonia

US diplomatic representation:

none; US does not recognize Macedonia

Flag:

16-point gold sun (Vergino, Sun) centered on a red field

*Macedonia, Economy

Overview:

Macedonia, although the poorest among the six republics of a dissolved

Yugoslav federation, can meet basic food and energy needs through its own

agricultural and coal resources. It will, however, move down toward a bare

subsistence level of life unless economic ties are reforged or enlarged with

its neighbors Serbia and Montenegro, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. The

economy depends on outside sources for all of its oil and gas and its modern

machinery and parts. Continued political turmoil, both internally and in the

region as a whole, prevents any swift readjustments of trade patterns and

economic programs. Inflation in early 1992 was out of control, the result of

fracturing trade links, the decline in economic activity, and general

uncertainties about the future status of the country; prices rose 38% in

March 1992 alone. In August 1992, Greece, angry at the use of "Macedonia" as

the republic's name, imposed a partial blockade for several months. This

blockade, combined with the effects of the UN sanctions on Serbia and

Montenegro, cost the economy approximately $1 billion in 1992 according to

official figures. Macedonia's geographical isolation, technological

backwardness, and potential political instability place it far down the list

of countries of interest to Western investors. Resolution of the dispute

with Greece and an internal commitment to economic reform would help to

encourage foreign investment over the long run. In the immediate future, the

worst scenario for the economy would be the spread of fighting across its

borders.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7.1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-18% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,110 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

114.9% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1991 est.)

Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$578 million (1990)

commodities:

manufactured goods 40%, machinery and transport equipment 14%, miscellaneous

manufactured articles 23%, raw materials 7.6%, food (rice) and live animals

5.7%, beverages and tobacco 4.5%, chemicals 4.7%

partners:

principally Serbia and Montenegro and the other former Yugoslav republics,

Germany, Greece, Albania

Imports:

$1,112 million (1990)

commodities:

fuels and lubricants 19%, manufactured goods 18%, machinery and transport

equipment 15%, food and live animals 14%, chemicals 11.4%, raw materials

10%, miscellaneous manufactured articles 8.0%, beverages and tobacco 3.5%

partners:

other former Yugoslav republics, Greece, Albania, Germany, Bulgaria

External debt:

$845.8 million

Industrial production:

growth rate -18% (1991 est.)

Electricity:

1,600,000 kw capacity; 6,300 million kWh produced, 2,900 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Macedonia, Economy

Industries:

low levels of technology predominate, such as, oil refining by distillation

only; produces basic liquid fuels, coal, metallic chromium, lead, zinc, and

ferronickel; light industry produces basic textiles, wood products, and

tobacco

Agriculture:

provides 12% of GDP and meets the basic need for food; principal crops are

rice, tobacco, wheat, corn, and millet; also grown are cotton, sesame,

mulberry leaves, citrus fruit, and vegetables; Macedonia is one of the seven

legal cultivators of the opium poppy for the world pharmaceutical industry,

including some exports to the US; agricultural production is highly labor

intensive

Illicit drugs:

NA

Economic aid:

$10 million from the US for humanitarian and technical assistance; EC

promised a 100 ECU million economic aid package

Currency:

1 denar (abbreviation NA) = 100 NA

Exchange rates:

denar per US$1 - 240 (January 1991)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Macedonia, Communications

Railroads:

NA

Highways:

10,591 km total (1991); 5,091 km paved, 1,404 km gravel, 4,096 km earth

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

none

Ports:

none; landlocked

Airports:

total:

17

useable:

17

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

125,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 2 FM, 5 (2 relays) TV;

370,000 radios, 325,000 TV; satellite communications ground stations - none

*Macedonia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 597,024; fit for military service 484,701; reach military

age (19) annually 18,979 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

7 billion denars, NA% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of the military

budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Madagascar, Geography

Location:

in the western Indian Ocean, 430 km east of Mozambique in Southern Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

587,040 km2

land area:

581,540 km2 comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

4,828 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova

Island, and Tromelin Island (all administered by France)

Climate:

tropical along coast, temperate inland, arid in south

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain, high plateau and mountains in center

Natural resources:

graphite, chromite, coal, bauxite, salt, quartz, tar sands, semiprecious

stones, mica, fish

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

58%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

11%

Irrigated land:

9,000 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to periodic cyclones; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

Note:

world's fourth-largest island; strategic location along Mozambique Channel

*Madagascar, People

Population:

13,005,989 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.2% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

13.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

91 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

53.52 years

male:

51.65 years

female:

55.45 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Malagasy (singular and plural)

adjective:

Malagasy

Ethnic divisions:

Malayo-Indonesian (Merina and related Betsileo), Cotiers (mixed African,

Malayo-Indonesian, and Arab ancestry - Betsimisaraka, Tsimihety, Antaisaka,

Sakalava), French, Indian, Creole, Comoran

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 52%, Christian 41%, Muslim 7%

Languages:

French (official), Malagasy (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

80%

male:

88%

female:

73%

Labor force:

4.9 million 90% nonsalaried family workers engaged in subsistence

agriculture; 175,000 wage earners

by occupation:

agriculture 26%, domestic service 17%, industry 15%, commerce 14%,

construction 11%, services 9%, transportation 6%, other 2%

note:

51% of population of working age (1985)

*Madagascar, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Madagascar

conventional short form:

Madagascar

local long form:

Republique de Madagascar

local short form:

Madagascar

former:

Malagasy Republic

Digraph:

MA

Type:

republic

Capital:

Antananarivo

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces - Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina,

Toliary

Independence:

26 June 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

12 September 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 June (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

some 30 political parties now exist in Madagascar, the most important of

which are Advance Guard of the Malagasy Revolution (AREMA), Didier

RATSIRAKA; Congress Party for Malagasy Independence (AKFM),

RAKOTOVAO-ANDRIATIANA; Movement for National Unity (VONJY), Dr. Marojama

RAZANABAHINY; Malagasy Christian Democratic Union (UDECMA), Norbert

ANDRIAMORASATA; Militants for the Establishment of a Proletarian Regime

(MFM), Manandafy RAKOTONIRINA; National Movement for the Independence of

Madagascar (MONIMA), Monja JAONA; National Union for the Defense of

Democracy (UNDD), Albert ZAFY

Other political or pressure groups:

National Council of Christian Churches (FFKM), leader NA; Federalist

Movement, leader NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 10 February 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - Albert ZAFY

(UNDD), 67%; Didier RATSIRAKA (AREMA), 33%

Popular National Assembly:

last held on 28 May 1989 (next to be held May 1993); results - AREMA 88.2%,

MFM 5.1%, AKFM 3.7%, VONJY 2.2%, other 0.8%; seats - (137 total) AREMA 120,

MFM 7, AKFM 5, VONJY 4, MONIMA 1

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers

*Madagascar, Government

Legislative branch:

unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire); note -

the National Assembly has suspended its operations during 1992 and early

1993 in preparation for new legislative elections. In its place, an interim

High Authority of State and a Social and Economic Recovery Council have been

established

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour

Constitutionnelle)

Leaders: Chief of State:

President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Guy RAZANAMASY (since 8 August 1991)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Pierrot Jocelyn RAJAONARIVELO

chancery:

2374 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-5525 or 5526

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Douglas BARRETT

embassy:

14 and 16 Rue Rainitovo, Antsahavola, Antananarivo

mailing address:

B. P. 620, Antananarivo

telephone:

[261] (2) 212-57, 209-56, 200-89, 207-18

FAX:

261-234-539

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a vertical white band

of the same width on hoist side

*Madagascar, Economy

Overview:

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Agriculture,

including fishing and forestry, is the mainstay of the economy, accounting

for over 30% of GDP and contributing to more than 70% of total export

earnings. Industry is largely confined to the processing of agricultural

products and textile manufacturing; in 1991 it accounted for only 13% of

GDP. In 1986 the government introduced a five-year development plan that

stressed self-sufficiency in food (mainly rice) by 1990, increased

production for exports, and reduced energy imports. After mid-1991, however,

output dropped sharply because of protracted antigovernment strikes and

demonstrations for political reform.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$200 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate: NA%

Budget:

revenues $250 million; expenditures $265 million, including capital

expenditures of $180 million (1991)

Exports:

$312 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

coffee 45%, vanilla 20%, cloves 11%, sugar, petroleum products

partners:

France, Japan, Italy, Germany, US

Imports:

$350 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

intermediate manufactures 30%, capital goods 28%, petroleum 15%, consumer

goods 14%, food 13%

partners:

France, Germany, UK, other EC, US

External debt:

$4.4 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.2% (1990 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP

Electricity:

125,000 kW capacity; 450 million kWh produced, 35 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

agricultural processing (meat canneries, soap factories, breweries,

tanneries, sugar refining plants), light consumer goods industries

(textiles, glassware), cement, automobile assembly plant, paper, petroleum

Agriculture:

accounts for 31% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, vanilla, sugarcane, cloves,

cocoa; food crops - rice, cassava, beans, bananas, peanuts; cattle raising

widespread; almost self-sufficient in rice

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis (cultivated and wild varieties) used mostly for

domestic consumption

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $136 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,125 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $491 million

*Madagascar, Economy

Currency:

1 Malagasy franc (FMG) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Malagasy francs (FMG) per US$1 - 1,910.2 (December 1992), 1,867.9 (1992),

1,835.4 (1991), 1,454.6 (December 1990), 1,603.4 (1989), 1,407.1 (1988),

1,069.2 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Madagascar, Communications

Railroads:

1,020 km 1.000-meter gauge

Highways:

40,000 km total; 4,694 km paved, 811 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized

soil, 34,495 km improved and unimproved earth (est.)

Inland waterways:

of local importance only; isolated streams and small portions of Canal des

Pangalanes

Ports:

Toamasina, Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Toliara

Merchant marine:

11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 35,359 GRT/48,772 DWT; includes 6

cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1

liquefied gas

Airports:

total:

146

usable:

103

with permanent-surface runways:

30

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

36

Telecommunications:

above average system includes open-wire lines, coaxial cables, radio relay,

and troposcatter links; submarine cable to Bahrain; satellite earth stations

- 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and broadcast stations - 17 AM, 3 FM, 1 (36

repeaters) TV

*Madagascar, Defense Forces

Branches:

Popular Armed Forces (including Intervention Forces, Development Forces,

Aeronaval Forces - including Navy and Air Force), Gendarmerie, Presidential

Security Regiment

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,826,018; fit for military service 1,681,553; reach

military age (20) annually 118,233 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 2.2% of GDP (1991 est.)

*Malawi, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and Zambia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

118,480 km2

land area:

94,080 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Pennsylvania

Land boundaries:

total 2,881 km, Mozambique 1,569 km, Tanzania 475 km, Zambia 837 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

dispute with Tanzania over the boundary in Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi)

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (November to May); dry season (May to November)

Terrain:

narrow elongated plateau with rolling plains, rounded hills, some mountains

Natural resources:

limestone, unexploited deposits of uranium, coal, and bauxite

Land use:

arable land:

25%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

50%

other:

5%

Irrigated land:

200 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation

Note:

landlocked

*Malawi, People

Population:

9,831,935 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.95% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

51.1 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

22.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-37.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

141.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 40.48 years

male:

39.61 years

female:

41.37 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.5 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Malawian(s)

adjective:

Malawian

Ethnic divisions:

Chewa, Nyanja, Tumbuko, Yao, Lomwe, Sena, Tonga, Ngoni, Ngonde, Asian,

European

Religions:

Protestant 55%, Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 20%, traditional indigenous

beliefs

Languages:

English (official), Chichewa (official), other languages important

regionally

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1966)

total population:

22%

male:

34%

female:

12%

Labor force:

428,000 wage earners

by occupation:

agriculture 43%, manufacturing 16%, personal services 15%, commerce 9%,

construction 7%, miscellaneous services 4%, other permanently employed 6%

(1986)

*Malawi, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Malawi

conventional short form:

Malawi

former:

Nyasaland

Digraph:

MI

Type:

one-party republic

note:

a referendum to determine whether Malawi should remain a one-party state is

scheduled to be held on 14 June 1993

Capital:

Lilongwe

Administrative divisions:

24 districts; Blantyre, Chikwawa, Chiradzulu, Chitipa, Dedza, Dowa, Karonga,

Kasungu, Lilongwe, Machinga (Kasupe), Mangochi, Mchinji, Mulanje, Mwanza,

Mzimba, Ntcheu, Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota, Nsanje, Ntchisi, Rumphi, Salima,

Thyolo, Zomba

Independence:

6 July 1964 (from UK)

Constitution:

6 July 1964; republished as amended January 1974

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Appeal; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 6 July (1964)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Wadson DELEZA, administrative

secretary; John TEMBO, treasurer general; top party position of secretary

general vacant since 1983

Other political or pressure groups:

Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), Chakufwa CHIHANA; United Democratic Front

(UDF) Bakili MULUZI; Malawi Democratic People (MDP), leader NA

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

President BANDA sworn in as President for Life on 6 July 1971

National Assembly:

last held 26-27 June 1987 (next to be held by June 1997); results - MCP is

the only party; seats - (141 total, 136 elected) MCP 141

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

High Court, Supreme Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Dr. Hastings Kamuzu BANDA (since 6 July 1966; sworn in as

President for Life 6 July 1971)

*Malawi, Government

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS,

NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert B. MBAYA

chancery:

2408 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 797-1007

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Michael T. F. PISTOR

embassy:

address NA, in new capital city development area in Lilongwe

mailing address:

P. O. Box 30016, Lilongwe

telephone:

[265] 730-166

FAX:

[265] 732-282

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant,

rising, red sun centered in the black band; similar to the flag of

Afghanistan, which is longer and has the national coat of arms superimposed

on the hoist side of the black and red bands

*Malawi, Economy

Overview:

Landlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least developed countries. The

economy is predominately agricultural, with about 90% of the population

living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for 40% of GDP and 90% of export

revenues. After two years of weak performance, economic growth improved

significantly in 1988-91 as a result of good weather and a broadly based

economic adjustment effort by the government. Drought cut overall output

sharply in 1992. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic

assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.9 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-7.7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$200 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

21% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $398 million; expenditures $510 million, including capital

expenditures of $154 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$400 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

tobacco, tea, sugar, coffee, peanuts, wood products

partners:

US, UK, Zambia, South Africa, Germany

Imports:

$660 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

food, petroleum products, semimanufactures, consumer goods, transportation

equipment

partners:

South Africa, Japan, US, UK, Zimbabwe

External debt:

$1.8 billion (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.0% (1990 est.); accounts for about 18% of GDP (1988)

Electricity:

190,000 kW capacity; 620 million kWh produced, 65 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

agricultural processing (tea, tobacco, sugar), sawmilling, cement, consumer

goods

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP; cash crops - tobacco, sugarcane, cotton, tea, and

corn; subsistence crops - potatoes, cassava, sorghum, pulses; livestock -

cattle, goats

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $215 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2,150 million

Currency:

1 Malawian kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala

Exchange rates:

Malawian kwacha (MK) per US$1 - 4.3418 (November 1992), 2.8033 (1991),

2.7289 (1990), 2.7595 (1989), 2.5613 (1988), 2.2087 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Malawi, Communications

Railroads:

789 km 1.067-meter gauge

Highways:

13,135 km total; 2,364 km paved; 251 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized

soil; 10,520 km earth and improved earth

Inland waterways:

Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi); Shire River, 144 km

Ports:

Chipoka, Monkey Bay, Nkhata Bay, and Nkotakota - all on Lake Nyasa (Lake

Malawi)

Airports:

total:

47

usable:

41

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

10

Telecommunications:

fair system of open-wire lines, radio relay links, and radio communications

stations; 42,250 telephones; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 17 FM, no TV;

satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT

Note:

a majority of exports would normally go through Mozambique on the Beira,

Nacala, and Limgogo railroads, but now most go through South Africa because

of insurgent activity and damage to rail lines

*Malawi, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (including Air Wing and Naval Detachment), Police (including

paramilitary Mobile Force Unit), paramilitary Malawi Young Pioneers

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,059,509; fit for military service 1,048,986 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $22 million, 1.6% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Malaysia, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Vietnam and Indonesia

Map references:

Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

329,750 km2

land area:

328,550 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 2,669 km, Brunei 381 km, Indonesia 1,782 km, Thailand 506 km

Coastline:

4,675 km (Peninsular Malaysia 2,068 km, East Malaysia 2,607 km)

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation; specified boundary in the South

China Sea

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China,

Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; State of Sabah claimed by

the Philippines; Brunei may wish to purchase the Malaysian salient that

divides Brunei into two parts; two islands in dispute with Singapore; two

islands in dispute with Indonesia

Climate:

tropical; annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to

February) monsoons

Terrain: coastal plains rising to hills and mountains

Natural resources:

tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

10%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

63%

other:

24%

Irrigated land:

3,420 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to flooding; air and water pollution

Note:

strategic location along Strait of Malacca and southern South China Sea

*Malaysia, People

Population:

18,845,340 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

28.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

26.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

68.82 years

male:

65.96 years

female:

71.81 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Malaysian(s)

adjective:

Malaysian

Ethnic divisions:

Malay and other indigenous 59%, Chinese 32%, Indian 9%

Religions:

Peninsular Malaysia:

Muslim (Malays)

Buddhist (Chinese), Hindu (Indians)

Sabah:

Muslim 38%

Christian 17%, other 45%

Sarawak:

tribal religion 35%

Buddhist and Confucianist 24%, Muslim 20%, Christian 16%, other 5%

Languages:

Peninsular Malaysia:

Malay (official)

English, Chinese dialects, Tamil

State of Sabah:

English

Malay, numerous tribal dialects, Chinese (Mandarin and Hakka dialects

predominate)

State of Sarawak:

English

Malay, Mandarin, numerous tribal languages,

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

78%

male:

86%

female:

70%

Labor force:

7.258 million (1991 est.)

*Malaysia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Malaysia

former:

Malayan Union

Digraph:

MY

Type:

constitutional monarchy

note:

Federation of Malaysia formed 9 July 1963; nominally headed by the paramount

ruler (king) and a bicameral Parliament; Peninsular Malaysian states -

hereditary rulers in all but Melaka, where governors are appointed by

Malaysian Pulau Pinang Government; powers of state governments are limited

by federal Constitution; Sabah - self-governing state, holds 20 seats in

House of Representatives, with foreign affairs, defense, internal security,

and other powers delegated to federal government; Sarawak - self-governing

state within Malaysia, holds 27 seats in House of Representatives, with

foreign affairs, defense, internal security, and other powers delegated to

federal government

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Administrative divisions:

13 states (negeri-negeri, singular - negeri) and 2 federal territories*, (wilayah-wilayah

persekutuan, singular - wilayah persekutuan); Johor, Kedah,

Kelantan, Labuan*, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau, Pinang, Sabah,

Sarawak, Selangor, Terengganu, Wilayah Persekutuan*, Independence:

31 August 1957 (from UK)

Constitution:

31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the

Supreme Court at request of supreme head of the federation; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 31 August (1957)

Political parties and leaders:

Peninsular Malaysia:

National Front, a confederation of 13 political parties dominated by United

Malays National Organization Baru (UMNO Baru), MAHATHIR bin Mohamad;

Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), LING Liong Sik; Gerakan Rakyat

Malaysia, Datuk LIM Keng Yaik; Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Datuk S.

Samy VELLU

Sabah:

Berjaya Party, Datuk Haji Mohammed NOOR Mansor; Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Joseph

Pairin KITINGAN; United Sabah National Organizaton (USNO), leader NA

Sarawak:

coalition Sarawak National Front composed of the Party Pesaka Bumiputra

Bersatu (PBB), Datuk Patinggi Amar Haji Abdul TAIB Mahmud; Sarawak United

People's Party (SUPP), Datuk Amar James WONG Soon Kai; Sarawak National

Party (SNAP), Datuk Amar James WONG; Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Datuk

Leo MOGGIE; major opposition parties are Democratic Action Party (DAP), LIM

Kit Siang and Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), Fadzil NOOR

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

*Malaysia, Government

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 21 October 1990 (next to be held by August 1995); results -

National Front 52%, other 48%; seats - (180 total) National Front 127, DAP

20, PAS 7, independents 4, other 22; note - within the National Front, UMNO

got 71 seats and MCA 18 seats

Executive branch:

paramount ruler, deputy paramount ruler, prime minister, deputy prime

minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Parlimen) consists of an upper house or Senate (Dewan

Negara) and a lower house or House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State: Paramount Ruler AZLAN Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Sultan Yusof Izzudin (since 26

April 1989); Deputy Paramount Ruler JA'AFAR ibni Abdul Rahman (since 26

April 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Dr. MAHATHIR bin Mohamad (since 16 July 1981); Deputy Prime

Minister Abdul GHAFAR Bin Baba (since 7 May 1986)

Member of:

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOMOZ, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Abdul MAJID Mohamed

chancery:

2401 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 328-2700

consulates general:

Los Angeles and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John S. WOLF

embassy:

376 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur

mailing address:

P. O. Box No. 10035, 50700 Kuala Lumpur

telephone:

[60] (3) 248-9011

FAX:

[60] (3) 242-2207

Flag:

fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white

(bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a

yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent and the

star are traditional symbols of Islam; the design was based on the flag of

the US

*Malaysia, Economy

Overview:

The Malaysian economy, a mixture of private enterprise and a soundly managed

public sector, has posted a remarkable record of 8%-9% average growth in

1987-92. This growth has resulted in a substantial reduction in poverty and

a marked rise in real wages. Despite sluggish growth in the major world

economies in 1992, demand for Malaysian goods remained strong and foreign

investors continued to commit large sums in the economy. The government is

aware of the inflationary potential of this rapid development and is closely

monitoring fiscal and monetary policies.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $54.5 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita: $2,960 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.7% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.1% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $15.6 billion; expenditures $18.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $4.5 billion (1992 est.)

Exports:

$39.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and petroleum products, wood and

wood products, rubber, textiles

partners:

Singapore 23%, US 18.6%, Japan 13.2%, UK 4%, Germany 4%

Imports:

$39.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

food, consumer goods, petroleum products, chemicals, capital equipment

partners:

Japan 26%, US 15.8%, Singapore 15.7%, Taiwan 5.6%, Germany 4.2%

External debt:

$25.7 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 13% (1992); accounts for NA% of GDP

Electricity:

8,000,000 kW capacity; 30,000 million kWh produced, 1,610 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

Peninsular Malaysia:

rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing

industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing

timber

Sabah:

logging, petroleum production

Sarawak:

agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging

Agriculture:

accounts for 20% of GDP

Peninsular Malaysia:

natural rubber, palm oil, rice

Sabah:

mainly subsistence, but also rubber, timber, coconut, rice

*Malaysia, Economy

Sarawak:

rubber, timber, pepper; deficit of rice in all areas; fish catch of 608,000

metric tons in 1987

Illicit drugs:

transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe,

and the Third World

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-84), $170 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.7 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $42 million

Currency:

1 ringgit (M$) = 100 sen

Exchange rates:

ringgits (M$) per US$1 - 2.6238 (January 1993), 2.5475 (1992), 2.7501

(1991), 1.7048 (1990), 2.7088 (1989), 2.6188 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Malaysia, Communications

Railroads:

Peninsular Malaysia:

1,665 km 1.04-meter gauge; 13 km double track, government owned

Sabah:

136 km 1.000-meter gauge

Sarawak:

none

Highways:

Peninsular Malaysia:

23,600 km; 19,352 km hard surfaced, mostly bituminous surface treatment, and

4,248 km unpaved

Sabah:

3,782 km

Sarawak:

1,644 km

Inland waterways:

Peninsular Malaysia:

3,209 km

Sabah:

1,569 km

Sarawak:

2,518 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,307 km; natural gas 379 km

Ports:

Tanjong Kidurong, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Pasir Gudang, Penang, Port Kelang,

Sandakan, Tawau

Merchant marine:

184 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,869,817 GRT/2,786,765 DWT; includes

1 passenger-cargo, 2 short-sea passenger, 71 cargo, 28 container, 2 vehicle

carrier, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 38 oil tanker, 6 chemical

tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 27 bulk

Airports:

total:

111

usable:

102

with permanent-surface runways:

32

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

18

Telecommunications:

good intercity service provided on Peninsular Malaysia mainly by microwave

radio relay; adequate intercity microwave radio relay network between Sabah

and Sarawak via Brunei; international service good; good coverage by radio

and television broadcasts; 994,860 telephones (1984); broadcast stations -

28 AM, 3 FM, 33 TV; submarine cables extend to India and Sarawak; SEACOM

submarine cable links to Hong Kong and Singapore; satellite earth stations -

1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 2 domestic

*Malaysia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Royal

Malaysian Police Force, Marine Police, Sarawak Border Scouts

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,837,256; fit for military service 2,941,577; reach

military age (21) annually 181,435 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, about 5% of GDP (1992)

*Maldives, Geography

Location:

South Asia, in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of India

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

300 km2

land area:

300 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

644 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

35-310 nm as defined by geographic coordinates; segment of zone coincides

with maritime boundary with India

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; dry, northeast monsoon (November to March); rainy,

southwest monsoon (June to August)

Terrain: flat with elevations only as high as 2.5 meters

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

84%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

1,200 coral islands grouped into 19 atolls

Note:

archipelago of strategic location astride and along major sea lanes in

Indian Ocean

*Maldives, People

Population:

243,094 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.64% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.34 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

57.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

63.86 years

male:

62.5 years

female:

65.28 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.36 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Maldivian(s)

adjective:

Maldivian

Ethnic divisions:

Sinhalese, Dravidian, Arab, African

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Divehi (dialect of Sinhala; script derived from Arabic), English spoken by

most government officials

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1985)

total population:

92%

male:

92%

female:

92%

Labor force:

66,000 (est.)

by occupation:

fishing industry 25%

*Maldives, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Maldives

conventional short form:

Maldives

Digraph:

MV

Type:

republic

Capital:

Male

Administrative divisions:

19 districts (atolls); Aliff, Baa, Daalu, Faafu, Gaafu Aliff, Gaafu Daalu,

Haa Aliff, Haa Daalu, Kaafu, Laamu, Laviyani, Meemu, Naviyani, Noonu, Raa,

Seenu, Shaviyani, Thaa, Waavu

Independence:

26 July 1965 (from UK)

Constitution:

4 June 1964

Legal system:

based on Islamic law with admixtures of English common law primarily in

commercial matters; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 26 July (1965)

Political parties and leaders:

no organized political parties; country governed by the Didi clan for the

past eight centuries

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 23 September 1988 (next to be held September 1993); results -

President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM reelected

Citizens' Council:

last held on 7 December 1989 (next to be held 7 December 1994); results -

percent of vote NA; seats - (48 total, 40 elected)

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Citizens' Council (Majlis)

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM (since 11 November 1978)

Member of:

AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IMF,

IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, NAM, OIC, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

Maldives does not maintain an embassy in the US, but does have a UN mission

in New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka is accredited to Maldives and makes periodic

visits there

consular agency:

Midhath Hilmy, Male

*Maldives, Government

telephone:

2581

Flag:

red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white

crescent; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag

*Maldives, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and shipping. Agriculture is

limited to the production of a few subsistence crops that provide only 10%

of food requirements. Fishing is the largest industry, employing 25% of the

work force and accounting for over 60% of exports; it is also an important

source of government revenue. During the 1980s tourism became one of the

most important and highest growth sectors of the economy. In 1988 industry

accounted for about 5% of GDP. Real GDP is officially estimated to have

increased by about 10% annually during the period 1974-90.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $140 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.7% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$620 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.5% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NEGL%

Budget:

revenues $52 million (excluding foreign transfers); expenditures $83

million, including capital expenditures of $39 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$53.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

fish, clothing

partners:

US, UK, Sri Lanka

Imports:

$150.9 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

consumer goods, intermediate and capital goods, petroleum products

partners:

Singapore, Germany, Sri Lanka, India

External debt:

$90 million (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 24.0% (1990); accounts for 6% of GDP

Electricity:

5,000 kW capacity; 11 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

fishing and fish processing, tourism, shipping, boat building, some coconut

processing, garments, woven mats, coir (rope), handicrafts

Agriculture:

accounts for almost 25% of GDP (including fishing); fishing more important

than farming; limited production of coconuts, corn, sweet potatoes; most

staple foods must be imported; fish catch of 67,000 tons (1990 est.)

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $28 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $125 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $14 million

Currency:

1 rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laaris

Exchange rates:

rufiyaa (Rf) per US$1 - 10.506 (January 1993), 10.569 (1992), 10.253 (1991),

9.509 (1990), 9.0408 (1989), 8.7846 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Maldives, Communications

Highways:

Male has 9.6 km of coral highways within the city

Ports:

Male, Gan

Merchant marine:

14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 38,848 GRT/58,496 DWT; includes 12

cargo, 1 container, 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

2

useable:

2 with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

minimal domestic and international facilities; 2,804 telephones; broadcast

stations - 2 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Maldives, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Security Service (paramilitary police force)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 53,730; fit for military service 30,014 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Mali, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, between Mauritania and Niger

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1.24 million km2

land area:

1.22 million km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 7,243 km, Algeria 1,376 km, Burkina 1,000 km, Guinea 858 km, Cote

d'Ivoire 532 km, Mauritania 2,237 km, Niger 821 km, Senegal 419 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

the disputed international boundary between Burkina and Mali was submitted

to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in October 1983 and the ICJ

issued its final ruling in December 1986, which both sides agreed to accept;

Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the

tripoint with Niger

Climate:

subtropical to arid; hot and dry February to June; rainy, humid, and mild

June to November; cool and dry November to February

Terrain:

mostly flat to rolling northern plains covered by sand; savanna in south,

rugged hills in northeast

Natural resources:

gold, phosphates, kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, bauxite, iron ore,

manganese, tin, and copper deposits are known but not exploited

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

7%

other:

66%

Irrigated land:

50 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dust-laden harmattan; haze common during dry seasons; desertification

Note:

landlocked

*Mali, People

Population:

8,868,617 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.66% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

51.73 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

20.81 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-4.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

108 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

45.45 years

male:

43.89 years

female:

47.06 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Malian(s)

adjective:

Malian

Ethnic divisions:

Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Sarakole), Peul 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%,

Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%

Religions: Muslim 90%, indigenous beliefs 9%, Christian 1%

Languages:

French (official), Bambara 80%, numerous African languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

32%

male:

41%

female:

24%

Labor force:

2.666 million (1986 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 80%, services 19%, industry and commerce 1% (1981)

note:

50% of population of working age (1985)

*Mali, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Mali

conventional short form:

Mali

local long form:

Republique de Mali

local short form:

Mali

former:

French Sudan

Digraph:

ML

Type:

republic

Capital:

Bamako

Administrative divisions:

8 regions (regions, singular - region); Gao, Kayes, Kidal, Koulikoro, Mopti,

Segou, Sikasso, Tombouctou

Independence:

22 September 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

new constitution adopted in constitutional referendum in January 1992

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in Constitutional Section of Court of State; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniverary of the Proclamation of the Republic, 22 September (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

Alliance for Democracy (Adema), Alpha Oumar KONARE; National Committee for

Democratic Initiative (CNID), Mountaga TALL; Sudanese Union/African

Democratic Rally (US/RAD), Baba Hakib HAIDARA and Treoule Mamadon KONATE;

Popular Movement for the Development of the Republic of West Africa; Rally

for Democracy and Progress (RDP), Almamy SYLLA; Union for Democracy and

Development (UDD), Moussa Balla COULIBALY; Rally for Democracy and Labor

(RDT); Union of Democratic Forces for Progress (UFDP), Col. Youssouf TRAORE;

Party for Democracy and Progress (PDP), Idrissa TRAORE; Malian Union for

Democracy and Development (UMDD)

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held in April 1992; Alpha KONARE was elected in runoff race against

Montaga TALL

National Assembly:

last held on 8 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (total 116) Adema 76, CNID 9, US/RAD 8, Popular Movement

for the Development of the Republic of West Africa 6, RDP 4, UDD 4, RDT 3,

UFDP 3, PDP 2, UMDD 1

Executive branch:

Transition Committee for the Salvation of the People (CTSP) composed of 25

members, predominantly civilian

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

*Mali, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Alpha Oumar KONARE (since 8 June 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Younoussi TOURE (since 8 June 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Siragatou Ibrahim CISSE

chancery:

2130 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 332-2249 or 939-8950

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Herbert Donald GELBER

embassy:

Rue Rochester NY and Rue Mohamed V., Bamako

mailing address:

B. P. 34, Bamako

telephone:

[223] 225470

FAX:

[233] 228059

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red; uses the

popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Mali, Economy

Overview:

Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with about 70% of its land

area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the

riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population live as

nomads and some 80% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture and

fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities.

In consultation with international lending agencies, the government has

adopted a structural adjustment program for 1992-95, aiming at GDP annual

growth of 4.6%, inflation of no more than 2.5% on average, and a substantial

reduction in the external current account deficit.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.3 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-0.2% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$265 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.4% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $329 million; expenditures $519 million, including capital

expenditures of $178 (1989 est.)

Exports:

$320 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

livestock, peanuts, dried fish, cotton, skins

partners:

mostly franc zone and Western Europe

Imports:

$390 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

textiles, vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, sugar, cereals

partners:

mostly franc zone and Western Europe

External debt:

$2.6 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 15.0% (1990 est.); accounts for 10.0% of GDP

Electricity:

260,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 90 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

small local consumer goods and processing, construction, phosphate, gold,

fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for 50% of GDP; most production based on small subsistence farms;

cotton and livestock products account for over 70% of exports; other crops -

millet, rice, corn, vegetables, peanuts; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $349 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,020 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $92 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $190

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

*Mali, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Mali, Communications

Railroads:

642 km 1.000-meter gauge; linked to Senegal's rail system through Kayes

Highways:

about 15,700 km total; 1,670 km paved, 3,670 km gravel and improved earth,

10,360 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

1,815 km navigable

Airports:

total:

34

usable:

27

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

10

Telecommunications:

domestic system poor but improving; provides only minimal service with radio

relay, wire, and radio communications stations; expansion of radio relay in

progress; 11,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV;

satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean

INTELSAT

*Mali, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police (Surete

Nationale)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,749,662; fit for military service 995,554 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $41 million, 2% of GDP (1989)

*Malta, Geography

Location:

in the central Mediterranean Sea, 93 km south of Sicily (Italy), 290 km

north of Libya

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

320 km2

land area:

320 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

140 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

25 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Natural resources:

limestone, salt

Land use:

arable land:

38%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

59%

Irrigated land: 10 km2 (1989)

Environment:

numerous bays provide good harbors; fresh water very scarce; increasing

reliance on desalination

Note:

the country comprises an archipelago, with only the 3 largest islands

(Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited

*Malta, People

Population:

363,791 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.52 years

male:

74.32 years

female:

78.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Maltese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Maltese

Ethnic divisions:

Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, English

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages:

Maltese (official), English (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1985)

total population:

84%

male:

86%

female:

82%

Labor force:

127,200

by occupation:

government (excluding job corps) 37%, services 26%, manufacturing 22%,

training programs 9%, construction 4%, agriculture 2% (1990)

*Malta, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Malta

conventional short form:

Malta

Digraph:

MT

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Valletta

Administrative divisions:

none (administration directly from Valletta)

Independence:

21 September 1964 (from UK)

Constitution:

26 April 1974, effective 2 June 1974

Legal system:

based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 September

Political parties and leaders:

Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred

SANT

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results -

NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats - (usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note -

additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to

ensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after

adjustment)

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Vincent (Censu) TABONE (since 4 April 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy

Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987)

Member of:

C, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, ILO,

IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Albert BORG OLIVIER DE PUGET

chancery:

2017 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 462-3611 or 3612

FAX:

(202) 387-5470

*Malta, Government

consulate:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

2nd Floor, Development House, Saint Anne Street, Floriana, Valletta

mailing address:

P. O. Box 535, Valletta

telephone:

[356] 240424, 240425, 243216, 243217, 243653, 223654

FAX:

same as telephone numbers

Flag:

two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper

hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red

*Malta, Economy

Overview:

Significant resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a

productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has

limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources.

Consequently, the economy is highly dependent on foreign trade and services.

Manufacturing and tourism are the largest contributors to the economy.

Manufacturing accounts for about 27% of GDP, with the electronics and

textile industries major contributors and the state-owned Malta drydocks

employing about 4,300 people. In 1991, about 900,000 tourists visited the

island. Per capita GDP at $7,600 places Malta in the middle-income range of

the world's nations.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.7 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

5.9% (1991)

National product per capita:

$7,600 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.9% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

3.6% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $1.1 billion; expenditures $1.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $161 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$l.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

clothing, textiles, footwear, ships

partners:

Italy 30%, Germany 22%, UK 11%

Imports:

$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

food, petroleum, machinery and semimanufactured goods

partners:

Italy 30%, UK 16%, Germany 13%, US 4%

External debt:

$127 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 19.0% (1990); accounts for 27% of GDP

Electricity:

328,000 kW capacity; 1,110 million kWh produced, 3,000 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, electronics, ship repair yard, construction, food manufacturing,

textiles, footwear, clothing, beverages, tobacco

Agriculture:

accounts for 3% of GDP and 2.5% of the work force (1992); overall, 20%

self-sufficient; main products - potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat,

barley, tomatoes, citrus, cut flowers, green peppers, hogs, poultry, eggs;

generally adequate supplies of vegetables, poultry, milk, pork products;

seasonal or periodic shortages in grain, animal fodder, fruits, other basic

foodstuffs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $172 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $336 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $76 million; Communist countries (1970-88), $48

million

Currency:

1 Maltese lira (LM) = 100 cents

*Malta, Economy

Exchange rates:

Maltese liri (LM) per US$1 - 0.3687 (January 1993), 0.3178 (1992), 0.3226

(1991), 0.3172 (1990), 0.3483 (1989), 0.3306 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Malta, Communications

Highways:

1,291 km total; 1,179 km paved (asphalt), 77 km crushed stone or gravel, 35

km improved and unimproved earth

Ports:

Valletta, Marsaxlokk

Merchant marine:

789 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,059,874 GRT/18,758,969 DWT;

includes 6 passenger, 17 short-sea passenger, 272 cargo, 26 container, 2

passenger-cargo, 20 roll-on/roll-off, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 barge carrier, 17

refrigerated cargo, 19 chemical tanker, 15 combination ore/oil, 3

specialized tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 131 oil tanker, 223 bulk, 26

combination bulk, 3 multifunction large load carrier, 1 railcar carrier;

note - a flag of convenience registry; China owns 2 ships, Russia owns 52

ships, Cuba owns 10, Vietnam owns 6, Croatia owns 37, Romania owns 3

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

automatic system satisfies normal requirements; 153,000 telephones;

excellent service by broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, and 2 TV; submarine

cable and microwave radio relay between islands; international service by 1

submarine cable and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Malta, Defense Forces

Branches:

Armed Forces, Maltese Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 97,446; fit for military service 77,481 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $21.9 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Man, Isle of, Header

Affiliation:

(British crown dependency)

*Man, Isle of, Geography

Location:

in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and Great Britain

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total area:

588 km2

land area:

588 km2

comparative area:

nearly 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

113 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

cool summers and mild winters; humid; overcast about half the time

Terrain:

hills in north and south bisected by central valley

Natural resources:

lead, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA% (extensive arable land and forests)

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

strong westerly winds prevail

Note:

one small islet, the Calf of Man, lies to the southwest, and is a bird

sanctuary

*Man, Isle of, People

Population:

71,263 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.57 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate: 9.99 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.98 years

male:

73.25 years

female:

78.92 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.8 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Manxman, Manxwoman

adjective:

Manx

Ethnic divisions:

Manx (Norse-Celtic descent), Briton

Religions:

Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of

Friends

Languages:

English, Manx Gaelic

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

25,864 (1981)

by occupation:

NA

*Man, Isle of, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Isle of Man

Digraph:

IM

Type:

British crown dependency

Capital:

Douglas

Administrative divisions:

none (British crown dependency)

Independence:

none (British crown dependency)

Constitution: 1961, Isle of Man Constitution Act

Legal system:

English law and local statute

National holiday:

Tynwald Day, 5 July

Political parties and leaders:

there is no party system and members sit as independents

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Keys:

last held in 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA;

no party system; seats - (24 total) independents 24

Executive branch:

British monarch, lieutenant governor, president, prime minister, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Tynwald consists of an upper house or Legislative Council and a

lower house or House of Keys

Judicial branch:

Court of Tynwald

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Lord of Mann Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by

Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Sir Laurence JONES (since NA 1990)

Head of Government:

President of the Legislative Council Sir Charles KERRUISH (since NA 1990)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (British crown dependency)

US diplomatic representation:

none (British crown dependency)

Flag:

red with the Three Legs of Man emblem (Trinacria), in the center; the three

legs are joined at the thigh and bent at the knee; in order to have the toes

pointing clockwise on both sides of the flag, a two-sided emblem is used

*Man, Isle of, Economy

Overview:

Offshore banking, manufacturing, and tourism are key sectors of the economy.

The government's policy of offering incentives to high-technology companies

and financial institutions to locate on the island has paid off in expanding

employment opportunities in high-income industries. As a result, agriculture

and fishing, once the mainstays of the economy, have declined in their

shares of GNP. Banking now contributes over 20% to GNP and manufacturing

about 15%. Trade is mostly with the UK. The Isle of Man enjoys free access

to European Community markets.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $490 million (1988)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita: $7,500 (1988)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $130.4 million; expenditures $114.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $18.1 million (FY85 est.)

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

tweeds, herring, processed shellfish, meat

partners:

UK

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

timber, fertilizers, fish

partners:

UK

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

61,000 kW capacity; 190 million kWh produced, 2,965 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

an important offshore financial center; financial services, light

manufacturing, tourism

Agriculture:

cereals and vegetables; cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 Manx pound (#M) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Manx pounds (#M) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652

(1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); the Manx pound is at

par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Man, Isle of, Communications

Railroads:

60 km; 36 km electric track, 24 km steam track

Highways:

640 km motorable roads

Ports:

Douglas, Ramsey, Peel

Merchant marine:

59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,363,502 GRT/2,363,502 DWT; includes

10 cargo, 6 container, 9 roll-on/roll-off, 14 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker,

4 liquefied gas, 12 bulk; note - a captive register of the United Kingdom,

although not all ships on the register are British owned

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

24,435 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 4 FM, 4 TV

*Man, Isle of, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Marshall Islands, Geography

Location:

Oceania, in the North Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way between

Hawaii and Papua New Guinea

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

181.3 km2

land area:

181.3 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

note:

includes the atolls of Bikini, Eniwetok, and Kwajalein

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

370.4 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims US territory of Wake Island

Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid; islands border typhoon belt

Terrain:

low coral limestone and sand islands

Natural resources:

phosphate deposits, marine products, deep seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

60%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

40%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

occasionally subject to typhoons; two archipelagic island chains of 30

atolls and 1,152 islands

Note:

Bikini and Eniwetok are former US nuclear test sites; Kwajalein, the famous

World War II battleground, is now used as a US missile test range

*Marshall Islands, People

Population:

51,982 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.87% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

46.65 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

50.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.79 years

male:

61.27 years

female:

64.38 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Marshallese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Marshallese

Ethnic divisions: Micronesian

Religions:

Christian (mostly Protestant)

Languages:

English (universally spoken and is the official language), two major

Marshallese dialects from the Malayo-Polynesian family, Japanese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

93%

male:

100%

female:

88%

Labor force:

4,800 (1986)

by occupation:

NA

*Marshall Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of the Marshall Islands

conventional short form:

Marshall Islands

former:

Marshall Islands District (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands)

Digraph:

RM

Type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of

Free Association entered into force 21 October 1986

Capital:

Majuro

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

21 October 1986 (from the US-administered UN trusteeship)

Constitution:

1 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,

common, and customary laws

National holiday:

Proclamation of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1 May (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

no formal parties; President KABUA is chief political (and traditional)

leader

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 6 January 1992 (next to be held NA; results - President Amata

KABUA was reelected

Parliament:

last held 18 November 1991 (next to be held November 1995); results -

percent of vote NA; seats - (33 total)

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Nitijela (parliament)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Amata KABUA (since 1979)

Member of:

AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IFC, IMF, INTERPOL, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD,

WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Wilfred I. KENDALL

chancery:

2433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-5414

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador David C. FIELDS

*Marshall Islands, Government

embassy:

NA address, Majuro

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1379, Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-1379

telephone:

(011) 692-4011

FAX:

(011) 692-4012

Flag:

blue with two stripes radiating from the lower hoist-side corner - orange

(top) and white; there is a white star with four large rays and 20 small

rays on the hoist side above the two stripes

*Marshall Islands, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. Agricultural

production is concentrated on small farms, and the most important commercial

crops are coconuts, tomatoes, melons, and breadfruit. A few cattle ranches

supply the domestic meat market. Small-scale industry is limited to

handicrafts, fish processing, and copra. The tourist industry is the primary

source of foreign exchange and employs about 10% of the labor force. The

islands have few natural resources, and imports far exceed exports. In 1987

the US Government provided grants of $40 million out of the Marshallese

budget of $55 million.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $63 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $55 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1987 est.)

Exports:

$2.5 million (f.o.b., 1985)

commodities:

copra, copra oil, agricultural products, handicrafts

partners:

NA

Imports:

$29.2 million (c.i.f., 1985)

commodities:

foodstuffs, beverages, building materials

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

42,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,840 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

copra, fish, tourism; craft items from shell, wood, and pearls; offshore

banking (embryonic)

Agriculture:

coconuts, cacao, taro, breadfruit, fruits, pigs, chickens

Economic aid:

under the terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US is to provide

approximately $40 million in aid annually

Currency:

US currency is used

Exchange rates:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Marshall Islands, Communications

Highways:

paved roads on major islands (Majuro, Kwajalein), otherwise stone-, coral-,

or laterite-surfaced roads and tracks

Ports: Majuro

Merchant marine:

29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,786,070 GRT/3,498,895 DWT; includes

2 cargo, 1 container, 9 oil tanker, 15 bulk carrier, 2 combination ore/oil;

note - a flag of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

16

usable:

16

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

telephone network - 570 lines (Majuro) and 186 (Ebeye); telex services;

islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government

purposes); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, 1 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Pacific

Ocean INTELSAT earth stations; US Government satellite communications system

on Kwajalein

*Marshall Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Martinique, Header

Affiliation: (overseas department of France)

*Martinique, Geography

Location:

in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Venezuela

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America

Area:

total area:

1,100 km2

land area:

1,060 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than six times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

290 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds; rainy season (June to October)

Terrain:

mountainous with indented coastline; dormant volcano

Natural resources:

coastal scenery and beaches, cultivable land

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

8%

meadows and pastures:

30%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

26%

Irrigated land:

60 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes, flooding, and volcanic activity that result in an

average of one major natural disaster every five years

*Martinique, People

Population:

387,656 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.21% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.07 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

10.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.82 years

male:

74.68 years

female:

81.01 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.94 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Martiniquais (singular and plural)

adjective:

Martiniquais

Ethnic divisions:

African and African-Caucasian-Indian mixture 90%, Caucasian 5%, East Indian,

Lebanese, Chinese less than 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Hindu and pagan African 5%

Languages:

French, Creole patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1982)

total population:

93%

male:

92%

female:

93%

Labor force:

100,000

by occupation:

service industry 31.7%, construction and public works 29.4%, agriculture

13.1%, industry 7.3%, fisheries 2.2%, other 16.3%

*Martinique, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Department of Martinique

conventional short form:

Martinique

local long form:

Departement de la Martinique

local short form:

Martinique

Digraph:

MB

Type:

overseas department of France

Capital:

Fort-de-France

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union for a Martinique of Progress (UMP);

Martinique Progressive Party (PPM); Socialist Federation of Martinique

(FSM); Martinique Communist Party (PCM); Martinique Patriots (PM); Union for

French Democracy (UDF)

Other political or pressure groups:

Proletarian Action Group (GAP); Alhed Marie-Jeanne Socialist Revolution

Group (GRS); Martinique Independence Movement (MIM); Caribbean Revolutionary

Alliance (ARC); Central Union for Martinique Workers (CSTM), Marc PULVAR;

Frantz Fanon Circle; League of Workers and Peasants

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French Senate:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (2 total) UDF 1, PPM 1

French National Assembly:

last held on 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (4 total) PPM 1, FSM 1, RPR 1, UDF 1

General Council:

last held in 25 September and 8 October 1988 (next to be held by NA);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) number of seats by

party NA; note - a leftist coalition obtained a one-seat margin

Regional Assembly:

last held on NA March 1992 (next to be held by March 1998); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (41 total) UMP 16

Executive branch:

government commissioner

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Martinique, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Government Commissioner Jean Claude ROURE (since 5 May 1989); President of

the General Council Emile MAURICE (since NA 1988)

Member of:

FZ, WCL

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas department of France, Martiniquais interests are represented

in the US by France

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Consul General Raymond G. ROBINSON

embassy:

Consulate General at 14 Rue Blenac, Fort-de-France

mailing address:

B. P. 561, Fort-de-France 97206

telephone: [596] 63-13-03

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Martinique, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on sugarcane, bananas, tourism, and light industry.

Agriculture accounts for about 10% of GDP and the small industrial sector

for 10%. Sugar production has declined, with most of the sugarcane now used

for the production of rum. Banana exports are increasing, going mostly to

France. The bulk of meat, vegetable, and grain requirements must be

imported, contributing to a chronic trade deficit that requires large annual

transfers of aid from France. Tourism has become more important than

agricultural exports as a source of foreign exchange. The majority of the

work force is employed in the service sector and in administration. Banana

workers launched protests late in 1992 because of falling banana prices and

fears of greater competition in the European market from other producers.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1988)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$6,000 (1988)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

32.1% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $268 million; expenditures $268 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989 est.)

Exports:

$196 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

refined petroleum products, bananas, rum, pineapples

partners:

France 65%, Guadeloupe 24%, Germany (1987)

Imports:

$1.3 billion (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

petroleum products, crude oil, foodstuffs, construction materials, vehicles,

clothing and other consumer goods

partners:

France 65%, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, US (1987)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

113,100 kW capacity; 588 million kWh produced, 1,580 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

construction, rum, cement, oil refining, sugar, tourism

Agriculture:

including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 12% of GDP; principal

crops - pineapples, avocados, bananas, flowers, vegetables, sugarcane for

rum; dependent on imported food, particularly meat and vegetables

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$10.1 billion

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

*Martinique, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Martinique, Communications

Highways:

1,680 km total; 1,300 km paved, 380 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Fort-de-France

Airports:

total:

2

useable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

domestic facilities are adequate; 68,900 telephones; interisland microwave

radio relay links to Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Saint Lucia; broadcast

stations - 1 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Martinique, Defense Forces

Branches:

French Forces, Gendarmerie

Note:

defense is the responsibility of France

*Mauritania, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, along the North Atlantic Ocean, between Western Sahara and

Senegal

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,030,700 km2

land area:

1,030,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than three times the size of New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 5,074 km, Algeria 463 km, Mali 2,237 km, Senegal 813 km, Western

Sahara 1,561 km

Coastline:

754 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

boundary with Senegal

Climate:

desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty

Terrain:

mostly barren, flat plains of the Sahara; some central hills

Natural resources:

iron ore, gypsum, fish, copper, phosphate

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

38%

forest and woodland:

5%

other:

56%

Irrigated land:

120 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April;

desertification; only perennial river is the Senegal

*Mauritania, People

Population:

2,124,792 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.14% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

47.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

87 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

47.59 years

male:

44.81 years

female:

50.48 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.05 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mauritanian(s)

adjective:

Mauritanian

Ethnic divisions:

mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official)

Literacy:

age 10 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

34%

male:

47%

female:

21%

Labor force:

465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980)

by occupation:

agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10%

note:

53% of population of working age (1985)

*Mauritania, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Islamic Republic of Mauritania

conventional short form:

Mauritania local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah

local short form:

Muritaniyah

Digraph:

MR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Nouakchott

Administrative divisions:

12 regions(regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet

Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri,

Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza

note:

there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott

Independence:

28 November 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

12 July 1991

Legal system:

three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, state security

courts (in the process of being eliminated)

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 November (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to

be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican

Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of

Democratic Forces - New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly

for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and

Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for

Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry

Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould

SIDI BADI

Other political or pressure groups:

Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held January 1992 (next to be held January 1998); results - President

Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA elected

Senate:

last held 3 and 10 April 1992 (one-third of the seats up for re-election in

1994)

National Assembly:

last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held March 1997)

Executive branch:

president

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of an upper house or Senate (Majlis

al-Shuyukh) and a lower house or National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani)

*Mauritania, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984)

Member of:

ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO,

ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mohamed Fall OULD AININA

chancery:

2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-5700

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN

embassy:

address NA, Nouakchott

mailing address:

B. P. 222, Nouakchott

telephone:

[222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63

FAX:

[222] (2) 525-89

Flag:

green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent;

the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green

are traditional symbols of Islam

*Mauritania, Economy

Overview:

A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for

a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers

were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s.

Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50%

of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led

to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest

fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens

this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near

Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, the droughts, the endemic conflict with

Senegal, rising energy costs, and economic mismanagement have resulted in a

substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second

stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the

IMF, and major donor countries. But the reform process suffered a major

setback following the Gulf war of early 1991. Because of Mauritania's

support of SADDAM Husayn, bilateral aid from its two top donors, Saudi

Arabia and Kuwait, was suspended, and multilateral aid was reduced.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$555 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.2% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

20% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $280 million; expenditures $346 million, including capital

expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.)

Exports:

$447 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

iron ore, processed fish, small amounts of gum arabic and gypsum; unrecorded

but numerically significant cattle exports to Senegal

partners:

EC 43%, Japan 27%, USSR 11%, Cote d'Ivoire 3%

Imports:

$385 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods

partners:

EC 60%, Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%

External debt:

$1.9 billion (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 33% of GDP

Electricity:

190,000 kW capacity; 135 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum

Agriculture:

accounts for 50% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and

nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops -

dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large

food deficit in years of drought

*Mauritania, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277

million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 million

Currency:

1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums

Exchange rates:

ouguiya (UM) per US$1 - 116.990 (February 1993), 87.082 (1992), 81.946

(1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989), 75.261 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Mauritania, Communications

Railroads:

690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by

government mining company

Highways:

7,525 km total; 1,685 km paved; 1,040 km gravel, crushed stone, or otherwise

improved; 4,800 km unimproved roads, trails, tracks

Inland waterways:

mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River

Ports:

Nouadhibou, Nouakchott

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT

Airports:

total:

29

usable:

29

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

16

Telecommunications:

poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links,

and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast

stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned

*Mauritania, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National

Police, Presidential Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 452,008; fit for military service 220,717 (1993 est.);

conscription law not implemented

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989)

*Mauritius, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 900 km east of Madagascar

Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,860 km2

land area:

1,850 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and

Rodrigues

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

177 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of

Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims

French-administered Tromelin Island

Climate:

tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to

November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)

Terrain:

small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central

plateau

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land:

54%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

31%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

170 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by

reefs

*Mauritius, People

Population:

1,106,516 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.95% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.67 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.71 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

19 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.24 years

male:

66.34 years

female:

74.3 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.23 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mauritian(s)

adjective:

Mauritian

Ethnic divisions:

Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%

Religions:

Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%), Muslim

16.6%, other 3.1%

Languages:

English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori

Literacy:

age 13 and over can read and write (1962)

total population:

61%

male:

72%

female:

50%

Labor force:

335,000

by occupation:

government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%,

other 22%

note:

43% of population of working age (1985)

*Mauritius, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius

conventional short form:

Mauritius

Digraph:

MP

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port Louis

Administrative divisions:

9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados, Carajos*, Flacq,

Grand, Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port

Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne, Independence:

12 March 1968 (from UK)

Constitution:

12 March 1968

Legal system:

based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in

certain areas

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 March (1968)

Political parties and leaders:

government coalition:

Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH

Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Paul BERENGER; Organization of the People

of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil

BAICHOO

opposition:

Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN

Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party

(PMSD), X. DUVAL

Other political or pressure groups:

various labor unions

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996);

results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM

alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3

Executive branch:

president, vice president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice President Robin Dranooth

GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime

Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990)

*Mauritius, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Chitmansing JESSERAMSING

chancery:

Suite 134, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 244-1491 or 1492

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador vacant

embassy:

4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

mailing address:

4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis

telephone:

[230] 208-9763 through 208-9767

FAX:

[230] 208-9534

Flag:

four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green

*Mauritius, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism.

Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for

40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy is centered on

industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification,

and tourism. Economic performance in FY91 was impressive, with 6% real

growth and low unemployment.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.5 billion (FY91 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6.1% (FY91 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,300 (FY91 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

7% (FY91)

Unemployment rate:

2.4% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $557 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital

expenditures of $111 million (FY90)

Exports:

$1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10%

partners:

EC and US have preferential treatment, EC 77%, US 15%

Imports:

$1.6 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum

products 8%, chemicals 7%

partners:

EC, US, South Africa, Japan

External debt:

$869 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP

Electricity:

235,000 kW capacity; 630 million kWh produced, 570 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel,

chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery,

tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other

products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net

food importer, especially rice and fish

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US)

countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54

million

Currency:

1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 16.982 (January 1993), 15.563 (1992),

15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989), 13.438 (1988)

*Mauritius, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June

*Mauritius, Communications

Highways:

1,800 km total; 1,640 km paved, 160 km earth

Ports:

Port Louis

Merchant marine:

7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 103,328 GRT/163,142 DWT; includes 3

cargo, 1 liquefied gas, 3 bulk

Airports: total:

5

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

small system with good service utilizing primarily microwave radio relay;

new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several

countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Mauritius, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Police Force (including the paramilitary Special Mobile Force

(SMF), Special Support Units (SSU), and National Coast Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 312,056; fit for military service 159,408 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89)

*Mayotte, Header

Affiliation: (territorial collectivity of France)

*Mayotte, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the northern Mozambique Channel about halfway between

Madagascar and Mozambique

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

375 km2

land area:

375 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline: 185.2 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Comoros

Climate:

tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon

(November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November)

Terrain:

generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to cyclones during rainy season

Note:

part of Comoro Archipelago

*Mayotte, People

Population:

89,983 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.8% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

49.22 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.22 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

81.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

57.35 years

male:

55.23 years

female:

59.55 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.84 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mahorais (singular and plural)

adjective:

Mahoran

Ethnic divisions:

NA

Religions:

Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic)

Languages:

Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French

Literacy:

total population:

NA

male:

NA

female:

NA

Labor force:

NA

*Mayotte, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte

conventional short form:

Mayotte

Digraph:

MF

Type:

territorial collectivity of France

Capital:

Mamoutzou

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Independence:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law

National holiday:

Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran

Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic

(RMPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union of the Center (UDC)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

General Council: last held March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 12, RPR 5

French Senate:

last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1

French National Assembly:

last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held June 1993); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) UDC 1

Executive branch:

government commissioner

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council (Conseil General)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Commissioner, Representative of the French Government Jean-Paul COSTE (since

NA 1991); President of the General Council Youssouf BAMANA (since NA 1976)

Member of:

FZ

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a territorial collectivity of France, Mahoran interests are represented

in the US by France

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Mayotte, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including

fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must

import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The

economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French

financial assistance.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1985)

Exports:

$4.0 million (f.o.b., 1984)

commodities:

ylang-ylang, vanilla

partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9%

Imports:

$21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984)

commodities:

building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour

partners:

France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

NA kW capacity; NA million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita

Industries:

newly created lobster and shrimp industry

Agriculture:

most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla,

ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$402 million

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Mayotte, Communications

Highways:

42 km total; 18 km bituminous

Ports:

Dzaoudzi

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanet-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

small system administered by French Department of Posts and

Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio

communications for links to Comoros and international communications; 450

telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV

*Mayotte, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Mexico, Geography

Location:

Central America, between Guatemala and the US

Map references:

North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,972,550 km2

land area:

1,923,040 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 4,538 km, Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km

Coastline:

9,330 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the natural prolongation of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims Clipperton Island (French possession)

Climate:

varies from tropical to desert

Terrain:

high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert

Natural resources:

petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber

Land use:

arable land:

12%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

39%

forest and woodland:

24%

other:

24%

Irrigated land:

51,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast and destructive earthquakes in

the center and south; natural water resources scarce and polluted in north,

inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast;

deforestation; erosion widespread; desertification; serious air pollution in

Mexico City and urban centers along US-Mexico border

Note:

strategic location on southern border of US

*Mexico, People

Population:

90,419,606 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.97% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

27.67 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.82 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

28.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.55 years

male:

68.99 years

female:

76.3 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mexican(s)

adjective:

Mexican

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%,

Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6%

Languages:

Spanish, various Mayan dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

87%

male:

90%

female:

85%

Labor force:

26.2 million (1990)

by occupation:

services 31.7%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 28%, commerce

14.6%, manufacturing 11.1%, construction 8.4%, transportation 4.7%, mining

and quarrying 1.5%

*Mexico, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

United Mexican States

conventional short form:

Mexico

local long form:

Estados Unidos Mexicanos

local short form:

Mexico

Digraph:

MX

Type:

federal republic operating under a centralized government

Capital:

Mexico

Administrative divisions:

31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito, federal);

Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche,

Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango,, Guanajuato, Guerrero,

Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit,

Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi,

Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas

Independence:

16 September 1810 (from Spain)

Constitution:

5 February 1917

Legal system:

mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of

legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1810)

Political parties and leaders:

(recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Fernando Ortiz

Arana; National Action Party (PAN), Carlos CASTILLO; Popular Socialist Party

(PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD),

Roberto ROBLES Garnica; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction

Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican

Revolution (PARM), Carlos Enrique CANTU Rosas; Democratic Forum Party (PFD),

Pablo Emilio MADERO; Mexican Ecologist Party (PEM), Jorge GONZALEZ Torres

Other political or pressure groups:

Roman Catholic Church; Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM); Confederation

of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN); Confederation of National Chambers of

Commerce (CONCANACO); National Peasant Confederation (CNC); Revolutionary

Workers Party (PRT); Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants

(CROC); Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM); Confederation of

Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX); National Chamber of

Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA); Coordinator for Foreign Trade

Business Organizations (COECE); Federation of Unions Provding Goods and

Services (FESEBES)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced)

Elections:

President:

last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held August 1994); results - Carlos

SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%,

Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note - several of the smaller

parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National

Democratic Front (FDN)

*Mexico, Government

Senate:

last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (64 total) PRI 62, PRD

1, PAN 1

Chamber of Deputies:

last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held midyear 1994); results - PRI

53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats -

(500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41, PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) consists of an upper

chamber or Senate (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of

Deputies (Camara de Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988)

Member of:

AG (observer), CARICOM (observer), CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6,

G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU,

LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jorge MONTANO Martinez

chancery:

1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone:

(202) 728-1600

consulates general:

Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Juan

(Puerto Rico)

consulates:

Albuquerque, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico

(California), Corpus Christi, Detroit, Fresno (California), Miami, Nogales

(Arizona), Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Seattle

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission:

Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE, Jr.

embassy:

Paseo de la Reforma 305, 06500 Mexico, D.F.

mailing address:

P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087

telephone:

[52] (5) 211-0042

FAX:

[52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373

consulates general:

Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana

consulates:

Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mazatlan, Merida, Nuevo Laredo

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat

of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered

in the white band

*Mexico, Economy

Overview:

Mexico's economy is a mixture of state-owned industrial facilities (notably

oil), private manufacturing and services, and both large-scale and

traditional agriculture. In the 1980s, Mexico experienced severe economic

difficulties: the nation accumulated large external debts as world petroleum

prices fell; rapid population growth outstripped the domestic food supply;

and inflation, unemployment, and pressures to emigrate became more acute.

Growth in national output, however, has recovered, rising from 1.4% in 1988

to 4% in 1990 and 3.6% in 1991 and coming in at 2.6% in 1992. The US is

Mexico's major trading partner, accounting for almost three-quarters of its

exports and imports. After petroleum, border assembly plants and tourism are

the largest earners of foreign exchange. The government, in consultation

with international economic agencies, has been implementing programs to

stabilize the economy and foster growth. For example, it has privatized more

than two-thirds of its state-owned companies (parastatals), including banks.

In 1991-92 the government conducted negotiations with the US and Canada on a

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was still being discussed

by the three countries in early 1993. In January 1993, Mexico replaced its

old peso with a new peso, at the rate of 1,000 old to 1 new peso.

Notwithstanding the palpable improvements in economic performance in the

early 1990s, Mexico faces substantial problems for the remainder of the

decade - e.g., rapid population growth, unemployment, and serious pollution,

particularly in Mexico City.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $328 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.6% (1992)

National product per capita:

$3,600 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11.9% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

14%-17% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $58.9 billion; expenditures $48.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $6.5 billion (1991); figures do not include state-owned

companies

Exports:

$27.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, oil products, coffee, shrimp, engines, motor vehicles, cotton,

consumer electronics

partners:

US 74%, Japan 8%, EC 4% (1992 est.)

Imports:

$48.1 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

metal-working machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery,

electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor

vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts

partners:

US 74%, Japan, 11%, EC 6% (1992)

External debt:

$104 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.5% (1991 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP

Electricity:

27,000,000 kW capacity; 120,725 million kWh produced, 1,300 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Mexico, Economy

Industries:

food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining,

textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small

farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans;

cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes; fish catch of 1.4 million

metric tons among top 20 nations (1987)

Illicit drugs:

illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of active

government eradication program; major supplier to the US market; continues

as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine from South America

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $110 million

Currency:

1 New Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 3.100 (January 1993), 3,198

(November 1992), 3,018.4 (1991), 2,812.6 (1990), 2,461.3 (1989), 2,273.1

(1988); note - the new pesos replaced the old pesos on 1 January 1993; 1 new

pesos = 1,000 old pesos

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Mexico, Communications

Railroads:

24,500 km total

Highways:

212,000 km total; 65,000 km paved, 30,000 km semipaved or cobblestone,

62,000 km rural roads (improved earth) or roads under construction, 55,000

km unimproved earth roads

Inland waterways:

2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canals

Pipelines:

crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254 km;

petrochemical 1,400 km

Ports:

Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan,

Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Tuxpan, Veracruz

Merchant marine:

58 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 858,162 GRT/1,278,488 DWT; includes 4

short-sea passenger, 2 cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 31

oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 1 bulk, 5 container

Airports:

total:

1,841

usable:

1,478

with permanent-surface runways:

200

with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

35

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

273

Telecommunications:

highly developed system with extensive microwave radio relay links;

privatized in December 1990; connected into Central America Microwave

System; 6,410,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 679 AM, no FM, 238 TV, 22

shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; earth stations - 4 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

*Mexico, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Defense (including Army and Air Force), Navy (including Marines)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 22,201,567; fit for military service 16,205,926; reach

military age (18) annually 1,049,729 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Geography

Location:

Oceania, in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between

Hawaii and Indonesia

Map references:

Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

702 km2

land area:

702 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk), Yap, and Kosrae

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

6,112 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands;

located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage

Terrain:

islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral

atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk

Natural resources:

forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons from June to December; four major island groups totaling

607 islands

*Micronesia, Federated States of, People

Population:

117,588 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.37% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

28.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.46 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

11.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.45 years

male:

65.49 years

female:

69.44 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.04 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Micronesian(s)

adjective:

Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, Yapese

Ethnic divisions:

nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups

Religions:

Christian (divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; other churches

include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist,

Latter-Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith)

Languages:

English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

90%

male:

90%

female:

85%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

two-thirds are government employees

note:

45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia

conventional short form:

none

former:

Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands)

Abbreviation:

FSM

Digraph:

FM

Type:

constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of

Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986

Capital:

Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei)

note:

a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley

Administrative divisions:

4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk), Yap

Independence:

3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship)

Constitution:

10 May 1979

Legal system:

based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal,

common, and customary laws

National holiday:

Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

no formal parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held ll May 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - President

Bailey OLTER elected president; Vice-President Jacob NENA

Congress:

last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of

vote NA; seats - (14 total)

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since

21 May 1991)

Member of:

AsDB, ESCAP, ICAO, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU

chancery:

1725 N St., NW, Washington, DC 20036

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Government

telephone:

(202) 223-4383

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Aurelia BRAZEAL

embassy:

address NA, Kolonia

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941

telephone:

691-320-2187

FAX:

691-320-2186

Flag:

light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are

arranged in a diamond pattern

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The

islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade

phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness

of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development.

Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the

US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the l990s. Geographical

isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to

long-term growth.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $150 million (1989 est.)

note:

GNP numbers reflect US spending

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $165 million; expenditures $115 million, including capital

expenditures of $20 million (1988)

Exports:

$2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

copra

partners:

NA

Imports:

$67.7 million (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

NA

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

18,000 kW capacity; 40 million kWh produced, 380 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and

pearls

Agriculture:

mainly a subsistence economy; black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables,

coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens

Economic aid:

under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3

billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001

Currency:

US currency is used

Exchange rates:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Communications

Highways:

39 km of paved roads on major islands; also 187 km stone-, coral-, or

laterite-surfaced roads

Ports:

Colonia (Yap), Truk, Okat and Lelu (Kosrae)

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

telephone network - 960 telephone lines total at Kolonia and Truk; islands

interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes);

16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987); broadcast stations - 5

AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Micronesia, Federated States of, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Midway Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Midway Islands, Geography

Location:

located in the North Pacific Ocean, 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu,

about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

5.2 km2

land area:

5.2 km2

comparative area:

about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

note:

includes Eastern Island and Sand Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth)

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds

Terrain:

low, nearly level

Natural resources:

fish, wildlife

Land use:

arable land:

0% permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

coral atoll

Note:

closed to the public

*Midway Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 453 US military personnel

*Midway Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Midway Islands

Digraph:

MQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under

command of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii and managed

cooperatively by the US Navy and the Fish and Wildlife Service of the US

Department of the Interior as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System;

legislation before Congress in 1990 proposed inclusion of territory within

the State of Hawaii

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

Flag:

the US flag is used

*Midway Islands, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations

located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported.

Electricity:

supplied by US Military

*Midway Islands, Communications

Highways:

32 km total

Pipelines:

7.8 km

Ports:

Sand Island

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

*Midway Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Moldova, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, between Ukraine and Romania

Map references:

Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

33,700 km2

land area:

33,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Hawaii

Land boundaries:

total 1,389 km, Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

potential dispute with Ukraine over former southern Bessarabian areas;

northern Bukovina ceded to Ukraine upon Moldova's incorporation into USSR

Climate:

mild winters, warm summers

Terrain:

rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea

Natural resources:

lignite, phosphorites, gypsum

Land use:

arable land:

50%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

9%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

41%

Irrigated land:

2,920 km2 (1990)

Environment:

heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as

DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive erosion from poor

farming methods

Note:

landlocked

*Moldova, People

Population:

4,455,645 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.4% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

16.15 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.01 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

30.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.92 years

male:

64.49 years

female:

71.53 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.2 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Moldovan(s)

adjective:

Moldovan

Ethnic divisions:

Moldovan/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jewish

1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, other 1.7% (1989 figures)

note:

internal disputes with ethnic Russians and Ukrainians in the Dniester region

and Gagauz Turks in the south

Religions:

Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist (only about 1,000 members)

(1991)

note:

almost all churchgoers are ethnic Moldovan; the Slavic population are not

churchgoers

Languages:

Moldovan (official); note - virtually the same as the Romanian language,

Russian

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

99%

Labor force:

2.095 million

by occupation:

agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures)

*Moldova, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Moldova

conventional short form:

Moldova

local long form:

Republica Moldoveneasca

local short form:

none

former:

Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; Moldavia

Digraph:

MD

Type:

republic

Capital:

Chisinau (Kishinev)

Administrative divisions:

previously divided into 40 rayons; to be divided into fewer, larger

districts at some future point

Independence:

27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

as of mid-1993 the new constitution had not been adopted; old constitution

(adopted NA 1979) is still in effect but has been heavily amended during the

past few years

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; does not

accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and CSCE documents

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 August 1991

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Popular Front (formerly Moldovan Popular Front), Ivrie

ROSCA, chairman; Yedinstvo Intermovement, V. YAKOVLEV, chairman; Social

Democratic Party, Oazul NANTOI, chairman, two other chairmen; Agrarian

Democratic Party, Valery CHEBOTARV, leader; Democratic Party, Gheorghe

GHIMPU, chairman; Democratic Labor Party, Alexandru ARSENI, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman; The

Ecology Movement of Moldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian

Democratic League of Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National

Christian Party of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders;

The Peoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; The Democratic

Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; The Alliance of Working

People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president; Christian Alliance for

Greater Romania; Women's League; Stefan the Great Movement

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 8 December 1991 (next to be held NA1996); results - Mircea SNEGUR

ran unopposed and won 98.17% of vote

Parliament:

last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (350 total) Christian Democratic Popular Front 50;

Club of Independent Deputies 25; Agrarian Club 90; Social Democrats 60-70;

Russian Conciliation Club 50; 60-70 seats belong to Dniester region deputies

who usually boycott Moldovan legislative proceedings; the remaining seats

filled by independents; note - until May 1991 was called Supreme Soviet

*Moldova, Government

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Mircea Ivanovich SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990)

Head of Legislature:

Chairman of the Parliament Petru LUCINSCHI (since 4 February 1993); Prime

Minister Andrei SANGHELI (since 1 July 1992)

Member of:

BSEC, CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Permanent Representative to the UN Tudor PANTIRU (also acts as

representative to US)

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mary C. PENDLETON

embassy:

Strada Alexei Mateevich #103, Chisinau

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

7-0422-23-37-72 or 23-34-94

FAX:

7-0422-23-34-94

Flag:

same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side),

yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold

outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its

beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in

its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over

blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined

yellow

*Moldova, Economy

Overview:

Moldova, the next-to-smallest of the former Soviet republics in area, is the

most densely inhabited. Moldova has a little more than 1% of the population,

labor force, capital stock, and output of the former Soviet Union. Living

standards have been below average for the European USSR. The country enjoys

a favorable climate, and economic development has been primarily based on

agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Industry

accounts for 20% of the labor force, whereas agriculture employs more than

one-third. Moldova has no major mineral resources and has depended on other

former Soviet republics for coal, oil, gas, steel, most electronic

equipment, machine tools, and major consumer durables such as automobiles.

Its industrial and agricultural products, in turn, have been exported to the

other republics. Moldova has freed prices on most goods and has legalized

private ownership of property. Moldova's near-term economic prospects are

dimmed, however, by the difficulties of moving toward a market economy, the

political problems of redefining ties to the other former Soviet republics

and Romania, and the ongoing separatist movements in the Dniester and Gagauz

regions. In 1992, national output fell substantially for the second

consecutive year - down 22% in the industrial sector and 20% in agriculture.

The decline is mainly attributable to the drop in energy supplies.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-26% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 27% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.7% (includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of

underemployed workers)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

100 million to outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals

(1991)

partners:

Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania

Imports:

100 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

oil, gas, coal, steel machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and other consumer

durables

partners:

Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Romania

External debt:

$100 million (1993 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -22% (1992)

Electricity:

3,115,000 kW capacity; 11,100 million kWh produced, 2,491 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

key products (with share of total former Soviet output in parentheses where

known): agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and

freezers (2.7%), washing machines (5.0%), hosiery (2.0%), refined sugar

(3.1%), vegetable oil (3.7%), canned food (8.6%), shoes, textiles

*Moldova, Economy

Agriculture:

Moldova's principal economic activity; products (shown in share of total

output of the former Soviet republics): Grain (1.6%), sugar beets (2.6%),

sunflower seed (4.4%), vegetables (4.4%), fruits and berries (9.7%), grapes

(20.1%), meat (1.7%), milk (1.4%), eggs (1.4%)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium and cannabis; mostly for CIS consumption;

transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

IMF credit, $18.5 million (1992); EC agricultural credit, $30 million

(1992); US commitments, $10 million for grain (1992); World Bank credit, $31

million

Currency:

plans to introduce the Moldovan lei in 1993 or 1994, until then retaining

Russian ruble as currency

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Moldova, Communications

Railroads:

1,150 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

20,000 km total; 13,900 km hard-surfaced, 6,100 km earth (1990)

Pipelines:

natural gas 310 km (1992)

Ports:

none; landlocked

Airports:

total:

26

useable:

15

with permanent-surface runways:

6

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

poorly supplied with telephones (as of 1991, 494,000 telephones total, with

a density of 111 lines per 1000 persons); 215,000 unsatisfied applications

for telephone installations (31 January 1990); connected to Ukraine by

landline and to countries beyond the former USSR through the international

gateway switch in Moscow

*Moldova, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Air and Air Defence Force, Security Forces (internal and

border troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,082,562; fit for military service 859,948; reach military

age (18) annually 35,769 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Monaco, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, in southern France near the

border with Italy

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

1.9 km2

land area:

1.9 km2

comparative area:

about three times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 4.4 km, France 4.4 km

Coastline:

4.1 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Terrain:

hilly, rugged, rocky

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

almost entirely urban

Note:

second smallest independent state in world (after Holy See)

*Monaco, People

Population:

31,008 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.93% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

10.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

10.77 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population:

77.5 years

male:

73.7 years

female:

81.49 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s)

adjective:

Monacan or Monegasque

Ethnic divisions:

French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%

Languages:

French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Monaco, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Principality of Monaco

conventional short form:

Monaco

local long form:

Principaute de Monaco

local short form:

Monaco

Digraph:

MN

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Monaco

Administrative divisions:

4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine,

Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo

Independence:

1419 (rule by the House of Grimaldi)

Constitution:

17 December 1962

Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 19 November

Political parties and leaders:

National and Democratic Union (UND); Democratic Union Movement (MUD); Monaco

Action; Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM)

Suffrage:

25 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Council:

last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held 24 January 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) UND 18

Executive branch:

prince, minister of state, Council of Government (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council (Conseil National)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Prince RAINIER III (since NA November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT

Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958)

Head of Government:

Minister of State Jacques DUPONT (since NA)

Member of:

ACCT, CSCE, IAEA, ICAO, IMF (observer), IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO

Diplomatic representation in US:

honorary consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan

(Puerto Rico)

honorary consulates:

Dallas, Honolulu, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington

US diplomatic representation:

no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is

accredited to Monaco

*Monaco, Government

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of

Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and

red

*Monaco, Economy

Overview:

Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort,

attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has

successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added,

nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes

and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established

residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices.

About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels,

banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism.

Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in

prosperous French metropolitan suburbs.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $475 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$16,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NEGL%

Budget:

revenues $424 million; expenditures $376 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991)

Exports:

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates

Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs

union with France

Imports:

$NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates

Monacan trade duties; also participates in EC market system through customs

union with France

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

10,000 kW standby capacity (1992); power imported from France

Agriculture:

NA

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Monaco, Communications

Railroads:

1.6 km 1.435-meter gauge

Highways:

none; city streets

Ports:

Monaco

Merchant marine:

1 oil tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,268 GRT/4,959 DWT

Airports:

1 usable airfield with permanent-surface runways

Telecommunications:

served by cable into the French communications system; automatic telephone

system; 38,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; no

communication satellite earth stations

*Monaco, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Mongolia, Geography

Location:

East Central Asia, between China and Russia

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1.565 million km2

land area:

1.565 million km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total 8,114 km, China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)

Terrain:

vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi

Desert in southeast

Natural resources:

oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc,

wolfram, fluorspar, gold

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

79%

forest and woodland:

10%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

770 km2 (1989)

Environment:

harsh and rugged

Note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia

*Mongolia, People

Population:

2,367,054 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.62% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.41 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.16 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

44.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.77 years

male:

63.53 years

female:

68.13 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.41 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mongolian(s)

adjective:

Mongolian

Ethnic divisions:

Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2%

Religions:

predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim 4%

note:

previously limited religious activity because of Communist regime

Languages:

Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian, Chinese

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

primarily herding/agricultural

note:

over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large

percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor

*Mongolia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Mongolia

local long form:

none

local short form:

Mongol Uls

former:

Outer Mongolia

Digraph:

MG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Ulaanbaatar

Administrative divisions:

18 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud,, singular - hot);

Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*,, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan,

Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd,, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov,

Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs, Independence:

13 March 1921 (from China)

Constitution:

adopted 13 January 1992

Legal system:

blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional

provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 11 July (1921)

Political parties and leaders:

Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON,

presidium chairman; Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP), Erdenijiyn BAT-UUL,

general coordinator; National Progress Party (NPP), S. BYAMBAA and

Luusandambyn DASHNYAM, leaders; Social Democratic Party (SDP), BATBAYAR and

Tsohiogyyn ADYASUREN, leaders; Mongolian Independence Party (MIP), D.

ZORIGT, leader; United Party of Mongolia (made up of the MDP, SDP, and NPP);

Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP; merger of the MDP, United Party,

Renaissance Party, and PNP), D. GANBOLD

note:

opposition parties were legalized in May 1990; additional parties exist: The

Mongolian Green Party, The Buddhist Believers' Party, The Republican Party,

Mongolian People's Party, and United Herdsmen and Farmers Party (MHFUP),

Mongolian Bourgeois Party (BP), Mongolian Private Property Owners Party,

Mongolian Workers Party

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 3 September 1990 (next to be held 6 June 1993); results -

Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT elected by the People's Great Hural; other candidate

Lodongiyn TUDEV (MPRP)

State Great Hural:

first time held 28 June 1992 (next to be held NA); results - MPRP 56.9%;

seats - (76 total) MPRP 71, MDP/PNP 3, SDP 1, independent 1

note:

the People's Small Hural no longer exists

*Mongolia, Government

Executive branch:

president, vice president, prime minister, first deputy prime minister,

cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral State Great Hural

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts,

but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); Vice President

Radnaasumbereliyn GONCHIGDORJ (since 7 September 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Putsagiyn JASRAY (since 3 August 1992); First Deputy Prime

Minister Puntsagiyn JASRAY (since NA)

Member of:

AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTERPOL,

IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAGIV

chancery:

NA

telephone:

(301) 983-1962

FAX:

(301) 983-2025

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Joseph E. LAKE

embassy:

address NA, Ulaanbaatar

mailing address:

Ulaanbaatar, c/o American Embassy Beijing, Micro Region II, Big Rind Road;

PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002

telephone:

[976] (1) 329095, 329606

FAX:

Telex 080079253 AMEMB MH

Flag:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red, centered on

the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a

columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun,

moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol)

*Mongolia, Economy

Overview:

Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of

unproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activity

traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock -

Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. In

recent years extensive mineral resources have been developed with Soviet

support. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin,

tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timber

and fishing are also important sectors. In 1992 the Mongolian leadership

continued its struggle with severe economic dislocations, mainly

attributable to the crumbling of the USSR, by far Mongolia's leading trade

and development partner. Moscow cut almost all aid in 1991, and little was

provided in 1992. Industry in 1992 was hit hard by energy shortages, mainly

due to disruptions in coal production and shortfalls in petroleum imports.

By the end of the year, the country was perilously close to a complete

shutdown of its centralized energy supply system, due to critical coal

shortages. The government is moving away from the Soviet-style, centrally

planned economy through privatization and price reform.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-15% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$800 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

325% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1991 est.)

Budget:

deficit of $67 million (1991)

Exports:

$347 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other

nonferrous metals

partners:

USSR 75%, China 10%, Japan 4%

Imports:

$501 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods,

chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea

partners:

USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5%

External debt:

$16.8 billion (yearend 1990); 98.6% with USSR

Industrial production:

growth rate -15% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

1,248,000 kW capacity; 3,740 million kWh produced, 1,622 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food and

beverage, mining (particularly coal)

Agriculture:

accounts for about 20% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of the

population; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, but

also cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forage

*Mongolia, Economy

Economic aid:

about $300 million in trade credits and $34 million in grant aid from USSR

and other CEMA countries, plus $7.4 million from UNDP (1990); in 1991, $170

million in grants and technical assistance from Western donor countries,

including $30 million from World Bank and $30 million from the IMF; over

$200 million from donor countries projected in 1992

Currency:

1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos

Exchange rates:

tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 40 (1992), 7.1 (1991), 5.63 (1990), 3.00 (1989)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Mongolia, Communications

Railroads:

1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1988)

Highways:

46,700 km total; 1,000 km hard surface; 45,700 km other surfaces (1988)

Inland waterways:

397 km of principal routes (1988)

Airports:

total:

81

usable:

31

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

fewer than 5

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

fewer than 20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

12

Telecommunications:

63,000 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18

provincial repeaters); repeat of Russian TV; 120,000 TVs; 220,000 radios; at

least 1 earth station

*Mongolia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Mongolian People's Army (includes Internal Security Forces and Frontier

Guards), Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 569,135; fit for military service 371,162; reach military

age (18) annually 25,406 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million of GDP, 1% of GDP (1992)

*Montserrat, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Montserrat, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

100 km2

land area:

100 km2

comparative area:

about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

40 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land: 20%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

10%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

30%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to severe hurricanes from June to November

Note:

located 400 km east southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea

*Montserrat, People

Population:

12,661 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.36% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

16.35 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

11.51 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.76 years

male:

74 years

female:

77.56 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.11 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Montserratian(s)

adjective:

Montserratian

Ethnic divisions:

black, Europeans

Religions:

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist,

other Christian denominations

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population: 97%

male:

97%

female:

97%

Labor force:

5,100

by occupation:

community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade,

restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry,

and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.)

*Montserrat, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Montserrat

Digraph:

MH

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Plymouth

Administrative divisions:

3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

1 January 1960

Legal system:

English common law and statute law

National holiday:

Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June)

Political parties and leaders:

National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation

Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand

OSBORNE; Independent (IND), Ruby BRAMBLE

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held on 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats -

(11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1

Executive branch:

monarch, governor, Executive Council (cabinet), chief minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor David

TAYLOR (since NA 1990)

Head of Government:

Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since October 1991)

Member of:

CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, OECS, WCL

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat

of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a

black cross

*Montserrat, Economy

Overview:

The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and

construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounts for roughly

one-fifth of GDP. Agriculture accounts for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%.

The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to

fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts

sold to the US.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $73 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

13.5% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$5,800 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

3% (1987)

Budget:

revenues $12.1 million; expenditures $14.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $3.2 million (1988)

Exports:

$1.6 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle

partners:

NA

Imports:

$31.0 million (c.i.f., 1989)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods,

fuels, lubricants, and related materials

partners:

NA

External debt:

$2.05 million (1987)

Industrial production:

growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDP

Electricity:

5,271 kW capacity; 12 million kWh produced, 950 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliances

Agriculture:

accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions,

peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock products

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90

million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Montserrat, Communications

Highways:

280 km total; about 200 km paved, 80 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Plymouth

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways 1,036 m:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV

*Montserrat, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police Force

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Morocco, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea,

between Algeria and Western Sahara

Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

446,550 km2

land area:

446,300 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total 2,002 km, Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km

Coastline:

1,835 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UN

is attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has been

currently in effect since September 1991; Spain controls five places of

sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the

coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as the

islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas

Chafarinas

Climate:

Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains with rich coastal plains

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt

Land use:

arable land:

18%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

28%

forest and woodland:

12%

other:

41%

Irrigated land:

12,650 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes;

desertification

Note:

strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar

*Morocco, People

Population:

27,955,090 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.16% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

29.23 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.56 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

53.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.5 years

male:

65.7 years

female:

69.4 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.96 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Moroccan(s)

adjective:

Moroccan

Ethnic divisions:

Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%

Religions:

Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business,

government, and diplomacy

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

50%

male:

61%

female:

38%

Labor force:

7.4 million

by occupation:

agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985)

*Morocco, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Morocco

conventional short form: Morocco

local long form:

Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah

local short form:

Al Maghrib

Digraph:

MO

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Rabat

Administrative divisions:

37 provinces and 5 municipalities* (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Agadir, Al, Hoceima, Azilal,

Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen,, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er

Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Fes*, Figuig,, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga,

Laayoune, Larache,

Marrakech, Marrakech*, Meknes, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda,, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat,,

Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate,

Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit

Independence:

2 March 1956 (from France)

Constitution:

10 March 1972, revised in September 1992

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial

review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court

National holiday:

National Day, 3 March (1961) (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to

the throne)

Political parties and leaders:

Morocco has 15 political parties; the major ones are Constitutional Union

(UC), Maati BOUABID; National Assembly of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN;

Popular Movement (MP), Mohamed LAENSER; National Popular Movement (MPN),

Mahjoubi AHARDANE; Istiqlal, M'Hamed BOUCETTA; Socialist Union of Popular

Forces (USFP); National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI;

Party for Progress and Socialism (PPS), Ali YATA

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

Chamber of Representatives:

last held on 14 September 1984 (were scheduled for September 1990, but

postponed until June 1993 when 27 new seats will be added); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (306 total, 206 elected) UC 83, RNI 61,

MP 47, Istiqlal 41, USFP 36, PND 24, other 14

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mohamed KARIM-LAMRANI (since October 1992)

*Morocco, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO,

G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS

(observer), NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOSOM,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Mohamed BELKHAYAT

chancery:

1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009;

telephone:

(202) 462-7979

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat

mailing address:

P. O. Box 120, Rabat, or PSC 74, APO AE 09718

telephone:

[212] (7) 76-22-65

FAX:

[212] (7) 76-56-61

consulate general:

Casablanca

Flag:

red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon's

seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam

*Morocco, Economy

Overview:

The economy had recovered moderately in 1990 because of: the resolution of a

trade dispute with India over phosphoric acid sales, a rebound in textile

sales to the EC, lower prices for food imports, a sharp increase in worker

remittances, increased Arab donor aid, and generous debt rescheduling

agreements. Economic performance in 1991 was mixed. A record harvest helped

real GDP advance by 4.2%. Inflation accelerated slightly as easier financial

policies triggered rapid credit and monetary growth. Despite recovery of

domestic demand, import volume growth slowed while export volume was

adversely affected by phosphate marketing difficulties. In January 1992,

Morocco reached a new 12-month standby arrangement for $129 million with the

IMF. In February 1992, the Paris Club rescheduled $1.4 billion of Morocco's

commercial debt. This is thought to be Morocco's last rescheduling. By 1993

the Moroccan authorities hope to be in a position to meet all debt service

obligations without additional rescheduling. Servicing this large debt, high

unemployment, and Morocco's vulnerability to external economic forces remain

severe long-term problems. In 1992 Morocco embarked on a program to

privatize 112 state-owned companies. A severe winter drought in 1991/92 cut

back agricultural output in 1992.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $28.1 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,060 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $7.5 billion; expenditures $7.7 billion, including capital

expenditures of $1.9 billion (1992)

Exports:

$4.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%,

phosphates 17%

partners:

EC 58%, India 7%, Japan 5%, former USSR 3%, US 2%

Imports:

$7.6 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and

lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9%

partners:

EC 53%, US 11%, Canada 4%, Iraq 3%, former USSR 3%, Japan 2%

External debt:

$20 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 8.4%; accounts for 27% of GDP (1990)

Electricity:

2,384,000 kW capacity; 8,864 million kWh produced, 317 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods,

textiles, construction, tourism

*Morocco, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 16% of GDP, 50% of employment, and 30% of export value; not

self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate;

barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olives; fish catch of 491,000

metric tons in 1987

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domestic

and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed to

Western Europe; occasional transit point for cocaine from South America

destined for Western Europe.

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion and an additional

$123.6 million for 1992; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral

commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8

billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5 billion; $2.8 billion debt

canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standby agreement worth $13 million;

World Bank, $450 million (1991)

Currency:

1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 9.207 (February 1993), 8.538 (1992), 8.707

(1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Morocco, Communications

Railroads:

1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 km

electrified)

Highways:

59,198 km total; 27,740 km paved, 31,458 km gravel, crushed stone, improved

earth, and unimproved earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 km

Ports:

Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi,

Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla

Merchant marine:

50 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 305,758 GRT/484,825 DWT; 10 cargo, 2

container, 11 refrigerated cargo, 6 roll-on/roll-off, 4 oil tanker, 11

chemical tanker, 4 bulk, 2 short-sea passenger

Airports:

total:

73

usable:

65

with permanent-surface runways:

26

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

13

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

good system composed of wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links;

principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes,

Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones (10.5 telephones

per 1,000 persons); broadcast stations - 20 AM, 7 FM, 26 TV and 26

repeaters; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and

Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave to Algeria; microwave radio

relay network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and

Morocco

*Morocco, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal

Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,852,698; fit for military service 4,355,670; reach

military age (18) annually 309,666 (1993 est.); limited conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1993 budget)

*Mozambique, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel between South Africa and

Tanzania opposite the island of Madagascar

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

801,590 km2

land area:

784,090 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total 4,571 km, Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km,

Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km

Coastline:

2,470 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical to subtropical

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest,

mountains in west

Natural resources:

coal, titanium

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

56%

forest and woodland: 20%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

1,150 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

severe drought and floods occur in south; desertification

*Mozambique, People

Population:

16,341,777 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

6.06% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.35 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.71 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

31.95 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

131.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

48.03 years

male:

46.22 years

female:

49.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.31 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Mozambican(s)

adjective:

Mozambican

Ethnic divisions:

indigenous tribal groups, Europeans about 10,000, Euro-Africans 35,000,

Indians 15,000

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10%

Languages:

Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

33%

male:

45%

female:

21%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation: 90% engaged in agriculture

*Mozambique, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Mozambique

conventional short form:

Mozambique

local long form:

Republica Popular de Mocambique

local short form:

Mocambique

Digraph:

MZ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Maputo

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza,

Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia

Independence:

25 June 1975 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

30 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 June (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO,

chairman; formerly a Marxist organization with close ties to the USSR;

FRELIMO was the only legal party before 30 November 1990, when the new

Constitution went into effect establishing a multiparty system

note:

the government plans multiparty elections as early as 1993; 14 parties,

including the Liberal Democratic Party of Mozambique (PALMO), the Mozambique

National Union (UNAMO), the Mozambique National Movement (MONAMO), and the

Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO, Alfonso DHLAKAMA, president), have

already emerged

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and Assembly

elections

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mario da Graca MACHUNGO (since 17 July 1986)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, SADC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO

*Mozambique, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Hipolito PATRICIO

chancery:

Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 293-7146

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Townsend B. FRIEDMAN, Jr.

embassy:

Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193 Maputo

mailing address:

P. O. Box 783, Maputo

telephone:

[258] (1) 49-27-97, 49-01-67, 49-03-50

FAX:

[258] (1) 49-01-14

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in

white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a

crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book

*Mozambique, Economy

Overview:

One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the

economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and

transportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, and

investment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because of

internal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growing

foreign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economic

reform policy, resulted in successive years of economic growth in the late

1980s, but aid has declined steadily since 1989. Agricultural output,

nevertheless, is at about only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be

imported. Industry operates at only 20-40% of capacity. The economy depends

heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat. The continuation of civil

strife has dimmed chances of foreign investment, and growth was a mere 0.3%

in 1992. Living standards, already abysmally low, fell further in 1991-92.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.75 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$115 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

50% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

50% (1989 est.)

Budget:

revenues $252 million; expenditures $607 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$162 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

shrimp 48%, cashews 21%, sugar 10%, copra 3%, citrus 3%

partners:

US, Western Europe, Germany, Japan

Imports:

$899 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum

partners:

US, Western Europe, USSR

External debt:

$5.4 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5% (1989 est.)

Electricity:

2,270,000 kW capacity; 1,745 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products,

textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobacco

Agriculture:

accounts for 50% of GDP and about 90% of exports; cash crops - cotton,

cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops - cassava, corn, rice,

tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890

million

Currency:

1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos

*Mozambique, Economy

Exchange rates:

meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 2,74.15 (January 1993), 2,433.34 (1992), 1,434.47

(1991), 929.00 (1990), 800.00 (1989), 528.60 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Mozambique, Communications

Railroads:

3,288 km total; 3,140 km 1.067-meter gauge; 148 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge;

Malawi-Nacala, Malawi-Beira, and Zimbabwe-Maputo lines are subject to

closure because of insurgency

Highways:

26,498 km total; 4,593 km paved; 829 km gravel, crushed stone, stabilized

soil; 21,076 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

about 3,750 km of navigable routes

Pipelines:

crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 km

Ports:

Maputo, Beira, Nacala

Merchant marine:

4 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,686 GRT/9,742 DWT

Airports:

total:

194

usable:

131

with permanent-surface runways:

25

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay; broadcast

stations - 29 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and

3 domestic Indian Ocean INTELSAT

*Mozambique, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Militia

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3,675,189; fit for military service 2,110,489 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $118 million, 8% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Namibia, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Angola and South

Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

824,290 km2

land area:

823,290 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than half the size of Alaska

Land boundaries:

total 3,935 km, Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 966 km,

Zambia 233 km

Coastline:

1,489 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; disputed island with

Botswana in the Chobe River; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

is in disagreement; claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay and 12 offshore islands

administered by South Africa; Namibia and South Africa have agreed to

jointly administer the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to be

covered by joint administration arrangements have not been established at

this time, and Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty over

the entire area; recent dispute with Botswana over uninhabited Kasikili

(Sidudu) Island in the Linyanti River

Climate:

desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic

Terrain:

mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east

Natural resources:

diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt,

vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal,

iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

64%

forest and woodland:

22%

other:

13%

Irrigated land:

40 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

inhospitable with very limited natural water resources; desertification

Note:

Walvis Bay area is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia

*Namibia, People

Population:

1,541,321 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.46% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.13 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

63.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

61.2 years

male:

58.57 years

female:

63.91 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.46 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Namibian(s)

adjective:

Namibian

Ethnic divisions:

black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4%

note:

about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the

Kavangos tribe

Religions:

Christian

Languages:

English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population

and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1960)

total population:

38%

male:

45%

female:

31%

Labor force:

500,000

by occupation:

agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government 7%,

mining 6% (1981 est.)

*Namibia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Namibia

conventional short form:

Namibia

Digraph:

WA

Type:

republic

Capital:

Windhoek

Administrative divisions:

13 districts; Erango, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Liambezi, Ohanguena,

Okarango, Omaheke, Omusat, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

note:

the 26 districts were Bethanien, Boesmanland, Caprivi Oos, Damaraland,

Gobabis, Grootfontein, Hereroland Oos, Hereroland Wes, Kaokoland, Karasburg,

Karibib, Kavango, Keetmanshoop, Luderitz, Maltahohe, Mariental, Namaland,

Okahandja, Omaruru, Otjiwarongo, Outjo, Owambo, Rehoboth, Swakopmund,

Tsumeb, Windhoek

Independence:

21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

Constitution:

ratified 9 February 1990

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution

National holiday:

Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Political parties and leaders:

South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; DTA of Namibia

(DTA; formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia), Dirk MUDGE; United

Democratic Front (UDF), Justus GAROEB; Action Christian National (ACN),

Kosie PRETORIUS; National Patriotic Front (NPF), Moses KATJIUONGUA; Federal

Convention of Namibia (FCN), Hans DIERGAARDT; Namibia National Front (NNF),

Vekuii RUKORO

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 16 February 1990 (next to be held March 1995); results - Sam

NUJOMA was elected president by the Constituent Assembly (now the National

Assembly)

National Assembly:

last held on 7-11 November 1989 (next to be held by November 1994); results

- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 41, DTA 21, UDF 4,

ACN 3, NNF 1, FCN 1, NPF 1

National Council:

last held 30 November-3 December 1992 (next to be held by December 1998);

seats - (26 total) SWAPO 19, DTA 6, UDF 1

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature consists of an upper house or National Council and a

lower house or National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Namibia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990)

Member of:

ACP, C, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IOM

(observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH

chancery:

1605 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009 (mailing address is PO Box

34738, Washington, DC 20043)

telephone:

(202) 986-0540

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Charge d'Affaires Marshall MCCAULEY

embassy:

Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek

mailing address:

P. O. Box 9890, Windhoek 9000

telephone:

[264] (61) 221-601, 222-675, 222-680

FAX:

[264] (61) 229-792

Flag:

a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section,

and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; the

triangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrow

white-edge borders

*Namibia, Economy

Overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract and

process minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibia

is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world's

fifth-largest producer of uranium. Alluvial diamond deposits are among the

richest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-quality

diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver,

and tungsten. More than half the population depends on agriculture (largely

subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,300 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (1992) in urban area

Unemployment rate:

25-35% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $864 million; expenditures $1,112 million, including capital

expenditures of $144 million (FY 92)

Exports:

$1.184 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, cattle, processed fish, karakul

skins

partners:

Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, Japan

Imports:

$1.238 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

*Namibia, Economy

commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment

partners:

South Africa, Germany, US, Switzerland

External debt:

about $220 million (1992 est.)

Industrial production: growth rate 4.9% (1991); accounts for 35% of GDP, including mining

Electricity:

490,000 kW capacity; 1,290 million kWh produced, 850 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc,

diamond, uranium)

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP; mostly subsistence farming; livestock raising major

source of cash income; crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch

potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled, 1988 catch

reaching only 384,000 metric tons; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87),

$47.2 million

Currency:

1 South African rand (R) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

South African rand (R) per US$1 - 3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7653

(1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Namibia, Communications

Railroads:

2,341 km 1.067-meter gauge, single track

Highways:

54,500 km; 4,079 km paved, 2,540 km gravel, 47,881 km earth roads and tracks

Ports:

Luderitz; primary maritime outlet is Walvis Bay (South Africa)

Airports:

total:

137

usable:

112

with permanent-surface runways:

21

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

62

Telecommunications:

good urban, fair rural services; radio relay connects major towns, wires

extend to other population centers; 62,800 telephones; broadcast stations -

4 AM, 40 FM, 3 TV

*Namibia, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Defense Force (Army), Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 324,599; fit for military service 192,381 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 3.4% of GDP (FY92)

*Nauru, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 500 km north-northeast of Papua New Guinea

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

21 km2

land area:

21 km2

comparative area:

about one-tenth the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

30 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February)

Terrain:

sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate

plateau in center

Natural resources:

phosphates

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

only 53 km south of Equator

Note:

Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean

- the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French

Polynesia

*Nauru, People

Population:

9,882 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.42% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.92 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.1 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

66.68 years

male:

64.3 years

female:

69.18 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.2 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Nauruan(s)

adjective:

Nauruan

Ethnic divisions:

Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8%

Religions:

Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic)

Languages:

Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely

understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

by occupation:

NA

*Nauru, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Republic of Nauru

conventional short form:

Nauru

former:

Pleasant Island

Digraph:

NR

Type:

republic

Capital:

no official capital; government offices in Yaren

Administrative divisions:

14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu,

Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren

Independence:

31 January 1968 (from UN trusteeship under Australia, New Zealand, and UK)

Constitution:

29 January 1968

Legal system:

own Acts of Parliament and British common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 31 January (1968)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 19 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results -

Bernard DOWIYOGO elected by Parliament

Parliament:

last held on 14 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results -

percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989)

Member of:

AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTERPOL, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UPU

Diplomatic representation in US:

there is a Nauruan Consulate in Agana (Guam)

US diplomatic representation:

the US Ambassador to Australia is accredited to Nauru

Flag:

blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large

white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicates

the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and

the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru

*Nauru, Economy

Overview:

Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which are

expected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruans

one of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World - $10,000 annually.

Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, including

fresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the

replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems.

Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help

cushion the transition.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $90 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$10,000 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

0%

Budget:

revenues $69.7 million; expenditures $51.5 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY86 est.)

Exports:

$93 million (f.o.b., 1984)

commodities:

phosphates

partners:

Australia, NZ

Imports:

$73 million (c.i.f., 1984)

commodities:

food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery

partners:

Australia, UK, NZ, Japan

External debt:

$33.3 million

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

14,000 kW capacity; 50 million kWh produced, 5,430 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

phosphate mining, financial services, coconut products

Agriculture:

coconuts; other agricultural activity negligible; almost completely

dependent on imports for food and water

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 million

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2834 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Nauru, Communications

Railroads:

3.9 km; used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing

facilities on the southwest coast

Highways:

about 27 km total; 21 km paved, 6 km improved earth

Ports:

Nauru

Merchant marine:

1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,426 GRT/5,750 DWT

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

adequate local and international radio communications provided via

Australian facilities; 1,600 telephones; 4,000 radios; broadcast stations -

1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Nauru, Defense Forces

Branches:

Directorate of the Nauru Police Force

note:

no regular armed forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 NA; fit for military service NA

Defense expenditures:

$NA - no formal defense structure

*Navassa Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Navassa Island, Geography

Location:

in the Caribbean Sea, 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo

(Cuba), between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

5.2 km2

land area:

5.2 km2

comparative area:

about nine times the size of the Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

8 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Haiti

Climate:

marine, tropical

Terrain:

raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical

white cliffs (9 to 15 meters high)

Natural resources:

guano

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

10%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

90%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; dense

stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus

Note:

strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo, Cuba

*Navassa Island, People

Population:

uninhabited; note - transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the

island

*Navassa Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Navassa Island

Digraph:

BQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast Guard

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Navassa Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Navassa Island, Communications

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

*Navassa Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Nepal, Geography

Location:

South Asia, in the Himalayas, between China and India

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

140,800 km2

land area:

136,800 km2

comparative area: slightly larger than Arkansas

Land boundaries:

total 2,926 km, China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers

and mild winters in south

Terrain:

Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region,

rugged Himalayas in north

Natural resources:

quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty, small

deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

17%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

13%

forest and woodland:

33%

other:

37%

Irrigated land:

9,430 km2 (1989)

Environment:

contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks; deforestation; soil erosion;

water pollution

Note:

landlocked; strategic location between China and India

*Nepal, People

Population:

20,535,466 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.43% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

37.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

13.66 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

85.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

51.98 years male:

51.84 years

female:

52.12 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.33 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Nepalese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Nepalese

Ethnic divisions:

Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus,

Sherpas

Religions:

Hindu 90%, Buddhist 5%, Muslim 3%, other 2% (1981)

note:

only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between

many Hindu and Buddhist groups

Languages:

Nepali (official), 20 languages divided into numerous dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

26%

male:

38%

female:

13%

Labor force:

8.5 million (1991 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2%

note:

severe lack of skilled labor

*Nepal, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Nepal

conventional short form:

Nepal

Digraph:

NP

Type:

parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991

Capital:

Kathmandu

Administrative divisions:

14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri,

Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti,

Sagarmatha, Seti

Independence: 1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah)

Constitution:

9 November 1990

Legal system:

based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party:

Nepali Congress Party (NCP), Party president Krishna Prasad BHATTARAI, Prime

Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Ganesh Man SINGH

center:

the NDP has two factions: National Democratic Party/Chand (NDP/Chand),

Lokendra Bahadur CHAND; and National Democratic Party/Thapa (NDP/Thapa),

Surya Bahadur THAPA; Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, Gayendra

Narayan SINGH

Communist:

Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Man Mohan

ADIKHARY; United People's Front (UPF), N. K. PRASAI, Lila Mani POKHAREL;

Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, leader NA; Rohit Party, N. M. BIJUKCHHE;

Democratic Party, leader NA

note:

the two factions of the NDP announced a merger in late 1991

Other political or pressure groups:

numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small,

radical Nepalese antimonarchist groups

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 12 May 1991 (next to be held May 1996); results - NCP 38%,

CPN/UML 28%, NDP/Chand 6%, UPF 5%, NDP/Thapa 5%, Terai Rights Sadbhavana

Party 4%, Rohit 2%, CPN (Democratic) 1%, independents 4%, other 7%; seats -

(205 total) NCP 110, CPN/UML 69, UPF 9, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 6,

NDP/Chand 3, Rohit 2, CPN (Democratic) 2, NDP/Thapa 1, independents 3; note

- the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gave Nepal a multiparty democracy

system for the first time in 32 years

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or National Council and a

lower house or House of Representatives

*Nepal, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24

February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, son

of the King (born 21 June 1971)

Head of Government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 29 May 1991)

Member of:

AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UNIFIL, UNPROFOR, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Yog Prasad UPADHYAYA

chancery:

2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 667-4550

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Julia Chang BLOCH

embassy:

Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[977] (1) 411179 or 412718, 411604, 411613, 413890

FAX:

[977] (1) 419963

Flag:

red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right

triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the

larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun

*Nepal, Economy

Overview:

Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over

90% of the population and accounting for 60% of GDP. Industrial activity is

limited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute,

sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets has

expanded recently and accounted for 85% of foreign exchange earnings in

FY91. Apart from agricultural land and forests, exploitable natural

resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural production in the

late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual population growth of

2.6%. More than 40% of the population is undernourished partly because of

poor distribution. The top 10% of the population receives 47% of total

income, the bottom 20% less than 5% of the total. Since May 1991, the

government has been encouraging trade and foreign investment, e.g., by

eliminating business licenses and registration requirements in order to

simplify domestic and foreign investment. The government also has been

cutting public expenditures by reducing subsides, privatizing state

industries, and laying off civil servants. Prospects for foreign trade and

investment in the 1990s remain poor, however, because of the small size of

the economy, its technological backwardness, and its remoteness.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.4 billion (FY92)

National product real growth rate:

3.1% (FY92)

National product per capita:

$170 (FY92)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14% (November 1992)

Unemployment rate:

5% (1987); underemployment estimated at 25-40%

Budget:

revenues $308.0 million; expenditures $672.0 million, including capital

expenditures of $396 million (FY92 est.)

Exports:

$313 million (f.o.b., FY92 est.) but does not include unrecorded border

trade with India

commodities:

carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain

partners:

US, Germany, India, UK

Imports:

$751 million (c.i.f., FY92 est.)

commodities:

petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10%

partners:

India, Singapore, Japan, Germany

External debt:

$2 billion (FY92 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6% (FY91 est.); accounts for 7% of GDP

Electricity:

300,000 kW capacity; 1,000 million kWh produced, 50 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet,

cement, and brick production; tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 60% of GDP and 90% of work force; farm products - rice, corn,

wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient in

food, particularly in drought years

*Nepal, Economy

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug

markets; probable transit point for heroin from Southeast Asia to the West

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2,230 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286

million

Currency:

1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisa

Exchange rates:

Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 43.200 (January 1993), 42.742 (1992),

37.255 (1991), 29.370 (1990), 27.189 (1989), 23.289 (1988)

Fiscal year: 16 July - 15 July

*Nepal, Communications

Railroads:

52 km (1990), all 0.762-meter narrow gauge; all in Terai close to Indian

border; 10 km from Raxaul to Birganj is government owned

Highways:

7,080 km total (1990); 2,898 km paved, 1,660 km gravel or crushed stone;

also 2,522 km of seasonally motorable tracks

Airports:

total:

37

usable:

37

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication and broadcast

service; international radio communication service is poor; 50,000

telephones (1990); broadcast stations - 88 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Nepal, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,849,109; fit for military service 2,517,385; reach

military age (17) annually 234,060 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 2% of GDP (FY91/92)

*Netherlands, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

37,330 km2

land area:

33,920 km2 comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 1,027 km, Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km

Coastline:

451 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Terrain:

mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, fertile soil

Land use:

arable land:

26%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

32%

forest and woodland:

9%

other:

32%

Irrigated land:

5,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

without an extensive system of dikes and dams, nearly one-half of the total

area would be inundated by sea water

Note:

located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse,

Schelde)

*Netherlands, People

Population:

15,274,942 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.63% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.81 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 6.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.55 years

male:

74.48 years

female:

80.78 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.59 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women)

adjective:

Dutch

Ethnic divisions:

Dutch 96%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 4% (1988)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 36%, Protestant 27%, other 6%, unaffiliated 31% (1988)

Languages:

Dutch

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1979)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

5.3 million

by occupation:

services 50.1%, manufacturing and construction 28.2%, government 15.9%,

agriculture 5.8% (1986)

*Netherlands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of the Netherlands

conventional short form:

Netherlands

local long form:

Koninkrijk de Nederlanden

local short form:

Nederland

Digraph:

NL

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces (provincien, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland,

Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland,

Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland

Dependent areas:

Aruba, Netherlands Antilles

Independence:

1579 (from Spain)

Constitution:

17 February 1983

Legal system:

civil law system incorporating French penal theory; judicial review in the

Supreme Court of legislation of lower order rather than Acts of the States

General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Queen's Day, 30 April (1938)

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Willem van VELZEN; Labor (PvdA), Wim KOK;

Liberal (VVD), Frederick BOLKSTEIN; Democrats '66 (D'66), Hans van MIERIO; a

host of minor parties

Other political or pressure groups:

large multinational firms; Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement

(comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade

union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; the

nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises; and Interchurch

Peace Council (IKV)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

First Chamber:

last held on 9 June l991 (next to be held 9 June 1995); results - elected by

the country's 12 provincial councils; seats - (75 total) percent of seats by

party NA

Second Chamber:

last held on 6 September 1989 (next to be held in May 1994); results - CDA

35.3%, PvdA 31.9%, VVD 14.6%, D'66 7.9%, other 10.3%; seats - (150 total)

CDA 54, PvdA 49, VVD 22, D'66 12, other 13

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, vice prime minister, Cabinet, Cabinet of Ministers

Legislative branch:

bicameral legislature (Staten Generaal) consists of an upper chamber or

First Chamber (Eerste Kamer) and a lower chamber or Second Chamber (Tweede

Kamer)

*Netherlands, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (De Hoge Raad)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent

WILLEM-ALEXANDER, Prince of Orange, son of Queen Beatrix (born 27 April

1967)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Ruud (Rudolph) F. M. LUBBERS (since 4 November 1982); Vice

Prime Minister Willem (Wim) KOK (since 2 November 1989)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN,

COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G-10, GATT, IADB,

IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest),

NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Johan Hendrick MEESMAN

chancery:

4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 244-5300

FAX:

(202) 362-3430

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila (Trust Territories of the Pacific

Islands), New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Thomas H. GEWECKE

embassy:

Lange Voorhout 102, The Hague

mailing address:

PSC 71, Box 1000, APO AE 09715

telephone:

[31] (70) 310-9209

FAX:

[31] (70) 361-4688

consulate general:

Amsterdam

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the

flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer

*Netherlands, Economy

Overview:

This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise.

The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations,

permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic

activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of

GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the

food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly

mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but

provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing

industry. Unemployment and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most

serious economic problems. Many of the economic issues of the 1990s will

reflect the course of European economic integration.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $259.8 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.6% (1992)

National product per capita:

$17,200 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.3% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $109.9 billion; expenditures $122.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$128.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

agricultural products, processed foods and tobacco, natural gas, chemicals,

metal products, textiles, clothing

partners:

EC 77% (Germany 27%, Belgium-Luxembourg 15%, UK 10%), US 4% (1991)

Imports:

$117.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

raw materials and semifinished products, consumer goods, transportation

equipment, crude oil, food products

partners:

EC 64% (Germany 26%, Belgium-Luxembourg 14%, UK 8%), US 8% (1991)

External debt:

$0

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.6% (1992 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP

Electricity:

22,216,000 kW capacity; 63,500 million kWh produced, 4,200 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and

equipment, chemicals, petroleum, fishing, construction, microelectronics

Agriculture:

accounts for 4.6% of GDP; animal production predominates; crops - grains,

potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; shortages of grain, fats, and

oils

Illicit drugs:

transit country for illicit narcotics produced in neighboring countries;

European producer of illicit amphetamines and other synthetic drugs

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $19.4 billion

*Netherlands, Economy

Currency:

1 Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (f.) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Netherlands guilders, gulden, or florins (f.) per US$1 - 1.8167 (January

1993), 1.7585 (1992), 1.8697 (1991), 1.8209 (1990), 2.1207 (1989), 1.9766

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Netherlands, Communications

Railroads:

2,828 km 1.435-meter standard gauge operated by Netherlands Railways (NS)

(includes 1,957 km electrified and 1,800 km double track)

Highways:

108,360 km total; 92,525 km paved (including 2,185 km of limited access,

divided highways); 15,835 km gravel, crushed stone

Inland waterways:

6,340 km, of which 35% is usable by craft of 1,000 metric ton capacity or

larger

Pipelines:

crude oil 418 km; petroleum products 965 km; natural gas 10,230 km

Ports:

coastal - Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Den Helder, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Ijmuiden,

Rotterdam, Scheveningen, Terneuzen, Vlissingen; inland - 29 ports

Merchant marine:

344 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,762,000 GRT/3,675,649 DWT; includes

3 short-sea passenger, 193 cargo, 30 refrigerated cargo, 26 container, 13

roll-on/roll-off, 1 livestock carrier, 11 multifunction large-load carrier,

23 oil tanker, 22 chemical tanker, 10 liquefied gas, 2 specialized tanker, 6

bulk, 4 combination bulk; note - many Dutch-owned ships are also registered

on the captive Netherlands Antilles register

Airports:

total:

28

usable:

28

with permanent-surface runways:

20

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

11

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

6

Telecommunications:

highly developed, well maintained, and integrated; extensive redundant

system of multiconductor cables, supplemented by microwave radio relay

microwave links; 9,418,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 (3 relays) AM,

12 (39 repeaters) FM, 8 (7 repeaters) TV; 5 submarine cables; 1

communication satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean

and 2 Atlantic Ocean antenna) and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone

system

*Netherlands, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air Service

and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Constabulary

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,183,167; fit for military service 3,677,445; reach

military age (20) annually 104,263 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $7.8 billion, 3% of GDP (1992)

*Netherlands Antilles, Header

Affiliation: (part of the Dutch realm)

*Netherlands Antilles, Geography

Location:

two island groups - Curacas and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean Sea are

about 70 km north of Venezuela near Aruba and the rest of the country is

about 800 km to the northeast about one-third of the way between Antigua and

Barbuda and Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

960 km2

land area:

960 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch

part of the island of Saint Martin)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

364 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds

Terrain:

generally hilly, volcanic interiors

Natural resources:

phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only)

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0% forest and woodland:

0%

other:

92%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely

threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes

from July to October

*Netherlands Antilles, People

Population:

184,990 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.4% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.23 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.69 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.57 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

10.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.73 years

male:

73.55 years

female:

78.03 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Netherlands Antillean(s)

adjective:

Netherlands Antillean

Ethnic divisions:

mixed African 85%, Carib Indian, European, Latin, Oriental

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

Dutch (official), Papiamento a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect

predominates, English widely spoken, Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

94%

male:

94%

female:

93%

Labor force:

89,000

by occupation:

government 65%, industry and commerce 28% (1983)

*Netherlands Antilles, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Netherlands Antilles

local long form:

none

local short form:

Nederlandse Antillen

Digraph:

NA

Type:

part of the Dutch realm; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954

Capital:

Willemstad

Administrative divisions:

none (part of the Dutch realm)

Independence:

none (part of the Dutch realm)

Constitution:

29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended

Legal system:

based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence

National holiday:

Queen's Day, 30 April (1938)

Political parties and leaders:

political parties are indigenous to each island

Bonaire:

Patriotic Union of Bonaire (UPB), Rudy ELLIS; Democratic Party of Bonaire

(PDB), Franklin CRESTIAN

Curacao:

National People's Party (PNP), Maria LIBERIA-PETERS; New Antilles Movement

(MAN), Domenico Felip Don MARTINA; Workers' Liberation Front (FOL), Wilson

(Papa) GODETT; Socialist Independent (SI), George HUECK and Nelson MONTE;

Democratic Party of Curacao (DP), Augustin DIAZ; Nos Patria, Chin BEHILIA

Saba:

Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM Saba), Will JOHNSON; Saba

Democratic Labor Movement, Vernon HASSELL; Saba Unity Party, Carmen SIMMONDS

Sint Eustatius:

Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius (DP-St.E), K. Van PUTTEN; Windward

Islands People's Movement (WIPM); St. Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Ralph BERKEL

Sint Maarten:

Democratic Party of Sint Maarten (DP-St.M), Claude WATHEY; Patriotic

Movement of Sint Maarten (SPA), Vance JAMES

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections: Staten:

last held on 16 March 1990 (next to be held March 1994); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (22 total) PNP 7, FOL-SI 3, UPB 3, MAN 2,

DP-St. M 2, DP 1, SPM 1, WIPM 1, DP-St. E 1, Nos Patria 1; note - the

government of Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS is a coalition of several

parties

Executive branch:

Dutch monarch, governor, prime minister, vice prime minister, Council of

Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral legislature (Staten)

*Netherlands Antilles, Government

Judicial branch:

Joint High Court of Justice

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by

Governor General Jaime SALEH (since NA October 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Maria LIBERIA-PETERS (since 17 May 1988, previously served

from September 1984 to November 1985)

Member of:

CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO

(associate), UPU, WMO, WTO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an autonomous part of the Netherlands, Netherlands Antillean interests in

the US are represented by the Netherlands

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Consul General Bernard J. WOERZ

consulate general:

Saint Anna Boulevard 19, Willemstad, Curacao

mailing address:

P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao

telephone:

[599] (9) 613066

FAX:

[599] (9) 616489

Flag:

white with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical

red band also centered; five white five-pointed stars are arranged in an

oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the five stars represent the

five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint

Maarten

*Netherlands Antilles, Economy

Overview:

Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of the

economy. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed

infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Unlike many

Latin American countries, the Netherlands Antilles has avoided large

international debt. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with

the US being the major supplier.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$8,700 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

16.4% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $209 million; expenditures $232 million, including capital

expenditures of $8 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$200 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum products 98%

partners:

US 40%, UK 7%, Guadeloupe 5%

Imports:

$1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

crude petroleum 64%, food, manufactures

partners:

Venezuela 42%, US 21%, Netherlands 8%

External debt:

$701 million (December 1987)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

125,000 kW capacity; 365 million kWh produced, 1,980 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism (Curacao and Sint Maarten), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum

transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing

(Curacao)

Agriculture:

hampered by poor soils and scarcity of water; chief products - aloes,

sorghum, peanuts, fresh vegetables, tropical fruit; not self-sufficient in

food

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$513 million

Currency:

1 Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (NAf.) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Netherlands Antillean guilders, gulden, or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.79

(fixed rate since 1989; 1.80 fixed rate 1971-88)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Netherlands Antilles, Communications

Highways:

950 km total; 300 km paved, 650 km gravel and earth

Ports:

Willemstad, Philipsburg, Kralendijk

Merchant marine:

89 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 781,646 GRT/962,138 DWT; includes 4

passenger, 29 cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 7 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off,

12 multifunction large-load carrier, 5 chemical tanker, 6 liquefied gas, 2

bulk, 1 oil tanker, 1 railcar carrier, 1 combination ore/oil; note - all but

a few are foreign owned, mostly in the Netherlands

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

generally adequate facilities; extensive interisland microwave radio relay

links; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 2 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Netherlands Antilles, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National

Guard, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 48,965; fit for military service 27,531; reach military age

(20) annually 1,638 (1993 est.)

Note:

defense is responsibility of the Netherlands

*New Caledonia, Header

Affiliation: (overseas territory of France)

*New Caledonia, Geography

Location:

in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,750 km east of Australia

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

19,060 km2

land area:

18,760 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,254 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid

Terrain:

coastal plains with interior mountains

Natural resources:

nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

14%

forest and woodland:

51%

other:

35%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

typhoons most frequent from November to March

*New Caledonia, People

Population:

178,056 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.83% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

22.7 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.01 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.58 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

15.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.22 years

male:

69.92 years

female:

76.7 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.67 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

New Caledonian(s)

adjective:

New Caledonian

Ethnic divisions:

Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%,

Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10%

Languages:

French, 28 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

91%

male:

91%

female:

90%

Labor force:

50,469 foreign workers for plantations and mines from Wallis and Futuna,

Vanuatu, and French Polynesia (1980 est.)

by occupation:

NA

*New Caledonia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies

conventional short form:

New Caledonia

local long form:

Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances

local short form:

Nouvelle-Caledonie

Digraph:

NC

Type:

overseas territory of France since 1956

Capital:

Noumea

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative

divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named

Iles Loyaute, Nord, and Sud

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France; a referendum on independence will be

held in 1998)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands;

formerly under French law

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

white-dominated Rassemblement pour la Caledonie dans la Republique (RPCR),

conservative, Jacques LAFLEUR - affiliated to France's Rassemblement pour la

Republique (RPR); Melanesian proindependence Kanaka Socialist National

Liberation Front (FLNKS), Paul NEAOUTYINE; Melanesian moderate Kanak

Socialist Liberation (LKS), Nidoish NAISSELINE; National Front (FN), extreme

right, Guy GEORGE; Caledonie Demain (CD), right-wing, Bernard MARANT; Union

Oceanienne (UO), conservative, Michel HEMA; Front Uni de Liberation Kanak

(FULK), proindependence, UREGEI; Union Caledonian (UC), Francois BURCK

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French Senate:

last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held September 2001); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPCR 1

French National Assembly:

last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held 21 and 28 March 1993); results

- RPR 83.5%, FN 13.5%, other 3%; seats - (2 total) RPCR 2

Territorial Assembly:

last held 11 June 1989 (next to be held 1993); results - RPCR 44.5%, FLNKS

28.5%, FN 7%, CD 5%, UO 4%, other 11%; seats - (54 total) RPCR 27, FLNKS 19,

FN 3, other 5; note - election boycotted by FULK

Executive branch:

French president, high commissioner, Consultative Committee (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

*New Caledonia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

High Commissioner and President of the Council of Government Alain

CHRISTNACHT (since 15 January 1991)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: as an overseas territory of France, New Caledonian interests are

represented

in the US by France

US diplomatic representation:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*New Caledonia, Economy

Overview:

New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In

recent years the economy has suffered because of depressed international

demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a

negligible amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts

for about 25% of imports.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.4% (1988)

National product per capita:

$6,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (1989)

Unemployment rate:

16% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $224.0 million; expenditures $211.0 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1985)

Exports:

$671 million (f.o.b., 1989)

commodities:

nickel metal 87%, nickel ore

partners:

France 52.3%, Japan 15.8%, US 6.4%

Imports:

$764 million (c.i.f., 1989)

commodities:

foods, fuels, minerals, machines, electrical equipment

partners:

France 44.0%, US 10%, Australia 9%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

400,000 kW capacity; 2,200 million kWh produced, 12,790 kWh per capita

(1990)

Industries:

nickel mining and smelting

Agriculture:

large areas devoted to cattle grazing; coffee, corn, wheat, vegetables; 60%

self-sufficient in beef

Illicit drugs:

illicit cannabis cultivation is becoming a principal source of income for

some families

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$4,185 million

Currency:

1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais duPacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 99.65 (January

1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30

(1988); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*New Caledonia, Communications

Highways:

6,340 km total; only about 10% paved (1987)

Ports:

Noumea, Nepoui, Poro, Thio

Airports:

total:

29

usable:

27

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

32,578 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; 1 Pacific

Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*New Caledonia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Gendarmerie, Police Force

Note:

defense is the responsibility of France

*New Zealand, Geography

Location:

Oceania, southeast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area: total area:

268,680 km2

land area:

268,670 km2

comparative area:

about the size of Colorado

note:

includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell

Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

15,134 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency)

Climate:

temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Terrain:

predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains

Natural resources:

natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

53%

forest and woodland:

38%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

2,800 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

earthquakes are common, though usually not severe

*New Zealand, People

Population:

3,368,774 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.61% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.11 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.11 years

male:

72.46 years

female:

79.95 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.07 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

New Zealander(s)

adjective:

New Zealand

Ethnic divisions:

European 88%, Maori 8.9%, Pacific Islander 2.9%, other 0.2%

Religions:

Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist

2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 9% (1986)

Languages:

English (official), Maori

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1,603,500 (June 1991)

by occupation:

services 67.4%, manufacturing 19.8%, primary production 9.3% (1987)

*New Zealand, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

New Zealand

Abbreviation:

NZ

Digraph:

NZ

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Wellington

Administrative divisions: 93 counties, 9 districts*, and 3 town districts**; Akaroa, Amuri,,

Ashburton,

Bay of Islands, Bruce, Buller, Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Clifton, Clutha,

Cook, Dannevirke, Egmont, Eketahuna, Ellesmere, Eltham, Eyre, Featherston,

Franklin, Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Grey, Hauraki Plains, Hawera*,, Hawke's Bay,

Heathcote, Hikurangi**, Hobson, Hokianga, Horowhenua, Hurunui,, Hutt, Inangahua, Inglewood,

Kaikoura, Kairanga, Kiwitea, Lake, Mackenzie,

Malvern, Manaia**, Manawatu, Mangonui, Maniototo, Marlborough, Masterton,, Matamata, Mount

Herbert, Ohinemuri, Opotiki, Oroua, Otamatea, Otorohanga*,, Oxford, Pahiatua, Paparua, Patea,

Piako, Pohangina, Raglan, Rangiora*,, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua*, Runanga, Saint Kilda,,

Silverpeaks, Southland,

Stewart Island, Stratford, Strathallan, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo,

Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel*, Tuapeka, Vincent, Waiapu, Waiheke, Waihemo,, Waikato, Waikohu,

Waimairi, Waimarino, Waimate, Waimate West, Waimea, Waipa,

Waipawa*, Waipukurau*, Wairarapa South, Wairewa, Wairoa, Waitaki, Waitomo*,, Waitotara, Wallace,

Wanganui, Waverley**, Westland, Whakatane*, Whangarei,, Whangaroa, Woodville

Dependent areas:

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau

Independence:

26 September 1907 (from UK)

Constitution:

no formal, written constitution; consists of various documents, including

certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments; Constitution Act 1986

was to have come into force 1 January 1987, but has not been enacted

Legal system:

based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for

Maoris; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty)

Political parties and leaders:

National Party (NP; government), James BOLGER; New Zealand Labor Party

(NZLP; opposition), Michael MOORE; NewLabor Party (NLP), Jim ANDERTON;

Democratic Party, Dick RYAN; New Zealand Liberal Party, Hanmish MACINTYRE

and Gilbert MYLES; Green Party, no official leader; Mana Motuhake, Martin

RATA; Socialist Unity Party (SUP; pro-Soviet), Kenneth DOUGLAS

note:

the New Labor, Democratic, and Mana Motuhake parties formed a coalition

called the Alliance Party, Jim ANDERTON, president, in September 1991; the

Green Party joined the coalition in May 1992

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*New Zealand, Government

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held on 27 October 1990 (next to be held NA November 1993); results -

NP 49%, NZLP 35%, Green Party 7%, NLP 5%; seats - (97 total) NP 67, NZLP 29,

NLP 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (commonly called Parliament)

Judicial branch:

High Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Dame Catherine TIZARD (since 12 December 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister James BOLGER (since 29 October 1990); Deputy Prime Minister

Donald McKINNON (since 2 November 1990)

Member of:

ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC,

AsDB, Australia Group, C, CCC, CP, COCOM (cooperating country), EBRD, ESCAP,

FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR,

NAM (guest), OECD, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Denis Bazely Gordon McLEAN

chancery:

37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 328-4800

consulates general:

Los Angeles and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001

telephone:

[64] (4) 722-068

FAX:

[64] (4) 723-537

consulate general:

Auckland

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red

five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag;

the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation

*New Zealand, Economy

Overview:

Since 1984 the government has been reorienting an agrarian economy dependent

on a guaranteed British market to an open free market economy that can

compete on the global scene. The government has hoped that dynamic growth

would boost real incomes, broaden and deepen the technological capabilities

of the industrial sector, reduce inflationary pressures, and permit the

expansion of welfare benefits. The results have been mixed: inflation is

down from double-digit levels, but growth was sluggish in 1988-91, and

unemployment, always a highly sensitive issue, has exceeded 10% since May

1991. In 1992, growth picked up to 3%, a sign that the new economic approach

is beginning to pay off.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $49.8 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1992)

National product per capita:

$14,900 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.2% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

10.1% (September 1992)

Budget:

revenues $14.0 billion; expenditures $15.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$3.65 billion (f.o.b., FY92)

commodities:

wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fruit, fish, cheese, manufactures, chemicals,

forestry products

partners:

EC 18.3%, Japan 17.9%, Australia 17.5%, US 13.5%, China 3.6%, South Korea

3.1%

Imports:

$3.99 billion (f.o.b., FY92)

commodities:

petroleum, consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial equipment

partners:

Australia 19.7%, Japan 16.9%, EC 16.9%, US 15.3%, Taiwan 3.0%

External debt:

$38.5 billion (September 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.9% (1990); accounts for about 20% of GDP

Electricity:

8,000,000 kW capacity; 31,000 million kWh produced, 9,250 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery,

transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining

Agriculture:

accounts for about 9% of GDP and about 10% of the work force; livestock

predominates - wool, meat, dairy products all export earners; crops - wheat,

barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; surplus producer of farm

products; fish catch reached a record 503,000 metric tons in 1988

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $526 million

Currency:

1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

*New Zealand, Economy

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.9486 (January 1993), 1.8584 (1992),

1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*New Zealand, Communications

Railroads:

4,716 km total; all 1.067-meter gauge; 274 km double track; 113 km

electrified; over 99% government owned

Highways:

92,648 km total; 49,547 km paved, 43,101 km gravel or crushed stone

Inland waterways:

1,609 km; of little importance to transportation

Pipelines:

natural gas 1,000 km; petroleum products 160 km; condensate (liquified

petroleum gas - LPG) 150 km

Ports:

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga

Merchant marine:

18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 182,206 GRT/246,446 DWT; includes 2

cargo, 5 roll-on/roll-off, 1 railcar carrier, 4 oil tanker, 1 liquefied gas,

5 bulk

Airports:

total:

120

usable:

120

with permanent-surface runways:

33

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

42

Telecommunications:

excellent international and domestic systems; 2,110,000 telephones;

broadcast stations - 64 AM, 2 FM, 14 TV; submarine cables extend to

Australia and Fiji; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*New Zealand, Defense Forces

Branches:

New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 878,028; fit for military service 741,104; reach military

age (20) annually 29,319 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $792 million, 2% of GDP (FY90/91)

*Nicaragua, Geography

Location:

Central America, between Costa Rica and Honduras

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America

Area:

total area:

129,494 km2

land area:

120,254 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New York State

Land boundaries:

total 1,231 km, Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km

Coastline:

910 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

25 nm security zone (status of claim uncertain)

continental shelf:

not specified

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y

Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; International Court of Justice (ICJ)

referred the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca to an

earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite

resolution among El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua likely would be

required

Climate:

tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands

Terrain:

extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains;

narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes

Natural resources:

gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish

Land use:

arable land:

9%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

43%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

12%

Irrigated land:

850 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasional

severe hurricanes; deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution

*Nicaragua, People

Population:

3,987,240 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.74% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.61 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.25 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

54.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

63.5 years

male:

60.7 years

female:

66.41 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.48 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Nicaraguan(s)

adjective:

Nicaraguan

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5%

Languages:

Spanish (official)

note:

English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1971)

total population:

57%

male:

57%

female:

57%

Labor force:

1.086 million

by occupation:

service 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986)

*Nicaragua, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua

conventional short form:

Nicaragua

local long form:

Republica de Nicaragua

local short form:

Nicaragua

Digraph:

NU

Type:

republic

Capital:

Managua

Administrative divisions:

17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo,

Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua,

Masaya, Matagalpa, North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAN), Nueva

Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAS)

Independence:

15 September 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution:

January 1987

Legal system:

civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling coalition:

National Opposition Union (UNO) is a 10-party alliance - moderate parties:

National Conservative Party (PNC), Silviano MATAMOROS Lacayo, president;

Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Jose Ernesto SOMARRIBA, Arnold

ALEMAN; Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN, Agustin

JARQUIN, Azucena FERREY, Roger MIRANDA, Francisco MAYORGA; National

Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; National Action Party (PAN),

Duilio BALTODANO; NOU - hardline parties: Independent Liberal Party (PLI),

Wilfredo NAVARRO,Virgilio GODOY Reyes; Social Democratic Party (PSD),

Guillermo POTOY, Alfredo CESAR Aguirre, secretary general; Conservative

Popular Alliance Party (PAPC), Myriam ARGUELLO; Communist Party of Nicaragua

(PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez; Neo-Liberal Party (PALI), Adolfo GARCIA

Esquivel

opposition parties:

Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Central American

Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS; Democratic Conservative Party of

Nicaragua (PCDN), Jose BRENES; Liberal Party of National Unity (PLUIN),

Eduardo CORONADO; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Francisco SAMPER;

Social Christian Party (PSC), Erick RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Workers' Party

(PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Social Conservative Party (PSOC), Fernando

AGUERRO; Popular Action Movement - Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ;

Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Mauricio DIAZ

*Nicaragua, Government

Other political or pressure groups:

National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor

unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC);

Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE);

National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of Journalists

of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional

Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers

(UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four

non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS);

Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A); Independent General

Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS);

Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior

Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups

Suffrage:

16 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results -

Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN)

40.8%, other 4.5%

National Assembly:

last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held February 1996); results - UNO

53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 42, FSLN 39,

PSC 1, MUR 1, "Centrist" (Dissident UNO) 9

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Corte Suprema)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President

Virgilio GODOY Reyes (since 25 April 1990)

Member of:

BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA

(observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roberto MAYORGA (since January 1993)

chancery:

1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 939-6570

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Charge d'Affaires Ronald GODARD

embassy:

Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua

mailing address:

APO AA 34021

telephone:

[505] (2) 666010 or 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032

through 34

FAX:

[505] (2) 666046

*Nicaragua, Government

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the

national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features

a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and

AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which

features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN

LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of

Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the

white band

*Nicaragua, Economy

Overview:

Government control of the economy historically has been extensive, although

the CHAMORRO government has pledged to greatly reduce intervention. Four

private banks have been licensed, and the government has liberalized foreign

trade and abolished price controls on most goods. In early 1993, fewer than

50% of the agricultural and industrial firms remain state owned. Sandinista

economic policies and the war had produced a severe economic crisis. The

foundation of the economy continues to be the export of agricultural

commodities, largely coffee and cotton. Farm production fell by roughly 7%

in 1989 and 4% in 1990, and remained about even in 1991-92. The agricultural

sector employs 44% of the work force and accounts for 15% of GDP and 80% of

export earnings. Industry, which employs 13% of the work force and

contributes about 25% to GDP, showed a drop of 7% in 1989, fell slightly in

1990, and remained flat in 1991-92; output still is below pre-1979 levels.

External debt is one of the highest in the world on a per capita basis. In

1992 the inflation rate was 8%, down sharply from the 766% of 1991.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$425 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

13% underemployment 50% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $347 million; expenditures $499 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA million (1991)

Exports:

$280 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

coffee, cotton, sugar, bananas, seafood, meat, chemicals

partners:

OECD 75%, USSR and Eastern Europe 15%, other 10%

Imports:

$720 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum, food, chemicals, machinery, clothing

partners:

Latin America 30%, US 25%, EC 20%, USSR and Eastern Europe 10%, other 15%

(1990 est.)

External debt:

$10 billion (December 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for about 25% of GDP

Electricity:

434,000 kW capacity; 1,118 million kWh produced, 290 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum

refining and distribution, beverages, footwear

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP and 44% of work force; cash crops - coffee, bananas,

sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans;

variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy; normally

self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

minor transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US

*Nicaragua, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $294 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1,381 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $3.5 billion

Currency:

1 cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 6 (10 January 1993), 25,000,000 (March 1992),

21,354,000 (1991), 15,655 (1989), 270 (1988), 102.60 (1987); note - new gold

cordoba issued in 1992

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Nicaragua, Communications

Railroads:

373 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge, government owned; majority of system not

operating; 3 km 1.435-meter gauge line at Puerto Cabezas (does not connect

with mainline)

Highways:

25,930 km total; 4,000 km paved, 2,170 km gravel or crushed stone, 5,425 km

earth or graded earth, 14,335 km unimproved; Pan-American highway 368.5 km

Inland waterways:

2,220 km, including 2 large lakes

Pipelines:

crude oil 56 km

Ports:

Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama

Merchant marine:

2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,161 GRT/2,500 DWT

Airports:

total:

226

usable:

151

with permanent-surface runways:

11

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

12

Telecommunications:

low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into

Central American Microwave System; 60,000 telephones; broadcast stations -

45 AM, no FM, 7 TV, 3 shortwave; earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

*Nicaragua, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 911,397; fit for military service 561,448; reach military

age (18) annually 44,226 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 2.7% of GDP (1992 budget)

*Niger, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, between Algeria and Nigeria

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1.267 million km2

land area:

1,266,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,697 km, Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km,

Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 km2 in northern Niger; demarcation of

international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border

incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon,

Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary

demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger

Climate:

desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south

Terrain:

predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south;

hills in north

Natural resources:

uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

2%

other:

88%

Irrigated land:

320 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recurrent drought and desertification severely affecting marginal

agricultural activities; overgrazing; soil erosion

Note:

landlocked

*Niger, People

Population:

8,337,352 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.49% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

57.35 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

22.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

112.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

44.15 years

male:

42.6 years

female:

45.75 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.35 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Nigerien(s)

adjective:

Nigerien

Ethnic divisions:

Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab,

Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 4,000 French expatriates

Religions:

Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians

Languages:

French (official), Hausa, Djerma

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

28%

male:

40%

female:

17%

Labor force:

2.5 million wage earners (1982)

by occupation:

agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4%

note:

51% of population of working age (1985)

*Niger, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Niger

conventional short form:

Niger

local long form:

Republique du Niger

local short form:

Niger

Digraph:

NG

Type:

transition government as of November 1991, appointed by national reform

conference; scheduled to turn over power to democratically elected

government in March 1993

Capital:

Niamey

Administrative divisions:

7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso,

Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder

Independence:

3 August 1960 (from France)

Constitution:

December 1989 constitution revised November 1991 by National Democratic

Reform Conference

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Republic Day, 18 December (1958)

Political parties and leaders:

National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Tandja MAMADOU;

Niger Progressive Party - African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Harou KOUKA;

Union of Popular Forces for Democracy and Progress (UDFP-SAWABA), Djibo

BAKARY; Niger Democratic Union (UDN-SAWABA), Mamoudou PASCAL; Union of

Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Andre SALIFOU; other parties

forming

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

President Ali SAIBOU has been in office since December 1989, but the

presidency is now a largely ceremonial position

National Assembly:

last held 10 December 1989 (next to be held NA); results - MNSD was the only

party; seats - (150 total) MNSD 150 (indirectly elected); note - Niger held

a national conference from July to November 1991 to decide upon a

transitional government and an agenda for multiparty elections

Executive branch:

president (ceremonial), prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Brig. Gen. Ali SAIBOU (since 14 November 1987); ceremonial post

since national conference (1991)

*Niger, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Amadou CHEIFFOU (since NA November 1991)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU

chancery:

2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-4224 through 4227

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jennifer C. WARD

embassy: Avenue des Ambassades, Niamey

mailing address:

B. P. 11201, Niamey

telephone:

[227] 72-26-61 through 64

FAX:

[227] 73-31-67

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small

orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to

the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band

*Niger, Economy

Overview:

About 90% of the population is engaged in farming and stock raising,

activities that generate almost half the national income. The economy also

depends heavily on exploitation of large uranium deposits. Uranium

production grew rapidly in the mid-1970s, but tapered off in the early 1980s

when world prices declined. France is a major customer, while Germany,

Japan, and Spain also make regular purchases. The depressed demand for

uranium has contributed to an overall sluggishness in the economy, a severe

trade imbalance, and a mounting external debt.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.3 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.9% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$290 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $193 million; expenditures $355 million, including capital

expenditures of $106 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$294 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

uranium ore 60%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions

partners:

France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy

Imports:

$346 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, electronic equipment,

cereals, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, foodstuffs

partners:

Germany 26%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, France 5%, Italy 4%, Nigeria 2%

External debt:

$1.2 billion (December 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -2.7% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP

Electricity: 105,000 kW capacity; 230 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a

few other small light industries; uranium mining began in 1971

Agriculture:

accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops -

cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice;

livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought

years

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3,165 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

*Niger, Economy

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Niger, Communications

Highways:

39,970 km total; 3,170 km bituminous, 10,330 km gravel and laterite, 3,470

km earthen, 23,000 km tracks

Inland waterways:

Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier

from mid-December through March

Airports:

total:

28

usable:

26

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

13

Telecommunications:

small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links

concentrated in southwestern area; 14,260 telephones; broadcast stations -

15 AM, 5 FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 3 domestic, with 1 planned

*Niger, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Police, Republican Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,784,966; fit for military service 961,593; reach military

age (18) annually 87,222 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $27 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989)

*Nigeria, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Benin and

Cameroon

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

923,770 km2

land area:

910,770 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total 4,047 km, Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

30 nm

International disputes:

demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has

led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification

by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission, created with

Cameroon to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries, has not yet

convened

Climate:

varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north

Terrain:

southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in

southeast, plains in north

Natural resources:

petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural

gas

Land use:

arable land: 31%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

23%

forest and woodland:

15%

other:

28%

Irrigated land:

8,650 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural

activities; desertification; soil degradation, rapid deforestation

*Nigeria, People

Population:

95,060,430 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.13% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.8 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.85 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

77.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

54.7 years

male:

53.54 years

female:

55.88 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.43 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Nigerian(s)

adjective:

Nigerian

Ethnic divisions:

north:

Hausa and Fulani

southwest:

Yoruba

southeast:

Ibos

non-Africans 27,000

note:

Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of population

Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages:

English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

51%

male:

62%

female:

40%

Labor force:

42.844 million

by occupation:

agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15%

note:

49% of population of working age (1985)

*Nigeria, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Federal Republic of Nigeria

conventional short form:

Nigeria

Digraph:

NI

Type:

military government since 31 December 1983; plans to turn over power to

elected civilians in August 1993

Capital:

Abuja

note:

on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja;

many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in

Abuja

Administrative divisions:

30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa, Ibom, Anambra,

Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo,

Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo,

Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe

Independence:

1 October 1960 (from UK)

Constitution:

1 October 1979, amended 9 February 1984, revised 1989

Legal system:

based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Baba Gana KINGIBE, chairman; National

Republican Convention (NRC), Chief Tom IKIMI, chairman

note:

these are the only two political parties, and they were established by the

government in 1989

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

first presidential elections since the 31 December 1983 coup scheduled for

June 1993

Senate:

last held 4 July 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (total 84) SDP 47, NRC 37

House of Representatives:

last held 4 July 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (total 577) SDP 310, NRC 267

Executive branch:

president, vice-president, cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower

house or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Gen. Ibrahim BABANGIDA

(since 27 August 1985); Vice-President Admiral (Ret.) Augustus AIKHOMU

(since 30 August 1990)

*Nigeria, Government

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC, OPEC, PCA, UN,

UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO,

WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE

chancery:

2201 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 822-1500

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William L. SWING

embassy:

2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos

mailing address:

P. O. Box 554, Lagos

telephone:

[234] (1) 610097

FAX:

[234] (1) 610257 branch office:

Abuja

consulate general:

Kaduna

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green

*Nigeria, Economy

Overview:

Although Nigeria is Africa's leading oil-producing country, it remains poor

with a $300 per capita GDP. In 1991-92 massive government spending, much of

it to help ensure a smooth transition to civilian rule, ballooned the budget

deficit and caused inflation and interest rates to rise. The lack of fiscal

discipline forced the IMF to declare Nigeria not in compliance with an

18-month standby facility started in January 1991. Lagos has set ambitious

targets for expanding oil production capacity and is offering foreign

companies more attractive investment incentives. Government efforts to

reduce Nigeria's dependence on oil exports and to sustain noninflationary

growth, however, have fallen short because of inadequate new investment

funds and endemic corruption. Living standards remain below the level of the

early 1980s oil boom.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $35 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$300 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

60% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

28% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $9 billion; expenditures $10.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$12.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

oil 95%, cocoa, rubber

partners:

EC countries 43%, US 41%

Imports:

$7.8 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

consumer goods, capital equipment, chemicals, raw materials

partners:

EC countries 70%, US 16%

External debt:

$33.4 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.5% (1991); accounts for 8.5% of GDP

Electricity:

4,740,000 kW capacity; 8,300 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries -

palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing

industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear,

chemical, printing, ceramics, steel

Agriculture:

accounts for 32% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficient small-scale

farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food and now an importer;

cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice,

sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs;

fishing and forestry resources extensively exploited

*Nigeria, Economy

Illicit drugs:

passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa facilitates Nigeria's position

as a major transit country for heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest

Asia via Africa to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit

route for cocaine from South America intended for West European and North

American markets (some of that cocaine is also consumed in Nigeria)

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.0 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billion

Currency:

1 naira (N) = 100 kobo

Exchange rates:

naira (N) per US$1 - 19.661 (December 1992), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991),

8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989), 4.5370 (1988), 4.0160 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Nigeria, Communications

Railroads:

3,505 km 1.067-meter gauge

Highways:

107,990 km total 30,019 km paved (mostly bituminous-surface treatment);

25,411 km laterite, gravel, crushed stone, improved earth; 52,560 km

unimproved

Inland waterways:

8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,042 km; natural gas 500 km; petroleum products 3,000 km

Ports:

Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, Sapele

Merchant marine:

28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 418,046 GRT/664,949 DWT; includes 17

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 7 oil tanker, 1 chemical

tanker, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

76 usable:

63

with permanent-surface runways:

34

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

15

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

23

Telecommunications:

above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in

progress; radio relay microwave and cable routes; broadcast stations - 35

AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxial submarine cable

*Nigeria, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, National Guard, paramilitary Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 21,790,956; fit for military service 12,447,547; reach

military age (18) annually 1,297,790 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992)

*Niue, Header

Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand)

*Niue, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 460 km east of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

260 km2

land area:

260 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

64 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; modified by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land:

61%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

19%

other:

12%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons

Note:

one of world's largest coral islands

*Niue, People

Population:

1,977 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-3.66% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun: Niuean(s)

adjective:

Niuean

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans)

Religions:

Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to

the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman

Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist)

Languages:

Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

1,000 (1981 est.)

by occupation:

most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government

service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board

*Niue, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Niue

Digraph:

NE

Type:

self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully

responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for

external affairs

Capital:

Alofi

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free association with

New Zealand on 19 October 1974)

Constitution:

19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)

Legal system:

English common law

National holiday:

Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty)

Political parties and leaders:

Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIAN

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held on 8 April 1990 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of

vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) NIP 1, independents 5

Executive branch:

British monarch, premier, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly

Judicial branch:

Appeal Court of New Zealand, High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand

Representative John SPRINGFORD (since NA 1974)

Head of Government:

Acting Premier Young VIVIAN (since the death of Sir Robert R. REX on 12

December 1992)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF

Diplomatic representation in US:

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

US diplomatic representation:

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

Flag:

yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of

the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in

the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross

*Niue, Economy

Overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government

expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants

from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The

agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some

cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small

factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The

sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of

revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of

population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$1,000 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9.6% (1984)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $5.5 million; expenditures $6.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY85 est.)

Exports:

$175,274 (f.o.b., 1985)

commodities:

canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root

crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts

partners:

NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia

Imports:

$3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985)

commodities:

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

chemicals, drugs

partners:

NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

1,500 kW capacity; 3 million kWh produced, 1,490 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourist, handicrafts, coconut products

Agriculture:

coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams,

cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62

million

Currency:

1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.9486 (January 1993), 1.8584 (1992),

1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Niue, Communications

Highways:

123 km all-weather roads, 106 km access and plantation roads

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1

Telecommunications:

single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383

telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1

FM, no TV

*Niue, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police Force

Note:

defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

*Norfolk Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Australia)

*Norfolk Island, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

34.6 km2

land area:

34.6 km2

comparative area:

about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

75%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons (especially May to July)

*Norfolk Island, People

Population:

2,665 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.69% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Norfolk Islander(s)

adjective:

Norfolk Islander(s)

Ethnic divisions:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander

Religions:

Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986)

Languages:

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

Tahitian

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male: NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Norfolk Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of Norfolk Island

conventional short form:

Norfolk Island

Digraph:

NF

Type:

territory of Australia

Capital:

Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center)

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

Constitution:

Norfolk Island Act of 1957

Legal system:

wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act

of 1979; Supreme Court

National holiday:

Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856)

Political parties and leaders:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percent of vote by party

NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general of Australia, administrator, Executive

Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator A.

G. KERR (since NA 1990), who is appointed by the Governor General of

Australia

Head of Government:

Assembly President and Chief Minister John Terence BROWN (since NA)

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of Australia)

US diplomatic representation:

none (territory of Australia)

Flag:

three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large

green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band

*Norfolk Island, Economy

Overview:

The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of

prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. The number of

visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY89.

Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and

helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production

of beef, poultry, and eggs.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of

$400,000 (FY89)

Exports:

$1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86)

commodities:

postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia Palm, small

quantities of avocados

partners:

Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

Imports:

$15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86)

commodities:

NA

partners:

Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

7,000 kW capacity; 8 million kWh produced, 3,160 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism

Agriculture:

Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit,

cattle, poultry

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January 1993), 1.3600 (1992),

1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Norfolk Island, Communications

Highways:

80 km of roads, including 53 km paved; remainder are earth formed or coral

surfaced

Ports:

none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways :

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones

(1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV

*Norfolk Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia

*Northern Mariana Islands, Header

Affiliation: (commonwealth in political union with the US)

*Northern Mariana Islands, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,635 km west-southwest of Honolulu, about

three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

477 km2

land area:

477 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,482 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth)

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal

temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to

October

Terrain:

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

northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters (Mt. Okso'

Takpochao on Saipan)

Natural resources:

arable land, fish

Land use:

arable land:

5% on Saipan

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

19%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

active volcanos on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons (most during

August through November)

Note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean

*Northern Mariana Islands, People

Population:

48,581 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.04% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.05 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.43 years

male:

65.53 years

female:

69.48 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.69 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

NA

adjective:

NA

Ethnic divisions:

Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese,

Korean

Religions:

Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos

may still be found)

Languages:

English, Chamorro, Carolinian

note:

86% of population speaks a language other than English at home

Literacy:

age NA and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

97%

male:

97%

female:

96%

Labor force:

7,476 total indigenous labor force, 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers

(1990)

by occupation:

NA

*Northern Mariana Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

conventional short form:

Northern Mariana Islands

Digraph:

CQ

Type:

commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally

elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the

Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of

Territorial and International Affairs

Capital:

Saipan

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

none (commonwealth in political union with the US)

Constitution:

Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the constitution of the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Legal system:

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

National holiday:

Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978)

Political parties and leaders:

Republican Party, Governor Lorenzo GUERRERO; Democratic Party, Carlos SHODA,

chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do

not vote in US presidential elections

Elections:

Governor:

last held in NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1993); results -

Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governor

Senate:

last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans 6, Democrats 3

House of Representatives:

last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans 10, Democrats 6,

Independent 2

US House of Representatives:

the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it

has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC;

seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA)

Executive branch:

US president; governor, lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislature consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Commonwealth Supreme Court, Superior Court, Federal District Court

Leaders: Chief of State:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

*Northern Mariana Islands, Government

Head of Government:

Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); Lieutenant

Governor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), SPC

Flag:

blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a

latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center

*Northern Mariana Islands, Economy

Overview:

The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US.

The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues

have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to

$228 million for capital development, government operations, and special

programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry,

which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists

predominate. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small

farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is

small scale, mostly handicrafts and light manufacturing.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $541 million (1992)

note:

GNP numbers reflect US spending

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$11,500 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.5-7.5% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $147.0 million; expenditures $127.7 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991)

Exports:

$263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.)

commodities:

manufactured goods, garments, bread, pastries, concrete blocks, light iron

work

partners:

NA

Imports:

$392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.)

commodities: food, construction, equipment, materials

partners:

NA

External debt:

$0

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

25,000 kW capacity; 35 million kWh produced, 740 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts

Agriculture:

coconuts, fruits, cattle, vegetables

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Northern Mariana Islands, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

381.5 km total; 134.5 km primary, 55 km secondary, 192 km local (1991)

Inland waterways:

none

Ports:

Saipan, Tinian

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV, 2 cable TV stations; 2 Pacific

Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Northern Mariana Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Norway, Geography

Location:

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

Map references:

Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

324,220 km2

land area:

307,860 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 2,515 km, Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km

Coastline:

21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords,

numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

10 nm

continental shelf:

to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

4 nm

International disputes:

territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); dispute between Denmark

and Norway over maritime boundary in Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Jan

Mayen is before the Interntional Court of Justice; maritime boundary dispute

with Russia over portion of Barents Sea

Climate:

temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior;

rainy year-round on west coast

Terrain:

glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile

valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords;

arctic tundra in north

Natural resources:

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

timber, hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

27%

other:

70%

Irrigated land: 950 km2 (1989)

Environment:

air and water pollution; acid rain; note - strategic location adjacent to

sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest

coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land

boundary with Russia

*Norway, Geography

Note:

about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented

coastline

*Norway, People

Population:

4,297,436 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.41% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.75 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

6.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.16 years

male:

73.79 years

female:

80.73 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.86 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Norwegian(s)

adjective:

Norwegian

Ethnic divisions:

Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps 20,000

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and Roman

Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980)

Languages:

Norwegian (official)

note:

small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

2.004 million (1992)

by occupation:

services 39.1%, commerce 17.6%, mining, oil, and manufacturing 16.0%,

banking and financial services 7.6%, transportation and communications 7.8%,

construction 6.1%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.5% (1989)

*Norway, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Norway

conventional short form:

Norway

local long form:

Kongeriket Norge

local short form:

Norge

Digraph:

NO

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Oslo

Administrative divisions:

19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud,

Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag,

Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark,

Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold

Dependent areas:

Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard

Independence:

26 October 1905 (from Sweden)

Constitution:

17 May 1814, modified in 1884

Legal system:

mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions;

Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 17 May (1814)

Political parties and leaders:

Labor Party, Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND; Conservative Party, Kaci Kullmann FIVE;

Center Party, Anne ENGER LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's Party, Kjell Magne

BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Eric SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist, Ingre IVERSEN;

Progress Party, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Finnmark List,

leader NA

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Storting:

last held on 11 September 1989 (next to be held 6 September 1993); results -

Labor 34.3%, Conservative 22.2%, Progress 13.0%, Socialist Left 10.1%,

Christian People's 8.5%, Center Party 6.6%, Finnmark List 0.3%, other 5%;

seats - (165 total) Labor 63, Conservative 37, Progress 22, Socialist Left

17, Christian People's 14, Center Party 11, Finnmark List 1

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, State Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Storting) with an Upper Chamber (Lagting) and a Lower

Chamber (Odelsting)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Hoyesterett)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON

MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973)

*Norway, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990)

Member of:

AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD,

ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, PCA, UN,

UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM,

UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kjeld VIBE

chancery:

2720 34th Street NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 333-6000

FAX:

(202) 337-0870

consulates general:

Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco

consulate:

Miami

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo 2

mailing address:

PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707

telephone:

[47] (2) 44-85-50

FAX: [47] (2) 43-07-77

Flag:

red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the

flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the

style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

*Norway, Economy

Overview:

Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity

and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the

vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises) and

extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, and areas with sparse

resources. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps

propel public sector expenditures to slightly more than 50% of the GDP and

results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (54%). A

small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is

basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an

abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major

shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources -

petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent

on its oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Although one of the

government's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, this situation is

not likely to improve for years to come. The government also hopes to reduce

unemployment and strengthen and diversify the economy through tax reform and

a series of expansionary budgets. The budget deficit is expected to hit a

record 8% of GDP because of welfare spending and bail-outs of the banking

system. Unemployment continues at record levels of over 10% - including

those in job programs - because of the weakness of the economy outside the

oil sector. Overall economic growth is expected to be around 2% in 1993

while inflation is likely to rise slightly to 4%. Oslo, a member of the

European Free Trade Area, has applied for EC membership and continues to

deregulate and harmonize with EC regulations to prepare for the European

Economic Area (EEA) - which creates an EC/EFTA market with free movement of

capital, goods, services, and labor - to take effect in late 1993 and its EC

bid.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $76.1 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

2.9% (1992)

National product per capita:

$17,700 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

5.9% (excluding people in job-training programs) (1992)

Budget:

revenues $50.6 billion; expenditures $57.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$35.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 37.8%, metals and products 10.7%, natural

gas 7.3%, fish 6.6%, chemicals 6.3%, ships 5.4%

partners:

EC 67%, Nordic countries 18.2%, developing countries 7.9%, US 5.1%, Japan

1.6% (1992)

Imports:

$26.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

machinery, fuels and lubricants, transportation equipment, chemicals,

foodstuffs, clothing, ships

partners:

EC 48.7%, Nordic countries 26.8%, developing countries 9.3%, US 8.6%, Japan

6.3% (1992)

External debt:

$6.5 billion (1992 est.)

*Norway, Economy

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.3% (1992)

Electricity:

26,900,000 kW capacity; 111,000 million kWh produced, 25,850 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products,

metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for 2.6% of GDP and 5.5% of labor force; among world's top 10

fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; over half of food

needs imported; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989

Illicit drugs:

increasingly used as transshipment point for Latin American cocaine to

Europe and gateway for Asian heroin shipped via the CIS and Baltic states

for the European market

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion

Currency:

1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 re

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.8774 (January 1993), 6.2145 (1992),

6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989), 6.5170 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Norway, Communications

Railroads:

4,223 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Norwegian State Railways (NSB) operates

4,219 km (2,450 km electrified and 96 km double track); 4 km other

Highways:

79,540 km total; 38,580 km paved; 40,960 km gravel, crushed stone, and earth

Inland waterways:

1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximum

Pipelines: refined products 53 km

Ports:

Oslo, Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim

Merchant marine:

829 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,312,412 GRT/38,532,109 DWT;

includes 13 passenger, 20 short-sea passenger, 106 cargo, 2 passenger-cargo,

19 refrigerated cargo, 15 container, 49 roll-on/roll-off, 23 vehicle

carrier, 1 railcar carrier, 174 oil tanker, 91 chemical tanker, 82 liquefied

gas, 25 combination ore/oil, 201 bulk, 8 combination bulk; note - the

government has created a captive register, the Norwegian International Ship

Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS

enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by

Norwegians; the majority of ships (777) under the Norwegian flag are now

registered with the NIS

Airports:

total:

103

usable:

102

with permanent-surface runways:

63

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

12

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

16

Telecommunications:

high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex

services; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 3,102,000 telephones; broadcast

stations - 46 AM, 350 private and 143 government FM, 54 (2,100 repeaters)

TV; 4 coaxial submarine cables; 3 communications satellite earth stations

operating in the EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean), MARISAT, and

domestic systems

*Norway, Defense Forces

Branches:

Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,120,744; fit for military service 934,968; reach military

age (20) annually 31,903 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $3.8 billion, 3.4% of GDP (1992)

*Oman, Geography

Location:

Middle East, along the Arabian Sea, between Yemen and the United Arab

Emirates

Map references: Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

212,460 km2

land area:

212,460 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Kansas

Land boundaries:

total 1,374 km, Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km

Coastline:

2,092 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

to be defined

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE in far

north; a treaty with Yemen to settle the Omani-Yemeni boundary was ratified

in December 1992

Climate:

dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest

summer monsoon (May to September) in far south

Terrain:

vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south

Natural resources:

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

natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

less than 2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

93%

Irrigated land:

410 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

summer winds often raise large sandstorms and duststorms in interior; sparse

natural freshwater resources

Note:

strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling

Strait of Hormuz (17% of world's oil production transits this point going

from Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea)

*Oman, People

Population:

1,643,579 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.46% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

40.56 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

38.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.32 years

male:

65.47 years

female:

69.27 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.58 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Omani(s)

adjective:

Omani

Ethnic divisions:

Arab, Balochi, Zanzibari, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi)

Religions:

Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu

Languages:

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

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

430,000

by occupation:

agriculture 40% (est.)

*Oman, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Sultanate of Oman

conventional short form:

Oman

local long form: Saltanat Uman

local short form:

Uman

Digraph:

MU

Type:

absolute monarchy with residual UK influence

Capital:

Muscat

Administrative divisions:

there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 3 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat);

Musqat, Musandam, Zufar

Independence:

1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese)

Constitution:

none

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan;

has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 18 November

Political parties and leaders:

none

Other political or pressure groups:

outlawed Popular Front for the Liberation of Oman (PFLO), based in Yemen

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

elections scheduled for October 1992

Executive branch:

sultan, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court system

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Sa'id Al Sa'id (since 23 July 1970)

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU,

NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Awadh bin Badr AL-SHANFARI

chancery:

2342 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 387-1980 through 1982

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador David DUNFORD

*Oman, Government

embassy:

address NA, Muscat

mailing address:

P. O. Box 50202 Madinat Qaboos, Muscat

telephone:

[968] 698-989

FAX:

[968] 604-316

Flag:

three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double

width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national

emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in

scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band

*Oman, Economy

Overview:

Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry.

Petroleum accounts for more than 85% of export earnings, about 80% of

government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of

4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate

of extraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and the

general population depends on imported food.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $10.2 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

7.4% (1991)

National product per capita:

$6,670 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.6% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $4.1 billion; expenditures $4.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $1 billion (1991)

Exports:

$4.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum 87%, reexports, fish, processed copper, textiles

partners:

UAE 30%, Japan 27%, South Korea 10%, Singapore 5%

Imports:

$3.0 billion (f.o.b, 1991)

commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock,

lubricants

partners:

Japan 20%, UAE 19%, UK 19%, US 7%

External debt:

$3.1 billion (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production: growth rate 10% (1989), including petroleum sector

Electricity:

1,142,400 kW capacity; 5,100 million kWh produced, 3,200 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction,

cement, copper

Agriculture:

accounts for 6% of GDP and 40% of the labor force (including fishing); less

than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates, limes,

bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); not self-sufficient in food;

annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 million

Currency:

1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baiza

Exchange rates:

Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Oman, Communications

Highways:

26,000 km total; 6,000 km paved, 20,000 km motorable track

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 km

Ports:

Mina' Qabus, Mina' Raysut, Mina' al Fahl

Merchant marine:

1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWT

Airports:

total:

138

usable:

130

with permanent-surface runways:

6

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

9

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

74

Telecommunications:

modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radio communications

stations; limited coaxial cable; 50,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2

AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1

ARABSAT, and 8 domestic

*Oman, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 370,548; fit for military service 210,544; reach military

age (14) annually 20,810 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, 16% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Header

Affiliation:

(UN trusteeship administered by the US)

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 850 km southeast of the Philippines

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

458 km2

land area:

458 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,519 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

wet season May to November; hot and humid

Terrain:

about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous main

island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier

reefs

Natural resources:

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

Land use: arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons from June to December; archipelago of six island groups

totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain

Note:

includes World War II battleground of Peleliu and world-famous rock islands

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), People

Population:

16,071 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

22.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

25.07 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.01 years

male:

69.14 years

female:

73.02 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.96 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Palauan(s)

adjective:

Palauan

Ethnic divisions:

Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races

Religions:

Christian (Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the

Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei

religion (one-third of the population observes this religion which is

indigenous to Palau)

Languages: English (official in all of Palau's 16 states), Sonsorolese (official in the

state of Sonsoral), Angaur and Japanese (in the state of Anguar), Tobi (in

the state of Tobi), Palauan (in the other 13 states)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

92%

male:

93%

female:

91%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

NA

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

conventional short form:

none

note:

may change to Republic of Palau after independence; the native form of Palau

is Belau and is sometimes used incorrectly in English and other languages

Digraph:

NQ

Type:

UN trusteeship administered by the US

note:

constitutional government signed a Compact of Free Association with the US

on 10 January 1986, which was never approved in a series of UN-observed

plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is terminated with entry into force of

the Compact, Palau remains under US administration as the Palau District of

the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; administrative authority resides

in the Department of the Interior and is exercised by the Assistant

Secretary for Territorial and International Affairs through the Palau

Office, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, J. Victor HOBSON Jr.,

Director (since 16 December 1990)

Capital:

Koror

note:

a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern Babelthuap

Administrative divisions:

there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel,

Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar,

Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi

Independence:

the last polity remaining under the US-administered UN trusteeship following

the departure of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States

of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas from the

trusteeship; administered by the Office of Territorial and International

Affairs, US Department of Interior

Constitution:

1 January 1981

Legal system:

based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common,

and customary laws

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 9 July (1979)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3%

Senate:

last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total); number of seats by party NA

House of Delegates:

last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

national president, national vice president

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) consists of an upper house

or Senate and a lower house or House of Delegates

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, National Court, Court of Common Pleas

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993), Vice-President Tommy E.

REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993)

Member of:

ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer)

Diplomatic representation in US:

administrative officer:

Charles UONG,

address:

Palau Liaison Office, 444 North Capitol St., N.W., Suite 308, Washington, DC

20001

US diplomatic representation:

director:

US Liaison Officer Lloyd W. MOSS

liaison office:

US Liaison Office at Top Side, Neeriyas, Koror

mailing address:

P.O. Box 6028, Koror, PW 96940

telephone:

(680) 488-2920; (680) 488-2911

Flag:

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

to the hoist side

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Economy

Overview:

The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing.

Tourism provides some foreign exchange, although the remote location of

Palau and a shortage of suitable facilities has hindered development. The

government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on

financial assistance from the US.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $31.6 million (1986)

note:

GDP numbers reflect US spending

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$2,260 (1986)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

20% (1986)

Budget:

revenues $6.0 million; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1986)

Exports:

$0.5 million (f.o.b., 1986)

commodities:

NA

partners:

US, Japan

Imports:

$27.2 million (c.i.f., 1986)

commodities:

NA

partners:

US

External debt:

about $100 million (1989)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

16,000 kW capacity; 22 million kWh produced, 1,540 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing and

agriculture

Agriculture:

subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweet potatoes

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2,560 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92 million

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Communications

Highways:

22.3 km paved, some stone-, coral-, or laterite-surfaced roads (1991)

Ports:

Koror

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the (Palau), Defense Forces

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the US and that will not change when the UN

trusteeship terminates if the Compact of Free Association with the US goes

into effect

*Pacific Ocean, Geography

Location:

body of water between the Western Hemisphere and Asia/Australia

Map references:

Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

165.384 million km2

comparative area:

about 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the

Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about

one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the

world

note:

includes Arafura Sea, Banda Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering

Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Makassar Strait,

Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea,

Tasman Sea, and other tributary water bodies

Coastline:

135,663 km

International disputes:

some maritime disputes (see littoral states)

Climate:

the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer

months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a

dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land

mass back to the ocean

Terrain:

surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise,

warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern

Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific sea

ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern

Pacific sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October;

the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific

Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the

world's deepest, the 10,924 meter Marianas Trench

Natural resources:

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

deposits, fish

Environment:

endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals,

turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea;

dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the

southwestern Pacific Ocean; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in

southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to

October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike

Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and

September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica;

occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade

winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing

the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently,

the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds

to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source

*Pacific Ocean, Geography

Note:

the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait,

and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the

North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; ships subject to

superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme

south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific from June

to December is a hazard to shipping; surrounded by a zone of violent

volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring

of Fire

*Pacific Ocean, Government

Digraph: ZN

*Pacific Ocean, Economy

Overview:

The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and

particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides

low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing

grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the

construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's total fish

catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish

catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and

gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of

Australia, New Zealand, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering

offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil

since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings.

Industries:

fishing, oil and gas production

*Pacific Ocean, Communications

Ports:

Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan

(South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China),

Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ),

Yokohama (Japan)

Telecommunications:

several submarine cables with network nodal points on Guam and Hawaii

*Pakistan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, along the Arabian Sea, between India and Afghanistan

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

803,940 km2

land area:

778,720 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total 6,774 km, Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909

km

Coastline:

1,046 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

status of Kashmir with India; border question with Afghanistan (Durand

Line); water-sharing problems (Wular Barrage) over the Indus with upstream

riparian India

Climate:

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

Terrain:

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

plateau in west

Natural resources:

land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal,

iron ore, copper, salt, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

26%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

64%

Irrigated land:

162,200 km2 (1989)

Environment:

frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west;

flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August); deforestation;

soil erosion; desertification; water logging

Note:

controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between

Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent

*Pakistan, People

Population:

125,213,732 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.87% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

42.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.6 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

103.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population:

57.11 years

male:

56.54 years

female:

57.72 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.5 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Pakistani(s)

adjective:

Pakistani

Ethnic divisions:

Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India

and their descendents)

Religions:

Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3%

Languages:

Urdu (official), English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and

most government ministries, but official policies are promoting its gradual

replacement by Urdu), Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi

and other 9%

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

35%

male:

47%

female:

21%

Labor force:

28.9 million

by occupation:

agriculture 54%, mining and manufacturing 13%, services 33%, extensive

export of labor (1987 est.)

*Pakistan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Islamic Republic of Pakistan

conventional short form:

Pakistan

former:

West Pakistan

Digraph:

PK

Type:

republic

Capital:

Islamabad

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally, Administered

Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West, Frontier, Punjab, Sindh

note:

the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region

includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas

Independence:

14 August 1947 (from UK)

Constitution:

10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments, 30 December

1985

Legal system:

based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's

stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Pakistan Day, 23 March (1956) (proclamation of the republic)

Political parties and leaders:

government:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Mian Nawaz SHARIF; Jamhoori Watan

Party (JWP), Mohammad Akbar Khan BUGTI; Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI),

Fazl-ur-REHMAN and Sami-ul-HAQ; Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Abdul WALI

KHAN; Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan-Niazi, Maulana Abdul Sattar Khan NIAZI;

Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI

opposition:

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO and Nusrat BHUTTO; Pakistan

Muslim League-Chattha (PML-C), Hamid Nasir CHATTHA; Jamaat-i-Islami (JI),

Qazi Hussain AHMED; National People's Party (NPP), Ghulam Mustapha JATOI

(formerly the PNP); Tehrik-i-Istiqlal (TI), Air Marshal (Ret.) Mohammad

ASGHAR KHAN; Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Fiqah-i-Jafaria (TNFJ), Agha Hamid Ali MUSAVI;

Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan-Noorani (JUP-Noorani), Maulana Shah Ahmed NOORANI;

Mohajir Quami Mahaz-Haqiqi (MQM-H), Afaq AHMED

Other political or pressure groups:

military remains important political force; ulema (clergy), landowners,

industrialists, and small merchants also influential

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 12 December 1988 (next to be held by NA November 1993); results

- Ghulam ISHAQ KHAN was elected by Parliament and the four provincial

assemblies

*Pakistan, Government

Senate:

last held March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1994); seats - (87 total) PML

52, Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, PPP 5, ANP 5, JWP 4, MQM 3,

PNP 2 (name later chaged to NPP), JI 2, JUP 2, JUI 2, PKMAP 1, independent 1

National Assembly:

last held on 24 October 1990 (next to be held by October 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (217 total) number of seats by party

NA; note - President GHULAM ISHAQ Khan dismissed the National Assembly on 18

April 1993; it was reestablished, however, on 26 May 1993 by the Supreme

Court, which ruled the dismissal order unconstitutional

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) consists of an upper house or Senate

and a lower house or National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Federal Islamic (Shari'at) Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ghulam ISHAQ KHAN (since 13 December 1988)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mian Nawaz SHARIF (since 6 November 1990); note - President

GHULAM ISHAQ Khan dismissed Prime Minister SHARIF on 18 April 1993, but he

was reinstated by the Supreme Court on 26 May 1993

Member of:

AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAS

(observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNOSOM, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-6200

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John MONJO

embassy:

Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1048, PSC 1212, Box 2000, Islamabad or APO AE 09812-2000

telephone:

[92] (51) 826161 through 79

FAX:

[92] (51) 822004

consulates general:

Karachi, Lahore

consulate:

Peshawar

Flag:

green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious

minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered

in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional

symbols of Islam

*Pakistan, Economy

Overview:

Pakistan is a poor Third World country faced with the usual problems of

rapidly increasing population, sizable government deficits, and heavy

dependence on foreign aid. In addition, the economy must support a large

military establishment. A real economic growth rate averaging 5-6% in recent

years has helped the country to cope with these problems. Almost all

agriculture and small-scale industry is in private hands. In 1990, Pakistan

embarked on a sweeping economic liberalization program to boost foreign and

domestic private investment and lower foreign aid dependence. The SHARIF

government denationalized several state-owned firms and attracted some

foreign investment. Pakistan likely will have difficulty raising living

standards because of its rapidly expanding population. At the current rate

of growth, population would double in 25 years.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $48.3 billion (FY92 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6.4% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$410 (FY92 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

12.7% (FY91)

Unemployment rate:

10% (FY91 est.)

Budget:

revenues $9.4 billion; expenditures $10.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3.1 billion (FY93 est.)

Exports:

$6.8 billion (f.o.b., FY92)

commodities:

cotton, textiles, clothing, rice

partners:

EC 35%, US 11%, Japan 8% (FY91)

Imports:

$9.1 billion (f.o.b., FY92)

commodities:

petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation, equipment,

vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals

partners:

EC 29%, Japan 13%, US 12% (FY91)

External debt:

$16.5 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.7% (FY91); accounts for almost 20% of GNP

Electricity:

10,000,000 kW capacity; 43,000 million kWh produced, 350 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing,

paper products, shrimp

Agriculture:

25% of GNP, over 50% of labor force; world's largest contiguous irrigation

system; major crops - cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables;

livestock products - milk, beef, mutton, eggs; self-sufficient in food grain

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade;

government eradication efforts on poppy cultivation of limited success;

largest producer of Southwest Asian heroin

*Pakistan, Economy

Economic aid:

(including Bangladesh prior to 1972) US commitments, including Ex-Im

(FY70-89), $4.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral

commitments (1980-89), $9.1 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.3

billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.2 billion

Currency:

1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisa

Exchange rates:

Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 25.904 (January 1993), 25.083 (1992),

23.801 (1991), 21.707 (1990), 20.541 (1989), 18.003 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Pakistan, Communications

Railroads:

8,773 km total; 7,718 km broad gauge, 445 km 1-meter gauge, and 610 km less

than 1-meter gauge; 1,037 km broad-gauge double track; 286 km electrified;

all government owned (1985)

Highways:

101,315 km total (1987); 40,155 km paved, 23,000 km gravel, 29,000 km

improved earth, and 9,160 km unimproved earth or sand tracks (1985)

Pipelines:

crude oil 250 km; natural gas 4,044 km; petroleum products 885 km (1987)

Ports:

Gwadar, Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim

Merchant marine:

29 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 350,916 GRT/530,855 DWT; includes 3

passenger-cargo, 24 cargo, 1 oil tanker, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

111

usable:

104

with permanent-surface runways:

75

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

31

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

42

Telecommunications:

the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and

business use; about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; the system for

international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and

satellites; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2

Indian Ocean INTELSAT; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV

*Pakistan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 28,657,084; fit for military service 17,585,542; reach

military age (17) annually 1,337,352 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $3.2 billion, 6% of GNP (FY91/92)

*Palmyra Atoll, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Palmyra Atoll, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu, almost

halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

11.9 km2

land area:

11.9 km2

comparative area:

about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

14.5 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth)

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

equatorial, hot, and very rainy

Terrain:

low, with maximum elevations of about 2 meters

Natural resources:

none

Land use: arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

100%

other:

0%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like

trees up to 30 meters tall

*Palmyra Atoll, People

Population: uninhabited

*Palmyra Atoll, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Palmyra Atoll

Digraph:

LQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the

Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the

Interior

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

*Palmyra Atoll, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Palmyra Atoll, Communications

Ports:

the main harbor is West Lagoon, which is entered by a channel on the

southwest side of the atoll; both the channel and harbor will accommodate

vessels drawing 4 meters of water; much of the road and many causeways built

during the war are unserviceable and overgrown

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

*Palmyra Atoll, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Panama, Geography

Location:

extreme southern Central America, between Colombia and Costa Rica

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

78,200 km2

land area:

75,990 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total 555 km, Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km

Coastline:

2,490 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

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

dry season (January to May)

Terrain:

interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains;

coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills

Natural resources:

copper, mahogany forests, shrimp

Land use: arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

15%

forest and woodland:

54%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

320 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

dense tropical forest in east and northwest

Note:

strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting

North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic

Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean

*Panama, People

Population:

2,579,047 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.98% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25.08 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

17.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.56 years

male:

71.99 years

female:

77.27 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.9 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Panamanian(s)

adjective:

Panamanian

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white

10%, Indian 6%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English 14% note:

many Panamanians bilingual

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

88%

male:

88%

female:

88%

Labor force:

921,000 (1992 est.)

by occupation:

government and community services 31.8%, agriculture, hunting, and fishing

26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%, manufacturing and mining

9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and communications 6.2%, finance,

insurance, and real estate 4.3%

note:

shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor

*Panama, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Panama

conventional short form:

Panama

local long form:

Republica de Panama

local short form:

Panama

Digraph:

PM

Type:

centralized republic

Capital:

Panama

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca);, Bocas del Toro,

Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama,

San Blas*, Veraguas, Independence:

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

1821)

Constitution:

11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the

Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 November (1903)

Political parties and leaders:

government alliance: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ;

Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA),

Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER

other parties:

Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Ricardo ARIAS Calderon; Democratic

Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Agrarian Labor Party (PALA),

Nestor Tomas GUERRA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Doctrinaire

Panamenista Party (PPD), Jose Salvador MUNOZ; Papa Egoro Movement, Ruben

BLADES; Renovacion Civilista, Manuel BURGOS; Civic Renewal Party (PRC),

Tomas HERRERA; National Integration Movement (MINA), Arrigo GUARDIA;

National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES; Independent

Democratic Union Party (UDI), leader NA; Popular Nationalist Party (PNP),

leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private

Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE);

National Civic Crusade; National Committee for the Right to Life; Chamber of

Commerce; Panamanian Industrialists Society (SIP); Workers Confederation of

the Republic of Panama (CTRP)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held on 7 May 1989, annulled but later upheld (next to be held May

1994); results - anti-NORIEGA coalition believed to have won about 75% of

the total votes cast

*Panama, Government

Legislative Assembly:

last held on 27 January 1991 (next to be held NA May 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (67 total)

progovernment parties:

PDC 28, MOLIRENA 15, PA 8, PLA 4

opposition parties:

PRD 10, PALA 1, PL 1; note - the PDC went into opposition after President

Guillermo ENDARA ousted the PDC from the coalition government in April 1991

Executive branch:

president, two vice presidents, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia), 5 superior courts, 3

courts of appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Guillermo ENDARA (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989);

First Vice President Guillermo FORD Boyd (since 24 December 1992); Second

Vice President (vacant)

Member of:

AG (associate), CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES,

LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jaime FORD

chancery:

2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-1407;

note:

the status of the consulates general and consulates has not yet been

determined

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Deane R. HINTON

embassy:

Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5

mailing address:

Box E, APO AA 34002

telephone:

(507) 27-1777

FAX:

(507) 27-1713

Flag:

divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white with a blue

five-pointed star in the center (hoist side) and plain red, the bottom

quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star

in the center

*Panama, Economy

Overview:

GDP expanded by roughly 8% in 1992, following growth of 9.3% in 1991. The

economy thus continues to recover from the crisis that preceded the ouster

of Manuel NORIEGA, even though the government's structural adjustment

program has been hampered by a lack of popular support and a passive

administration. Public investment has been limited as the administration has

kept the fiscal deficit below 3% of GDP. Unemployment and economic reform

are the two major issues the government must face in 1993-94.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,400 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.8 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $200 million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$486 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee 2%

partners:

US 38%, Central America and Caribbean, EC (1992 est.)

Imports:

$2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%, consumer goods, chemicals

partners:

US 36%, Japan, EC, Central America and Caribbean, Mexico, Venezuela (1992

est.)

External debt:

$5.2 billion (year-end 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.6% (1992 est.); accounts for about 9% of GDP

Electricity:

1,584,000 kW capacity; 4,360 billion kWh produced, 1,720 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

manufacturing and construction activities, petroleum refining, brewing,

cement and other construction material, sugar milling

Agriculture:

accounts for 10.5% of GDP (1992 est.), 27% of labor force (1992); crops -

bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane; livestock; fishing; importer of food

grain, vegetables

Illicit drugs:

major cocaine transshipment point and drug money laundering center

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $516 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $582 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $4 million

Currency:

1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos

Exchange rates:

balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate)

*Panama, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Panama, Communications

Railroads:

238 km total; 78 km 1.524-meter gauge, 160 km 0.914-meter gauge

Highways:

8,530 km total; 2,745 km paved, 3,270 km gravel or crushed stone, 2,515 km

improved and unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal

Pipelines:

crude oil 130 km

Ports:

Cristobal, Balboa, Bahia Las Minas

Merchant marine:

3,244 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 51,353,963 GRT/82,138,537 DWT;

includes 22 passenger, 26 short-sea passenger, 3 passenger-cargo, 1,091

cargo, 246 refrigerated cargo, 196 container, 63 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 121

vehicle carrier, 9 livestock carrier, 5 multifunction large-load carrier,

403 oil tanker, 180 chemical tanker, 26 combination ore/oil, 121 liquefied

gas, 9 specialized tanker, 688 bulk, 34 combination bulk, 1 barge carrier;

note - all but 5 are foreign owned and operated; the top 4 foreign owners

are Japan 36%, Greece 8%, Hong Kong 8%, and Taiwan 5%; (China owns at least

131 ships, Vietnam 3, Croatia 3, Cuba 4, Cyprus 6, and Russia 16)

Airports:

total:

112

usable:

104

with permanent-surface runways:

39

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

15

Telecommunications:

domestic and international facilities well developed; connection into

Central American Microwave System; 220,000 telephones; broadcast stations -

91 AM, no FM, 23 TV; 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite ground stations -

2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

*Panama, Defense Forces

Branches:

the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF) ceased to exist as a military

institution shortly after the United States invaded Panama on 20 December

1989; President ENDARA has restructured the forces, under the new name of

Panamanian Public Forces (PPF) and worked to assert civilian control over

them; the PPF is divided into the National Police, Maritime Service, and

National Air Service; the Judicial Technical Police serve under the Attorney

General; the Council of Public Security and National Defense under Menalco

SOLIS in the Office of the President is analogous to the US National

Security Council; the Institutional Protection Service under Carlos BARES is

attached to the presidency

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 671,059; fit for military service 461,471 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

expenditures for the Panamanian Public Forces for internal security amounted

to $104.7 million, 1.7% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Papua New Guinea, Geography

Location: Southeast Asia, just north of Australia, between Indonesia and the Solomon

Islands

Map references:

Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

461,690 km2

land area:

451,710 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total 820 km, Indonesia 820 km

Coastline:

5,152 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to

October); slight seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills

Natural resources:

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

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

71%

other:

28%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast; some active volcanos;

frequent earthquakes

Note:

shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia

*Papua New Guinea, People

Population: 4,100,714 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

64.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

56.02 years

male:

55.19 years

female:

56.88 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Papua New Guinean(s)

adjective:

Papua New Guinean

Ethnic divisions:

Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary

Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%,

other Protestant sects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34%

Languages:

English spoken by 1-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua

region

note:

715 indigenous languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

52%

male:

65%

female:

38%

Labor force:

NA

*Papua New Guinea, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Independent State of Papua New Guinea

conventional short form:

Papua New Guinea

Digraph:

PP

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port Moresby

Administrative divisions:

20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East

Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New

Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western,

Western Highlands, West New Britain

Independence:

16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration)

Constitution:

16 September 1975

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Jack GENIA; People's Democratic

Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI;

People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul

TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA;

Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Parliament:

last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent by

party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10,

independents 30, others 18 (association with political parties is fluid)

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

National Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of

Assembly)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Paias WINGTI (since 17 July 1992)

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS,

NAM, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Margaret TAYLOR

*Papua New Guinea, Government

chancery:

3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 745-3680

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert W. FARRAND

embassy:

Armit Street, Port Moresby

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553

telephone:

[675] 211-455 or 594, 654

FAX:

[675] 213-423

Flag:

divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red

with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black

with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation

centered

*Papua New Guinea, Economy

Overview:

Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation

has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an

infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the

population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts

for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and

development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy.

Robust growth in 1991-92 was led by the mining sector; the opening of a

large new gold mine helped the advance.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.4 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

8.5% (1992)

National product per capita:

$850 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (1992-93)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $1.33 billion; expenditures $1.49 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

gold, copper ore, coffee, logs, palm oil, cocoa, lobster

partners:

FRG, Japan, Australia, UK, Spain, US

Imports: $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, food, fuels, chemicals, consumer goods

partners:

Australia, Singapore, Japan, US, New Zealand, UK

External debt:

$2.2 billion (April 1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 21% of GDP

Electricity:

400,000 kW capacity; 1,600 million kWh produced, 400 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip

production, mining of gold, silver, and copper, construction, tourism

Agriculture:

one-third of GDP; livelihood for 85% of population; fertile soils and

favorable climate permits cultivating a wide variety of crops; cash crops -

coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels; other products - tea, rubber, sweet

potatoes, fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork; net importer of food for urban

centers

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $40.6 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.5 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $17 million

Currency:

1 kina (K) = 100 toea

Exchange rates:

kina (K) per US$1 - 1.0065 (January 1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991),

1.0467 (1990), 1.1685 (1989), 1.1538 (1988)

*Papua New Guinea, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Papua New Guinea, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

19,200 km total; 640 km paved, 10,960 km gravel, crushed stone, or

stabilized-soil surface, 7,600 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

10,940 km

Ports:

Anewa Bay, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul

Merchant marine:

11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,523 GRT/24,774 DWT; includes 2

cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 combination ore/oil, 2 bulk, 1 container

Airports:

total:

504 usable:

457

with permanent-surface runways:

18

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

39

Telecommunications:

services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiobroadcast,

radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and

international radiocommunication services; submarine cables extend to

Australia and Guam; more than 70,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations -

31 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV (1987); 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Papua New Guinea, Defense Forces

Branches:

Papua New Guinea Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,046,929; fit for military service 582,685 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 1.8% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Paracel Islands, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, 400 km east of Vietnam in the South China Sea, about

one-third of the way between Vietnam and the Philippines

Map references:

Asia

Area:

total area:

NA km2

land area:

NA km2

comparative area:

NA

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

518 km

Maritime claims:

NA

International disputes:

occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

NA

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons

*Paracel Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered Chinese garrisons

*Paracel Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Paracel Islands

Digraph:

PF

*Paracel Islands, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Paracel Islands, Communications

Ports:

small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island currently

under expansion

Airports:

1 on Woody Island

*Paracel Islands, Defense Forces

Note: occupied by China

*Paraguay, Geography

Location:

Central South America, between Argentina and Brazil

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

406,750 km2

land area:

397,300 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

total 3,920 km, Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

short section of the boundary with Brazil (just west of Guaira Falls on the

Rio Parana) has not been determined

Climate:

varies from temperate in east to semiarid in far west

Terrain:

grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west

of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and

thorny scrub elsewhere

Natural resources:

hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

39%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

5%

Irrigated land:

670 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains

may become boggy (early October to June)

Note:

landlocked; buffer between Argentina and Brazil

*Paraguay, People

Population:

5,070,856 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.8% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

32.61 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.58 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

26.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.98 years

male:

71.42 years

female:

74.62 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Paraguayan(s)

adjective:

Paraguayan

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo (Spanish and Indian) 95%, white and Indian 5%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestant denominations

Languages:

Spanish (official), Guarani

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

90%

male:

92%

female:

88%

Labor force:

1.641 million (1992 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture, industry and commerce, services, government (1986)

*Paraguay, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Paraguay conventional short form:

Paraguay

local long form:

Republica del Paraguay

local short form:

Paraguay

Digraph:

PA

Type:

republic

Capital:

Asuncion

Administrative divisions:

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto

Parana, Amambay, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco,

Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion,

Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro

Independence:

14 May 1811 (from Spain)

Constitution:

25 August 1967; Constituent Assembly rewrote the Constitution that was

promulgated on 20 June 1992

Legal system:

based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of

legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811)

Political parties and leaders:

Colorado Party, Blas N. RIQUELME, president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party

(PLRA), Domingo LAINO; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jose Angel BURRO;

Febrerista Revolutionary Party (PRF), Euclides ACEUEDO; Popular Democratic

Party (PDP), Hugo RICHER; National Encounter (EN), Guillermo Caballero

VARGAS

Other political or pressure groups:

Confederation of Workers (CUT); Roman Catholic Church

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60

Elections:

President:

last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held 9 May 1993); results - Gen. RODRIGUEZ

75.8%, Domingo LAINO 19.4%

Chamber of Senators:

last held 1 May 1989 (next to be held by 9 May 1993); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (36 total) Colorado Party 24, PLRA 10, PLR 1, PRF

1

Chamber of Deputies:

last held on 1 May 1989 (next to be held by 9 May 1993); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) Colorado Party 48, PLRA 19, PRF 2,

PDC 1, other 2

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Council of State

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress (Congreso) consists of an upper chamber or Chamber of

Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies

(Camara de Diputados)

*Paraguay, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Gen. Andres RODRIGUEZ Pedotti (since 15 May 1989)

Member of:

AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS,

MERCOSUR, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Juan Esteban Aguirre MARTINEZ

chancery:

2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-6960 through 6962

consulates general:

New Orleans and New York

consulate:

Houston

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jon David GLASSMAN

embassy:

1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion

mailing address:

C. P. 402, Asuncion, or APO AA 34036-0001

telephone:

[595] (21) 213-715

FAX:

[595] (21) 213-728

Flag:

three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem

centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on

each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of

arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words

REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at

the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of

Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words

REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles)

*Paraguay, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture, including forestry, accounts for about 25% of GDP, employs

about 45% of the labor force, and provides the bulk of exports. Paraguay

lacks substantial mineral or petroleum resources but does have a large

hydropower potential. Since 1981 economic performance has declined compared

with the boom period of 1976-81, when real GDP grew at an average annual

rate of nearly 11%. During the period 1982-86 real GDP fell in three of five

years, inflation jumped to an annual rate of 32%, and foreign debt rose.

Factors responsible for the erratic behavior of the economy were the

completion of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam, bad weather for crops, and weak

international commodity prices for agricultural exports. In 1987 the economy

experienced a minor recovery because of improved weather conditions and

stronger international prices for key agricultural exports. The recovery

continued through 1990, on the strength of bumper crops in 1988-89. In a

major step to increase its economic activity in the region, Paraguay in

March 1991 joined the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR), which includes

Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In 1992, the government, through an

unorthodox approach, reduced external debt with both commercial and official

creditors by purchasing a sizable amount of the delinquent commercial debt

in the secondary market at a substantial discount. The government had paid

100% of remaining official debt arrears to the US, Germany, France, and

Spain. All commercial debt arrears have been rescheduled. For the long run,

the government must press forward with general, market-oriented economic

reforms.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $7.3 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

10% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.2 billion; expenditures $1.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $487 million (1991)

Exports:

$719 million (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

cotton, soybean, timber, vegetable oils, coffee, tung oil, meat products

partners:

EC 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6%

Imports:

$1.33 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

capital goods 35%, consumer goods 20%, fuels and lubricants 19%, raw

materials 16%, foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco 10%

partners:

Brazil 30%, EC 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7%

External debt:

$1.2 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5.9% (1989 est.); accounts for 17% of GDP

Electricity:

5,257,000 kW capacity; 16,200 million kWh produced, 3,280 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Paraguay, Economy

Industries:

meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, other light

consumer goods, cement, construction

Agriculture:

accounts for 25% of GDP and 44% of labor force; cash crops - cotton,

sugarcane; other crops - corn, wheat, tobacco, soybeans, cassava, fruits,

vegetables; animal products - beef, pork, eggs, milk; surplus producer of

timber; self-sufficient in most foods

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; important

transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for the US and Europe

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $172 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion

Currency:

1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos

Exchange rates:

guaranies (G) per US$ - 1,637.6 (January 1993), 1,500.3 (1992), 447.5 (March

1992), 1,325.2 (1991), 1,229.8 (1990), 1,056.2 (1989), 550.00 (fixed rate

1986-February 1989)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Paraguay, Communications

Railroads:

970 km total; 440 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 60 km 1.000-meter gauge,

470 km various narrow gauge (privately owned)

Highways:

21,960 km total; 1,788 km paved, 474 km gravel, and 19,698 km earth

Inland waterways:

3,100 km

Ports:

Asuncion, Villeta, Ciudad del Este

Merchant marine:

13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,747 GRT/19,865 DWT; includes 11

cargo, 2 oil tanker; note - 1 naval cargo ship is sometimes used

commercially

Airports:

total:

862

usable:

719

with permanent-surface runways:

7

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

64

Telecommunications:

principal center in Asuncion; fair intercity microwave net; 78,300

telephones; broadcast stations - 40 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 7 shortwave; 1 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Paraguay, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,210,171; fit for military service 879,601; reach military

age (17) annually 51,361 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $84 million, 1.4% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Peru, Geography

Location:

Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean between Chile and

Ecuador

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,285,220 km2

land area:

1.28 million km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Alaska

Land boundaries:

total 6,940 km, Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km, Colombia

2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km

Coastline:

2,414 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

three sections of the boundary with Ecuador are in dispute

Climate:

varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west

Terrain:

western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra),

eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva)

Natural resources:

copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate,

potash

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

21% forest and woodland:

55%

other:

21%

Irrigated land:

12,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, mild volcanic activity;

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in

Lima

Note:

shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with

Bolivia

*Peru, People

Population:

23,210,352 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.9% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.19 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.15 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

56.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.17 years

male:

63.02 years

female:

67.44 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.22 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Peruvian(s)

adjective:

Peruvian

Ethnic divisions:

Indian 45%, mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%, white 15%,

black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

85%

male: 92%

female:

29%

Labor force:

8 million (1992)

by occupation:

government and other services 44%, agriculture 37%, industry 19% (1988 est.)

*Peru, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Peru

conventional short form:

Peru

local long form:

Republica del Peru

local short form:

Peru

Digraph:

PE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Lima

Administrative divisions:

24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional

province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa,, Ayacucho,

Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La, Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima,

Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura,

Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali

note:

the 1979 Constitution and legislation enacted from 1987 to 1990 mandate the

creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) intended to function

eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12

regions have been constituted from 23 existing departments - Amazonas (from

Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from

Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from

Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los

Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from

Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque,

Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali);

formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the

constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima;

because of inadequate funding from the central government, the regions have

yet to assume their responsibilities and at the moment coexist with the

departmental structure

Independence:

28 July 1821 (from Spain)

Constitution:

28 July 1980 (often referred to as the 1979 Constitution because the

Constituent Assembly met in 1979, but the Constitution actually took effect

the following year); suspended 5 April 1992; being revised or replaced

Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 28 July (1821)

Political parties and leaders:

New Majority/Change 90 (Cambio 90), Alberto FUJIMORI; Popular Christian

Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Popular Action Party (AP), Eduardo CALMELL

del Solar; Liberty Movement (ML), Luis BUSTAMANTE; American Popular

Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Alan GARCIA; Independent Moralizing Front

(FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega; National Renewal, Rafael REY; Democratic

Coordinator, Jose Barba CAHALLERO; Democratic Left Movement, Gloria HOFLER

Other political or pressure groups:

leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN (imprisoned);

Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY

(imprisoned)

*Peru, Government

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held on 10 June 1990 (next to be held NA April 1995); results - Alberto

FUJIMORI 56.53%, Mario VARGAS Llosa 33.92%, other 9.55%

Democratic Constituent Congress:

last held 25 November 1992 (next to be held NA); seats - (80 total) New

Majority/Change 90 44, Popular Christian Party 8, Independent Moralization

Front 7, Renewal 6, Movement of the Democratic Left 4, Democratic

Coordinator 4, others 7; several major parties (American Popular

Revolutionary Alliance, Popular Action) did not participate

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Democratic Constituent Congress (CCD)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Alberto Kenyo FUJIMORI Fujimori (since 28 July 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Oscar DE LA PUENTE Raygada (since 6 April 1992)

Member of:

AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG

(suspended), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ricardo LUNA

chancery:

1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 833-9860 through 9869)

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), San

Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Charles H. BRAYSHAW

embassy:

corner of Avenida Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Avenida Espana, Lima

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1991, Lima 1, or APO AA 34031

telephone:

[51] (14) 33-8000

FAX:

[51] (14) 31-6682

Flag:

three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the

coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield

bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow

cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath

*Peru, Economy

Overview:

The Peruvian economy is becoming increasingly market oriented, with a large

dose of government ownership remaining in mining, energy, and banking. In

the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per capita

output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World

Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity

program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI government took office in

July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic

activity, but the slide halted late that year, and output rose 2.4% in 1991.

After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government

price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and

by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima

obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September

1991, although it faced $14 billion in arrears on its external debt. By

working with the IMF and World Bank on new financial conditions and

arrangements, the government succeeded in ending its arrears by March 1993.

In 1992, GDP fell by 2.8%, in part because a warmer-than-usual El Nino

current resulted in a 30% drop in the fish catch. Meanwhile, revival of

growth in GDP continued to be restricted by the large amount of public and

private resources being devoted to strengthening internal security.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $25 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-2.8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,100 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

56.7% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1992 est.); underemployment 70% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $2.0 billion; expenditures $2.7 billion, including capital

expenditures of $300 million (1992 est.)

Exports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

copper, fishmeal, zinc, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, refined

silver, coffee, cotton

partners:

EC 28%, US 22%, Japan 13%, Latin America 12%, former USSR 2% (1991)

Imports:

$4.1 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

foodstuffs, machinery, transport equipment, iron and steel semimanufactures,

chemicals, pharmaceuticals

partners:

US 32%, Latin America 22%, EC 17%, Switzerland 6%, Japan 3% (1991)

External debt:

$21 billion (December 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -5% (1992 est.); accounts for almost 24% of GDP

Electricity:

5,042,000 kW capacity; 17,434 million kWh produced, 760 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing,

cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabrication

*Peru, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 10% of GDP, about 35% of labor force; commercial crops -

coffee, cotton, sugarcane; other crops - rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains,

coca; animal products - poultry, red meats, dairy, wool; not self-sufficient

in grain or vegetable oil; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990)

Illicit drugs:

world's largest coca leaf producer with about 121,000 hectares under

cultivation; source of supply for most of the world's coca paste and cocaine

base; at least 85% of coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of

cocaine base is shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into

cocaine for the international drug market

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.3 billion;

Communist countries (1970-89), $577 million

Currency:

1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

nuevo sol (S/. per US$1 - 1.690 (January 1993), 1.245 (1992), 0.772 (1991),

0.187 (1990), 2.666 (1989), 0.129 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Peru, Communications

Railroads: 1,801 km total; 1,501 km 1.435-meter gauge, 300 km 0.914-meter gauge

Highways:

69,942 km total; 7,459 km paved, 13,538 km improved, 48,945 km unimproved

earth

Inland waterways:

8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km Lago Titicaca

Pipelines:

crude oil 800 km, natural gas and natural gas liquids 64 km

Ports:

Callao, Ilo, Iquitos, Matarani, Talara

Merchant marine:

21 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 194,473 GRT/307,845 DWT; includes 13

cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 oil tanker, 4 bulk;

note - in addition, 6 naval tankers and 1 naval cargo are sometimes used

commercially

Airports:

total:

228

usable:

199

with permanent-surface runways:

37

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

23

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

46

Telecommunications:

fairly adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave system; 544,000

telephones; broadcast stations - 273 AM, no FM, 140 TV, 144 shortwave;

satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 12 domestic

*Peru, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru), Air Force (Fuerza

Aerea del Peru), National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,030,354; fit for military service 4,076,197; reach

military age (20) annually 241,336 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $500 million, about 2% of GDP (1991)

*Philippines, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, between Indonesia and China

Map references:

Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area: 300,000 km2

land area:

298,170 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Arizona

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

36,289 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

continental shelf:

to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898

treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South

China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth

International disputes:

involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia,

Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claims Malaysian state of Sabah

Climate:

tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon

(May to October)

Terrain:

mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Natural resources:

timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:

arable land:

26%

permanent crops:

11%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

16,200 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six

cyclonic storms per year; subject to landslides, active volcanoes,

destructive earthquakes, tsunami; deforestation; soil erosion; water

pollution

*Philippines, People

Population:

68,464,368 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.97% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

27.9 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.03 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.19 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

51.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.13 years

male:

62.59 years

female:

67.79 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Filipino(s)

adjective:

Philippine

Ethnic divisions:

Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3%

Languages:

Pilipino (official; based on Tagalog), English (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

90%

male:

90%

female:

90%

Labor force:

24.12 million

by occupation:

agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services 18.5%, government 10%,

other 9.5% (1989)

*Philippines, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of the Philippines

conventional short form:

Philippines

local long form:

Republika ng Pilipinas

local short form:

Pilipinas

Digraph: RP

Type:

republic

Capital:

Manila

Administrative divisions:

73 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del, Sur, Aklan, Albay,

Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*,, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan,,

Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*,, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*,,

Cadiz*, Cagayan,, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,,

Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu, City*, Cotabato*,,

Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del, Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*,,

Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*,, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,,

Iloilo, Iloilo City*,, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte,,

Lanao

del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*,, Maguindanao, Mandaue*,,

Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro, Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental,

Misamis Oriental,

Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato,, Northern Samar, Nueva

Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*,, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*,,

Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto, Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon,,

Roxas*, Samar, San, Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San,

Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan, Kudarat, Sulu,

Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*,, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*,

Tarlac,, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*,, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte,

Zamboanga, del Sur

Independence:

4 July 1946 (from US)

Constitution:

2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987

Legal system:

based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 June (1898) (from Spain)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Filipino Struggle (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipinas, Laban),

Edgardo ESPIRITU; People Power-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas

ng Edsa, NUCD and Partido Lakas Tao, Lakas/NUCD); Fidel V. RAMOS, President

of the Republic, Raul MANGLAPUS, Jose de VENECIA, secretary general;

Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Eduardo COJUANGCO; Liberal Party,

Jovito SALONGA; People's Reform Party (PRP), Miriam DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO; New

Society Movement (Kilusan Bagong Lipunan; KBL), Imelda MARCOS; Nacionalista

Party (NP), Salvador H. LAUREL, president

Suffrage:

15 years of age; universal

*Philippines, Government

Elections:

President:

last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results -

Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of votes, a narrow plurality

Senate:

last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP

66%, NPC 20%, Lakas-NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats - (24 total) LDP 15, NPC 5,

Lakas-NUCD 2, Liberal 1, Independent 1

House of Representatives:

last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP

43.5%; Lakas-NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL 3%; seats - (200 total)

LDP 87, NPC 45, Lakas-NUCD 41, Liberal 15, NP 6, KBL 3, Independent 3

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress (Kongreso) consists of an upper house or Senate (Senado)

and a lower house or House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Fidel Valdes RAMOS (since 30 June 1992); Vice President Joseph

Ejercito ESTRADA (since 30 June 1992)

Member of:

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Raul RABE

chancery:

1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 483-1414

consulates general:

Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San

Francisco, and Seattle

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'affaires Donald WESTMORE

embassy:

1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila

mailing address:

APO AP 96440

telephone:

[63] (2) 521-7116

FAX:

[63] (2) 522-4361

consulate general:

Cebu

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral

triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow

sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in

each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star

*Philippines, Economy

Overview:

Domestic output in this primarily agricultural economy remained the same in

1992 as in 1991. Drought and power supply problems hampered production,

while inadequate revenues prevented government pump priming. Despite a flat

GDP performance, GNP mustered a small 0.6% expansion, attributable to

inflows of workers' remittances combined with smaller foreign interest

payments. A marked increase in capital goods imports, particularly power

generations equipment, telecommunications equipment, and electronic data

processors, contributed to a 20.5% import growth in 1992. Exports rose 11%,

led by earnings from the Philippines' two leading manufactures - electronics

and garments.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $54.1 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$860 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.9% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (1992 est.)

Budget:

$11.0 billion; expenditures $12.0 billion, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$9.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

electronics, textiles, coconut oil, copper

partners:

US 39%, EC, Japan, ASEAN

Imports:

$14.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

raw materials 45%, capital goods 26%, petroleum products 18%

partners:

US, Japan, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia

External debt:

$29.8 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1% (1992 est.); accounts for 34% of GDP

Electricity:

7,850,000 kW capacity; 28,000 million kWh produced, 420 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing,

electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for about one-third of GNP and about 45% of labor force; major

crops - rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangos; animal

products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 2

million metric tons annually

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growers are

producing more and better quality cannabis despite government eradication

efforts

*Philippines, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1975-89), $123

million

Currency:

1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 25.817 (April 1993), 25.512 (1992), 27.479

(1991), 24.311 (1990), 21.737 (1989), 21.095 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Philippines, Communications

Railroads:

378 km operable on Luzon, 34% government owned (1982)

Highways:

157,450 km total (1988); 22,400 km paved; 85,050 km gravel, crushed-stone,

or stabilized-soil surface; 50,000 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vessels

Pipelines:

petroleum products 357 km

Ports:

Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, Legaspi, Manila, Subic Bay

Merchant marine:

562 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,282,936 GRT/13,772,023 DWT;

includes 1 passenger, 11 short-sea passenger, 13 passenger-cargo, 155 cargo,

27 refrigerated cargo, 25 vehicle carrier, 9 livestock carrier, 13

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 8 container, 38 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 3

liquefied gas, 1 combination ore/oil, 249 bulk, 8 combination bulk; note -

many Philippine flag ships are foreign owned and are on the register for the

purpose of long-term bare-boat charter back to their original owners who are

principally in Japan and Germany

Airports:

total:

270

usable:

238

with permanent-surface runways:

73

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

9

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

57

Telecommunications:

good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic and

interisland service adequate; 872,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 267

AM (including 6 US), 55 FM, 33 TV (including 4 US); submarine cables

extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan; satellite earth

stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 11

domestic

*Philippines, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 17,188,695; fit for military service 12,144,278; reach

military age (20) annually 716,881 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $915 million, 1.9% of GNP (1991)

*Pitcairn Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Pitcairn Islands, Geography

Location:

in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Peru and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

47 km2

land area:

47 km2

comparative area:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

51 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season

(November to March)

Terrain:

rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs

Natural resources:

miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons (especially November to March)

*Pitcairn Islands, People

Population:

52 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Pitcairn Islander(s)

adjective:

Pitcairn Islander

Ethnic divisions:

descendants of the Bounty mutineers

Religions:

Seventh-Day Adventist 100%

Languages:

English (official), Tahitian/English dialect

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence

farming and fishing

*Pitcairn Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands

conventional short form:

Pitcairn Islands

Digraph:

PC

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Adamstown

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

Local Government Ordinance of 1964

Legal system:

local island by-laws

National holiday:

Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen, 10 June (1989) (second Saturday in

June)

Political parties and leaders:

NA

Other political or pressure groups:

NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal with three years residency

Elections:

Island Council:

last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA;

seats - (11 total, 5 elected) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, island magistrate

Legislative branch:

unicameral Island Council

Judicial branch:

Island Court

Leaders: Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Governor and

UK High Commissioner to New Zealand David Joseph MOSS (since NA 1990)

Head of Government:

Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Jay WARREN (since NA)

Member of:

SPC

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the

coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a

yellow anchor

*Pitcairn Islands, Economy

Overview:

The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertile soil

of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including

citrus, sugarcane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an

important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of

postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $430,440; expenditures $429,983, including capital expenditures of

$NA (FY87 est.)

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

fruits, vegetables, curios

partners:

NA

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs

partners:

NA

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

110 kW capacity; 0.30 million kWh produced, 5,360 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

postage stamp sales, handicrafts

Agriculture:

based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits and

vegetables grown; must import grain products

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.9486 (January 1993), 1.8584 (1992),

1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989), 1.5244 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Pitcairn Islands, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

6.4 km dirt roads

Ports:

Bounty Bay

Airports:

none

Telecommunications:

24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island; broadcast

stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; diesel generator provides electricity

*Pitcairn Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Poland, Geography

Location:

Central Europe, between Germany and Belarus

Map references:

Asia, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

312,680 km2

land area:

304,510 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 3,114 km, Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km,

Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 444 km,

Ukraine 428 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent

precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers

Terrain:

mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border

Natural resources:

coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt

Land use:

arable land:

46%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

13%

forest and woodland:

28%

other:

12%

Irrigated land:

1,000 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

plain crossed by a few north flowing, meandering streams; severe air and

water pollution in south

Note:

historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of

natural barriers on the North European Plain

*Poland, People

Population:

38,519,486 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.59 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

13.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.2 years

male:

68.14 years

female:

76.51 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.97 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Pole(s)

adjective:

Polish

Ethnic divisions:

Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Belarusian 0.5% (1990 est.)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and

other 5%

Languages:

Polish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1978)

total population:

98%

male:

99%

female:

98%

Labor force:

15.609 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 34.4%, agriculture 27.3%, trade, transport, and

communications 16.1%, government and other 22.2% (1991)

*Poland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Poland

conventional short form:

Poland

local long form:

Rzeczpospolita Polska

local short form:

Polska

Digraph:

PL

Type:

democratic state

Capital:

Warsaw

Administrative divisions:

49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biala Podlaska,

Bialystok, Bielsko Biala, Bydgoszcz, Chelm, Ciechanow, Czestochowa, Elblag,

Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin, Koszalin,

Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, Lodz, Lomza, Lublin, Nowy Sacz, Olsztyn,

Opole, Ostroleka, Pila, Piotrkow, Plock, Poznan, Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow,

Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Slupsk, Suwalki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg,

Tarnow, Torun, Walbrzych, Warszawa, Wloclawek, Wroclaw, Zamosc, Zielona Gora

Independence:

11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed)

Constitution:

interim "small constitution" came into effect in December 1992 replacing the

Communist-imposed Constitution of 22 July 1952; new democratic Constitution

being drafted

Legal system:

mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal

theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader

democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts; has

not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 3 May (1791)

Political parties and leaders:

post-Solidarity parties:

Democratic Union (UD), Tadeusz MAZOWIECKI; Christian-National Union (ZCHN),

Wieslaw CHRZANOWSKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; Liberal-Democratic

Congress, Donald TUSK; Peasant Alliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity

Trade Union (NSZZ), Marian KRZAKLEWSKI; Union of Labor (UP), Ryszard BUGAJ;

Christian-Democratic Party (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Conservative Party,

Alexander HALL

non-Communist, non-Solidarity:

Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI; Polish

Economic Program (PPG), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats (CHD), Andrzej

OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Union of Real Politics (UPR),

Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD), Antoni MACKIEWICZ; Party X,

Stanislaw Tyminski

Communist origin or linked:

Social Democracy (SDRP, party of Poland), Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz; Polish

Peasants' Party (PSL), Waldemar PAWLAK

Other political or pressure groups:

powerful Roman Catholic Church; Solidarity (trade union); All Poland Trade

Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist program

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*Poland, Government

Elections:

president:

first round held 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next

to be held NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%,

Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3%

Senat:

last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995);

seats - (100 total)

post-Solidarity bloc:

UD 21, NSZZ 11, ZCHN 9, PC 9, Liberal-Democratic Congress 6, PL 7, PCHD 3,

other local candidates 11;

non-Communist, non-Solidarity:

KPN 4, CHD 1, MN 1, local candidates 5

Communist origin or linked:

PSL 8, SLD 4

Sejm:

last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held no later than NA October 1995);

seats - (460 total)

post-Solidarity bloc:

UD 62, ZCHN 49, PC 44, Liberal-Democratic Congress 37, PL 28, NSZZ 27, SP 4,

PCHD 4, RDS 1, Krackow Coalition in Solidarity with the President 1, Piast

Agreement 1, Bydgoszcz Peasant List 1, Solidarity 80 1

non-Communist, non-Solidarity:

KPN 46, PPPP 16, MN 7, CHD 5, Western Union 4, UPR 3, Autonomous Silesia 2,

SD 1, Orthodox Election Committee 1, Committee of Women Against Hardships 1,

Podhale Union 1, Wielkopolska Group 1, Wielkopolska and Lubuski Inhabitants

1, Party X 3

Communist origin or linked:

SLD 60, PSL 48

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe) consists of an upper

house or Senate (Senat) and a lower house or Diet (Sejm)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Hanna SUCHOCKA (since 10 July 1992)

Member of:

BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer),

ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNDOF, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kazimierz DZIEWANOWSKI

chancery:

2640 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 234-3800 through 3802

FAX:

(202) 328-6271

consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

*Poland, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Thomas W. SIMONS, Jr. embassy:

Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsaw

mailing address:

American Embassy Warsaw, Box 5010, Unit 25402, or APO AE 09213-5010

telephone:

[48] (2) 628-3041

FAX:

[48] (2) 628-8298

consulates general:

Krakow, Poznan

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of

Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white

*Poland, Economy

Overview:

Poland is undergoing a difficult transition from a Soviet-style economy -

with state ownership and control of productive assets - to a market economy.

On January 1, 1990, the new Solidarity-led government implemented shock

therapy by slashing subsidies, decontrolling prices, tightening the money

supply, stabilizing the foreign exchange rate, lowering import barriers, and

restraining state sector wages. As a result, consumer goods shortages and

lines disappeared, and inflation fell from 640% in 1989 to 44% in 1992.

Western governments, which hold two-thirds of Poland's $48 billion external

debt, pledged in 1991 to forgive half of Poland's official debt by 1994. The

private sector accounted for 29% of industrial production and nearly half of

nonagricultural output in 1992. Production fell in state enterprises,

however, and the unemployment rate climbed steadily from virtually nothing

in 1989 to 13.6% in December 1992. Poland fell out of compliance with its

IMF program by mid-1991, and talks with commercial creditors stalled. The

increase in unemployment and the decline in living standards led to strikes

in the coal, auto, copper, and railway sectors in 1992. Large state

enterprises in the coal, steel, and defense sectors plan to halve employment

over the next decade, and the government expects unemployment to reach 3

million (16%) in 1993. A shortfall in tax revenues caused the budget deficit

to reach 6% of GDP in 1992, but industrial production began a slow, uneven

upturn. In 1993, the government will struggle to win legislative approval

for faster privatization and to keep the budget deficit within IMF-approved

limits.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $167.6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$4,400 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

44% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

13.6% (December 1992)

Budget:

revenues $17.5 billion; expenditures $22.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $1.5 billion (1992 est.)

Exports: $12.8 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery 22%, metals 16%, chemicals 12%, fuels and power 11%, food 10%

(1991)

partners:

Germany 28.0%, former USSR 11.7%, UK 8.8%, Switzerland 5.5% (1991)

Imports:

$12.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery 38%, fuels and power 20%, chemicals 13%, food 10%, light industry

6% (1991)

partners:

Germany 17.4%, former USSR 25.6%, Italy 5.3%, Austria 5.2% (1991)

External debt:

$48.5 billion (January 1992); note - Poland's Western government creditors

promised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's official debt - currently $33

billion - immediately and to forgive another 20% in 1994, if Poland adheres

to its IMF program

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.5% (1992)

*Poland, Economy

Electricity:

31,530,000 kW capacity; 137,000 million kWh produced, 3,570 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals,

shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP and 27% of labor force; 75% of output from private

farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remains low by European standards;

leading European producer of rye, rapeseed, and potatoes; wide variety of

other crops and livestock; major exporter of pork products; normally

self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

illicit producers of opium for domestic consumption and amphetamines for the

international market; emerging as a transshipment point for illicit drugs to

Western Europe

Economic aid:

donor - bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries, $2.2

billion (1954-89); the G-24 has pledged $8 billion in grants and credit

guarantees to Poland

Currency:

1 zloty (Zl) = 100 groszy

Exchange rates:

zlotych (Zl) per US$1 - 15,879 (January 1993), 13,626 (1992), 10,576 (1991),

9,500 (1990), 1,439.18 (1989), 430.55 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Poland, Communications

Railroads:

26,250 km total; 23,857 km 1.435-meter gauge, 397 km 1.520-meter gauge,

1,996 km narrow gauge; 8,987 km double track; 11,510 km electrified;

government owned (1991)

Highways:

360,629 km total (excluding farm, factory and forest roads); 220 km limited

access expressways, 45,257 km main highways, 128,775 km regional roads,

186,377 urban or village roads (local traffic); 220,000 km are paved

(including all main and regional highways) (1988)

Inland waterways:

3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1991)

Pipelines:

natural gas 4,600 km, crude oil 1,986 km, petroleum products 360 km (1992)

Ports:

Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, Swinoujscie; principal inland ports are Gliwice on

Kana Gliwice, Wrocaw on the Oder, and Warsaw on the Vistula

Merchant marine:

209 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,747,631 GRT/3,992,053 DWT; includes

5 short-sea passenger, 76 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 11 roll-on/roll-off

cargo, 9 container, 1 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker, 101 bulk, 1 passenger;

Poland owns 1 ship of 6,333 DWT operating under Liberian registry

Airports:

total:

163

usable:

163

with permanent-surface runways:

100

with runway over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

51

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

95

Telecommunications:

severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; cable, open wire and microwave;

phone density is 10.5 phones per 100 residents (October 1990); 3.6 million

telephone subscribers; exchanges are 86% automatic (1991); broadcast

stations - 27 AM, 27 FM, 40 (5 Soviet repeaters) TV; 9.6 million TVs; 1

satellite earth station using INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, INMARSAT and Intersputnik

*Poland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 9,914,128; fit for military service 7,774,499; reach

military age (19) annually 304,956 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

30.8 trillion zlotych, 1.8% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Portugal, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean west of Spain

Map references:

Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

92,080 km2

land area:

91,640 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Indiana

note:

includes Azores and Madeira Islands

Land boundaries:

total 1,214 km, Spain 1,214 km

Coastline:

1,793 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Indonesia

Climate:

maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south

Terrain:

mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in south

Natural resources:

fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marble

Land use:

arable land:

32%

permanent crops:

6%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

16%

Irrigated land:

6,340 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

Azores subject to severe earthquakes

Note:

Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea

approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

*Portugal, People

Population:

10,486,140 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.36% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.77 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

1.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

9.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.89 years

male:

71.43 years

female:

78.56 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Portuguese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Portuguese

Ethnic divisions:

homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands;

citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during

decolonization number less than 100,000

Religions:

Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2%

Languages:

Portuguese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

85%

male:

89%

female:

82%

Labor force:

4,605,700

by occupation:

services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988)

*Portugal, Government

Names:

conventional long form: Portuguese Republic

conventional short form:

Portugal

local long form:

Republica Portuguesa

local short form:

Portugal

Digraph:

PO

Type:

republic

Capital:

Lisbon

Administrative divisions:

18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions*, (regioes autonomas,

singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*,, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco,

Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria,

Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo,, Vila Real, Viseu

Dependent areas:

Macau (scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China on 20

December 1999)

Independence:

1140 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910)

Constitution:

25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989

Legal system:

civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality

of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Day of Portugal, 10 June

Political parties and leaders:

Social Democratic Party (PSD), Anibal CAVACO Silva; Portuguese Socialist

Party (PS), Antonio GUTERRES; Party of Democratic Renewal (PRD), Pedro

CANAVARRO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Carlos CARVALHAS; Social

Democratic Center (CDS), Manuel MONTEIRO; National Solidarity Party, Manuel

SERGIO; Center Democratic Party; United Democratic Coalition (CDU;

Communists)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - Dr.

Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, Carlos CARVALHAS 13%, Carlos

MARQUES 3%

Assembly of the Republic:

last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - PSD

50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, Center Democrats 4.4%, National Solidarity Party

1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230 total) PSD 135, PS 72, CDU 17,

Center Democrats 5, National Solidarity Party 1

Executive branch:

president, Council of State, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council

of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica)

Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica)

*Portugal, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985)

Member of:

AfDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE,

ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IEA, IFAD, IFC,

ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA

(observer), LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer),

OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Francisco Jose Laco Treichler KNOPFLI

chancery:

2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 328-8610

consulates general:

Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San Francisco

consulates:

Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Providence (Rhode Island)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Everett Ellis BRIGGS

embassy:

Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon

mailing address:

PSC 83, APO AE 09726

telephone:

[351] (1) 726-6600 or 6659, 8670, 8880

FAX:

[351] (1) 726-9109

consulate:

Ponta Delgada (Azores)

Flag:

two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths)

with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line

*Portugal, Economy

Overview:

Although Portugal has experienced strong growth since joining the EC in 1986

- at least 4% each year through 1990 - it remains one of the poorest

members. To prepare for the European single market, the government is

restructuring and modernizing the economy and in 1989 embarked on a major

privatization program. As of 1 January 1993, Lisbon has fully liberalized

its capital markets and most trade markets. The global slowdown and tight

monetary policies to counter inflation caused growth to slow in 1991 and

1992. Growth probably will remain depressed in 1993, but should pick up

again in 1994.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $93.7 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1.1% (1992)

National product per capita:

$9,000 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

9% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

5% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $27.3 billion; expenditures $33.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $4.5 billion (1991)

Exports:

$16.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timber and

timber products, resin, machinery, appliances

partners:

EC 75.4%, other developed countries 12.4%, US 3.8% (1991)

Imports:

$26.0 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals,

petroleum, textiles

partners:

EC 72%, other developed countries 10.9% less developed countries 12.9%, US

3.4%

External debt:

$16.9 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP

Electricity:

6,624,000 kW capacity; 26,400 million kWh produced, 2,520 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil

refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for 6.1% of GDP and 20% of labor force; small, inefficient farms;

imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives,

grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy

products

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering

the European market

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.2 billion

*Portugal, Economy

Currency:

1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavos

Exchange rates:

Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 145.51 (January 1993), 135.00 (1992),

144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990), 157.46 (1989), 143.95 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Portugal, Communications

Railroads:

3,625 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates 2,858 km

1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km double track), 755 km

1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge) electrified, double track,

privately owned

Highways:

73,661 km total; 61,599 km surfaced (bituminous, gravel, and crushed stone),

including 140 km of limited-access divided highway; 7,962 km improved earth;

4,100 km unimproved earth (motorable tracks)

Inland waterways:

820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by

shallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacity

Pipelines:

crude oil 11 km; petroleum products 58 km

Ports:

Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores), Setubal,

Sines

Merchant marine:

51 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 634,072 GRT/1,130,515 DWT; includes 1

short-sea passenger, 21 cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 3 container, 1

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13 oil tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 5 bulk, 2

liquified gas; note - Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira

(MAR) for Portuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewing

benefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently is known

to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likely that a majority

of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to this subregister in a few years

Airports:

total:

64

usable:

62

with permanent-surface runways:

36

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

11

Telecommunications:

generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and

microwave radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57 AM, 66

(22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT

earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT, domestic

satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link to Azores

*Portugal, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal

Guard, Public Security Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,696,325; fit for military service 2,188,041; reach

military age (20) annually 88,735 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.4 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1992)

*Puerto Rico, Header

Affiliation: (commonwealth associated with the US)

*Puerto Rico, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin

Islands group

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

9,104 km2

land area:

8,959 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

501 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m (depth)

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate: tropical marine, mild, little seasonal temperature variation

Terrain:

mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to

sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas

Natural resources:

some copper and nickel, potential for onshore and offshore crude oil

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

9%

meadows and pastures:

41%

forest and woodland:

20%

other:

22%

Irrigated land:

390 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered;

south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north

Note:

important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the

Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the

Caribbean

*Puerto Rico, People

Population:

3,797,082 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.13% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

16.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.88 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.75 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

14 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.84 years

male:

70.25 years

female:

77.61 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.08 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Puerto Rican(s)

adjective: Puerto Rican

Ethnic divisions:

Hispanic

Religions:

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15%

Languages:

Spanish (official), English widely understood

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

89%

male:

90%

female:

88%

Labor force:

1.17 million (1992)

by occupation:

government 20%, manufacturing 14%, trade 17%, construction 5%,

communications and transportation 5%, other 39% (1992)

*Puerto Rico, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

conventional short form:

Puerto Rico

Digraph:

QR

Type:

commonwealth associated with the US

Capital:

San Juan

Administrative divisions:

none (commonwealth associated with the US), note: there are 78

municipalities

Independence:

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Constitution:

ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25

July 1952

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil code

National holiday:

US Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Political parties and leaders:

National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Freddy VALENTIN; Popular

Democratic Party (PPD), Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon; New Progressive Party (PNP),

Carlos ROMERO Barcelo; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP), Juan MARI Bras

and Carlos GALLISA; Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), Ruben BERRIOS

Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s) unknown

Other political or pressure groups:

all have engaged in terrorist activities - Armed Forces for National

Liberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; Boricua

Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros); Armed Forces of Popular

Resistance

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do

not vote in US presidential elections

Elections:

Governor:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

Pedro ROSSELLO (PND) 50%, Victoria MUNOZ (PPD) 46%, Fernando MARTIN (PIP) 4%

Senate:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) seats by party NA

US House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) seats by party NA; note -

Puerto Rico elects one representative to the US House of Representatives,

Carlos Romero BARCELO

House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) seats by party NA

Executive branch:

US president, US vice president, governor

Legislative branch:

bicameral Legislative Assembly consists of an upper house or Senate and a

lower house or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Puerto Rico, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

Head of Government:

Governor Pedro ROSSELLO (since NA January 1993)

Member of:

CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU, IOC, WCL,

WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (commonwealth associated with the US)

Flag:

five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white;

a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white

five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag

*Puerto Rico, Economy

Overview:

Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region.

Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector of economic

activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the US and by tax

incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s.

US minimum wage laws apply. Important industries include pharmaceuticals,

electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, and processed foods. Sugar production

has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main

source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been

an important source of income for the island, with estimated arrivals of

nearly 3 million tourists in 1989.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $22.8 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

2.2% (FY90)

National product per capita:

$6,200 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (October 1990-91)

Unemployment rate:

17% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $5.8 billion; expenditures $5.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $258 million (FY89)

Exports:

20.4 billion (1990)

commodities:

pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage

concentrates, medical equipment, instruments

partners:

US 87.8% (1990)

Imports:

16.2 billion (1990)

commodities:

chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products

partners:

US 66.6% (1990)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.2% (FY92)

Electricity:

5,040,000 kW capacity; 16,100 million kWh produced, 4,260 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

manufacturing accounts for 55.5 % of GDP: manufacturing of pharmaceuticals,

electronics, apparel, food products, instruments; tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for only 3% of labor force and less than 2% of GDP: crops -

sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle,

chickens; imports a large share of food needs (1992)

Economic aid:

none

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Puerto Rico, Communications

Railroads:

96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; no passenger

railroads

Highways:

13,762 km paved (1982)

Ports:

San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Arecibo

Airports:

total:

30

usable:

23

with permanent-surface runways:

19

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

modern system, integrated with that of the US by high capacity submarine

cable and INTELSAT with high-speed data capability; digital telephone system

with about 1 million lines; cellular telephone service; broadcast stations -

50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV; cable television available with US programs (1990)

*Puerto Rico, Defense Forces

Branches:

paramilitary National Guard, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 830,133; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)

Note:

defense is the responsibility of the US

*Qatar, Geography

Location:

Middle East, peninsula jutting into the central Persian Gulf, between Iran

and Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

11,000 km2

land area:

11,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total 60 km, Saudi Arabia 60 km

Coastline:

563 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary

with Bahrain

Climate:

desert; hot, dry; humid and sultry in summer

Terrain:

mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

95%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

haze, duststorms, sandstorms common; limited freshwater resources mean

increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities

Note:

strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits

*Qatar, People

Population:

499,115 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.61 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

3.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

12.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

22.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: total population:

72.25 years

male:

69.73 years

female:

74.68 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.88 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Qatari(s)

adjective:

Qatari

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions:

Muslim 95%

Languages:

Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1986)

total population:

76%

male:

77%

female:

72%

Labor force:

104,000 85% non-Qatari in private sector (1983)

*Qatar, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

State of Qatar

conventional short form:

Qatar

local long form:

Dawlat Qatar

local short form:

Qatar

Digraph:

QA

Type:

traditional monarchy

Capital:

Doha

Administrative divisions:

there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US

Government, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular -

baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Rayyan,

Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm Salal

Independence:

3 September 1971 (from UK)

Constitution:

provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970

Legal system:

discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are

being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters

National holiday:

Independence Day, 3 September (1971)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

Advisory Council:

constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no

elections have been held; seats - (30 total)

Executive branch:

amir, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972);

Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir)

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB,

IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM,

OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador 'Abd al-Rahman bin Sa'ud ALTHANI

chancery:

Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 338-0111

*Qatar, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH

embassy:

149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station),

Doha

mailing address:

P. O. Box 2399, Doha

telephone:

(0974) 864701 through 864703

FAX:

(0974) 861669

Flag:

maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist

side

*Qatar, Economy

Overview:

Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for more than 85% of export

earnings and roughly 75% of government revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.3

billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for about

25 years. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP of about $17,000, comparable

to the leading industrial countries. Production and export of natural gas is

becoming increasingly important.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $8.1 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$17,000 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $2.5 billion; expenditures $3.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $440 million (FY92 est.)

Exports:

$3.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum products 85%, steel, fertilizers

partners:

Japan 61%, Brazil 6%, South Korea 5%, UAE 4%

Imports:

$1.4 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemicals

partners:

France 13%, Japan 12%, UK 11%, Germany 9%

External debt:

$1.1 billion (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.6% (1987); accounts for 64% of GDP, including oil

Electricity:

1,596,000 kW capacity; 4,818 million kWh produced, 9,655 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel (rolls

reinforcing bars for concrete construction), cement

Agriculture:

farming and grazing on small scale, less than 2% of GDP; agricultural area

is small and government-owned; commercial fishing increasing in importance;

most food imported

Economic aid:

donor - pledged $2.7 billion in ODA to less developed countries (1979-88)

Currency:

1 Qatari riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams

Exchange rates: Qatari riyals (QR) per US$1 - 3.6400 riyals (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Qatar, Communications

Highways:

1,500 km total; 1,000 km paved, 500 km gravel or natural surface (est.)

Pipelines:

crude oil 235 km, natural gas 400 km

Ports:

Doha, Umm Sa'id, Halul Island

Merchant marine:

20 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 390,072 GRT/593,508 DWT; includes 13

cargo, 4 container, 2 oil tanker, 1 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

4

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

modern system centered in Doha; 110,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter to

Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to

Bahrain and UAE; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV

*Qatar, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Security

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 214,977; fit for military service 113,514; reach military

age (18) annually 3,578 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA%, of GDP

*Reunion, Header

Affiliation: (overseas department of France)

*Reunion, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 750 km east of Madagascar

Map references:

World

Area:

total area:

2,510 km2

land area:

2,500 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

201 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November,

hot and rainy from November to April

Terrain:

mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast

Natural resources:

fish, arable land

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

35%

other:

39%

Irrigated land:

60 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

periodic devastating cyclones

*Reunion, People

Population:

639,622 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25.64 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.94 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

73.68 years

male:

70.61 years

female:

76.91 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.81 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Reunionese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Reunionese

Ethnic divisions:

French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian

Religions:

Roman Catholic 94%

Languages:

French (official), Creole widely used

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1982)

total population:

69%

male:

67%

female:

74%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 30%, industry 21%, services 49% (1981)

note:

63% of population of working age (1983)

*Reunion, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Department of Reunion

conventional short form:

Reunion

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ile de la Reunion

Digraph:

RE

Type:

overseas department of France

Capital:

Saint-Denis

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas department of France)

Independence:

none (overseas department of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law

National holiday:

Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)

Political parties and leaders:

Rally for the Republic (RPR), Francois MAS; Union for French Democracy

(UDF), Gilbert GERARD; Communist Party of Reunion (PCR), Paul VERGES;

France-Reunion Future (FRA), Andre THIEN AH KOON; Socialist Party (PS),

Jean-Claude FRUTEAU; Social Democrats (CDS); other small parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

General Council:

last held 22 March 1991 (next to be held March 1997); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (44 total)

Regional Council:

last held 28 March 1992 (next to be held NA March 1998); results - UDF

25.6%, PRC 17.9%, PS 10.5%, Independent 30.7%, other 15.3%; seats - (45

total) Independent 17, UDF 14, PRC 9, PS 5

French Senate:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held NA September 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (3 total) RPR-UDF 1, PS 1, independent

1

French National Assembly:

last held 5 and 12 June 1988 (next to be held NA June 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (5 total) PCR 2, RPR 1, UDF-CDS 1, FRA

1; note - Reunion elects 3 members to the French Senate and 5 members to the

French National Assembly who are voting members

Executive branch:

French president, commissioner of the Republic

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional Council

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeals (Cour d'Appel)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

*Reunion, Government

Head of Government:

Commissioner of the Republic Jacques DEWATRE (since NA July 1991)

Member of:

FZ

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas department of France, Reunionese interests are represented in

the US by France

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Reunion, Economy

Overview:

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane has been

the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for

85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist

industry to relieve high unemployment, which recently amounted to one-third

of the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is

extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and

Indian communities are substantially better off than other segments of the

population, often approaching European standards, whereas indigenous groups

suffer the poverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the

African continent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991

illustrates the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic

well-being of Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from

France.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $3.37 billion (1987 est.)

National product real growth rate:

9% (1987 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,000 (1987 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.3% (1988)

Unemployment rate:

35% (February 1991)

Budget:

revenues $358 million; expenditures $914 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1986)

Exports:

$166 million (f.o.b., 1988)

commodities:

sugar 75%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 4%, lobster 3%, vanilla and

tea 1%

partners:

France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy

Imports:

$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988)

commodities:

manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transportation

equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products

partners:

France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production: growth rate NA%; about 25% of GDP

Electricity:

245,000 kW capacity; 750 million kWh produced, 1,230 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

sugar, rum, cigarettes, several small shops producing handicraft items

Agriculture:

accounts for 30% of labor force; dominant sector of economy; cash crops -

sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco; food crops - tropical fruits, vegetables, corn;

imports large share of food needs

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$14.8 billion

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

*Reunion, Economy

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Reunion, Communications

Highways:

2,800 km total; 2,200 km paved, 600 km gravel, crushed stone, or stabilized

earth

Ports:

Pointe des Galets

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runway 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runway 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

adequate system; modern open-wire and microwave network; principal center

Saint-Denis; radiocommunication to Comoros, France, Madagascar; new

microwave route to Mauritius; 85,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM,

13 FM, 1 (18 repeaters) TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Reunion, Defense Forces

Branches:

French Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 167,925; fit for military service 86,764; reach military age

(18) annually 5,975 (1993 est.)

Note:

defense is the responsibility of France

*Romania, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria and the

Ukraine

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

237,500 km2

land area:

230,340 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total 2,508 km, Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia and

Montenegro 476 km (all with Serbia), Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (south)

169 km

Coastline:

225 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers

with frequent showers and thunderstorms

Terrain:

central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the plain of Moldavia on the

east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on

the south by the Transylvanian Alps

Natural resources:

petroleum (reserves being exhausted), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore,

salt

Land use:

arable land:

43%

permanent crops: 3%

meadows and pastures:

19%

forest and woodland:

28%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

34,500 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

frequent earthquakes most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure

and climate promote landslides; air pollution in south

Note:

controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova,

and Ukraine

*Romania, People

Population:

23,172,362 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.02% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.17 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

21.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.25 years

male:

68.32 years

female:

74.34 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Romanian(s)

adjective:

Romanian

Ethnic divisions:

Romanian 89.1%, Hungarian 8.9%, German 0.4%, Ukrainian, Serb, Croat,

Russian, Turk, and Gypsy 1.6%

Religions:

Romanian Orthodox 70%, Roman Catholic 6% (of which 3% are Uniate),

Protestant 6%, unaffiliated 18%

Languages:

Romanian, Hungarian, German

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1978)

total population:

98%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

10,945,700

by occupation:

industry 38%, agriculture 28%, other 34% (1989)

*Romania, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Romania

local long form:

none

local short form:

Romania

Digraph:

RO

Type:

republic

Capital:

Bucharest

Administrative divisions:

40 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu);, Alba, Arad, Arges,

Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov,

Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna,, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati,

Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi,

Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu,

Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea

Independence:

1881 (from Turkey; republic proclaimed 30 December 1947)

Constitution:

8 December 1991

Legal system:

former mixture of civil law system and Communist legal theory that

increasingly reflected Romanian traditions is being revised

National holiday:

National Day of Romania, 1 December (1990)

Political parties and leaders:

National Salvation Front (FSN), Petre ROMAN; Democratic National Salvation

Front (DNSF), Oliviu GHERMAN; Magyar Democratic Union (UDMR), Geza DOMOKOS;

National Liberal Party (PNL), Mircea IONESCU-QUINTUS; National Peasants'

Christian and Democratic Party (PNTCD), Corneliu COPOSU; Romanian National

Unity Party (PUNR), Gheorghe FUNAR; Socialist Labor Party (PSM), Ilie

VERDET; Agrarian Democratic Party of Romania (PDAR), Victor SURDU; The

Democratic Convention (CDR), Emil CONSTANTINESCU; Romania Mare Party (PRM),

Corneliu Vadim TUDOR

note: there are dozens of smaller parties; although the Communist Party has ceased

to exist, small proto-Communist parties, notably the Socialist Labor Party,

have been formed

Other political or pressure groups:

various human right and professional associations

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 27 September 1992 - with runoff between top two candidates on 11

October 1992 (next to be held NA 1998); results - Ion ILIESCU 61.4%, Emil

CONSTANTINESCU 38.6%

Senate:

last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1998); results - DFSN 27.5%,

CDR 22.5%, FSN 11%, others 39%; seats - (143 total) DFSN 49, CDR 34, FSN 18,

PUNR 14, UDMR 12, PRM 6, PDAR 5, PSM 5

*Romania, Government

House of Deputies:

last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1998); results - DFSN 27.5%,

CDR 22.5%, FSN 11%, others 38.5%; seats - (341 total) DFSN 117, CDR 82, FSN

43, PUNR 30, UDMR 27, PRM 16, PSM 13, other 13

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate (Senat) and a

lower house or House of Deputies (Adunarea Deputatilor)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 June 1990, previously President of

Provisional Council of National Unity since 23 December 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Nicolae VACAROIU (since November 1992)

Member of:

BIS, BSEC, CCC, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer),

ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Aurel-Dragos MUNTEANU

chancery:

1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-4747, 6634, 5693

FAX:

(202) 232-4748

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John R. DAVIS, Jr.

embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest

mailing address:

AmConGen (Buch), Unit 25402, APO AE 09213-5260

telephone:

[40] (0) 10-40-40

FAX:

[40] (0) 12-03-95

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the

national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been

removed; now similar to the flags of Andorra and Chad

*Romania, Economy

Overview:

Industry, which accounts for about one-third of the labor force and

generates over half the GDP, suffers from an aging capital plant and

persistent shortages of energy. The year 1991 witnessed a 17% drop in

industrial production because of energy and input shortages and labor

unrest. In recent years the agricultural sector has had to contend with

flooding, mismanagement, shortages of inputs, and disarray caused by the

dismantling of cooperatives. A shortage of inputs and a severe drought in

1991 contributed to a poor harvest, a problem compounded by corruption and

an obsolete distribution system. The new government has instituted moderate

land reforms, with more than one-half of cropland now in private hands, and

it has liberalized private agricultural output. Private enterprises form an

increasingly important portion of the economy largely in services,

handicrafts, and small-scale industry. Little progress on large scale

privatization has been made since a law providing for the privatization of

large state firms was passed in August 1991. Most of the large state firms

have been converted into joint-stock companies, but the selling of shares

and assets to private owners has been delayed. While the government has

halted the old policy of diverting food from domestic consumption to hard

currency export markets, supplies remain scarce in some areas. The new

government continues to impose price ceilings on key consumer items. In 1992

the economy muddled along toward the new, more open system, yet output and

living standards continued to fall.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $63.4 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-15% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,700 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

200% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9% (January 1993)

Budget:

revenues $19 billion; expenditures $20 billion, including capital

expenditures of $2.1 billion (1991 est.)

Exports:

$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and equipment 29.3%, fuels, minerals and metals 32.1%,

manufactured consumer goods 18.1%, agricultural materials and forestry

products 9.0%, other 11.5% (1989)

partners:

USSR 27%, Eastern Europe 23%, EC 15%, US 5%, China 4% (1987)

Imports:

$5.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

fuels, minerals, and metals 56.0%, machinery and equipment 25.5%,

agricultural and forestry products 8.6%, manufactured consumer goods 3.4%,

other 6.5% (1989)

partners:

Communist countries 60%, non-Communist countries 40% (1987)

External debt:

$3 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate -17% (1991 est.); accounts for 48% of GDP

Electricity:

22,500,000 kW capacity; 59,000 million kWh produced, 2,540 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Romania, Economy

Industries:

mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, machine

building, food processing, petroleum production and refining

Agriculture:

accounts for 18% of GDP and 28% of labor force; major wheat and corn

producer; other products - sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, milk,

eggs, meat, grapes

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin transiting the Balkan route

Economic aid:

donor - $4.4 billion in bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed

countries (1956-89)

Currency:

1 leu (L) = 100 bani

Exchange rates:

lei (L) per US$1 - 470.10 (January 1993), 307.95 (1992), 76.39 (1991),

22.432 (1990), 14.922 (1989), 14.277 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Romania, Communications

Railroads:

11,275 km total; 10,860 km 1.435-meter gauge, 370 km narrow gauge, 45 km

broad gauge; 3,411 km electrified, 3,060 km double track; government owned

(1987)

Highways:

72,799 km total; 35,970 km paved; 27,729 km gravel, crushed stone, and other

stabilized surfaces; 9,100 km unsurfaced roads (1985)

Inland waterways: 1,724 km (1984)

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,800 km, petroleum products 1,429 km, natural gas 6,400 km (1992)

Ports:

Constanta, Galati, Braila, Mangalia; inland ports are Giurgiu, Drobeta-Turnu

Severin, Orsova

Merchant marine:

249 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,882,727 GRT/4,463,879 DWT; includes

1 passenger-cargo, 170 cargo, 2 container, 1 rail-car carrier, 9

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 15 oil tanker, 51 bulk

Airports:

total:

158

usable:

158

with permanent-surface runways:

27

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

21

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

poor service; about 2.3 million telephone customers; 89% of phone network is

automatic; cable and open wire; trunk network is microwave; present phone

density is 9.85 per 100 residents; roughly 3,300 villages with no service

(February 1990); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 5 FM, 13 TV (1990); 1 satellite

ground station using INTELSAT

*Romania, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Civil Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,846,332; fit for military service 4,942,746; reach

military age (20) annually 185,714 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

137 billion lei, 3% of GDP (1993); note - conversion of defense expenditures

into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading

results

*Russia, Geography

Location:

Europe/North Asia, between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States,

Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Standard Time Zones of

the World

Area:

total area: 17,075,200 km2

land area:

16,995,800 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 1.8 times the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total 20,139 km, Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605

km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km,

Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania

(Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 167 km, Poland

(Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km

Coastline:

37,653 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

inherited disputes from former USSR including: sections of the boundary with

China; boundary with Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia; Etorofu, Kunashiri, and

Shikotan Islands and the Habomai island group occupied by the Soviet Union

in 1945, claimed by Japan; maritime dispute with Norway over portion of the

Barents Sea; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved

the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nation

Climate:

ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of

European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north;

winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers

vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast

Terrain:

broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra

in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions

Natural resources:

wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas,

coal, and many strategic minerals, timber

note:

formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation

of natural resources

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

*Russia, Geography

other: NA%

note:

agricultural land accounts for 13% of the total land area

Irrigated land:

61,590 km2 (1990)

Environment:

despite its size, only a small percentage of land is arable and much is too

far north for cultivation; permafrost over much of Siberia is a major

impediment to development; catastrophic pollution of land, air, water,

including both inland waterways and sea coasts

Note:

largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in

relation to major sea lanes of the world

*Russia, People

Population:

149,300,359 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.21% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.73 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

27.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

68.69 years

male:

63.59 years

female:

74.04 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Russian(s)

adjective:

Russian

Ethnic divisions:

Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%,

Belarusian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1%

Religions:

Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Languages:

Russian, other

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male: 100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

75 million (1993 est.)

by occupation:

production and economic services 83.9%, government 16.1%

*Russia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Russian Federation

conventional short form:

Russia

local long form:

Rossiyskaya Federatsiya

local short form:

Rossiya

former:

Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic

Digraph:

RS

Type:

federation

Capital:

Moscow

Administrative divisions:

21 autonomous republics (avtomnykh respublik, singular - avtomnaya

respublika); Adygea (Maykop), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatia (Ulan-Ude),

Chechenia, Chuvashia (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Gorno-Altay

(Gorno-Altaysk), Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria (Nal'chik), Kalmykia

(Elista), Karachay-Cherkessia (Cherkessk), Karelia (Petrozavodsk), Khakassia

(Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mari El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordvinia (Saransk),

North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz; formerly Ordzhonikidze), Tatarstan (Kazan'),

Tuva (Kyzyl), Udmurtia (Izhevsk), Yakutia (Yakutsk); 49 oblasts (oblastey,

singular - oblast'); Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan',

Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Chita, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad,

Kaluga, Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma,

Kurgan, Kursk, St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow,

Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod (formerly Gor'kiy), Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk,

Orel, Orenburg, Penza, Perm', Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin

(Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara (formerly Kuybyshev), Saratov, Smolensk,

Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver' (formerly Kalinin),

Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'; 6

krays (krayev, singular - kray); Altay (Barnaul), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar,

Krasnoyarsk, Primorskiy (Vladivostok), Stavropol'

note:

the autonomous republics of Chechenia and Ingushetia were formerly the

automous republic of Checheno-Ingushetia (the boundary between Chechenia and

Ingushetia has yet to be determined); the cities of Moscow and St.

Petersburg have oblast status; an administrative division has the same name

as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name

following in parentheses); 4 more administrative divisions may be added

Independence:

24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted in 1978; a new constitution is in the process of being drafted

Legal system:

based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; does not

accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, June 12

*Russia, Government

Political parties and leaders:

proreformers:

Christian Democratic Party, Aleksandr CHUYEV; Christian Democratic Union of

Russia, Aleksandr OGORODNIKOV; Democratic Russia Movement, pro-government

faction, Lev PONOMAREV, Gleb YAKUNIN, Vladimir BOKSER; Democratic Russia

Movement, radical-liberal faction, Yuriy AFANAS'YEV, Marina SAL'YE; Economic

Freedom Party, Konstantin BOROVOY, Svyatoslav FEDOROV; Free Labor Party,

Igor' KOROVIKOV; Party of Constitutional Democrats, Viktor ZOLOTAREV;

Republican Party of Russia, Vladimir LYSENKO, Vyacheslav SHOSTAKOVSKIY;

Russian Democratic Reform Movement, Gavriil POPOV; Social Democratic Party,

Boris ORLOV; Social Liberal Party, Vladimir FILIN

moderate reformers:

All-Russian Renewal Union (member Civic Union), Arkadiy VOL'SKIY, Aleksandr

VLADISLAVLEV; Democratic Party of Russia (member Civic Union), Nikolay

TRAVKIN, Valeriy KHOMYAKOV; People's Party of Free Russia (member Civic

Union), Aleksandr RUTSKOY, Vasiliy LIPITSKIY; Russian Union of

Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Arkadiy VOL'SKIY, Aleksandr VLADISLAVLEV

antireformers:

Communists and neo-Communists have 7 parties - All-Union Communist Party of

Bolsheviks, Nina ANDREYEVA; Labor Party, Boris KAGARLITSKIY; Russian

Communist Worker's Party, Viktor ANPILOV, Gen. Albert MAKASHOV; Russian

Party of Communists, Anatoliy KRYUCHKOV; Socialist Party of Working People,

Roy MEDVEDEV; Union of Communists, Aleksey PRIGARIN; Working Russia

Movement, Viktor ANPILOV; National Patriots have 6 parties - Constitutional

Democratic Party, Mikhail ASTAF'YEV; Council of People and Patriotic Forces

of Russia, Gennadiy ZYUGANOV; National Salvation Front, Mikhail ASTAF'YEV,

Sergey BABURIN, Vladimir ISAKOV, Il'ya KONSTANTINOV, Aleksandr STERLIGOV;

Russian Christian Democratic Movement, Viktor AKSYUCHITS; Russian National

Assembly, Aleksandr STERLIGOV; Russian National Union, Sergey BABURIN,

Nikolay PAVLOV; extremists have 5 parties - Liberal Democratic Party,

Vladimir ZHIRNOVKSKIY; Nashi Movement, Viktor ALKSNIS; National Republican

Party of Russia, Nikolay LYSENKO; Russian Party, Viktor KORCHAGIN; Russian

National Patriotic Front (Pamyat), Dmitriy VASIL'YEV

Other political or pressure groups:

Civic Union, Aleksandr RUTSKOY, Nikolay TRAVKIN, Arkadiy VOL'SKIY, chairmen

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 12 June 1991 (next to be held 1996); results - percent of vote by

party NA%

Congress of People's Deputies: last held March 1990 (next to be held 1995); results - percent of

vote by

party NA%; seats - (1,063 total) number of seats by party NA; election held

before parties were formed

Supreme Soviet:

last held May 1990 (next to be held 1995); results - percent of vote by

party NA%; seats - (252 total) number of seats by party NA; elected from

Congress of People's Deputies

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Security Council, Presidential Administration,

Council of Ministers, Group of Assistants, Council of Heads of Republics

Legislative branch:

unicameral Congress of People's Deputies, bicameral Supreme Soviet

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court, Supreme Court

*Russia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Boris Nikolayevich YEL'TSIN (since 12 June 1991); Vice President

Aleksandr Vladimirovich RUTSKOY (since 12 June 1991); Chairman of the

Supreme Soviet Ruslan KHASBULATOV (28 October 1991)

Head of Government:

Chairman of the Council of Ministers Viktor Stepanovich CHERNOMYRDIN (since

NA December 1992); First Deputy Chairmen of the Council of Ministers

Vladimir SHUMEYKO (since 9 June 1992), Oleg LOBW (since NA April 1993), Oleg

SOSKOVETS (since NA April 1993)

Member of:

BSEC, CBSS, CCC, CERN (observer), CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ESCAP, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NACC, NSG, OAS (observer), PCA, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UN

Trusteeship Council, UNTSO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Vladimir Petrovich LUKIN

chancery:

1125 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 628-7551 and 8548

consulates general:

New York and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Ulitsa Chaykovskogo 19/21/23, Moscow

mailing address:

APO AE 09721

telephone:

[7] (095) 252-2450 through 2459

FAX:

[7] (095) 255-9965

consulates: St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), Vladivostok

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red

*Russia, Economy

*Russia, Economy

Overview: Russia, a vast country with a wealth of natural resources and a diverse industrial base, continues to experience great difficulties in moving from its old centrally planned economy to a modern market economy. President YEL'TSIN's government made significant strides toward a market economy in 1992 by freeing most prices, slashing defense spending, unifying foreign exchange rates, and launching an ambitious privatization program. At the same time, GDP fell 19%, according to official statistics, largely reflecting government efforts to restructure the economy, shortages of essential imports caused by the breakdown in former Bloc and interstate trade, and reduced demand following the freeing of prices in January. The actual decline, however, may have been less steep, because industrial and agricultural enterprises had strong incentives to understate output to avoid taxes, and official statistics may not have fully captured the output of the growing private sector. Despite the large drop in output, unemployment at yearend stood at an estimated 3%-4% of Russia's 74-million-person labor force; many people, however, are working shortened weeks or are on forced leave. Moscow's financial stabilization program got off to a good start at the beginning of 1992 but began to falter by midyear. Under pressure from industrialists and the Supreme Soviet, the government loosened fiscal policies in the second half. In addition, the Russian Central Bank relaxed its tight credit policy in July at the behest of new Acting Chairman, Viktor GERASHCHENKO. This loosening of financial policies led to a sharp increase in prices during the last quarter, and inflation reached about 25% per month by yearend. The situation of most consumers worsened in 1992. The January price liberalization and a blossoming of private vendors filled shelves across the country with previously scarce food items and consumer goods, but wages lagged behind inflation, making such goods unaffordable for many consumers. Falling real wages forced most Russians to spend a larger share of their income on food and to alter their eating habits. Indeed, many Russians reduced their consumption of higher priced meat, fish, milk, vegetables, and fruit, in favor of more bread and potatoes. As a result of higher spending on food, consumers reduced their consumption of nonfood goods and services. Despite a slow start and some rough going, the Russian government by the end of 1992 scored some successes in its campaign to break the state's stranglehold on property and improve the environment for private businesses. More peasant farms were created than expected; the number of consumers purchasing goods from private traders rose sharply; the portion of the population working in the private sector increased to nearly one-fifth; and the nine-month-long slump in the privatization of small businesses was ended in the fall. Although the output of weapons fell sharply in 1992, most defense enterprises continued to encounter numerous difficulties developing and marketing consumer products, establishing new supply links, and securing resources for retooling. Indeed, total civil production by the defense sector fell in 1992 because of shortages of inputs and lower consumer demand caused by higher prices. Ruptured ties with former trading partners, output declines, and sometimes erratic efforts to move to world prices and decentralize trade - foreign and interstate - took a heavy toll on Russia's commercial relations with other countries. For the second year in a row, foreign trade was down sharply, with exports falling by as much as 25% and imports by 21%. The drop in imports would have been much greater if foreign aid - worth an estimated $8 billion - had not allowed the continued inflow of essential products. Trade with the other former Soviet republics continued to decline, and support for the ruble as a common currency eroded in the face of Moscow's loose monetary policies and rapidly rising prices throughout the region. At the same time, Russia paid only a fraction of the $20 billion due on the former USSR's roughly $80 billion debt; debt rescheduling remained hung up because of a dispute between Russia and Ukraine over division of the former USSR's assets. Capital flight also remained a serious problem in 1992. Russia's economic difficulties did not

*Russia, Economy

abate in the first quarter of 1993. Monthly inflation remained at

double-digit levels and industrial production continued to slump. To reduce

the threat of hyperinflation, the government proposed to restrict subsidies

to enterprises; raise interest rates; set quarterly limits on credits, the

budget deficit, and money supply growth; and impose temporary taxes and cut

spending if budget targets are not met. But many legislators and Central

Bank officials oppose various of these austerity measures and failed to

approve them in the first part of 1993.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-19% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

25% per month (December 1992)

Unemployment rate:

3%-4% of labor force (1 January 1993 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$39.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products,

metals, chemicals, and a wide variety of civilian and military manufactures

partners:

Europe

Imports:

$35.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, chemicals, consumer goods, grain, meat, sugar,

semifinished metal products

partners:

Europe, North America, Japan, Third World countries, Cuba

External debt:

$80 billion (yearend 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -19% (1992)

Electricity:

213,000,000 KW capacity; 1,014.8 billion kWh produced, 6,824 kWh per capita

(1 January 1992)

Industries:

complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas,

chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to

high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; ship- building; road and rail

transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery,

tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and

transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer

durables

Agriculture:

grain, sugar beet, sunflower seeds, meat, milk, vegetables, fruits; because

of its northern location does not grow citrus, cotton, tea, and other warm

climate products

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for domestic consumption;

government has active eradication program; used as transshipment point for

illicit drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1990-92), $9.0 billion; other countries,

ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1988-92), $91 billion

*Russia, Economy

Currency:

1 ruble (R) = 100 kopeks

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Russia, Communications

Railroads:

158,100 km all 1.520-meter broad gauge; 86,800 km in common carrier service,

of which 48,900 km are diesel traction and 37,900 km are electric traction;

71,300 km serves specific industry and is not available for common carrier

use (31 December 1991)

Highways:

893,000 km total, of which 677,000 km are paved or gravelled and 216,000 km

are dirt; 456,000 km are for general use and are maintained by the Russian

Highway Corporation (formerly Russian Highway Ministry); the 437,000 km not

in general use are the responsibility of various other organizations

(formerly ministries); of the 456,000 km in general use, 265,000 km are

paved, 140,000 km are gravelled, and 51,000 km are dirt; of the 437,000 km

not in general use, 272,000 km are paved or gravelled and 165,000 are dirt

(31 December 1991)

Inland waterways:

total navigable routes 102,000 km; routes with navigation guides serving the

Russian River Fleet 97,300 km (including illumination and light reflecting

guides); routes with other kinds of navigational aids 34,300 km; man-made

navigable routes 16,900 km (31 December 1991)

Pipelines:

crude oil 72,500 km, petroleum products 10,600 km, natural gas 136,000 km

(1992)

Ports:

coastal - St. Petersburg (Leningrad), Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Petropavlovsk,

Arkhangel'sk, Novorossiysk, Vladivostok, Nakhodka, Kholmsk, Korsakov,

Magadan, Tiksi, Tuapse, Vanino, Vostochnyy, Vyborg; inland - Astrakhan',

Nizhniy Novgorod (Gor'kiy), Kazan', Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Samara

(Kuybyshev), Moscow, Rostov, Volgograd

Merchant marine:

865 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,073,954 GRT/11,138,336 DWT;

includes 457 cargo, 82 container, 3 multi-function large load carrier, 2

barge carrier, 72 roll-on/roll-off, 124 oil tanker, 25 bulk cargo, 9

chemical tanker, 2 specialized tanker, 16 combination ore/oil, 5 passenger

cargo, 18 short-sea passenger, 6 passenger, 28 combination bulk, 16

refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

2,550

useable:

964

with permanent surface runways:

565

with runways over 3,659 m:

19

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

275

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

426

*Russia, Communications

Telecommunications:

NMT-450 analog cellular telephone networks are opertional in Moscow and St.

Petersburg; expanding access to international E-mail service via Sprint

networks; the inadequacy of Russian telecommunications is a severe handicap

to the economy, especially with respect to international connections; total

installed telephones 24,400,000, of which in urban areas 20,900,000 and in

rural areas 3,500,000; of these, total installed in homes 15,400,000; total

pay phones for long distant calls 34,100; telephone density is about 164

telephones per 1,000 persons; international traffic is handled by an

inadequate system of satellites, land lines, microwave radio relay and

outdated submarine cables; this traffic passes through the international

gateway switch in Moscow which carries most of the international traffic for

the other countries of the Confederation of Independent States; a new

Russian Raduga satellite will soon link Moscow and St. Petersburg with Rome

from whence calls will be relayed to destinations in Europe and overseas;

satellite ground stations - INTELSAT, Intersputnik, Eutelsat (Moscow),

INMARSAT, Orbita; broadcast stations - 1,050 AM/FM/SW (reach 98.6% of

population), 7,183 TV; receiving sets - 54,200,000 TV, 48,800,000 radio

receivers; intercity fiberoptic cables installation remains limited

*Russia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground Forces, Navy, Air Forces, Air Defense Forces, Strategic Rocket

Forces, Command and General Support, Security Forces

note:

strategic nuclear units and warning facilities are under joint CIS control;

Russian defense forces will be comprised of those ground-, air-, and

sea-based conventional assets currently on Russian soil and those still

scheduled to be withdrawn from other countries

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 37,092,361; fit for military service 29,253,668; reach

military age (18) annually 1,082,115 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Rwanda, Geography

Location:

Central Africa, between Tanzania and Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

26,340 km2

land area:

24,950 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Maryland

Land boundaries:

total 893 km, Burundi 290 km, Tanzania 217 km, Uganda 169 km, Zaire 217 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate; two rainy seasons (February to April, November to January); mild

in mountains with frost and snow possible

Terrain:

mostly grassy uplands and hills; mountains in west

Natural resources:

gold, cassiterite (tin ore), wolframite (tungsten ore), natural gas,

hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

29%

permanent crops: 11%

meadows and pastures:

18%

forest and woodland:

10%

other:

32%

Irrigated land:

40 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil exhaustion; soil erosion; periodic droughts

Note:

landlocked

*Rwanda, People

Population:

8,139,272 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.9% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

49.92 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

20.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

119.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

41.23 years

male:

40.2 years

female:

42.28 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

8.27 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Rwandan(s)

adjective:

Rwandan

Ethnic divisions:

Hutu 90%, Tutsi 9%, Twa (Pygmoid) 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 1%, indigenous beliefs and other

25%

Languages:

Kinyarwanda (official), French (official), Kiswahili used in commercial

centers

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

50% male:

64%

female:

37%

Labor force:

3.6 million

by occupation:

agriculture 93%, government and services 5%, industry and commerce 2%

note:

49% of population of working age (1985)

*Rwanda, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Rwanda

conventional short form:

Rwanda

local long form:

Republika y'u Rwanda

local short form:

Rwanda

Digraph:

RW

Type:

republic; presidential system

note:

a new, all-party transitional government is to assume office later this

year, replacing the current MRND-dominated coalition

Capital:

Kigali

Administrative divisions:

10 prefectures (prefectures, singular - prefecture in French; plural - NA,

singular - prefegitura in Kinyarwanda); Butare, Byumba, Cyangugu, Gikongoro,

Gisenyi, Gitarama, Kibungo, Kibuye, Kigali, Ruhengeri

Independence:

1 July 1962 (from UN trusteeship under Belgian administration)

Constitution:

18 June 1991

Legal system:

based on German and Belgian civil law systems and customary law; judicial

review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory

ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 July (1962)

Political parties and leaders:

Republican National Movement for Democracy and Development (MRND), President

HABYARIMANA's political movement, remains the dominant party; significant

independent parties include: Democratic Republican Movement (MDR), Faustin

TWAGIRAMUNGU; Liberal Party (PL), Justin MUGENZI; Democratic and Socialist

Party (PSD), Frederic NZAMURAMBAHO; Coalition for the Defense of the

Republic (CDR), Martin BUCYANA; Party for Democracy in Rwanda (PADER), Jean

NTAGUNGIRA; Christian Democratic Party (PDL), Nayinzira NEPOMUSCENE

note: formerly a one-party state, Rwanda legalized independent parties in

mid-1991; since then, at least 10 new political parties have registered

Other political or pressure groups:

since October 1990, Rwanda has been involved in a low-intensity conflict

with the Rwandan Patriotic Front/Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPF/RPA)

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

President:

last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results -

President Juvenal HABYARIMANA reelected

National Development Council:

last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1993); results -

MRND was the only party; seats - (70 total) MRND 70

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Development Council (Conseil National de Developpement)

*Rwanda, Government

Judicial branch:

Constitutional Court (consists of the Court of Cassation and the Council of

State in joint session)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Juvenal HABYARIMANA (since 5 July 1973)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Dismas NSENGIYAREMYE (since NA April 1992)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Aloys UWIMANA

chancery:

1714 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 232-2882

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Robert A. FLATEN

embassy:

Boulevard de la Revolution, Kigali

mailing address:

B. P. 28, Kigali

telephone:

[250] 75601 through 75603

FAX:

[250] 72128

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of red (hoist side), yellow, and green with a

large black letter R centered in the yellow band; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia; similar to the flag of Guinea, which has a

plain yellow band

*Rwanda, Economy

Overview:

Almost 50% of GDP comes from the agricultural sector; coffee and tea make up

80-90% of total exports. The amount of fertile land is limited, however, and

deforestation and soil erosion have created problems. The industrial sector

in Rwanda is small, contributing only 17% to GDP. Manufacturing focuses

mainly on the processing of agricultural products. The Rwandan economy

remains dependent on coffee exports and foreign aid. Weak international

prices since 1986 have caused the economy to contract and per capita GDP to

decline. A structural adjustment program with the World Bank began in

October 1990. An outbreak of insurgency, also in October 1990, has dampened

prospects for economic improvement.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $2.35 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$290 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $350 million; expenditures $453.7 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA million (1992 est.)

Exports:

$66.6 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

coffee 85%, tea, tin, cassiterite, wolframite, pyrethrum

partners:

Germany, Belgium, Italy, Uganda, UK, France, US

Imports:

$259.5 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

textiles, foodstuffs, machines and equipment, capital goods, steel,

petroleum products, cement and construction material

partners:

US, Belgium, Germany, Kenya, Japan

External debt:

$911 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.2% (1988); accounts for 17% of GDP

Electricity:

30,000 kW capacity; 130 million kWh produced, 15 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining of cassiterite (tin ore) and wolframite (tungsten ore), tin, cement,

agricultural processing, small-scale beverage production, soap, furniture,

shoes, plastic goods, textiles, cigarettes

Agriculture:

accounts for almost 50% of GDP and about 90% of the labor force; cash crops

- coffee, tea, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums); main food

crops - bananas, beans, sorghum, potatoes; stock raising; self-sufficiency

declining; country imports foodstuffs as farm production fails to keep up

with a 3.8% annual growth in population

*Rwanda, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $128 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.0 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $45 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $58

million; note - in October 1990 Rwanda launched a Structural Adjustment

Program with the IMF; since September 1991, the EC has given $46 million and

the US $25 million in support of this program

Currency:

1 Rwandan franc (RF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Rwandan francs (RF) per US$1 - 146.34 (January 1993), 133.35 (1992), 125.14

(1991), 82.60 (1990), 79.98 (1989), 76.45 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Rwanda, Communications

Highways:

4,885 km total; 460 km paved, 1,725 km gravel and/or improved earth, 2,700

km unimproved

Inland waterways:

Lac Kivu navigable by shallow-draft barges and native craft

Airports:

total:

8

usable:

7

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

fair system with low-capacity radio relay system centered on Kigali;

broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 (7 repeaters) FM, no TV; satellite earth

stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 SYMPHONIE

*Rwanda, Defense Forces

Branches: Army (including Air Wing), Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,675,160; fit for military service 853,467 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $37 million, 1.6% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Saint Helena, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Saint Helena, Geography

Location:

in the South Atlantic Ocean, 1,920 km west of Angola, about two-thirds of

the way between South America and Africa

Map references:

Africa

Area:

total area:

410 km2

land area:

410 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 2.3 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

includes Ascension, Gough Island, Inaccessible Island, Nightingale Island,

and Tristan da Cunha

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

60 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; marine; mild, tempered by trade winds

Terrain:

rugged, volcanic; small scattered plateaus and plains

Natural resources:

fish; Ascension is a breeding ground for sea turtles and sooty terns, no

minerals

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

0% meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

83%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

very few perennial streams

Note:

Napoleon Bonaparte's place of exile and burial; harbors at least 40 species

of plants unknown anywhere else in the world

*Saint Helena, People

Population:

6,720 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

9.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.67 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

38.39 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74.43 years

male:

72.36 years

female:

76.27 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Saint Helenian(s)

adjective:

Saint Helenian

Ethnic divisions:

NA

Religions:

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

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1987)

total population:

98%

male:

97% female:

98%

Labor force:

2,516

by occupation:

professional, technical, and related workers 8.7%, managerial,

administrative, and clerical 12.8%, sales people 8.1%, farmer, fishermen,

etc. 5.4%, craftspersons, production process workers 14.7%, others 50.3%

(1987)

*Saint Helena, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Saint Helena

Digraph:

SH

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

Jamestown

Administrative divisions:

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

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

1 January 1989

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen, 10 June 1989 (second Saturday in

June)

Political parties and leaders:

Saint Helena Labor Party; Saint Helena Progressive Party

note:

both political parties inactive since 1976

Suffrage:

NA

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held October 1984 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor commander-in-chief, Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) Head of Government:

Governor A. N. HOOLE (since NA)

Member of:

ICFTU

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

US diplomatic representation:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint

Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield features

a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship

*Saint Helena, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends primarily on financial assistance from the UK. The local

population earns some income from fishing, the raising of livestock, and

sales of handicrafts. Because there are few jobs, a large proportion of the

work force has left to seek employment overseas.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

-1.1% (1986)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $3.2 million; expenditures $2.9 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1984)

Exports:

$23,900 (f.o.b., 1984)

commodities:

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

partners:

South Africa, UK

Imports:

$2.4 million (c.i.f., 1984)

commodities:

food, beverages, tobacco, fuel oils, animal feed, building materials, motor

vehicles and parts, machinery and parts

partners:

UK, South Africa

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

9,800 kW capacity; 10 million kWh produced, 1,390 kWh per capita (1989)

Industries:

crafts (furniture, lacework, fancy woodwork), fishing

Agriculture:

maize, potatoes, vegetables; timber production being developed; crawfishing

on Tristan da Cunha

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$198 million

Currency:

1 Saint Helenian pound (#S) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

Saint Helenian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992),

0.5652 (1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); note - the Saint

Helenian pound is at par with the British pound

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Saint Helena, Communications

Highways:

87 km paved roads and 20 km earth roads on Saint Helena; 80 km paved roads

on Ascension; 2.7 km paved roads on Tristan da Cunha

Ports:

Jamestown (Saint Helena), Georgetown (Ascension)

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

1,500 radio receivers; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 550

telephones in automatic network; HF radio links to Ascension, then into

worldwide submarine cable and satellite networks; major coaxial submarine

cable relay point between South Africa, Portugal, and UK at Ascension; 2

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Saint Helena, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Geography

Location: in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about one-third of the way between Puerto Rico

and Trinidad and Tobago

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

269 km2

land area:

269 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

135 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical tempered by constant sea breezes; little seasonal temperature

variation; rainy season (May to November)

Terrain:

volcanic with mountainous interiors

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

22%

permanent crops:

17%

meadows and pastures:

3%

forest and woodland:

17%

other:

41%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to hurricanes (July to October)

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, People

Population:

40,407 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.59% (1993 est.)

Birth rate: 23.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.39 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

20.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.72 years

male:

62.78 years

female:

68.85 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.64 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Kittsian(s), Nevisian(s)

adjective:

Kittsian, Nevisian

Ethnic divisions:

black African

Religions:

Anglican, other Protestant sects, Roman Catholic

Languages:

English

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

98%

female:

98%

Labor force:

20,000 (1981)

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

conventional short form:

Saint Kitts and Nevis

former:

Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis

Digraph:

SC

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Basseterre

Administrative divisions: 14 parishs; Christ Church Nichola Town, Saint Anne Sandy Point, Saint

George

Basseterre, Saint George Gingerland, Saint James Windward, Saint John

Capesterre, Saint John Figtree, Saint Mary Cayon, Saint Paul Capesterre,

Saint Paul Charlestown, Saint Peter Basseterre, Saint Thomas Lowland, Saint

Thomas Middle Island, Trinity Palmetto Point

Independence:

19 September 1983 (from UK)

Constitution:

19 September 1983

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 19 September (1983)

Political parties and leaders:

People's Action Movement (PAM), Dr. Kennedy SIMMONDS; Saint Kitts and Nevis

Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS; Nevis Reformation Party (NRP),

Simeon DANIEL; Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Vance AMORY

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 21 March 1989 (next to be held by 21 March 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total, 11 elected) PAM 6, SKNLP 2,

NRP 2, CCM 1

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Sir Clement Athelston ARRINDELL (since 19 September 1983, previously

Governor General of the Associated State since NA November 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Dr. Kennedy Alphonse SIMMONDS (since 19 September 1983,

previously Premier of the Associated State since NA February 1980); Deputy

Prime Minister Sydney Earl MORRIS (since NA)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IMF,

INTERPOL, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Minister-Counselor (Deputy Chief of Mission), Charge d'Affaires ad interim

Aubrey Eric HART

chancery:

Suite 608, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 833-3550

US diplomatic representation:

no official presence since the Charge d'Affaires resides in Saint John's

(Antigua and Barbuda)

Flag:

divided diagonally from the lower hoist side by a broad black band bearing

two white five-pointed stars; the black band is edged in yellow; the upper

triangle is green, the lower triangle is red

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Economy

Overview:

The economy has historically depended on the growing and processing of

sugarcane and on remittances from overseas workers. In recent years, tourism

and export-oriented manufacturing have assumed larger roles.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $142 million (1991)

National product real growth rate:

6.8% (1991)

National product per capita:

$3,500 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.2% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

12.2% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $85.7 million; expenditures $85.8 million, including capital

expenditures of $42.4 million (1993)

Exports:

$24.6 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

sugar, clothing, electronics, postage stamps

partners:

US 53%, UK 22%, Trinidad and Tobago 5%, OECS 5% (1988)

Imports:

$103.2 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

foodstuffs, intermediate manufactures, machinery, fuels

partners:

US 36%, UK 17%, Trinidad and Tobago 6%, Canada 3%, Japan 3%, OECS 4% (1988)

External debt:

$37.2 million (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 11.8% (1988 est.); accounts for 11% of GDP

Electricity:

15,800 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 1,120 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

sugar processing, tourism, cotton, salt, copra, clothing, footwear,

beverages

Agriculture:

accounts for 7% of GDP; cash crop - sugarcane; subsistence crops - rice,

yams, vegetables, bananas; fishing potential not fully exploited; most food

imported

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY85-88), $10.7 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $67 million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Communications

Railroads:

58 km 0.760-meter gauge on Saint Kitts for sugarcane

Highways:

300 km total; 125 km paved, 125 km otherwise improved, 50 km unimproved

earth

Ports:

Basseterre (Saint Kitts), Charlestown (Nevis)

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

good interisland VHF/UHF/SHF radio connections and international link via

Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Martin; 2,400 telephones; broadcast stations -

2 AM, no FM, 4 TV

*Saint Kitts and Nevis, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Saint Kitts and Nevis Police Force, Coast Guard

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Saint Lucia, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about two-thirds of the way between Puerto

Rico and Trinidad and Tobago

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

620 km2

land area:

610 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

158 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds; dry season from January to

April, rainy season from May to August

Terrain:

volcanic and mountainous with some broad, fertile valleys

Natural resources:

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

potential

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

20%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

13%

other:

54%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes and volcanic activity; deforestation; soil erosion

*Saint Lucia, People

Population:

144,337 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.52% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

23.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-12.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

18.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.26 years

male:

66.98 years

female:

71.69 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.62 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Saint Lucian(s)

adjective:

Saint Lucian

Ethnic divisions:

African descent 90.3%, mixed 5.5%, East Indian 3.2%, Caucasian 0.8%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 7%, Anglican 3%

Languages:

English (official), French patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1980)

total population:

67%

male:

65%

female:

69%

Labor force:

43,800

by occupation:

agriculture 43.4%, services 38.9%, industry and commerce 17.7% (1983 est.)

*Saint Lucia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Saint Lucia

Digraph:

ST

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Castries

Administrative divisions:

11 quarters; Anse La Raye, Castries, Choiseul, Dauphin, Dennery, Gros Islet,

Laborie, Micoud, Praslin, Soufriere, Vieux Fort

Independence:

22 February 1979 (from UK)

Constitution:

22 February 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 22 February (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

United Workers' Party (UWP), John COMPTON; Saint Lucia Labor Party (SLP),

Julian HUNTE; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), George ODLUM

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 27 April 1992 (next to be held by April 1997); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) UWP 11, SLP 6

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Acting Governor

General Sir Stanislaus Anthony JAMES (since 10 October 1988)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister John George Melvin COMPTON (since 3 May 1982)

Member of:

ACCT (associate), ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dr. Joseph Edsel EDMUNDS

chancery:

Suite 309, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, DC 30037

telephone:

(202) 463-7378 or 7379

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados)

*Saint Lucia, Government

Flag:

blue with a gold isosceles triangle below a black arrowhead; the upper edges

of the arrowhead have a white border

*Saint Lucia, Economy

Overview:

Since 1983 the economy has shown an impressive average annual growth rate of

almost 5% because of strong agricultural and tourist sectors. Saint Lucia

also possesses an expanding industrial base supported by foreign investment

in manufacturing and other activities, such as in data processing. The

economy, however, remains vulnerable because the important agricultural

sector is dominated by banana production, which is subject to periodic

droughts and/or tropical storms.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $250 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,650 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6.1% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

16% (1988)

Budget:

revenues $131 million; expenditures $149 million, including capital

expenditures of $71 million (FY90 est.)

Exports:

$105 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

bananas 58%, clothing, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, coconut oil

partners:

UK 56%, US 22%,CARICOM 19%

Imports:

$267 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 21%, machinery and transportation equipment 21%, food and

live animals, chemicals, fuels

partners:

US 34%, CARICOM 17%, UK 14%, Japan 7%, Canada 4%

External debt:

$65.7 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.5% (1990 est.); accounts for 12% of GDP

Electricity:

32,500 kW capacity; 112 million kWh produced, 740 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

clothing, assembly of electronic components, beverages, corrugated boxes,

tourism, lime processing, coconut processing

Agriculture:

accounts for 12% of GDP and 43% of labor force; crops - bananas, coconuts,

vegetables, citrus fruit, root crops, cocoa; imports food for the tourist

industry

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$120 million

Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

*Saint Lucia, Communications

Highways:

760 km total; 500 km paved; 260 km otherwise improved

Ports:

Castries, Vieux Fort

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439:

1

Telecommunications:

fully automatic telephone system; 9,500 telephones; direct microwave link

with Martinique and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; interisland

troposcatter link to Barbados; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (cable)

*Saint Lucia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Coast Guard

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Header

Affiliation: (territorial collectivity of France)

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Geography

Location:

in the North Atlantic Ocean, 25 km south of Newfoundland (Canada)

Map references:

North America

Area:

total area:

242 km2

land area:

242 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC

note:

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

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

120 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

focus of maritime boundary dispute between Canada and France

Climate:

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

Terrain:

mostly barren rock

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land:

13%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

83%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

vegetation scanty

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, People

Population:

6,652 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.79% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.44 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.14 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.73 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.19 years

male:

73.56 years

female:

77.16 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.73 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)

adjective:

French

Ethnic divisions:

Basques and Bretons (French fishermen)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 98%

Languages:

French

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1982)

total population:

99%

male:

99%

female:

99%

Labor force:

2,850 (1988)

by occupation:

NA

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territorial Collectivity of Saint Pierre and Miquelon

conventional short form:

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

local long form:

Departement de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

local short form:

Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Digraph:

SB

Type:

territorial collectivity of France

Capital:

Saint-Pierre

Administrative divisions:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Independence:

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

since 1763)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French law

National holiday:

National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July

Political parties and leaders:

Socialist Party (PS), Albert PEN; Union for French Democracy (UDF/CDS),

Gerard GRIGNON

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

French President:

last held 8 May 1988 (next to be held NA May 1995); results - (second

ballot) Jacques CHIRAC 56%, Francois MITTERRAND 44%

French Senate:

last held NA September 1986 (next to be held NA September 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PS 1

French National Assembly:

last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA June 1998); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) number of seats by party NA;

note - Saint Pierre and Miquelon elects 1 member each to the French Senate

and the French National Assembly who are voting members

General Council:

last held September-October 1988 (next to be held NA September 1994);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (19 total) Socialist and

other left-wing parties 13, UDF and right-wing parties 6

Executive branch:

French president, commissioner of the Republic

Legislative branch:

unicameral General Council

Judicial branch:

Superior Tribunal of Appeals (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Commissioner of the Republic Kamel KHRISSATE (since NA); President of the

General Council Marc PLANTEGENET (since NA)

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Government

Member of:

FZ

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a territorial collectivity of France, local interests are represented in

the US by France

US diplomatic representation:

none (territorial collectivity of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Economy

Overview:

The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing and by

servicing fishing fleets operating off the coast of Newfoundland. The

economy has been declining, however, because the number of ships stopping at

Saint Pierre has dropped steadily over the years. In March 1989, an

agreement between France and Canada set fish quotas for Saint Pierre's

trawlers fishing in Canadian and Canadian-claimed waters for three years.

The agreement settles a longstanding dispute that had virtually brought fish

exports to a halt. The islands are heavily subsidized by France. Imports

come primarily from Canada and France.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $60 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$9,500 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

9.6% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $18.3 million; expenditures $18.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $5.5 million (1989)

Exports:

$25.5 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

fish and fish products, fox and mink pelts

partners:

US 58%, France 17%, UK 11%, Canada, Portugal

Imports:

$87.2 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

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

partners:

Canada, France, US, Netherlands, UK

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

10,000 kW capacity; 25 million kWh produced, 3,840 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

fish processing and supply base for fishing fleets; tourism

Agriculture:

vegetables, cattle, sheep, pigs for local consumption; fish catch of 20,500

metric tons (1989)

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$500 million

Currency:

1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421

(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Communications

Highways:

120 km total; 60 km paved (1985)

Ports:

Saint Pierre

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

3,601 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 FM, no TV; radio

communication with most countries in the world; 1 earth station in French

domestic satellite system

*Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea about three-fourths of the way between Puerto

Rico and Trinidad and Tobago

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

340 km2

land area:

340 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

84 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

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

November)

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous; Soufriere volcano on the island of Saint Vincent

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

38%

permanent crops:

12%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

41%

other:

3%

Irrigated land:

10 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to hurricanes; Soufriere volcano is a constant threat

Note:

some islands of the Grenadines group are administered by Grenada

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, People

Population:

114,562 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.76% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.86 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.39 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.92 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

18.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 71.72 years

male:

70.21 years

female:

73.28 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Saint Vincentian(s) or Vincentian(s)

adjective:

Saint Vincentian or Vincentian

Ethnic divisions:

black African descent, white, East Indian, Carib Indian

Religions:

Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

English, French patois

Literacy:

age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970)

total population:

96%

male:

96%

female:

96%

Labor force:

67,000 (1984 est.)

by occupation:

NA

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Digraph:

VC

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Kingstown

Administrative divisions:

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

Saint Patrick

Independence:

27 October 1979 (from UK)

Constitution:

27 October 1979

Legal system:

based on English common law

National holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1979)

Political parties and leaders:

New Democratic Party (NDP), James (Son) MITCHELL; Saint Vincent Labor Party

(SVLP), Stanley JOHN; United People's Movement (UPM), Adrian SAUNDERS;

Movement for National Unity (MNU), Ralph GONSALVES; National Reform Party

(NRP), Joel MIGUEL

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Assembly:

last held 16 May 1989 (next to be held NA July 1994); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (21 total; 15 elected representatives and 6

appointed senators) NDP 15

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

David JACK (since 29 September 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister James F. MITCHELL (since 30 July 1984)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IMF,

IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WCL, WFTU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Kingsley LAYNE

chancery:

1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 102, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados)

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Government

Flag:

three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), gold (double width), and green;

the gold band bears three green diamonds arranged in a V pattern

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture, dominated by banana production, is the most important sector of

the economy. The services sector, based mostly on a growing tourist

industry, is also important. The economy continues to have a high

unemployment rate of 35%-40% because of an overdependence on the

weather-plagued banana crop as a major export earner. Government progress

toward diversifying into new industries has been relatively unsuccessful.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $171 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

35%-40% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $62 million; expenditures $67 million, including capital

expenditures of $21 million (FY90 est.)

Exports:

$65.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

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

partners:

UK 43%, CARICOM 37%, US 15%

Imports:

$110.7 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

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

fuels

partners:

US 42%, CARICOM 19%, UK 15%

External debt:

$50.9 million (1989)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0% (1989); accounts for 14% of GDP

Electricity:

16,600 kW capacity; 64 million kWh produced, 555 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing, cement, furniture, clothing, starch

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP and 60% of labor force; provides bulk of exports;

products - bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, spices; small numbers of

cattle, sheep, hogs, goats; small fish catch used locally

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $11 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $81 million

Currency:

1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Communications

Highways:

1,000 km total; 300 km paved; 400 km improved; 300 km unimproved (est.)

Ports:

Kingstown

Merchant marine:

407 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,388,427 GRT/5,511,325 DWT; includes

3 passenger, 2 passenger-cargo, 222 cargo, 22 container, 19 roll-on/roll-off

cargo, 14 refrigerated cargo, 24 oil tanker, 7 chemical tanker, 4 liquefied

gas, 73 bulk, 13 combination bulk, 2 vehicle carrier, 1 livestock carrier, 1

specialized tanker; note - China owns 3 ships; a flag of convenience

registry

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

6

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

islandwide fully automatic telephone system; 6,500 telephones; VHF/UHF

interisland links from Saint Vincent to Barbados and the Grenadines; new SHF

links to Grenada and Saint Lucia; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV

(cable)

*Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Coast Guard

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*San Marino, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

60 km2

land area:

60 km2

comparative area:

about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

total 39 km, Italy 39 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain:

rugged mountains

Natural resources:

building stone

Land use:

arable land:

17%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

83%

Irrigated land:

NA

Environment:

dominated by the Appenines

Note:

landlocked; smallest independent state in Europe after the Holy See and

Monaco

*San Marino, People

Population:

23,855 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.01% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.32 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.25 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

6.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

81.18 years

male:

77.09 years

female:

85.27 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Sammarinese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Sammarinese

Ethnic divisions:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Literacy:

age 14 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

96%

male:

96%

female:

95%

Labor force:

4,300 (est.)

by occupation:

NA

*San Marino, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of San Marino

conventional short form:

San Marino

local long form:

Repubblica di San Marino

local short form:

San Marino

Digraph:

SM

Type:

republic

Capital:

San Marino

Administrative divisions:

9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore,

Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino,

Serravalle

Independence:

301 AD (by tradition)

Constitution:

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

constitution

Legal system:

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

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday: Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic, 3 September

Political parties and leaders:

Christian Democratic Party (DCS), Piermarino MENICUCCI; San Marino

Democratic Progressive Party (PPDS) formerly San Marino Communist Party

(PCS), Gilberto GHIOTTI; San Marino Socialist Party (PSS), Remy GIACOMINI;

Unitary Socialst Party (PSU); Democratic Movement (MD), Emilio Della BALDA;

San Marino Social Democratic Party (PSDS), Augusto CASALI; San Marino

Republican Party (PRS), Cristoforo BUSCARINI

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Great and General Council:

last held 29 May 1988 (next to be held by NA May 1993); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) DCS 27, PCS 18, PSU 8, PSS 7

Executive branch:

two captains regent, Congress of State (cabinet); real executive power is

wielded by the secretary of state for foreign affairs and the secretary of

state for internal affairs

Legislative branch:

unicameral Great and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale)

Judicial branch:

Council of Twelve (Consiglio dei XII)

Leaders:

Co-Chiefs of State:

Captain Regent Patricia BUSIGNANI and Captain Regent Salvatore TONELLI (for

the period 1 April - 30 September 1993)

Head of Government:

Secretary of State Gabriele GATTI (since July 1986)

Member of:

CE, CSCE, ECE, ICAO, ICFTU, ILO, IMF, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM

(guest), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WTO

*San Marino, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

honorary consulates general:

Washington and New York

honorary consulate:

Detroit

US diplomatic representation:

no mission in San Marino, but the Consul General in Florence (Italy) is

accredited to San Marino

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and light blue with the national

coat of arms superimposed in the center; the coat of arms has a shield

(featuring three towers on three peaks) flanked by a wreath, below a crown

and above a scroll bearing the word LIBERTAS (Liberty)

*San Marino, Economy

Overview:

The tourist industry contributes over 50% of GDP. In 1991 over 3.1 million

tourists visited San Marino, 2.7 million of whom were Italians. The key

industries are wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural

products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard

of living are comparable to northern Italy.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $465 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$20,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $300 million, including capital expenditures of

$NA (1991)

Exports:

trade data are included with the statistics for Italy; commodity trade

consists primarily of exchanging building stone, lime, wood, chestnuts,

wheat, wine, baked goods, hides, and ceramics for a wide variety of consumer

manufactures

Imports:

see exports

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 42% of workforce

Electricity:

supplied by Italy

Industries:

wine, olive oil, cement, leather, textile, tourism

Agriculture:

employs 3% of labor force; products - wheat, grapes, maize, olives, meat,

cheese, hides; small numbers of cattle, pigs, horses; depends on Italy for

food imports

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

Italian currency is used; note - also mints its own coins

Exchange rates:

Italian lire (Lit) per US$1 - 1,482.5 (January 1993), 1,232.4 (1992),

1,240.6 (1991), 1,198.1 (1990), 1,372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*San Marino, Communications

Highways:

104 km

Telecommunications:

automatic telephone system completely integrated into Italian system; 11,700

telephones; broadcast services from Italy; microwave and cable links into

Italian networks; no communication satellite facilities

*San Marino, Defense Forces

Branches:

public security or police force

Manpower availability:

all fit men ages 16-60 constitute a militia that can serve as an army

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Sao Tome and Principe, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean, 340 km off the coast of Gabon

straddling the equator

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

960 km2

land area:

960 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

209 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

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

Terrain:

volcanic, mountainous

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

20%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

75%

other: 3%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

deforestation; soil erosion

*Sao Tome and Principe, People

Population:

133,225 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.63% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.39 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.06 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

64.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

63.02 years

male:

61.19 years

female:

64.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Sao Tomean(s)

adjective:

Sao Tomean

Ethnic divisions:

mestico, angolares (descendents of Angolan slaves), forros (descendents of

freed slaves), servicais (contract laborers from Angola, Mozambique, and

Cape Verde), tongas (children of servicais born on the islands), Europeans

(primarily Portuguese)

Religions:

Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant, Seventh-Day Adventist

Languages:

Portuguese (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1981)

total population:

57%

male:

73%

female:

42%

Labor force:

21,096 (1981); most of population engaged in subsistence agriculture and

fishing; labor shortages on plantations and of skilled workers; 56% of

population of working age (1983)

*Sao Tome and Principe, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

conventional short form:

Sao Tome and Principe

local long form:

Republica Democratica de Sao Tome e Principe

local short form:

Sao Tome e Principe

Digraph:

TP

Type:

republic

Capital:

Sao Tome

Administrative divisions:

2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao Tome

Independence:

12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

Constitution:

5 November 1975, approved 15 December 1982

Legal system:

based on Portuguese law system and customary law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

Party for Democratic Convergence-Reflection Group (PCD-GR), Daniel Lima Dos

Santos DAIO, secretary general; Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and

Principe (MLSTP), Carlos da GRACA; Christian Democratic Front (FDC),

Alphonse Dos SANTOS; Democratic Opposition Coalition (CODO), leader NA;

other small parties

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 3 March 1991 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Miguel

TROVOADA was elected without opposition in Sao Tome's first multiparty

presidential election

National People's Assembly:

last held 20 January 1991 (next to be held NA January 1996); results -

PCD-GR 54.4%, MLSTP 30.5%, CODO 5.2%, FDC 1.5%, other 8.4%; seats - (55

total) PCD-GR 33, MLSTP 21, CODO 1; note - this was the first multiparty

election in Sao Tome and Principe

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National People's Assembly (Assembleia Popular Nacional)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Noberto Jose D'Alva COSTA ALEGRE (since 16 May 1992)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INTERPOL, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO,

UPU, WHO, WMO, WTO

*Sao Tome and Principe, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Joaquim Rafael BRANCO

chancery:

(temporary) 801 Second Avenue, Suite 603, New York, NY 10017

telephone:

(212) 697-4211

US diplomatic representation:

ambassador to Gabon is accredited to Sao Tome and Principe on a nonresident

basis and makes periodic visits to the islands

Flag:

three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with

two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow

band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Sao Tome and Principe, Economy

Overview:

The economy has remained dependent on cocoa since the country gained

independence nearly 15 years ago. Since then, however, cocoa production has

gradually deteriorated because of drought and mismanagement, so that by 1987

output had fallen to less than 50% of its former levels. As a result, a

shortage of cocoa for export has created a serious balance-of-payments

problem. Production of less important crops, such as coffee, copra, and palm

kernels, has also declined. The value of imports generally exceeds that of

exports by a ratio of 4:1. The emphasis on cocoa production at the expense

of other food crops has meant that Sao Tome has to import 90% of food needs.

It also has to import all fuels and most manufactured goods. Over the years,

Sao Tome has been unable to service its external debt, which amounts to

roughly 80% of export earnings. Considerable potential exists for

development of a tourist industry, and the government has taken steps to

expand facilities in recent years. The government also implemented a

Five-Year Plan covering 1986-90 to restructure the economy and reschedule

external debt service payments in cooperation with the International

Development Association and Western lenders.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $41.4 million (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$315 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

27% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $10.2 million; expenditures $36.8 million, including capital

expenditures of $22.5 million (1989)

Exports:

$5.5 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

cocoa 85%, copra, coffee, palm oil

partners:

Germany, Netherlands, China

Imports:

$24.5 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

machinery and electrical equipment 54%, food products 23%, other 23%

partners:

Portugal, Germany, Angola, China

External debt:

$163.6 million (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.1% (1986)

Electricity:

5,000 kW capacity; 10 million kWh produced, 80 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

light construction, shirts, soap, beer, fisheries, shrimp processing

Agriculture:

dominant sector of economy, primary source of exports; cash crops - cocoa

(85%), coconuts, palm kernels, coffee; food products - bananas, papaya,

beans, poultry, fish; not self-sufficient in food grain and meat

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $8 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $89 million

*Sao Tome and Principe, Economy

Currency:

1 dobra (Db) = 100 centimos

Exchange rates:

dobras (Db) per US$1 - 230 (1992), 260.0 (November 1991), 122.48 (December

1988), 72.827 (1987), 36.993 (1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Sao Tome and Principe, Communications

Highways:

300 km (two-thirds are paved); roads on Principe are mostly unpaved and in

need of repair

Ports:

Sao Tome, Santo Antonio

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,096 GRT/1,105 DWT

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways :

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

minimal system; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 2 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Sao Tome and Principe, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 31,326; fit for military service 16,507 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Saudi Arabia, Geography

Location:

Middle East, between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,960,582 km2

land area:

1,960,582 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than one-fourth the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total 4,415 km, Iraq 814 km, Jordan 728 km, Kuwait 222 km, Oman 676 km,

Qatar 60 km, UAE 457 km, Yemen 1,458 km

Coastline:

2,640 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

18 nm

continental shelf: not specified

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

large section of boundary with Yemen not defined; status of boundary with

UAE not final; Kuwaiti ownership of Qaruh and Umm al Maradim Islands is

disputed by Saudi Arabia

Climate:

harsh, dry desert with great extremes of temperature

Terrain:

mostly uninhabited, sandy desert

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, copper

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

39%

forest and woodland:

1%

other:

59%

Irrigated land:

4,350 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

no perennial rivers or permanent water bodies; developing extensive coastal

seawater desalination facilities; desertification

Note:

extensive coastlines on Persian Gulf and Red Sea provide great leverage on

shipping (especially crude oil) through Persian Gulf and Suez Canal

*Saudi Arabia, People

Population:

17,615,310 (July 1993 est.)

note:

the population figure is consistent with a 3.3% growth rate; a 1992 census

gives the number of Saudi citizens as 12,304,835 and the number of residents

who are not citizens as 4,624,459

Population growth rate:

3.3% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

38.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.05 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

55.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.32 years male:

65.71 years

female:

69.01 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Saudi(s)

adjective:

Saudi or Saudi Arabian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 90%, Afro-Asian 10%

Religions:

Muslim 100%

Languages:

Arabic

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

62%

male:

73%

female:

48%

Labor force:

5 million

by occupation:

government 34%, industry and oil 28%, services 22%, agriculture 16%

*Saudi Arabia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

conventional short form:

Saudi Arabia

local long form:

Al Mamlakah al 'Arabiyah as Su'udiyah

local short form:

Al 'Arabiyah as Su'udiyah

Digraph:

SA

Type:

monarchy

Capital:

Riyadh

Administrative divisions:

14 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Al Bahah, Al Hudud ash Shamaliyah,

Al Jawf, Al Madinah, Al Qasim, Al Qurayyat, Ar Riyad, Ash Sharqiyah, 'Asir,

Ha'il, Jizan, Makkah, Najran, Tabuk

Independence:

23 September 1932 (unification)

Constitution: none; governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law)

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, several secular codes have been introduced; commercial

disputes handled by special committees; has not accepted compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

Unification of the Kingdom, 23 September (1932)

Political parties and leaders:

none allowed

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

none

Executive branch:

monarch and prime minister, crown prince and deputy prime minister, Council

of Ministers

Legislative branch:

none

Judicial branch:

Supreme Council of Justice

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

King and Prime Minister FAHD bin 'Abd al-'Aziz Al Sa'ud (since 13 June

1982); Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister 'ABDALLAH bin 'Abd al-'Aziz Al

Sa'ud (half-brother to the King, appointed heir to the throne 13 June 1982)

Member of:

ABEDA, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-19, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OAS (observer), OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador BANDAR Bin Sultan

chancery:

601 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 342-3800

*Saudi Arabia, Government

consulates general:

Houston, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires C. David Welch

embassy:

Collector Road M, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh

mailing address:

American Embassy, Unit 61307, Riyadh; International Mail: P. O. Box 94309,

Riyadh 11693; or APO AE 09803-1307

telephone:

[966] (1) 488-3800

FAX:

Telex 406866 consulates general:

Dhahran, Jiddah (Jeddah)

Flag:

green with large white Arabic script (that may be translated as There is no

God but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God) above a white horizontal

saber (the tip points to the hoist side); green is the traditional color of

Islam

*Saudi Arabia, Economy

Overview:

The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 75% of budget revenues, 35% of

GDP, and almost all export earnings. Saudi Arabia has the largest reserves

of petroleum in the world, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and

plays a leading role in OPEC. For the 1990s the government intends to

encourage private economic activity and to foster the gradual process of

turning Saudi Arabia into a modern industrial state that retains traditional

Islamic values. Four million foreign workers play an important role in the

Saudi economy, for example, in the oil and banking sectors.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $111 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

3.6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

6.5% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $45.1 billion; expenditures $52.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$48.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

petroleum and petroleum products 92%

partners:

US 21%, Japan 18%, Singapore 6%, France 6%, Korea 5%

Imports:

$26.1 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

food stuffs, manufactured goods, transportation equipment, chemical

products, textiles

partners:

US 21%, UK 13%, Japan 12%, Germany 8%, France 6%

External debt:

$18.9 billion (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1.1% (1989 est.); accounts for 37% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

28,554,000 kW capacity; 63,000 million kWh produced, 3,690 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

crude oil production, petroleum refining, basic petrochemicals, cement, two

small steel-rolling mills, construction, fertilizer, plastics

Agriculture:

accounts for about 10% of GDP, 16% of labor force; subsidized by government;

products - wheat, barley, tomatoes, melons, dates, citrus fruit, mutton,

chickens, eggs, milk; approaching self-sufficiency in food

Illicit drugs:

death penalty for traffickers

Economic aid:

donor - pledged $64.7 billion in bilateral aid (1979-89)

Currency:

1 Saudi riyal (SR) = 100 halalas

Exchange rates:

Saudi riyals (SR) per US$1 - 3.7450 (fixed rate since late 1986), 3.7033

(1986)

*Saudi Arabia, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Saudi Arabia, Communications

Railroads:

1390 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; 448 km are double tracked

Highways:

74,000 km total; 35,000 km paved, 39,000 km gravel and improved earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 6,400 km, petroleum products 150 km, natural gas 2,200 km,

includes natural gas liquids 1,600 km

Ports:

Jiddah, Ad Dammam, Ras Tanura, Jizan, Al Jubayl, Yanbu al Bahr, Yanbu al

Sinaiyah

Merchant marine:

77 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 860,818 GRT/1,219,345 DWT; includes 1

passenger, 6 short-sea passenger, 11 cargo, 13 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 3

container, 6 refrigerated cargo, 5 livestock carrier, 23 oil tanker, 6

chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 1 specialized tanker, 1 bulk

Airports:

total:

213

usable:

193

with permanent-surface runways:

71

with runways over 3,659 m:

14

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

36

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

107

Telecommunications:

modern system with extensive microwave and coaxial and fiber optic cable

systems; 1,624,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 43 AM, 13 FM, 80 TV;

microwave radio relay to Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Yemen, and

Sudan; coaxial cable to Kuwait and Jordan; submarine cable to Djibouti,

Egypt and Bahrain; earth stations - 3 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Indian

Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, 1 INMARSAT

*Saudi Arabia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Land Force (Army), Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force, National Guard, Coast

Guard, Frontier Forces, Special Security Force, Public Security Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,650,492; fit for military service 3,128,620; reach

military age (17) annually 140,283 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $16.5 billion, 13% of GDP (1993 budget)

*Senegal, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and

Mauritania

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

196,190 km2

land area:

192,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than South Dakota

Land boundaries:

total 2,640 km, The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali

419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline:

531 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

short section of the boundary with The Gambia is indefinite; the

International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 12 November 1991 rendered its

decision on the Guinea-Bissau/Senegal maritime boundary in favor of Senegal

- that decision has been rejected by Guinea-Bissau; boundary with Mauritania

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (December to April) has strong southeast

winds; dry season (May to November) dominated by hot, dry harmattan wind

Terrain:

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Natural resources:

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

27%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

30%

forest and woodland:

31%

other:

12%

Irrigated land:

1,800 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

lowlands seasonally flooded; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion;

desertification

Note:

The Gambia is almost an enclave

*Senegal, People

Population:

8,463,225 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.1% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.42 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

77.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

56.01 years

male:

54.59 years

female:

57.48 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.15 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Senegalese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Senegalese

Ethnic divisions:

Wolof 36%, Fulani 17%, Serer 17%, Toucouleur 9%, Diola 9%, Mandingo 9%,

European and Lebanese 1%, other 2%

Religions:

Muslim 92%, indigenous beliefs 6%, Christian 2% (mostly Roman Catholic)

Languages:

French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, Mandingo

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

38%

male:

52%

female:

25%

Labor force:

2.509 million (77% are engaged in subsistence farming; 175,000 wage earners)

by occupation:

private sector 40%, government and parapublic 60%

note:

52% of population of working age (1985)

*Senegal, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Senegal

conventional short form:

Senegal

local long form:

Republique du Senegal

local short form:

Senegal

Digraph:

SG

Type:

republic under multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Dakar

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack,

Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Independence:

20 August 1960 (from France; The Gambia and Senegal signed an agreement on

12 December 1981 that called for the creation of a loose confederation to be

known as Senegambia, but the agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)

Constitution:

3 March 1963, last revised in 1991

Legal system:

based on French civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in

Supreme Court, which also audits the government's accounting office; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

Socialist Party (PS), President Abdou DIOUF; Senegalese Democratic Party

(PDS), Abdoulaye WADE; 13 other small uninfluential parties

Other political or pressure groups:

students; teachers; labor; Muslim Brotherhoods

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 21 February 1993 (next to be held NA); results - Abdou DIOUF (PS)

58.4%, Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 32.03%, other 9.57%

National Assembly:

last held 28 February 1988 (next to be held NA May 1993); results - PS 71%,

PDS 25%, other 4%; seats - (120 total) PS 103, PDS 17

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Abdou DIOUF (since 1 January 1981)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Habib THIAM (since 7 April 1991)

*Senegal, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, FZ, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA,

UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNTAC, UPU, WADB, WCL, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ibra Deguene KA

chancery:

2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-0540 or 0541

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

(vacant); Charge d'Affaires Robert J. KOTT

embassy:

Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Avenue Kleber, Dakar

mailing address:

B. P. 49, Dakar

telephone:

[221] 23-42-96 or 23-34-24

FAX:

[221] 22-29-91

Flag:

three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a

small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular

pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Senegal, Economy

Overview:

The agricultural sector accounts for about 12% of GDP and provides

employment for about 80% of the labor force. About 40% of the total

cultivated land is used to grow peanuts, an important export crop. Another

principal economic resource is fishing, which brought in about 23% of total

foreign exchange earnings in 1990. Mining is dominated by the extraction of

phosphate, but production has faltered because of reduced worldwide demand

for fertilizers in recent years. Over the past 10 years tourism has become

increasingly important to the economy.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.4 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

1.2% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$780 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $921 million; expenditures $1,024 million; including capital

expenditures of $14 million (FY89 est.)

Exports:

$904 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

manufactures 30%, fish products 23%, peanuts 12%, petroleum products 16%,

phosphates 9%

partners:

France, other EC members, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, India

Imports:

$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

semimanufactures 30%, food 27%, durable consumer goods 17%, petroleum 12%,

capital goods 14%

partners:

France, other EC, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Algeria, China, Japan

External debt:

$2.9 billion (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.7% (1989); accounts for 15% of GDP

Electricity:

215,000 kW capacity; 760 million kWh produced, 100 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, petroleum refining,

building materials

Agriculture:

major products - peanuts (cash crop), millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton,

tomatoes, green vegetables; estimated two-thirds self-sufficient in food;

fish catch of 354,000 metric tons in 1990

Illicit drugs:

increasingly active as a transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin

moving to Europe and North America

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $551 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.23 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $589 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $295

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

*Senegal, Economy

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June; in January 1993, Senegal will switch to a calendar year

*Senegal, Communications

Railroads:

1,034 km 1.000-meter gauge; all single track except 70 km double track Dakar

to Thies

Highways:

14,007 km total; 3,777 km paved, 10,230 km laterite or improved earth

Inland waterways:

897 km total; 785 km on the Senegal, 112 km on the Saloum

Ports:

Dakar, Kaolack, Foundiougne, Ziguinchor

Merchant marine:

1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,995 GRT/3,775 DWT

Airports:

total:

25

usable:

19

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

15

Telecommunications:

above-average urban system, using microwave and cable; broadcast stations -

8 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 3 submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Senegal, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,882,551; fit for military service 983,137; reach military

age (18) annually 91,747 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 2% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Serbia and Montenegro, Header

Note:

Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent

state, but this entity has not been formally recognized as a state by the

US; the US view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY)

has dissolved and that none of the successor republics represents its

continuation

*Serbia and Montenegro, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Bosnia and Herzegovina

and Bulgaria

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

102,350 km2

land area:

102,136 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Kentucky

note:

Serbia has a total area and a land area of 88,412 km2 making it slightly

larger than Maine; Montenegro has a total area of 13,938 km2 and a land area

of 13,724 km2 making it slightly larger than Connecticut

Land boundaries:

total 2,234 km, Albania 287 km (114 km with Serbia; 173 km with Motenegro),

Bosnia and Herzegovina 527 km (312 km with Serbia; 215 km with Montenegro),

Bulgaria 318 km, Croatia (north) 239 km, Croatia (south) 15 km, Hungary 151

km, Macedonia 221 km, Romania 476 km

note:

the internal boundary between Montenegro and Serbia is 211 km

Coastline:

199 km (Montenegro 199 km, Serbia 0 km)

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Sandzak region bordering northern Montenegro and southeastern Serbia -

Muslims seeking autonomy; Vojvodina taken from Hungary and awarded to the

former Yugoslavia by Treaty of Trianon in 1920; disputes with Bosnia and

Herzegovina and Croatia over Serbian populated areas; Albanian minority in

Kosovo seeks independence from Serbian Republic

Climate:

in the north, continental climate (cold winter and hot, humid summers with

well distributed rainfall); central portion, continental and Mediterranean

climate; to the south, Adriatic climate along the coast, hot, dry summers

and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall inland

Terrain:

extremely varied; to the north, rich fertile plains; to the east, limestone

ranges and basins; to the southeast, ancient mountain and hills; to the

southwest, extremely high shoreline with no islands off the coast; home of

largest lake in former Yugoslavia, Lake Scutari

Natural resources:

oil, gas, coal, antimony, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, gold, pyrite, chrome

Land use:

arable land:

30%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

25%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

*Serbia and Montenegro, Geography

Environment:

coastal water pollution from sewage outlets, especially in tourist-related

areas such as Kotor; air pollution around Belgrade and other industrial

cities; water pollution along Danube from industrial waste dumped into the

Sava which drains into the Danube; subject to destructive earthquakes

Note:

controls one of the major land routes from Western Europe to Turkey and the

Near East; strategic location along the Adriatic coast

*Serbia and Montenegro, People

Population:

10,699,539 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

NA%

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate: NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Serb(s) and Montenegrin(s)

adjective:

Serbian and Montenegrin

Ethnic divisions:

Serbs 63%, Albanians 14%, Montenegrins 6%, Hungarians 4%, other 13%

Religions:

Orthodox 65%, Muslim 19%, Roman Catholic 4%, Protestant 1%, other 11%

Languages:

Serbo-Croatian 95%, Albanian 5%

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

2,640,909

by occupation:

industry, mining 40%, agriculture 5% (1990)

*Serbia and Montenegro, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Serbia and Montenegro

local long form:

none

local short form:

Srbija-Crna Gora

Digraph:

SR

Type:

republic

Capital:

Belgrade

Administrative divisions:

2 republics (pokajine, singular - pokajina); and 2 autonomous provinces*;, Kosovo*, Montenegro,,

Serbia, Vojvodina*, Independence: 11 April 1992 (from Yugoslavia)

Constitution:

27 April 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

Serbian Socialist Party (SPS; former Communist Party), Slobodan MILOSEVIC;

Serbian Radical Party (SRS), Vojislav SESELJ; Serbian Renewal Party (SPO),

Vuk DRASKOVIC; Democratic Party (DS), Dragoljub MICUNOVIC; Democratic Party

of Serbia, Vojislav KOSTUNICA; Democratic Party of Socialists (DSSCG), Momir

BULATOVIC; People's Party of Montenegro (NS), Novak KILIBARDA; Liberal

Alliance of Montenegro, Slavko PEROVIC; Democratic Community of Vojvodina

Hungarians (DZVM), Agoston ANDRAS; League of Communists-Movement for

Yugoslavia (SK-PJ), Dragan ATANASOVSKI

Other political or pressure groups:

Serbian Democratic Movement (DEPOS; coalition of opposition parties)

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Elections:

President:

Federal Assembly elected Zoran LILIC on 25 June 1993

Chamber of Republics:

last held 31 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (40 total; 20 Serbian, 20 Montenegrin)

Chamber of Citizens:

last held 31 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of votes

by party NA; seats (138 total; 108 Serbian, 30 Montenegrin) - SPS 73, SRS

33, DSSCG 23, SK-PJ 2, DZVM 2, independents 2, vacant 3

Executive branch:

president, vice president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly consists of an upper house or Chamber of

Republics and a lower house or Chamber of Deputies

Judicial branch:

Savezni Sud (Federal Court), Constitutional Court

*Serbia and Montenegro, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Zoran LILIC (since 25 June 1993); note - Slobodan MILOSEVIC is president of

Serbia (since 9 December 1990); Momir BULATOVIC is president of Montenegro

(since 23 December 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Radoje KONTIC (since NA December 1992); Deputy Prime

Ministers Jovan ZEBIC (since NA March 1993), Asim TELACEVIC (since NA March

1993), Lovre KOVILJKO (since NA March 1993)

Diplomatic representation in US:

US and Serbia and Montenegro do not maintain full diplomatic relations; the

Embassy of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia continues to

function in the US

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

address NA, Belgrade

mailing address:

American Embassy Box 5070, Unit 25402, APO AE 09213-5070

telephone:

[38] (11) 645-655

FAX:

[38] (11) 645-221

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and red

*Serbia and Montenegro, Economy

Overview:

The swift collapse of the Yugoslav federation has been followed by bloody

ethnic warfare, the destabilization of republic boundaries, and the breakup

of important interrepublic trade flows. The situation in Serbia and

Montenegro remains fluid in view of the extensive political and military

strife. Serbia and Montenegro faces major economic problems. First, like the

other former Yugoslav republics, it depended on its sister republics for

large amounts of foodstuffs, energy supplies, and manufactures. Wide

varieties in climate, mineral resources, and levels of technology among the

republics accentuate this interdependence, as did the Communist practice of

concentrating much industrial output in a small number of giant plants. The

breakup of many of the trade links, the sharp drop in output as industrial

plants lost suppliers and markets, and the destruction of physical assets in

the fighting all have contributed to the economic difficulties of the

republics. One singular factor in the economic situation of Serbia and

Montenegro is the continuation in office of a Communist government that is

primarily interested in political and military mastery, not economic reform.

A further complication is the imposition of economic sanctions by the UN.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $27-37 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$2,500-$3,500 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

81% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

25%-40% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$4.4 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 29%, manufactured goods 28.5%,

miscellaneous manufactured articles 13.5%, chemicals 11%, food and live

animals 9%, raw materials 6%, fuels and lubricants 2%, beverages and tobacco

1%

partners:

prior to the imposition of sanctions by the UN Security Council trade

partners were principally the other former Yugoslav republics; Italy,

Germany, other EC, the successor states of the former USSR, East European

countries, US

Imports:

$6.4 billion (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 26%, fuels and lubricants 18%,

manufactured goods 16%, chemicals 12.5%, food and live animals 11%,

miscellaneous manufactured items 8%, raw materials, including coking coal

for the steel industry, 7%, beverages, tobacco, and edible oils 1.5%

partners:

prior to the imposition of sanctions by the UN Security Council the trade

partners were principally the other former Yugoslav republics; the successor

states of the former USSR, EC countries (mainly Italy and Germany), East

European countries, US

External debt:

$4.2 billion (may assume some part of foreign debt of former Yugoslavia)

Industrial production:

growth rate -20% or greater (1991 est.)

*Serbia and Montenegro, Economy

Electricity:

8,850,000 kW capacity; 42,000 million kWh produced, 3,950 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

machine building (aircraft, trucks, and automobiles; armored vehicles and

weapons; electrical equipment; agricultural machinery), metallurgy (steel,

aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, antimony, bismuth, cadmium), mining

(coal, bauxite, nonferrous ore, iron ore, limestone), consumer goods

(textiles, footwear, foodstuffs, appliances), electronics, petroleum

products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals

Agriculture:

the fertile plains of Vojvodina produce 80% of the cereal production of the

former Yugoslavia and most of the cotton, oilseeds, and chicory; Vojvodina

also produces fodder crops to support intensive beef and dairy production;

Serbia proper, although hilly, has a well-distributed rainfall and a long

growing season; produces fruit, grapes, and cereals; in this area, livestock

production (sheep and cattle) and dairy farming prosper; Kosovo produces

fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and a small amount of cereals; the mountainous

pastures of Kosovo and Montenegro support sheep and goat husbandry;

Montenegro has only a small agriculture sector, mostly near the coast where

a Mediterranean climate permits the culture of olives, citrus, grapes, and

rice

Illicit drugs:

NA

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 Yugoslav New Dinar (YD) = 100 paras

Exchange rates:

Yugoslav New Dinars (YD) per US $1 - 28.230 (December 1991), 15.162 (1990),

15.528 (1989), 0.701 (1988), 0.176 (1987)

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Serbia and Montenegro, Communications

Railroads:

NA

Highways:

46,019 km total (1990); 26,949 km paved, 10,373 km gravel, 8,697 km earth

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

crude oil 415 km, petroleum products 130 km, natural gas 2,110 km

Ports:

coastal - Bar; inland - Belgrade

Merchant marine:

Montenegro:

40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 620,455 GRT/1,024,227 DWT; includes 17

cargo, 5 container, 17 bulk, 1 passenger ship; note - most under Maltese

flag except 2 bulk under Panamian flag

Serbia:

4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 246,631 GRT/451,843 DWT; includes 2

bulk, 2 conbination tanker/ore carrier; note - all under the flag of Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines

Airports:

total:

48

useable:

48

with permanent-surface runways:

16

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

9

Telecommunications:

700,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 26 AM, 9 FM, 18 TV; 2,015,000

radios; 1,000,000 TVs; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

*Serbia and Montenegro, Defense Forces

Branches:

People's Army - Ground Forces (internal and border troops), Naval Forces,

Air and Air Defense Forces, Frontier Guard, Territorial Defense Force, Civil

Defense

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,700,485; fit for military service 2,178,128; reach

military age (19) annually 83,783 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

245 billion dinars, 4-6% of GDP (1992 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Seychelles, Geography

Location:

in the western Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

455 km2

land area:

455 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

491 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims Tromelin Island

Climate:

tropical marine; humid; cooler season during southeast monsoon (late May to

September); warmer season during northwest monsoon (March to May)

Terrain:

Mahe Group is granitic, narrow coastal strip, rocky, hilly; others are

coral, flat, elevated reefs

Natural resources:

fish, copra, cinnamon trees

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

18%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

18%

other:

60%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

lies outside the cyclone belt, so severe storms are rare; short droughts

possible; no fresh water - catchments collect rain; 40 granitic and about 50

coralline islands

*Seychelles, People

Population:

71,494 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.88% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

22.35 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.12 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.43 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.26 years

male:

65.56 years

female:

73.07 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.3 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Seychellois (singular and plural)

adjective:

Seychelles

Ethnic divisions:

Seychellois (mixture of Asians, Africans, Europeans)

Religions:

Roman Catholic 90%, Anglican 8%, other 2%

Languages:

English (official), French (official), Creole

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1971)

total population:

58%

male:

56%

female:

60%

Labor force:

27,700 (1985)

by occupation:

industry and commerce 31%, services 21%, government 20%, agriculture,

forestry, and fishing 12%, other 16% (1985)

note:

57% of population of working age (1983)

*Seychelles, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Seychelles

conventional short form:

Seychelles

Digraph:

SE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Victoria

Administrative divisions:

23 administrative districts; Anse aux Pins, Anse Boileau, Anse Etoile, Anse

Louis, Anse Royale, Baie Lazare, Baie Sainte Anne, Beau Vallon, Bel Air, Bel

Ombre, Cascade, Glacis, Grand' Anse (on Mahe Island), Grand' Anse (on

Praslin Island), La Digue, La Riviere Anglaise, Mont Buxton, Mont Fleuri,

Plaisance, Pointe Larue, Port Glaud, Saint Louis, Takamaka

Independence:

29 June 1976 (from UK)

Constitution:

5 June 1979

note:

new constitution now being drafted by multiparty conference, to take effect

in mid-1993

Legal system:

based on English common law, French civil law, and customary law

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 5 June (1977) (anniversary of coup)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party - Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF), France Albert

RENE; Democratic Party (DP), Sir James MANCHAM; Seychelles Party (PS), Wavel

RAMKALAWAN; Seychelles Democratic Movement (MSPD), Jacques HONDOUL;

Seychelles Liberal Party (SLP), Ogilvie BERLOUIS

Other political or pressure groups:

trade unions; Roman Catholic Church

Suffrage:

17 years of age; universal

Elections:

note:

presidential and legislative elections are scheduled to be held once the

new, multiparty consititution is ratified later this year

President:

last held 9-11 June 1989 (next to be held NA 1993); results - President

France Albert RENE reelected without opposition

People's Assembly:

last held 5 December 1987 (next to be held mid-1993); results - SPPF was the

only legal party; seats - (25 total, 23 elected) SPPF 23

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly (Assemblee du Peuple)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President France Albert RENE (since 5 June 1977)

*Seychelles, Government

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO,

WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Second Secretary, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Marc R. MARENGO

chancery:

(temporary) 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900F, New York, NY 10017

telephone:

(212) 687-9766

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Matthew F. MATTINGLY

embassy:

4th Floor, Victoria House, Victoria

mailing address:

Victoria House, Box 251, Victoria, Mahe, or Box 148, Unit 62501, APO AE

09815-2501

telephone:

(248) 25256

FAX:

(248) 25189

Flag:

three horizontal bands of red (top), white (wavy), and green; the white band

is the thinnest, the red band is the thickest

*Seychelles, Economy

Overview:

In this small, open, tropical island economy, the tourist industry employs

about 30% of the labor force and provides more than 70% of hard currency

earnings. In recent years the government has encouraged foreign investment

in order to upgrade hotels and other services. At the same time, the

government has moved to reduce the high dependence on tourism by promoting

the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $350 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-4.5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$5,200 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1.8% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9% (1987)

Budget:

revenues $180 million; expenditures $202 million, including capital

expenditures of $32 million (1989)

Exports:

$40 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

fish, copra, cinnamon bark, petroleum products (reexports)

partners:

France 63%, Pakistan 12%, Reunion 10%, UK 7% (1987)

Imports:

$186 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

manufactured goods, food, tobacco, beverages, machinery and transportation

equipment, petroleum products

partners:

UK 20%, France 14%, South Africa 13%, Yemen 13%, Singapore 8%, Japan 6%

(1987)

External debt:

$189 million (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7% (1987); accounts for 10% of GDP

Electricity:

30,000 kW capacity; 80 million kWh produced, 1,160 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

tourism, processing of coconut and vanilla, fishing, coir rope factory, boat

building, printing, furniture, beverage

Agriculture:

accounts for 7% of GDP, mostly subsistence farming; cash crops - coconuts,

cinnamon, vanilla; other products - sweet potatoes, cassava, bananas;

broiler chickens; large share of food needs imported; expansion of tuna

fishing under way

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY78-89), $26 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1978-89), $315 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $60

million

Currency:

1 Seychelles rupee (SRe) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Seychelles rupees (SRe) per US$1 - 5.2545 (January 1993), 5.1220 (1992),

5.2893 (1991), 5.3369 (1990), 5.6457 (1989), 5.3836 (1988)

*Seychelles, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Seychelles, Communications

Highways:

260 km total; 160 km paved, 100 km crushed stone or earth

Ports:

Victoria

Merchant marine:

1 refrigerated cargo totaling 1,827 GRT/2,170 DWT

Airports:

total:

14

usable:

14

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

direct radio communications with adjacent islands and African coastal

countries; 13,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 2 TV; 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station; USAF tracking station

*Seychelles, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, National Guard, Marines, Coast Guard, Presidential Protection Unit,

Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 18,982; fit for military service 9,710 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $12 million, 4% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Sierra Leone, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Guinea and

Liberia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

71,740 km2

land area:

71,620 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than South Carolina

Land boundaries:

total 958 km, Guinea 652 km, Liberia 306 km

Coastline:

402 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate: tropical; hot, humid; summer rainy season (May to December); winter dry

season (December to April)

Terrain:

coastal belt of mangrove swamps, wooded hill country, upland plateau,

mountains in east

Natural resources:

diamonds, titanium ore, bauxite, iron ore, gold, chromite

Land use:

arable land:

25%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

31%

forest and woodland:

29%

other:

13%

Irrigated land:

340 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

extensive mangrove swamps hinder access to sea; deforestation; soil

degradation

*Sierra Leone, People

Population:

4,510,571 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.61% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.47 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

19.39 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

145 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

45.87 years

male:

43.1 years

female:

48.71 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.01 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Sierra Leonean(s)

adjective:

Sierra Leonean

Ethnic divisions:

13 native African tribes 99% (Temne 30%, Mende 30%, other 39%), Creole,

European, Lebanese, and Asian 1%

Religions:

Muslim 30%, indigenous beliefs 30%, Christian 10%, other or none 30%

Languages:

English (official; regular use limited to literate minority), Mende

principal vernacular in the south, Temne principal vernacular in the north,

Krio the language of the re-settled ex-slave population of the Freetown area

and is lingua franca

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write English, Merde, Temne, or Arabic (1990)

total population:

21%

male:

31%

female:

11%

Labor force:

1.369 million (1981 est.)

by occupation:

agriculture 65%, industry 19%, services 16% (1981 est.)

note:

only about 65,000 wage earners (1985); 55% of population of working age

*Sierra Leone, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Sierra Leone

conventional short form:

Sierra Leone

Digraph:

SL

Type:

military government

Capital:

Freetown

Administrative divisions:

3 provinces and 1 area*; Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western*, Independence:

27 April 1961 (from UK)

Constitution:

1 October 1991; amended September 1991

Legal system:

based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local tribes; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Republic Day, 27 April (1961)

Political parties and leaders:

status of existing political parties is unknown following 29 April 1992 coup

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

suspended after 29 April 1992 coup; Chairman STRASSER promises multi-party

elections sometime within three years

Executive branch:

National Provisional Ruling Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (suspended after coup of 29 April 1992)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Chairman of the Supreme Council of State Capt. Valentine E. M. STRASSER

(since 29 April 1992)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,

OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 939-9261

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Lauralee M. PETERS

embassy:

Walpole and Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[232] (22) 226-481

*Sierra Leone, Government

FAX:

[232] (22) 225-471

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of light green (top), white, and light blue

*Sierra Leone, Economy

Overview:

The economic and social infrastructure is not well developed. Subsistence

agriculture dominates the economy, generating about one-third of GDP and

employing about two-thirds of the working population. Manufacturing, which

accounts for roughly 10% of GDP, consists mainly of the processing of raw

materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Diamond mining

provides an important source of hard currency. The economy suffers from high

unemployment, rising inflation, large trade deficits, and a growing

dependency on foreign assistance. The government in 1990 was attempting to

get the budget deficit under control and, in general, to bring economic

policy in line with the recommendations of the IMF and the World Bank. Since

March 1991, however, military incursions by Liberian rebels in southern and

eastern Sierra Leone have severely strained the economy and have undermined

efforts to institute economic reforms.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion (FY92 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-1% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$330 (FY92 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $68 million; expenditures $118 million, including capital

expenditures of $28 million (FY92 est.)

Exports:

$75 million (f.o.b., FY92 est.)

commodities:

rutile 50%, bauxite 17%, cocoa 11%, diamonds 3%, coffee 3%

partners:

US, UK, Belgium, Germany, other Western Europe

Imports:

$62 million (c.i.f., FY92 est.)

commodities:

capital goods 40%, food 32%, petroleum 12%, consumer goods 7%, light

industrial goods

partners:

US, EC countries, Japan, China, Nigeria

External debt:

$633 million (FY92 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

85,000 kW capacity; 185 million kWh produced, 45 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining (diamonds, bauxite, rutile), small-scale manufacturing (beverages,

textiles, cigarettes, footwear), petroleum refinery

Agriculture:

accounts for over 30% of GDP and two-thirds of the labor force; largely

subsistence farming; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, palm kernels; harvests of

food staple rice meets 80% of domestic needs; annual fish catch averages

53,000 metric tons

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $161 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $848 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $18 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $101

million

*Sierra Leone, Economy

Currency:

1 leone (Le) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

leones (Le) per US$1 - 552.43 (January 1993), 499.44 (1992), 295.34 (1991),

144.9275 (1990), 58.1395 (1989), 31.2500 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Sierra Leone, Communications

Railroads:

84 km 1.067-meter narrow-gauge mineral line is used on a limited basis

because the mine at Marampa is closed

Highways:

7,400 km total; 1,150 km paved, 490 km laterite (some gravel), 5,760 km

improved earth

Inland waterways:

800 km; 600 km navigable year round

Ports:

Freetown, Pepel, Bonthe

Merchant marine:

1 cargo ship totaling 5,592 GRT/9,107 DWT

Airports:

total:

11

usable:

7

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

marginal telephone and telegraph service; national microwave radio relay

system unserviceable at present; 23,650 telephones; broadcast stations - 1

AM, 1 FM, 1 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Sierra Leone, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Police, Security Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 983,281; fit for military service 475,855 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $6 million, 0.7% of GDP (1988 est.)

*Singapore, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, between Malaysia and Indonesia

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

632.6 km2

land area:

622.6 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

12 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm

International disputes:

two islands in dispute with Malaysia

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid, rainy; no pronounced rainy or dry seasons;

thunderstorms occur on 40% of all days (67% of days in April)

Terrain:

lowland; gently undulating central plateau contains water catchment area and

nature preserve

Natural resources:

fish, deepwater ports

Land use:

arable land:

4%

permanent crops:

7%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

5%

other:

84%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

mostly urban and industrialized

Note:

focal point for Southeast Asian sea routes

*Singapore, People

Population:

2,826,331 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.19% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.12 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.25 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.75 years

male:

73.07 years

female:

78.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.89 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Singaporean(s)

adjective:

Singapore

Ethnic divisions:

Chinese 76.4%, Malay 14.9%, Indian 6.4%, other 2.3%

Religions:

Buddhist (Chinese), Atheist (Chinese), Muslim (Malays), Christian, Hindu,

Sikh, Taoist, Confucianist

Languages:

Chinese (official), Malay (official and national), Tamil (official), English

(official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

88%

male:

93%

female:

84%

Labor force:

1,485,800

by occupation:

financial, business, and other services 30.2%, manufacturing 28.4%, commerce

22.0%, construction 9.0%, other 10.4% (1990)

*Singapore, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Singapore

conventional short form:

Singapore

Digraph:

SN

Type:

republic within Commonwealth

Capital: Singapore

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

9 August 1965 (from Malaysia)

Constitution:

3 June 1959, amended 1965; based on preindependence State of Singapore

Constitution

Legal system:

based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 9 August (1965)

Political parties and leaders:

government:

People's Action Party (PAP), GOH Chok Tong, secretary general

opposition:

Workers' Party (WP), J. B. JEYARETNAM; Singapore Democratic Party (SDP),

CHIAM See Tong; National Solidarity Party (NSP), leader NA; Barisan Sosialis

(BS, Socialist Front), leader NA

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 31 August 1989 (next to be held NA August 1993); results -

President WEE Kim Wee was reelected by Parliament without opposition

Parliament:

last held 31 August 1991 (next to be held 31 August 1996); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (81 total) PAP 77, SDP 3, WP 1

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, two deputy prime ministers, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President WEE Kim Wee (since 3 September 1985)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister GOH Chok Tong (since 28 November 1990); Deputy Prime Minister

LEE Hsien Loong (since 28 November 1990); Deputy Prime Minister ONG Teng

Cheong (since 2 January 1985)

Member of:

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, C, CCC, COCOM (cooperating country), CP, ESCAP, G-77,

GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNIKOM, UPU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador S. R. NATHAN

*Singapore, Government

chancery:

1824 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone:

(202) 667-7555

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jon M. HUNTSMAN, Jr.

embassy:

30 Hill Street, Singapore 0617

mailing address:

FPO AP 96534

telephone:

[65] 338-0251

FAX:

[65] 338-4550

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; near the hoist side of

the red band, there is a vertical, white crescent (closed portion is toward

the hoist side) partially enclosing five white five-pointed stars arranged

in a circle

*Singapore, Economy

Overview:

Singapore has an open entrepreneurial economy with strong service and

manufacturing sectors and excellent international trading links derived from

its entrepot history. The economy appears to have pulled off a soft landing

from the 9% growth rate of the late 1980s, registering higher than expected

growth in 1992 while stemming inflation. Economic activity slowed early in

1992, primarily as a result of slackened demand in Singapore's export

markets. But after bottoming out in the second quarter, the economy picked

up in line with a gradual recovery in the United States. The year's best

performers were the construction and financial services industries and

manufacturers of computer-related components. Rising labor costs continue to

be a threat to Singapore's competitiveness, but there are indications that

productivity is catching up. Government surpluses and the rate of gross

national savings remain high. In technology, per capita output, and labor

discipline, Singapore is well on its way toward its goal of becoming a

developed country.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $45.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

5.8% (1992)

National product per capita:

$16,500 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

2.7% (June 1992)

Budget:

revenues $10.4 billion; expenditures $9.4 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993)

Exports:

$61.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

computer equipment, rubber and rubber products, petroleum products,

telecommunications equipment

partners:

US 21%, Malaysia 13%, Hong Kong 8%, Japan 7%, Thailand 6%

Imports:

$66.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

aircraft, petroleum, chemicals, foodstuffs

partners:

Japan 21%, US 16%, Malaysia 14%, Taiwan 4%

External debt:

$0 Singapore is a net creditor

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.3% (1992); accounts for 28% of GDP

Electricity:

4,860,000 kW capacity; 18,000 million kWh produced, 6,420 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum refining, electronics, oil drilling equipment, rubber processing

and rubber products, processed food and beverages, ship repair, entrepot

trade, financial services, biotechnology

Agriculture:

occupies a position of minor importance in the economy; self-sufficient in

poultry and eggs; must import much of other food; major crops - rubber,

copra, fruit, vegetables

*Singapore, Economy

Illicit drugs:

transit point for Golden Triangle heroin going to the US, Western Europe,

and the Third World; also a major money-laundering center

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-83), $590 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.0 billion

Currency:

1 Singapore dollar (S$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Singapore dollars (S$) per US$1 - 1.6531 (January 1993), 1.6290 (1992),

1.7276 (1991), 1.8125 (1990), 1.9503 (1989), 2.0124 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*Singapore, Communications

Railroads:

38 km of 1.000-meter gauge

Highways:

2,644 km total (1985)

Ports:

Singapore

Merchant marine:

492 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 9,763,511 GRT/15,816,384 DWT;

includes 1 passenger-cargo, 125 cargo, 72 container, 7 roll-on/roll-off

cargo, 4 refrigerated cargo, 18 vehicle carrier, 1 livestock carrier, 165

oil tanker, 8 chemical tanker, 7 combination ore/oil, 2 specialized tanker,

5 liquefied gas, 74 bulk, 3 combination bulk; note - many Singapore flag

ships are foreign owned

Airports:

total:

10

usable:

10

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

good domestic facilities; good international service; good radio and

television broadcast coverage; 1,110,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 13

AM, 4 FM, 2 TV; submarine cables extend to Malaysia (Sabah and peninsular

Malaysia), Indonesia, and the Philippines; satellite earth stations - 1

Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT

*Singapore, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, People's Defense Force, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 853,440; fit for military service 629,055 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.7 billion, 4% of GDP (1990 est.)

*Slovakia, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, between Hungary and Poland

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

48,845 km2

land area:

48,800 km2

comparative area:

about twice the size of New Hampshire

Land boundaries:

total 1,355 km, Austria 91 km, Czech Republic 215 km, Hungary 515 km, Poland

444 km, Ukraine 90 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims: none; landlocked

International disputes:

Gabcikovo-Nagymaros Dam dispute with Hungary; unresolved property issues

with Czech Republic over redistribution of former Czechoslovak federal

property; establishment of international border between the Czech Republic

and Slovakia

Climate:

temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters

Terrain:

rugged mountains in the central and northern part and lowlands in the south

Natural resources:

brown coal and lignite; small amounts of iron ore, copper and manganese ore;

salt; gas

Land use:

arable land:

NA%

permanent crops:

NA%

meadows and pastures:

NA%

forest and woodland:

NA%

other:

NA%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

severe damage to forests from "acid rain" caused by coal-fired power

stations

Note:

landlocked

*Slovakia, People

Population:

5,375,501 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.51% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

14.59 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.47 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

10.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.39 years

male:

68.18 years

female:

76.85 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Slovak(s)

adjective:

Slovak

Ethnic divisions:

Slovak 85.6%, Hungarian 10.8%, Gypsy 1.5% (the 1992 census figures

underreport the Gypsy/Romany community, which could reach 500,000 or more),

Czech 1.1%, Ruthenian 15,000, Ukrainian 13,000, Moravian 6,000, German

5,000, Polish 3,000

Religions:

Roman Catholic 60.3%, atheist 9.7%, Protestant 8.4%, Orthodox 4.1%, other

17.5%

Languages:

Slovak (official), Hungarian

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

2.484 million

by occupation:

industry 33.2%, agriculture 12.2%, construction 10.3%, communication and

other 44.3% (1990)

*Slovakia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Slovak Republic

conventional short form:

Slovakia

local long form:

Slovenska Republika

local short form:

Slovensko

Digraph:

LO

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Bratislava

Administrative divisions:

4 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) Bratislava,

Zapadoslovensky, Stredoslovensky, Vychodoslovensky

Independence:

1 January 1993 (from Czechoslovakia)

Constitution:

ratified 3 September 1992; fully effective 1 January 1993

Legal system: civil law system based on Austro-Hungarian codes; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; legal code modified to comply with the

obligations of Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and

to expunge Marxist-Leninist legal theory

National holiday:

Slovak National Uprising, August 29 (1944)

Political parties and leaders:

Hungarian Christian Democratic Movement, Vojtech BUGAR; Christian Democratic

Movement, Jan CARNOGURSKY; Movement for a Democratic Slovakia, Vladimir

MECIAR, chairman; Party of the Democratic Left, Peter WEISS, chairman;

Slovak National Party, Ludovit CERNAK, chairman; Coexistence, Miklos DURAY,

chairman; Party of Conservative Democrats, leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

Green Party; Democratic Party; Social Democratic Party in Slovakia; Movement

for Czech-Slovak Accord; Freedom Party; Slovak Christian Union; Hungarian

Civic Party

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 8 February 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - Michal KOVAC

elected by the National Council

National Council:

last held 5-6 June 1992 (next to be held NA June 1996); results - Movement

for a Democratic Slovakia 37%, Party of the Democratic Left 15%, Christian

Democratic Movement 9%, Slovak National Party 8%, Hungarian Christian

Democratic Movement/Coexistence 7%; seats - (150 total) Movement for a

Democratic Slovakia, 74, Party of the Democratic Left 29, Christian

Democratic Movement 18, Slovak National Party 15, Hungarian Christian

Democratic Movement/Coexistence 14

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Council (Narodni Rada)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Slovakia, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Michal KOVAC (since 8 February 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Vladimir MECIAR (since NA), Deputy Prime Minister Roman KOVAC

(since NA)

Member of:

BIS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM

(observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN (as of 8

January 1993), UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Charge d'Affaires Dr. Milan ERBAN chancery:

3900 Spring of Freedom Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 363-6315 or 6316

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Elect Eleanor SUTTER

embassy:

Hviczdoslavovo Namestie 4, 81102 Bratislava

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

427 330 861

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red superimposed with

a crest with a white double cross on three blue mountains

*Slovakia, Economy

Overview:

The dissolution of Czechoslovakia into two independent states - the Czech

Republic and Slovakia - on 1 January 1993 has complicated the task of moving

toward a more open and decentralized economy. The old Czechoslovakia, even

though highly industrialized by East European standards, suffered from an

aging capital plant, lagging technology, and a deficiency in energy and many

raw materials. In January 1991, approximately one year after the end of

communist control of Eastern Europe, the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic

launched a sweeping program to convert its almost entirely state-owned and

controlled economy to a market system. In 1991-92 these measures resulted in

privatization of some medium- and small-scale economic activity and the

setting of more than 90% of prices by the market - but at a cost in

inflation, unemployment, and lower output. For Czechoslovakia as a whole

inflation in 1991 was roughly 50% and output fell 15%. In 1992 in Slovakia,

inflation slowed to an estimated 8.7% and the estimated fall in GDP was a

more moderate 7%. In 1993 the government anticipates up to a 7% drop in GDP,

with the disruptions from the separation from the Czech lands probably

accounting for half the decline; inflation, according to government

projections, may rise to 15-20% and unemployment may reach 12-15%. The

Slovak government is moving ahead less enthusiastically than the Czech

government in the further dismantling of the old centrally controlled

economic system. Although the governments of Slovakia and the Czech Republic

had envisaged retaining the koruna as a common currency at least in the

short run, the two countries ended the currency union in February 1993.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $32.1 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$6,100 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

8.7% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

11.3% (1992 est.)

Budget: revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment; chemicals; fuels, minerals, and metals;

agricultural products

partners:

Czech Republic, CIS republics, Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Italy,

France, US, UK

Imports:

$3.6 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment; fuels and lubricants; manufactured goods;

raw materials; chemicals; agricultural products

partners:

Czech Republic, CIS republics, Germany, Austria, Poland, Switzerland,

Hungary, UK, Italy

External debt:

$1.9 billion hard currency indebtedness (December 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

6,800,000 kW capacity; 24,000 million kWh produced, 4,550 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Slovakia, Economy

Industries:

brown coal mining, chemicals, metal-working, consumer appliances,

fertilizer, plastics, armaments

Agriculture:

largely self-sufficient in food production; diversified crop and livestock

production, including grains, potatoes, sugar beets, hops, fruit, hogs,

cattle, and poultry; exporter of forest products

Illicit drugs:

the former Czechoslavakia was a transshipment point for Southwest Asian

heroin and was emerging as a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine

(1992)

Economic aid:

the former Czechoslovakia was a donor - $4.2 billion in bilateral aid to

non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89)

Currency:

1 koruna (Kc) = 100 haleru

Exchange rates:

koruny (Kcs) per US$1 - 28.59 (December 1992), 28.26 (1992), 29.53 (1991),

17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989), 14.36 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Slovakia, Communications

Railroads: 3,669 km total (1990)

Highways:

17,650 km total (1990)

Inland waterways:

NA km

Pipelines:

natural gas 2,700 km; petroleum products NA km

Ports:

maritime outlets are in Poland (Gdynia, Gdansk, Szczecin), Croatia (Rijeka),

Slovenia (Koper), Germany (Hamburg, Rostock); principal river ports are

Komarno on the Danube and Bratislava on the Danube

Merchant marine:

the former Czechoslovakia had 22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 290,185

GRT/437,291 DWT; includes 13 cargo, 9 bulk; may be shared with the Czech

Republic

Airports:

total:

34

usable:

34

with permanent-surface runways:

9

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

NA

*Slovakia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad Units

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,407,908; fit for military service 1,082,790; reach

military age (18) annually 47,973 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

8.2 billion koruny, NA% of GDP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense

expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Slovenia, Geography

Location:

Southern Europe, bordering the Adriatic Sea, between Austria and Croatia

Map references:

Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

20,296 km2 land area:

20,296 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 999 km, Austria 262 km, Croatia 455 km, Italy 199 km, Hungary 83 km

Coastline:

32 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

dispute with Croatia over fishing rights in the Adriatic and over some

border areas; the border issue is currently under negotiation; small

minority in northern Italy seeks the return of parts of southwestern

Slovenia

Climate:

Mediterranean climate on the coast, continental climate with mild to hot

summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east

Terrain:

a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to

Italy, mixed mountain and valleys with numerous rivers to the east

Natural resources:

lignite coal, lead, zinc, mercury, uranium, silver

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

45%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

Sava River polluted with domestic and industrial waste; heavy metals and

toxic chemicals along coastal waters; near Koper, forest damage from air

pollutants originating at metallurgical and chemical plants; subject to

flooding and earthquakes

*Slovenia, People

Population:

1,967,655 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.23% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

11.93 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate: 9.6 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

74 years

male:

70.08 years

female:

78.13 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.68 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Slovene(s)

adjective:

Slovenian

Ethnic divisions:

Slovene 91%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%, Muslim 1%, other 3%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 96% (including 2% Uniate), Muslim 1%, other 3%

Languages:

Slovenian 91%, Serbo-Croatian 7%, other 2%

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

786,036

by occupation:

agriculture 2%, manufacturing and mining 46%

*Slovenia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Slovenia

conventional short form:

Slovenia

local long form:

Republika Slovenije

local short form:

Slovenija

Digraph:

SI

Type:

emerging democracy

Capital:

Ljubljana

Administrative divisions:

60 provinces (pokajine, singular - pokajina) Ajdovscina, Brezice, Celje,

Cerknica, Crnomelj, Dravograd, Gornja Radgona, Grosuplje, Hrastnik Lasko,

Idrija, Ilirska Bistrica, Izola, Jesenice, Kamnik, Kocevje, Koper, Kranj,

Krsko, Lenart, Lendava, Litija, Ljubljana-Bezigrad, Ljubljana-Center,

Ljubljana-Moste-Polje, Ljubljana-Siska, Ljubljana-Vic-Rudnik, Ljutomer,

Logatec, Maribor, Metlika, Mozirje, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto,

Ormoz Pesnica, Piran, Postojna, Ptuj, Radlje Ob Dravi, Radovljica, Ravne Na

Koroskem, Ribnica, Ruse, Sentjur Pri Celju, Sevnica, Sezana, Skofja Loka,

Slovenj Gradec, Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenske Konjice, Smarje Pri Jelsah,

Tolmin, Trbovlje, Trebnje, Trzic, Velenje, Vrhnika, Zagorje Ob Savi, Zalec

Independence:

25 June 1991 (from Yugoslavia)

Constitution:

adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Statehood Day, 25 June

Political parties and leaders:

Slovene Christian Democratics (SKD), Lozje PETERLE, chairman; Liberal

Democratic (LDS), Janez DRNOVSEK, chairman; Social-Democratic Party of

Slovenia (SDSS), Joze PUCNIK, chairman; Socialist Party of Slovenia (SSS),

Viktor ZAKELJ, chairman; Greens of Slovenia (ZS), Dusan PLUT, chairman;

National Democratic, Rajko PIRNAT, chairman; Democratic Peoples Party,

Marjan PODOBNIK, chairman; Reformed Socialists (former Communist Party),

Ciril RIBICIC, chairman; United List (former Communists and allies); Slovene

National Party, leader NA; Democratic Party, Igor BAVCAR; Slovene People's

Party (SLS), Ivan OMAN

note:

parties have changed as of the December 1992 elections

Other political or pressure groups:

none

Suffrage:

16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal

Elections:

President:

last held 6 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Milan KUCAN

reelected by direct popular vote

State Assembly:

last held 6 December 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (total 90) LDS 22, SKD 15, United List (former

Communists and allies) 14, Slovene National Party 12, SN 10, Democratic

Party 6, ZS 5, SDSS 4, Hungarian minority 1, Italian minority 1

*Slovenia, Government

State Council:

will become operational after next election in 1996; in the election of 6

December 1992 40 members were elected to represent local and socio-economic

interests

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, cabinet

Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly; consists of the State Assembly and the State

Council; note - State Council will become operational after next election

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Constitutional Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Milan KUCAN (since 22 April 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Janez DRNOVSEK (since 14 May 1992)

Member of:

CE, CEI, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IOM (observer), UN, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ernest PETRIC

chancery:

(temporary) 1300 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 828-1650

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador E. Allen WENDT

embassy:

P.O. Box 254; Cankarjeva 11, 61000 Ljubljana

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

[38] (61) 301-427/472

FAX:

[38] (61) 301-401

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of white (top), blue, and red with the

Slovenian seal (a shield with the image of Triglav in white against a blue

background at the center, beneath it are two wavy blue lines depicting seas

and rivers, and around it, there are three six-sided stars arranged in an

inverted triangle); the seal is located in the upper hoist side of the flag

centered in the white and blue bands

*Slovenia, Economy

Overview:

Slovenia was by far the most prosperous of the former Yugoslav republics,

with a per capita income more than twice the Yugoslav average, indeed not

far below the levels in neighboring Austria and Italy. Because of its strong

ties to Western Europe and the small scale of damage during its fight for

independence from Yugoslavia, Slovenia has the brightest prospects among the

former Yugoslav republics for economic recovery over the next few years. The

dissolution of Yugoslavia, however, has led to severe short-term

dislocations in production, employment, and trade ties. For example, overall

industrial production fell 10% in 1991; particularly hard hit were the iron

and steel, machine-building, chemical, and textile industries. Meanwhile,

the continued fighting in other former Yugoslavian republics has led to

further destruction of long-established trade channels and to an influx of

tens of thousands of Croatian and Bosnian refugees. The key program for

breaking up and privatizing major industrial firms was established in late

1992. Bright spots for encouraging Western investors are Slovenia's

comparatively well-educated work force, its developed infrastructure, and

its Western business attitudes, but instability in Croatia is a deterrent.

Slovenia in absolute terms is a small economy, and a little Western

investment would go a long way.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$10,700 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.7% (September 1992)

Unemployment rate:

10% (April 1992)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$4.12 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 38%, other manufactured goods 44%,

chemicals 9%, food and live animals 4.6%, raw materials 3%, beverages and

tobacco less than 1%

partners:

principally the other former Yugoslav republics, Austria, and Italy

Imports:

$4.679 billion (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

machinery and transport equipment 35%, other manufactured goods 26.7%,

chemicals 14.5%, raw materials 9.4%, fuels and lubricants 7%, food and live

animals 6%

partners:

principally the other former Yugoslav republics, Germany, successor states

of the former USSR, US, Hungary, Italy, and Austria

External debt:

$2.5 billion

Industrial production:

growth rate -1% per month (1991-92 est.)

Electricity:

2,900,000 kW capacity; 10,000 million kWh produced, 5,090 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Slovenia, Economy

Industries:

ferrous metallurgy and rolling mill products, aluminum reduction and rolled

products, lead and zinc smelting, electronics (including military

electronics), trucks, electric power equipment, wood products, textiles,

chemicals, machine tools

Agriculture:

dominated by stock breeding (sheep and cattle) and dairy farming; main crops

- potatoes, hops, hemp, flax; an export surplus in these commodities;

Slovenia must import many other agricultural products and has a negative

overall trade balance in this sector

Illicit drugs:

NA

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 tolar (SIT) = 100 NA

Exchange rates:

tolars (SIT) per US$1 - 112 (June 1993), 28 (January 1992)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Slovenia, Communications

Railroads:

1,200 km, 1.435 m gauge (1991)

Highways:

14,553 km total; 10,525 km paved, 4,028 km gravel

Inland waterways:

NA

Pipelines:

crude oil 290 km, natural gas 305 km

Ports:

coastal - Koper

Merchant marine:

22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 348,784 GRT/596,740 DWT; includes 15

bulk, 7 cargo; all under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines except

for 1 bulk under Liberian flag

Airports:

total:

13

useable:

13

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

130,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 5 FM, 7 TV; 370,000 radios;

330,000 TVs

*Slovenia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Slovene Defense Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 512,186; fit for military service 410,594; reach military

age (19) annually 14,970 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

13.5 billion tolars, 4.5% of GDP (1993); note - conversion of the military

budget into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce

misleading results

*Solomon Islands, Geography

Location:

Oceania, just east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

28,450 km2

land area:

27,540 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

5,313 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather

Terrain:

mostly rugged mountains with some low coral atolls

Natural resources:

fish, forests, gold, bauxite, phosphates

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

93%

other:

4%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons, which are rarely destructive; geologically active

region with frequent earth tremors

Note:

located just east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean

*Solomon Islands, People

Population:

372,746 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.46% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

39.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.76 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

29 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.13 years

male:

67.73 years

female:

72.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.88 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Solomon Islander(s)

adjective:

Solomon Islander

Ethnic divisions:

Melanesian 93%, Polynesian 4%, Micronesian 1.5%, European 0.8%, Chinese

0.3%, other 0.4%

Religions:

Anglican 34%, Roman Catholic 19%, Baptist 17%, United

(Methodist/Presbyterian) 11%, Seventh-Day Adventist 10%, other Protestant 5%

Languages:

Melanesian pidgin in much of the country is lingua franca, English spoken by

1-2% of population

note:

120 indigenous languages

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

23,448 economically active

by occupation:

agriculture, forestry, and fishing 32.4%, services 25%, construction,

manufacturing, and mining 7.0%, commerce, transport, and finance 4.7% (1984)

*Solomon Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Solomon Islands

former:

British Solomon Islands

Digraph:

BP

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Honiara

Administrative divisions:

7 provinces and 1 town*; Central, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira,, Malaita, Temotu,

Western

Independence:

7 July 1978 (from UK)

Constitution:

7 July 1978

Legal system:

common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 7 July (1978)

Political parties and leaders:

People's Alliance Party (PAP); United Party (UP), leader NA; Solomon Islands

Liberal Party (SILP), Bartholemew ULUFA'ALU; Nationalist Front for Progress

(NFP), Andrew NORI; Labor Party (LP), Joses TUHANUKU

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Parliament:

last held 22 February 1989 (next to be held 26 May 1993); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (38 total) PAP 13, UP 6, NFP 4, SILP 4, LP 2,

independents 9

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Sir George LEPPING (since 27 June 1989, previously acted as governor general

since 7 July 1988)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Solomon MAMALONI (since 28 March 1989); Deputy Prime Minister

Sir Baddeley DEVESI (since NA October 1990)

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

IOC, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission:

(vacant); ambassador traditionally resides in Honiara (Solomon Islands)

US diplomatic representation:

Ambassador Robert W. FARRAND

embassy:

Mud Alley, Honiara

*Solomon Islands, Government

mailing address:

American Embassy, P. O. Box 561, Honiara

telephone:

(677) 23890

FAX:

(677) 23488

Flag:

divided diagonally by a thin yellow stripe from the lower hoist-side corner;

the upper triangle (hoist side) is blue with five white five-pointed stars

arranged in an X pattern; the lower triangle is green

*Solomon Islands, Economy

Overview:

About 90% of the population depend on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and

forestry for at least part of their livelihood. Agriculture, fishing, and

forestry contribute about 70% to GDP, with the fishing and forestry sectors

being important export earners. The service sector contributes about 25% to

GDP. Most manufactured goods and petroleum products must be imported. The

islands are rich in undeveloped mineral resources such as lead, zinc,

nickel, and gold. The economy suffered from a severe cyclone in mid-1986

that caused widespread damage to the infrastructure.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $200 million (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$600 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

14.3% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $48 million; expenditures $107 million, including capital

expenditures of $45 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$74.2 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

fish 46%, timber 31%, copra 5%, palm oil 5%

partners:

Japan 51%, UK 12%, Thailand 9%, Netherlands 8%, Australia 2%, US 2% (1985)

Imports:

$87.1 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

plant and machinery 30%, fuel 19%, food 16%

partners:

Japan 36%, US 23%, Singapore 9%, UK 9%, NZ 9%, Australia 4%, Hong Kong 4%,

China 3% (1985)

External debt:

$128 million (1988 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0% (1987); accounts for 5% of GDP

Electricity:

21,000 kW capacity; 39 million kWh produced, 115 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

copra, fish (tuna)

Agriculture:

including fishing and forestry, accounts for about 70% of GDP; mostly

subsistence farming; cash crops - cocoa, beans, coconuts, palm kernels,

timber; other products - rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, cattle, pigs;

not self-sufficient in food grains; 90% of the total fish catch of 44,500

metric tons was exported (1988)

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89),

$250 million

Currency:

1 Solomon Islands dollar (SI$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Solomon Islands dollars (SI$) per US$1 - 3.1211 (January 1993), 2.9281

(1992), 2.7148 (1991), 2.5288 (1990), 2.2932 (1989), 2.0825 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Solomon Islands, Communications

Highways:

about 2,100 km total (1982); 30 km paved, 290 km gravel, 980 km earth, 800

private logging and plantation roads of varied construction

Ports:

Honiara, Ringi Cove

Airports:

total:

30

usable:

29

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean

INTELSAT earth station

*Solomon Islands, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police Force

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Somalia, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the northwestern Indian Ocean, south of the

Arabian Peninsula

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

637,660 km2

land area:

627,340 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 2,366 km, Djibouti 58 km, Ethiopia 1,626 km, Kenya 682 km

Coastline:

3,025 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

200 nm

International disputes:

southern half of boundary with Ethiopia is a Provisional Administrative

Line; territorial dispute with Ethiopia over the Ogaden; possible claims to

Djibouti and parts of Ethiopia and Kenya based on unification of ethnic

Somalis

Climate:

desert; northeast monsoon (December to February), cooler southwest monsoon

(May to October); irregular rainfall; hot, humid periods (tangambili)

between monsoons

Terrain:

mostly flat to undulating plateau rising to hills in north

Natural resources:

uranium and largely unexploited reserves of iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite,

copper, salt

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

46%

forest and woodland: 14%

other:

38%

Irrigated land:

1,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recurring droughts; frequent dust storms over eastern plains in summer;

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

strategic location on Horn of Africa along southern approaches to Bab el

Mandeb and route through Red Sea and Suez Canal

*Somalia, People

Population:

6,514,629 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

41.95 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

28.41 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

162.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

32.91 years

male:

32.86 years

female:

32.95 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Somali(s)

adjective:

Somali

Ethnic divisions:

Somali 85%, Bantu, Arabs 30,000, Europeans 3,000, Asians 800

Religions:

Sunni Muslim

Languages:

Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

24%

male:

36%

female:

14%

Labor force:

2.2 million (very few are skilled laborers)

by occupation:

pastoral nomad 70%, agriculture, government, trading, fishing, handicrafts,

and other 30%

note:

53% of population of working age (1985)

*Somalia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Somalia

former:

Somali Republic

Digraph:

SO

Type:

none

Capital:

Mogadishu

Administrative divisions:

18 regions (plural - NA, singular - gobolka); Awdal, Bakool, Banaadir, Bari,

Bay, Galguduud, Gedo, Hiiraan, Jubbada Dhexe, Jubbada Hoose, Mudug, Nugaal,

Sanaag, Shabeellaha Dhexe, Shabeellaha Hoose, Sool, Togdheer, Woqooyi

Galbeed

Independence:

1 July 1960 (from a merger of British Somaliland, which became independent

from the UK on 26 June 1960, and Italian Somaliland, which became

independent from the Italian-administered UN trusteeship on 1 July 1960, to

form the Somali Republic)

Constitution:

25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

NA

Political parties and leaders:

the United Somali Congress (USC) ousted the former regime on 27 January

1991; formerly the only party was the Somali Revolutionary Socialist Party

(SRSP), headed by former President and Commander in Chief of the Army Maj.

Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre

Other political or pressure groups:

numerous clan and subclan factions are currently vying for power

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 23 December 1986 (next to be held NA); results - President SIAD

was reelected without opposition

People's Assembly:

last held 31 December 1984 (next to be held NA); results - SRSP was the only

party; seats - (177 total, 171 elected) SRSP 171; note - the United Somali

Congress (USC) ousted the regime of Maj. Gen. Mohamed SIAD Barre on 27

January 1991; the provisional government has promised that a democratically

elected government will be established

Executive branch:

president, two vice presidents, prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Assembly (Golaha Shacbiga); non-functioning

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (non-functioning)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Interim President ALI MAHDI Mohamed (since 27 January 1991)

*Somalia, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister OMAR Arteh Ghalib (since 27 January 1991)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

chancery:

Suite 710, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 342-1575

consulate general:

New York

note:

Somalian Embassy ceased operations on 8 May 1991

US diplomatic representation:

the US Embassy in Mogadishu was evacuated and closed indefinitely in January

1991; United States Liaison Office (USLO) opened in December 1992

Flag:

light blue with a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based

on the flag of the UN (Italian Somaliland was a UN trust territory)

*Somalia, Economy

Overview:

One of the world's poorest and least developed countries, Somalia has few

resources. Moreover, much of the economy has been devastated by the civil

war. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock accounting for

about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Nomads and seminomads who

are dependent upon livestock for their livelihoods make up more than half of

the population. Crop production generates only 10% of GDP and employs about

20% of the work force. The main export crop is bananas; sugar, sorghum, and

corn are grown for the domestic market. The small industrial sector is based

on the processing of agricultural products and accounts for less than 10% of

GDP. Greatly increased political turmoil in 1991-92 has resulted in a

substantial drop in output, with widespread famine.

National product:

$NA

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$NA

commodities:

bananas, livestock, fish, hides, skins

partners:

Saudi Arabia, Italy, FRG (1986)

Imports:

$NA

commodities:

petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials

partners:

US 13%, Italy, FRG, Kenya, UK, Saudi Arabia (1986)

External debt:

$1.9 billion (1989)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%, accounts for NA% of GDP

Electricity:

former public power capacity of 75,000 kW is completely shut down by the

destruction of the civil war; UN, relief organizations, and foreign military

units in Somalia use their own portable power systems

Industries:

a few small industries, including sugar refining, textiles, petroleum

refining; probably shut down by the widespread destruction during the civil

war

Agriculture:

dominant sector, led by livestock raising (cattle, sheep, goats); crops -

bananas, sorghum, corn, mangoes, sugarcane; not self-sufficient in food;

distribution of food disrupted by civil strife; fishing potential largely

unexploited

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $639 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.8 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $1.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $336

million

*Somalia, Economy

Currency:

1 Somali shilling (So. Sh.) = 100 centesimi

Exchange rates:

Somali shillings (So. Sh.) per US$1 - 4,200 (December 1992), 3,800.00

(December 1990), 490.7 (1989), 170.45 (1988), 105.18 (1987), 72.00 (1986)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Somalia, Communications

Highways:

22,500 km total; including 2,700 km paved, 3,000 km gravel, and 16,800 km

improved earth or stabilized soil (1992)

Pipelines:

crude oil 15 km

Ports:

Mogadishu, Berbera, Chisimayu (Kismaayo), Bender Cassim (Boosaaso)

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,913 GRT/8,718 DWT; includes 2 cargo,

1 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

69

usable:

48

with permanent-surface runways:

8

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

20

Telecommunications:

the public telecommunications system was completely destroyed or dismantled

by the civil war factions; all relief organizations depend on their own

private systems (1993)

*Somalia, Defense Forces

Branches:

NA

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,596,380; fit for military service 897,660 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*South Africa, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, at the extreme southern tip of the continent

Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

1,221,040 km2

land area:

1,221,040 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Texas

note:

includes Walvis Bay, Marion Island, and Prince Edward Island

Land boundaries:

total 4,973 km, Botswana 1,840 km, Lesotho 909 km, Mozambique 491 km,

Namibia 1,078 km, Swaziland 430 km, Zimbabwe 225 km

Coastline:

2,881 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claim by Namibia to Walvis Bay exclave and 12 offshore islands administered

by South Africa; South Africa and Namibia have agreed to jointly administer

the area for an interim period; the terms and dates to be covered by joint

administration arrangements have not been established at this time; and

Namibia will continue to maintain a claim to sovereignty over the entire

area

Climate:

mostly semiarid; subtropical along coast; sunny days, cool nights

Terrain:

vast interior plateau rimmed by rugged hills and narrow coastal plain

Natural resources:

gold, chromium, antimony, coal, iron ore, manganese, nickel, phosphates,

tin, uranium, gem diamonds, platinum, copper, vanadium, salt, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

65%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

21%

Irrigated land:

11,280 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water

conservation and control measures

Note:

Walvis Bay is an exclave of South Africa in Namibia; South Africa completely

surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland

*South Africa, People

Population:

42,792,804 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.63% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.77 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.65 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.15 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

48.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

64.81 years

male:

62.07 years

female:

67.63 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.4 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

South African(s)

adjective:

South African

Ethnic divisions:

black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%

Religions:

Christian (most whites and Coloreds and about 60% of blacks), Hindu (60% of

Indians), Muslim 20%

Languages:

Afrikaans (official), English (official), Zulu, Xhosa, North Sotho, South

Sotho, Tswana, and many other vernacular languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

76%

male:

78%

female:

75%

Labor force:

13.4 million economically active (1990)

by occupation:

services 55%, agriculture 10%, industry 20%, mining 9%, other 6%

*South Africa, Government

Names: conventional long form:

Republic of South Africa

conventional short form:

South Africa

Abbreviation:

RSA

Digraph:

SF

Type:

republic

Capital:

Pretoria (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein (judicial)

Administrative divisions:

4 provinces; Cape, Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal; there are 10

homelands not recognized by the US - 4 independent (Bophuthatswana, Ciskei,

Transkei, Venda) and 6 other (Gazankulu, Kangwane, KwaNdebele, KwaZulu,

Lebowa, QwaQwa)

Independence:

31 May 1910 (from UK)

Constitution:

3 September 1984

Legal system:

based on Roman-Dutch law and English common law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Republic Day, 31 May (1910)

Political parties and leaders:

white political parties and leaders:

National Party (NP), Frederik W. DE KLERK (majority party); Conservative

Party (CP), leader NA (official opposition party); Democratic Party (DP),

Zach DE BEER; Afrikaner Volksunie (AVU), Andries BEYERS

Colored political parties and leaders (see Note):

Labor Party (LP), Allan HENDRICKSE (majority party); National Party (NP);

Democratic Party (DP); Freedom Party

Indian political parties and leaders:

Solidarity, J. N. REDDY (majority party); National People's Party (NPP),

Amichand RAJBANSI; Merit People's Party

note:

the Democratic Reform Party (DRP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) were

disbanded in May 1991

Other political or pressure groups:

African National Congress (ANC), Nelson MANDELA, president; Inkatha Freedom

Party (IFP), Mangosuthu BUTHELEZI, president; Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC),

Clarence MAKWETU, president

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal, but voting rights are racially based

Elections:

House of Assembly (whites):

last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held by NA March 1995); results - NP

58%, CP 23%, DP 19%; seats - (178 total, 166 elected) NP 103, CP 41, DP 34;

note - by February 1992, because of byelections, splits, and defections,

changes in number of seats held by parties were as follows: NP 102, CP 36,

DP 28, AVU 5, independent 7

*South Africa, Government

House of Representatives (Coloreds):

last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held no later than March 1995);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (85 total, 80 elected) LP 69,

DRP 5, UDP 3, Freedom Party 1, independents 2; note - by October 1992 many

representatives had changed their allegiance causing the following changes

in seating: NP 44, LP 27, DP 6, Freedom Party 1, independents 6, vacant 1

House of Delegates (Indians):

last held 6 September 1989 (next to be held no later than March 1995);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total, 40 elected)

Solidarity 16, NPP 9, Merit People's Party 3, independents 6, other 6; note

- due to delegates changing party affiliation, seating as of October 1992

is as follows: Solidarity 25, NPP 7, Merit People's Party 2, other 8,

independents 3

note:

tentative agreement to hold national election open to all races for a

400-seat constitutient assembly on 27 April 1994

Executive branch:

state president, Executive Council (cabinet), Ministers' Councils (from the

three houses of Parliament)

Legislative branch:

tricameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of the House of Assembly

(Volksraad; whites), House of Representatives (Raad van Verteenwoordigers;

Coloreds), and House of Delegates (Raad van Afgevaardigdes; Indians)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

State President Frederik Willem DE KLERK (since 13 September 1989)

Member of:

BIS, CCC, ECA, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO (suspended), ICC, IDA, IFC, IMF,

INTELSAT, ISO, ITU (suspended), LORCS, SACU, UN, UNCTAD, WFTU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO (suspended)

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Harry SCHWARZ

chancery:

3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-4400

consulates general:

Beverly Hills (California), Chicago, Houston, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Princeton N. LYMAN

embassy:

Thibault House, 225 Pretorius Street, Pretoria

telephone:

[27] (12) 28-4266

FAX:

[27] (12) 21-9278

consulates general:

Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg

Flag:

actually four flags in one - three miniature flags reproduced in the center

of the white band of the former flag of the Netherlands, which has three

equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and blue; the miniature flags

are a vertically hanging flag of the old Orange Free State with a horizontal

flag of the UK adjoining on the hoist side and a horizontal flag of the old

Transvaal Republic adjoining on the other side

*South Africa, Economy

Overview:

Many of the white one-seventh of the South African population enjoy incomes,

material comforts, and health and educational standards equal to those of

Western Europe. In contrast, most of the remaining population suffers from

the poverty patterns of the Third World, including unemployment and lack of

job skills. The main strength of the economy lies in its rich mineral

resources, which provide two-thirds of exports. Economic developments in the

1990s will be driven partly by the changing relations among the various

ethnic groups. The shrinking economy in recent years has absorbed less than

10% of the more than 300,000 workers entering the labor force annually.

Local economists estimate that the economy must grow between 5% and 6% in

real terms annually to absorb all of the new entrants.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $115 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-2% (1992)

National product per capita:

$2,800 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13.9% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

45% (well over 50% in some homeland areas) (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $28 billion; expenditures $36 billion, including capital

expenditures of $3 billion (FY93 est.)

Exports:

$23.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

gold 27%, other minerals and metals 20-25%, food 5%, chemicals 3%

partners:

Italy, Japan, US, Germany, UK, other EC countries, Hong Kong

Imports:

$18.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery 32%, transport equipment 15%, chemicals 11%, oil, textiles,

scientific instruments

partners:

Germany, Japan, UK, US, Italy

External debt:

$18 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for about 40% of GDP

Electricity:

46,000,000 kW capacity; 180,000 million kWh produced, 4,100 kWh per capita

(1991)

Industries: mining (world's largest producer of platinum, gold, chromium), automobile

assembly, metalworking, machinery, textile, iron and steel, chemical,

fertilizer, foodstuffs

Agriculture:

accounts for about 5% of GDP and 30% of labor force; diversified

agriculture, with emphasis on livestock; products - cattle, poultry, sheep,

wool, milk, beef, corn, wheat, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables;

self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 rand (R) = 100 cents

*South Africa, Economy

Exchange rates:

rand (R) per US$1 - 3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991), 2.5863

(1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April - 31 March

*South Africa, Communications

Railroads:

20,638 km route distance total; 20,324 km of 1.067-meter gauge trackage

(counts double and multiple tracking as single track); 314 km of 610 mm

gauge; substantial electrification of 1.067 meter gauge

Highways:

188,309 km total; 54,013 km paved, 134,296 km crushed stone, gravel, or

improved earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 931 km, petroleum products 1,748 km, natural gas 322 km

Ports:

Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Richard's Bay, Saldanha, Mosselbaai,

Walvis Bay

Merchant marine:

5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 213,708 GRT/201,043 DWT; includes 4

container, 1 vehicle carrier

Airports:

total:

899

usable:

713

with permanent-surface runways:

136

with runways over 3,659 m:

5

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

221

Telecommunications: the system is the best developed, most modern, and has the highest capacity

in Africa; it consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines, coaxial cables,

radio relay links, fiber optic cable, and radiocommunication stations; key

centers are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth,

and Pretoria; over 4,500,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 14 AM, 286 FM,

67 TV; 1 submarine cable; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT

and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

*South Africa, Defense Forces

Branches:

South African Defense Force (SADF; including Army, Navy, Air Force, Medical

Services), South African Police (SAP)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 10,294,211; fit for military service 6,279,190; reach

military age (18) annually 425,477 (1993 est.); obligation for service in

Citizen Force or Commandos begins at 18; black and white volunteers for

service in permanent force must be 17; national service obligation for white

conscripts is one year; figures include the so-called homelands not

recognized by the US

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.9 billion, about 2.5% of GDP (FY93 budget)

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Geography

Location:

in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the south Argentine coast, southeast of the

Falkland Islands

Map references:

Antarctic Region

Area:

total area:

4,066 km2

land area:

4,066 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Rhode Island

note:

includes Shag Rocks, Clerke Rocks, Bird Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

NA km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes:

administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina

Climate:

variable, with mostly westerly winds throughout the year, interspersed with

periods of calm; nearly all precipitation falls as snow

Terrain:

most of the islands, rising steeply from the sea, are rugged and

mountainous; South Georgia is largely barren and has steep, glacier-covered

mountains; the South Sandwich Islands are of volcanic origin with some

active volcanoes

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (largely covered by permanent ice and snow with some sparse vegetation

consisting of grass, moss, and lichen)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

reindeer, introduced early in this century, live on South Georgia; weather

conditions generally make it difficult to approach the South Sandwich

Islands; the South Sandwich Islands are subject to active volcanism

Note:

the north coast of South Georgia has several large bays, which provide good

anchorage

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, People

Population:

no indigenous population; there is a small military garrison on South

Georgia, and the British Antarctic Survey has a biological station on Bird

Island; the South Sandwich Islands are uninhabited

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands

conventional short form:

none

Digraph:

SX

Type: dependent territory of the UK

Capital:

none; Grytviken on South Georgia is the garrison town

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

3 October 1985

Legal system:

English common law

National holiday:

Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

Executive branch:

British monarch, commissioner

Legislative branch:

none

Judicial branch:

none

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Commissioner

David Everard TATHAM (since August 1992; resident at Stanley, Falkland

Islands)

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Economy

Overview:

Some fishing takes place in adjacent waters. There is a potential source of

income from harvesting fin fish and krill. The islands receive income from

postage stamps produced in the UK.

Budget:

revenues $291,777; expenditures $451,011, including capital expenditures of

$NA (FY88 est.)

Electricity:

900 kW capacity; 2 million kWh produced, NA kWh per capita (1992)

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Communications

Highways:

NA

Ports:

Grytviken on South Georgia

Airports:

total:

5

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

coastal radio station at Grytviken; no broadcast stations

*South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Spain, Geography

Location:

Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the

Mediterranean Sea, between Portugal and France

Map references:

Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

504,750 km2

land area:

499,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Oregon

note:

includes Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and five places of sovereignty

(plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - Ceuta, Mellila,

Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la Gomera

Land boundaries:

total 1,903.2 km, Andorra 65 km, France 623 km, Gibraltar 1.2 km, Portugal

1,214 km

Coastline:

4,964 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Gibraltar question with UK; Spain controls five places of sovereignty

(plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the coastal enclaves

of Ceuta and Melilla, which Morocco contests, as well as the islands of

Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas Chafarinas

Climate:

temperate; clear, hot summers in interior, more moderate and cloudy along

coast; cloudy, cold winters in interior, partly cloudy and cool along coast

Terrain:

large, flat to dissected plateau surrounded by rugged hills; Pyrenees in

north

Natural resources: coal, lignite, iron ore, uranium, mercury, pyrites, fluorspar, gypsum, zinc,

lead, tungsten, copper, kaolin, potash, hydropower

Land use:

arable land:

31%

permanent crops:

10%

meadows and pastures:

21%

forest and woodland:

31%

other:

7%

Irrigated land:

33,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation; air pollution

Note:

strategic location along approaches to Strait of Gibraltar

*Spain, People

Population:

39,207,159 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.24% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

10.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.76 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.24 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.51 years

male:

74.22 years

female:

81.04 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.38 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Spaniard(s)

adjective:

Spanish

Ethnic divisions:

composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions:

Roman Catholic 99%, other sects 1%

Languages:

Castilian Spanish, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

95%

male:

97%

female:

93%

Labor force:

14.621 million

by occupation:

services 53%, industry 24%, agriculture 14%, construction 9% (1988)

*Spain, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Spain

conventional short form:

Spain

local short form:

Espana

Digraph:

SP

Type:

parliamentary monarchy

Capital:

Madrid

Administrative divisions:

17 autonomous communities (comunidades autonomas, singular - comunidad

autonoma); Andalucia, Aragon, Asturias, Canarias, Cantabria, Castilla-La

Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Cataluna, Communidad Valencia, Extremadura,

Galicia, Islas Baleares, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra, Pais Vasco

note:

there are five places of sovereignty on and off the coast of Morocco (Ceuta,

Mellila, Islas Chafarinas, Penon de Alhucemas, and Penon de Velez de la

Gomera) with administrative status unknown

Independence:

1492 (expulsion of the Moors and unification)

Constitution:

6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978

Legal system:

civil law system, with regional applications; does not accept compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 12 October

Political parties and leaders:

principal national parties, from right to left:

Popular Party (PP), Jose Maria AZNAR; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Rafael

Calvo ORTEGA; Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), Felipe GONZALEZ

Marquez, secretary general; Socialist Democracy Party (DS), Ricardo Garcia

DAMBORENEA; Spanish Communist Party (PCE), Julio ANGUITA; United Left (IU) a

coalition of parties including the PCE, a branch of the PSOE, and other

small parties, leader NA

chief regional parties:

Convergence and Unity (CiU), Jordi PUJOL Saley, in Catalonia; Basque

Nationalist Party (PNV), Xabier ARZALLUS; Basque Solidarity (EA), Carlos

GARAICOETXEA Urizza; Basque Popular Unity (HB), Jon IDIGORAS; Basque Left

(EE), Juan Maria BANDRES; Basque Socialist Party (PSE); coalition of the

PSE, EE, and PSOE, Jose Maria BANEGAS; Euskal Ezkerra (EUE), Xabier

GURRUTXAGA; Andalusian Party (PA), Pedro PACHECO; Independent Canary Group

(AIC), leader NA; Aragon Regional Party (PAR), leader NA; Valencian Union

(UV), leader NA

Other political or pressure groups:

on the extreme left, the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) and the First

of October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO) use terrorism to oppose the

government; free labor unions (authorized in April 1977) include the

Communist-dominated Workers Commissions (CCOO); the Socialist General Union

of Workers (UGT), and the smaller independent Workers Syndical Union (USO);

the Catholic Church; business and landowning interests; Opus Dei; university

students

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*Spain, Government

Elections:

Senate:

last held 29 October 1989 (next to be held NA October 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (208 total) PSOE 106, PP 79, CiU 10,

PNV 4, HB 3, AIC 1, other 5

Congress of Deputies:

last held 29 October 1989 (next to be held NA October 1993); results - PSOE

39.6%, PP 25.8%, CDS 9%, IU 9%, CiU 5%, PNV 1.2%, HB 1%, PA 1%, other 8.4%;

seats - (350 total) PSOE 175, PP 106, CiU 18, IU 17, CDS 14, PNV 5, HB 4,

other 11

Executive branch:

monarch, president of the government (prime minister), deputy prime

minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet), Council of State

Legislative branch:

bicameral The General Courts or National Assembly (Las Cortes Generales)

consists of an upper house or Senate (Senado) and a lower house or Congress

of Deputies (Congreso de los Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King JUAN CARLOS I (since 22 November 1975)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Felipe GONZALEZ Marquez (since 2 December 1982); Deputy Prime

Minister Narcis SERRA y Serra (since 13 March 1991)

Member of:

AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE,

EBRD, AfDB, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, FAO, G-8, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, MTRC, NACC,

NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM

II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Jaime De OJEDA y Eiseley

chancery:

2700 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 265-0190 or 0191

consulates general:

Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San

Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard G. CAPEN, Jr.

embassy:

Serrano 75, 28006 Madrid

mailing address:

PSC 61, APO AE 09642

telephone:

[34] (1) 577-4000

FAX:

[34] (1) 577-5735

consulate general:

Barcelona

consulate:

Bilbao

*Spain, Government

Flag:

three horizontal bands of red (top), yellow (double width), and red with the

national coat of arms on the hoist side of the yellow band; the coat of arms

includes the royal seal framed by the Pillars of Hercules, which are the two

promontories (Gibraltar and Ceuta) on either side of the eastern end of the

Strait of Gibraltar

*Spain, Economy

Overview:

Spain has done well since joining the EC in 1986. Foreign and domestic

investments have spurred GDP growth at an annual average of more than 4% in

1986-91. As of 1 January 1993, Spain has wholly liberalized its trade and

capital markets to EC standards, including integrating agriculture two years

ahead of schedule. Beginning in 1989, Madrid implemented a tight monetary

policy to fight 7% inflation. As a result of this action and the worldwide

decline in economic growth, Spain's growth rate declined to 1% in 1992.

Spain faces a likely recession in first half 1993. The government expects a

recovery in the second half, but this depends on stepped-up growth in

Germany and France. The slowdown in growth - along with displacements caused

by structural adjustments in preparation for the EC single market - has

pushed an already high unemployment rate up to 19%. However, many people

listed as unemployed work in the underground economy. If the government can

stick to its tough economic policies and push further structural reforms,

the economy will emerge stronger at the end of the 1990s.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $514.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

1% (1992)

National product per capita:

$13,200 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

19% (yearend 1992)

Budget:

revenues $122.9 billion; expenditures $140.2 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992 est.)

Exports:

$62 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

cars and trucks, semifinished manufactured goods, foodstuffs, machinery

partners:

EC 71.0%, US 4.9%, other developed countries 7.9% (1991)

Imports:

$100 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery, transport equipment, fuels, semifinished goods, foodstuffs,

consumer goods, chemicals

partners:

EC 60.0%, US 8.0%, other developed countries 11.5%, Middle East 2.6% (1991)

External debt:

$67.5 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.6% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

46,600,000 kW capacity; 157,000 million kWh produced, 4,000 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles and apparel (including footwear), food and beverages, metals and

metal manufactures, chemicals, shipbuilding, automobiles, machine tools,

tourism

Agriculture:

accounts for about 5% of GDP and 14% of labor force; major products - grain,

vegetables, olives, wine grapes, sugar beets, citrus fruit, beef, pork,

poultry, dairy; largely self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 1.4 million

metric tons is among top 20 nations

*Spain, Economy

Illicit drugs:

key European gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the

European market

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $1.9 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-79), $545.0 million; not

currently a recipient

Currency: 1 peseta (Pta) = 100 centimos

Exchange rates:

pesetas (Ptas) per US$1 - 114.59 (January 1993), 102.38 (1992), 103.91

(1991), 101.93 (1990), 118.38 (1989), 116.49 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Spain, Communications

Railroads:

15,430 km total; Spanish National Railways (RENFE) operates 12,691 km (all

1.668-meter gauge, 6,184 km electrified, and 2,295 km double track); FEVE

(government-owned narrow-gauge railways) operates 1,821 km (predominantly

1.000-meter gauge, 441 km electrified); privately owned railways operate 918

km (predominantly 1.000-meter gauge, 512 km electrified, and 56 km double

track)

Highways:

150,839 km total; 82,513 km national (includes 2,433 km limited-access

divided highway, 63,042 km bituminous treated, 17,038 km intermediate

bituminous, concrete, or stone block) and 68,326 km provincial or local

roads (bituminous treated, intermediate bituminous, or stone block)

Inland waterways:

1,045 km, but of minor economic importance

Pipelines:

crude oil 265 km, petroleum products 1,794 km, natural gas 1,666 km

Ports:

Algeciras, Alicante, Almeria, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Castellon

de la Plana, Ceuta, El Ferrol del Caudillo, Puerto de Gijon, Huelva, La

Coruna, Las Palmas (Canary Islands), Mahon, Malaga, Melilla, Rota, Santa

Cruz de Tenerife, Sagunto, Tarragona, Valencia, Vigo, and 175 minor ports

Merchant marine:

242 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,394,175 GRT/4,262,868 DWT; includes

2 passenger, 8 short-sea passenger, 71 cargo, 12 refrigerated cargo, 12

container, 32 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 4 vehicle carrier, 41 oil tanker, 14

chemical tanker, 7 liquefied gas, 3 specialized tanker, 36 bulk

Airports:

total:

105

usable:

99

with permanent-surface runways:

60

with runways over 3,659 m:

4

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

22

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

generally adequate, modern facilities; 15,350,464 telephones; broadcast

stations - 190 AM, 406 (134 repeaters) FM, 100 (1,297 repeaters) TV; 22

coaxial submarine cables; 2 communications satellite earth stations

operating in INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean); MARECS, INMARSAT,

and EUTELSAT systems; tropospheric links

*Spain, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Civil Guard, National Police, Coastal Civil

Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 10,299,960; fit for military service 8,341,046; reach

military age (20) annually 338,231 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $9.6 billion, 1.6% of GDP (1992)

*Spratly Islands, Geography

Location:

in the South China Sea, between Vietnam and the Philippines

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia

Area:

total area:

NA km2 but less than 5 km2

land area:

less than 5 km2

comparative area:

NA

note:

includes 100 or so islets, coral reefs, and sea mounts scattered over the

South China Sea

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

926 km

Maritime claims:

NA

International disputes:

all of the Spratly Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; parts

of them are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines; in 1984, Brunei

established an exclusive economic zone, which encompasses Louisa Reef, but

has not publicly claimed the island

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

flat

Natural resources:

fish, guano, undetermined oil and natural gas potential

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0% forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

subject to typhoons; includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and

coral reefs

Note:

strategically located near several primary shipping lanes in the central

South China Sea; serious navigational hazard

*Spratly Islands, People

Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered garrisons

*Spratly Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Spratly Islands

Digraph:

PG

*Spratly Islands, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to commercial fishing; proximity to nearby oil-

and gas-producing sedimentary basins suggests the potential for oil and gas

deposits, but the region is largely unexplored, and there are no reliable

estimates of potential reserves; commercial exploitation has yet to be

developed.

Industries:

none

*Spratly Islands, Communications

Ports:

no natural harbors

Airports:

total:

4

usable:

4 with permanent-surfaced runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

*Spratly Islands, Defense Forces

Note:

about 50 small islands or reefs are occupied by China, Malaysia, the

Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam

*Sri Lanka, Geography

Location:

South Asia, 29 km southeast of India across the Palk Strait in the Indian

Ocean

Map references:

Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

65,610 km2

land area:

64,740 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,340 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon

(June to October)

Terrain:

mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior

Natural resources:

limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay

Land use: arable land:

16%

permanent crops:

17%

meadows and pastures:

7%

forest and woodland:

37%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

5,600 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

occasional cyclones, tornados; deforestation; soil erosion

Note:

strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes

*Sri Lanka, People

Population:

17,838,190 (July 1993 est.)

note:

since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil

separatists in the mid 1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have

fled the island; as of late 1992, nearly 115,000 were housed in refugee

camps in south India, another 95,000 lived outside the Indian camps, and

more than 200,000 Tamils have sought political asylum in the West; fewer

than 10,000 Tamils have been successfully repatriated to Sri Lanka

Population growth rate:

1.11% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

18.71 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.84 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.81 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

22.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.51 years

male:

68.94 years

female:

74.21 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.13 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Sri Lankan(s)

adjective:

Sri Lankan

Ethnic divisions:

Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%

Religions:

Buddhist 69%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 8%

Languages:

Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%

note:

English is commonly used in government and is spoken by about 10% of the

population

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

88%

male:

93%

female:

84%

Labor force:

6.6 million

by occupation:

agriculture 45.9%, mining and manufacturing 13.3%, trade and transport

12.4%, services and other 28.4% (1985 est.)

*Sri Lanka, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

conventional short form:

Sri Lanka

former:

Ceylon

Digraph:

CE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Colombo

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces; Central, North Central, North Eastern, North Western,

Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western

Independence:

4 February 1948 (from UK)

Constitution:

31 August 1978

Legal system:

a highly complex mixture of English common law, Roman-Dutch, Muslim,

Sinhalese, and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence and National Day, 4 February (1948)

Political parties and leaders:

United National Party (UNP), Dingiri Banda WIJETUNGA; Sri Lanka Freedom

Party (SLFP), Sirimavo BANDARANAIKE; Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), M. H.

M. ASHRAFF; All Ceylon Tamil Congress (ACTC), Kumar PONNAMBALAM; People's

United Front (MEP, or Mahajana Eksath Peramuna), Dinesh GUNAWARDENE; Eelam

Democratic Front (EDF), Edward SEBASTIAN PILLAI; Tamil United Liberation

Front (TULF), leader NA; Eelam Revolutionary Organization of Students

(EROS), Velupillai BALAKUMARAN; New Socialist Party (NSSP, or Nava Sama

Samaja Party), Vasudeva NANAYAKKARA; Lanka Socialist Party/Trotskyite (LSSP,

or Lanka Sama Samaja Party), Colin R. DE SILVA; Sri Lanka People's Party

(SLMP, or Sri Lanka Mahajana Party), Ossie ABEYGUNASEKERA; Communist Party,

K. P. SILVA; Communist Party/Beijing (CP/B), N. SHANMUGATHASAN; Democratic

United National Front (DUNF), Lalith ATHULATHMUDALI and Gamini DISSANAYAKE

note:

the United Socialist Alliance (USA) includes the NSSP, LSSP, SLMP, CP/M, and

CP/B

Other political or pressure groups:

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and other smaller Tamil separatist

groups; Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP or People's Liberation Front and

several other radical chauvinist Sinhalese groups); Buddhist clergy;

Sinhalese Buddhist lay groups; labor unions

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 19 December 1988 (next to be held NA December 1994); results -

Ranasinghe PREMADASA (UNP) 50%, Sirimavo BANDARANAIKE (SLFP) 45%, other 5%;

note - following the assassination of President PREMADASA on 1 May 1993,

Prime Minister WIJETUNGA became acting president; on 7 May 1993, he was

confirmed by a vote of Parliament to finish out the term of the assassinated

president

*Sri Lanka, Government

Parliament:

last held 15 February 1989 (next to be held by NA February 1995); results -

UNP 51%, SLFP 32%, SLMC 4%, TULF 3%, USA 3%, EROS 3%, MEP 1%, other 3%;

seats - (225 total) UNP 125, SLFP 67, other 33

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Dingiri Banda WIJETUNGA (since 7 May 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMASINGHE (since 7 May 1993)

Member of:

AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ananda GURUGE

chancery:

2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: (202) 483-4025 through 4028

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Teresita C. SCHAFFER

embassy:

210 Galle Road, Colombo 3

mailing address:

P. O. Box 106, Colombo

telephone:

[94] (1) 44-80-07

FAX:

[94] (1) 43-73-45

Flag:

yellow with two panels; the smaller hoist-side panel has two equal vertical

bands of green (hoist side) and orange; the other panel is a large dark red

rectangle with a yellow lion holding a sword, and there is a yellow bo leaf

in each corner; the yellow field appears as a border that goes around the

entire flag and extends between the two panels

*Sri Lanka, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing dominate the economy, employing half of

the labor force and accounting for one quarter of GDP. The plantation crops

of tea, rubber, and coconuts provide about one-third of export earnings. The

economy has been plagued by high rates of unemployment since the late 1970s.

Economic growth, which has been depressed by ethnic unrest, accelerated in

1991-92 as domestic conditions began to improve and conditions for foreign

investment brightened.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $7.75 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$440 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

10% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1991 est.)

Budget:

revenues $2.0 billion; expenditures $3.7 billion, including capital

expenditures of $500 million (1992)

Exports:

$2.0 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

textiles and garments, teas, petroleum products, coconuts, rubber, other

agricultural products, gems and jewelry, marine products, graphite

partners:

US 27.4%, Germany, Japan, UK, Belgium, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China

Imports:

$3.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities: food and beverages, textiles and textile materials, petroleum and petroleum

products, machinery and equipment

partners:

Japan, Iran, US 5.7%, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, UK

External debt:

$5.7 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

1,300,000 kW capacity; 3,600 million kWh produced, 200 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities;

cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco, clothing

Agriculture:

accounts for 26% of GDP and nearly half of labor force; most important

staple crop is paddy rice; other field crops - sugarcane, grains, pulses,

oilseeds, roots, spices; cash crops - tea, rubber, coconuts; animal products

- milk, eggs, hides, meat; not self-sufficient in rice production

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.0 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $5.1 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $169 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $369

million

Currency:

1 Sri Lankan rupee (SLRe) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Sri Lankan rupees (SLRes) per US$1 - 46.342 (January 1993), 43.687 (1992),

41.372 (1991), 40.063 (1990), 36.047 (1989), 31.807 (1988)

*Sri Lanka, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Sri Lanka, Communications

Railroads:

1,948 km total (1990); all 1.868-meter broad gauge; 102 km double track; no

electrification; government owned

Highways:

75,749 km total (1990); 27,637 km paved (mostly bituminous treated), 32,887

km crushed stone or gravel, 14,739 km improved earth or unimproved earth;

several thousand km of mostly unmotorable tracks (1988 est.)

Inland waterways:

430 km; navigable by shallow-draft craft

Pipelines:

crude oil and petroleum products 62 km (1987)

Ports:

Colombo, Trincomalee

Merchant marine:

27 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 276,074 GRT/443,266 DWT; includes 12

cargo, 6 refrigerated cargo, 3 container, 3 oil tanker, 3 bulk

Airports:

total:

14

usable:

13

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

8

Telecommunications:

very inadequate domestic service, good international service; 114,000

telephones (1982); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 5 FM, 5 TV; submarine cables

extend to Indonesia and Djibouti; 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Sri Lanka, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,779,221; fit for military service 3,730,737; reach

military age (18) annually 178,032 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $365 million, 4.7% of GDP (1992)

*Sudan, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, along the Red Sea, between Egypt and Ethiopia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,505,810 km2

land area:

2.376 million km2

comparative area:

slightly more than one-quarter the size of the US

Land boundaries:

total 7,697 km, Central African Republic 1,165 km, Chad 1,360 km, Egypt

1,273 km, Ethiopia 2,221 km, Kenya 232 km, Libya 383 km, Uganda 435 km,

Zaire 628 km

Coastline:

853 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

18 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

administrative boundary with Kenya does not coincide with international

boundary; administrative boundary with Egypt does not coincide with

international boundary creating the "Hala'ib Triangle," a barren area of

20,580 km2, the dispute over this area escalated in 1993

Climate:

tropical in south; arid desert in north; rainy season (April to October)

Terrain:

generally flat, featureless plain; mountains in east and west

Natural resources:

small reserves of petroleum, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten,

mica, silver

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

24%

forest and woodland:

20%

other:

51%

Irrigated land:

18,900 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

dominated by the Nile and its tributaries; dust storms; desertification

Note:

largest country in Africa

*Sudan, People

Population:

28,730,381 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.38% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

42.65 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.45 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-6.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

81.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

53.85 years

male:

53 years

female:

54.73 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate: 6.19 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Sudanese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Sudanese

Ethnic divisions:

black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in

south and Khartoum)

Languages:

Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic,

Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English

note:

program of Arabization in process

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

27%

male:

43%

female:

12%

Labor force:

6.5 million

by occupation:

agriculture 80%, industry and commerce 10%, government 6%

note:

labor shortages for almost all categories of skilled employment (1983 est.);

52% of population of working age (1985)

*Sudan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of the Sudan

conventional short form:

Sudan

local long form:

Jumhuriyat as-Sudan

local short form:

As-Sudan

former:

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Digraph:

SU

Type:

military civilian government suspended and martial law imposed after 30 June

1989 coup

Capital:

Khartoum

Administrative divisions:

9 states (wilayat, singular - wilayat or wilayah*); A'ali an Nil, Al Wusta*,, Al Istiwa'iyah*,,

Al Khartum, Ash Shamaliyah*, Ash Sharqiyah*, Bahr al, Ghazal, Darfur, Kurdufan

Independence:

1 January 1956 (from Egypt and UK)

Constitution:

12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim

constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June 1989

Legal system:

based on English common law and Islamic law; as of 20 January 1991, the

Revolutionary Command Council imposed Islamic law in the six northern states

of Al Wusta, Al Khartum, Ash Shamaliyah, Ash Sharqiyah, Darfur, and

Kurdufan; the council is still studying criminal provisions under Islamic

law; Islamic law will apply to all residents of the six northern states

regardless of their religion; some separate religious courts; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 January (1956)

Political parties and leaders:

none; banned following 30 June 1989 coup

Other political or pressure groups:

National Islamic Front, Hasan al-TURABI

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

none

Executive branch:

executive and legislative authority vested in a 10-member Revolutionary

Command Council (RCC); chairman of the RCC acts as prime minister; in July

1989, RCC appointed a predominately civilian 22-member cabinet to function

as advisers

note:

Lt. Gen. BASHIR's military government is dominated by members of Sudan's

National Islamic Front, a fundamentalist political organization formed from

the Muslim Brotherhood in 1986; front leader Hasan al-TURABI controls

Khartoum's overall domestic and foreign policies

*Sudan, Government

Legislative branch:

appointed 300-member Transitional National Assembly; note - as announced 1

January 1992 by RCC Chairman BASHIR, the Assembly assumes all legislative

authority for Sudan until the eventual, unspecified resumption of national

elections

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Special Revolutionary Courts

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Revolutionary Command Council Chairman and Prime Minister Lt. Gen. Umar

Hasan Ahmad al-BASHIR (since 30 June 1989); Deputy Chairman of the Command

Council and Deputy Prime Minister Maj. Gen. al-Zubayr Muhammad SALIH Ahmed

(since 9 July 1989)

Member of:

ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD,

ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU,

WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador 'Abdalla Ahmad 'ABDALLA

chancery:

2210 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 338-8565 through 8570

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Donald K. PETTERSON

embassy:

Shar'ia Ali Abdul Latif, Khartoum

mailing address:

P. O. Box 699, Khartoum, or APO AE 09829

telephone:

74700 or 74611

FAX:

Telex 22619

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with a green

isosceles triangle based on the hoist side

*Sudan, Economy

Overview:

Sudan is buffeted by civil war, chronic political instability, adverse

weather, high inflation, a drop in remittances from abroad, and

counterproductive economic policies. The economy is dominated by

governmental entities that account for more than 70% of new investment. The

private sector's main areas of activity are agriculture and trading, with

most private industrial investment predating 1980. The economy's base is

agriculture, which employs 80% of the work force. Industry mainly processes

agricultural items. Sluggish economic performance over the past decade,

attributable largely to declining annual rainfall, has reduced levels of per

capita income and consumption. A large foreign debt and huge arrearages

continue to cause difficulties. In 1990 the International Monetary Fund took

the unusual step of declaring Sudan noncooperative because of its nonpayment

of arrearages to the Fund. Despite subsequent government efforts to

implement reforms urged by the IMF and the World Bank, the economy remained

stagnant in FY91 as entrepreneurs lack the incentive to take economic risks.

Growth in 1992 was featured by the recovery of agricultural production in

northern Sudan after two years of drought.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5.2 billion (FY92 est.)

National product real growth rate:

9% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$184 (FY92 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

150% (FY92 est.)

Unemployment rate:

30% (FY92 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.3 billion; expenditures $2.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $505 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$315 million (f.o.b., FY92 est.)

commodities:

cotton 52%, sesame, gum arabic, peanuts

partners:

Western Europe 46%, Saudi Arabia 14%, Eastern Europe 9%, Japan 9%, US 3%

(FY88)

Imports:

$1.3 billion (c.i.f., FY92 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, petroleum products, manufactured goods, machinery and equipment,

medicines and chemicals, textiles

partners:

Western Europe 32%, Africa and Asia 15%, US 13%, Eastern Europe 3% (FY88)

External debt:

$15 billion (June 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 4.8%; accounts for 11% of GDP (FY92)

Electricity:

610,000 kW capacity; 905 million kWh produced, 40 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

cotton ginning, textiles, cement, edible oils, sugar, soap distilling,

shoes, petroleum refining

Agriculture:

accounts for 35% of GDP and 80% of labor force; water shortages; two-thirds

of land area suitable for raising crops and livestock; major products -

cotton, oilseeds, sorghum, millet, wheat, gum arabic, sheep; marginally

self-sufficient in most foods

*Sudan, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.5 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.1 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $3.1 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $588

million

Currency:

1 Sudanese pound (#Sd) = 100 piasters

Exchange rates:

official rate - Sudanese pounds (#Sd) per US$1 - 124 (January 1993), 90.1

(March 1992), 5.4288 (1991), 4.5004 (fixed rate since 1987), 2.8121 (1987);

note - free market rate 155 (January 1993)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Sudan, Communications

Railroads:

5,516 km total; 4,800 km 1.067-meter gauge, 716 km 1.6096-meter-gauge

plantation line

Highways:

20,703 km total; 2,000 km bituminous treated, 4,000 km gravel, 2,304 km

improved earth, 12,399 km unimproved earth and track

Inland waterways:

5,310 km navigable

Pipelines:

refined products 815 km

Ports:

Port Sudan, Sawakin

Merchant marine:

5 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 42,277 GRT/59,588 DWT; includes 3

cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off

Airports:

total:

68

usable:

56

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

30

Telecommunications:

large, well-equipped system by African standards, but barely adequate and

poorly maintained by modern standards; consists of microwave radio relay,

cable, radio communications, troposcatter, and a domestic satellite system

with 14 stations; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 3 TV; satellite earth stations

for international traffic - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT

*Sudan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Air Defense Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,488,864; fit for military service 3,986,084; reach

military age (18) annually 301,573 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $339 million, 2.2% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Suriname, Geography

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between French

Guiana and Guyana

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

163,270 km2

land area:

161,470 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total 1,707 km, Brazil 597 km, French Guiana 510 km, Guyana 600 km

Coastline:

386 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims area in French Guiana between Litani Rivier and Riviere Marouini

(both headwaters of the Lawa); claims area in Guyana between New (Upper

Courantyne) and Courantyne/Koetari Rivers (all headwaters of the Courantyne)

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds

Terrain:

mostly rolling hills; narrow coastal plain with swamps

Natural resources:

timber, hydropower potential, fish, shrimp, bauxite, iron ore, and small

amounts of nickel, copper, platinum, gold

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

97%

other:

3%

Irrigated land:

590 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

mostly tropical rain forest

*Suriname, People

Population:

416,321 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.54% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25.85 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.1 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate: -4.33 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

32.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.14 years

male:

66.65 years

female:

71.76 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.85 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Surinamer(s)

adjective:

Surinamese

Ethnic divisions:

Hindustani (East Indian) 37%, Creole (black and mixed) 31%, Javanese 15.3%,

Bush black 10.3%, Amerindian 2.6%, Chinese 1.7%, Europeans 1%, other 1.1%

Religions:

Hindu 27.4%, Muslim 19.6%, Roman Catholic 22.8%, Protestant 25.2%

(predominantly Moravian), indigenous beliefs 5%

Languages:

Dutch (official), English widely spoken, Sranan Tongo (Surinamese, sometimes

called Taki-Taki) is native language of Creoles and much of the younger

population and is lingua franca among others, Hindi Suriname Hindustani (a

variant of Bhoqpuri), Javanese

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

95%

male:

95%

female:

95%

Labor force:

104,000 (1984)

by occupation:

NA

*Suriname, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Suriname

conventional short form:

Suriname

local long form:

Republiek Suriname

local short form:

Suriname

former:

Netherlands Guiana Dutch Guiana

Digraph:

NS

Type:

republic

Capital:

Paramaribo

Administrative divisions:

10 districts (distrikten, singular - distrikt); Brokopondo, Commewijne,

Coronie, Marowijne, Nickerie, Para, Paramaribo, Saramacca, Sipaliwini,

Wanica

Independence:

25 November 1975 (from Netherlands)

Constitution:

ratified 30 September 1987

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 November (1975)

Political parties and leaders:

The New Front (NF), leader NA, a coalition of four parties (NPS, VHP, KTPI,

SPA); Progressive Reform Party (VHP), Jaggernath LACHMON; National Party of

Suriname (NPS), Ronald VENETIAAN; Party of National Unity and Solidarity

(KTPI), Willy SOEMITA; Suriname Labor Party (SPA) Fred DARBY; Democratic

Alternative '91 (DA '91), Winston JESSURUN, a coalition of four parties (AF,

HPP, Pendawa Lima, BEP) formed in January 1991; Alternative Forum (AF),

Gerard BRUNINGS, Winston JESSURUN; Reformed Progressive Party (HPP), Panalal

PARMESSAR; Party for Brotherhood and Unity in Politics (BEP), Cipriano

ALLENDY; Pendawa Lima, Marsha JAMIN; National Democratic Party (NDP), Desire

BOUTERSE; Progressive Workers' and Farm Laborers' Union (PALU), Ir Iwan

KROLIS, chairman; National Republic Party (PNR), Robin RAVALES

Other political or pressure groups:

Surinamese Liberation Army (SLA), Ronnie BRUNSWIJK, Johan "Castro" WALLY;

Union for Liberation and Democracy, Kofi AFONGPONG; Saramaccaner Bosneger

Angula Movement, Carlos MAASSI; Mandela Bushnegro Liberation Movement,

Leendert ADAMS; Tucayana Amazonica, Alex JUBITANA, Thomas SABAJO

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 6 September 1991 (next to be held NA May 1996); results - elected

by the National Assembly - Ronald VENETIAAN (NF) 80% (645 votes), Jules

WIJDENBOSCH (NDP) 14% (115 votes), Hans PRADE (DA '91) 6% (49 votes)

National Assembly:

last held 25 May 1991 (next to be held NA May 1996); results - percent of

vote NA; seats - (51 total) NF 30, NDP 10, DA '91 9, Independent 2

*Suriname, Government

Executive branch:

president, vice president and prime minister, Cabinet of Ministers, Council

of State; note - Commander in Chief of the National Army maintains

significant power

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Ronald R. VENETIAAN (since 16 September 1991); Vice President and

Prime Minister Jules R. AJODHIA (since 16 September 1991)

Member of:

ACP, CARICOM (observer), ECLAC, FAO, GATT, G-77, IADB, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Willem A. UDENHOUT

chancery:

Suite 108, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 244-7488 or 7490 through 7492

consulate general:

Miami

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John (Jack) P. LEONARD

embassy:

Dr. Sophie Redmonstraat 129, Paramaribo

mailing address:

P. O. Box 1821, Paramaribo

telephone:

[597] 472900, 477881, or 476459

FAX:

[597] 410025

Flag:

five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple

width), white, and green (double width); there is a large yellow

five-pointed star centered in the red band

*Suriname, Economy

Overview:

The economy is dominated by the bauxite industry, which accounts for 15% of

GDP and about 70% of export earnings. The economy has been in trouble since

the Dutch ended development aid in 1982. A drop in world bauxite prices

which started in the late 1970s and continued until late 1986 was followed

by the outbreak of a guerrilla insurgency in the interior that crippled the

important bauxite sector. Although the insurgency has since ebbed and the

bauxite sector recovered, a military coup in December 1990 reflected

continued political instability and deterred investment and economic reform.

High inflation, high unemployment, widespread black market activity, and

hard currency shortfalls continue to mark the economy.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.35 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-2.5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,300 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

26% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

16.5% (1990)

Budget:

revenues $466 million; expenditures $716 million, including capital

expenditures of $123 million (1989 est.)

Exports:

$417 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

alumina, aluminum, shrimp and fish, rice, bananas

partners:

Norway 36%, Netherlands 28%, US 11%, Japan 7%, Brazil 5%, UK 5% (1989)

Imports:

$514 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

capital equipment, petroleum, foodstuffs, cotton, consumer goods

partners:

US 41%, Netherlands 24%, Trinidad and Tobago 9%, Brazil 4% (1989)

External debt:

$138 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -5.0% (1991 est.); accounts for 27% of GDP

Electricity:

458,000 kW capacity; 2,018 million kWh produced, 4,920 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

bauxite mining, alumina and aluminum production, lumbering, food processing,

fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for 10.4% of GDP and 25% of export earnings; paddy rice planted on

85% of arable land and represents 60% of total farm output; other products -

bananas, palm kernels, coconuts, plantains, peanuts, beef, chicken; shrimp

and forestry products of increasing importance; self-sufficient in most

foods

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-83), $2.5 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.5 billion

Currency:

1 Surinamese guilder, gulden, or florin (Sf.) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Surinamese guilders, gulden, or florins (Sf.) per US$1 - 1.7850 (fixed rate

until October 1992), 25.04 (January 1992)

*Suriname, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Suriname, Communications

Railroads:

166 km total; 86 km 1.000-meter gauge, government owned, and 80 km

1.435-meter standard gauge; all single track

Highways:

8,300 km total; 500 km paved; 5,400 km bauxite gravel, crushed stone, or

improved earth; 2,400 km sand or clay

Inland waterways:

1,200 km; most important means of transport; oceangoing vessels with drafts

ranging up to 7 m can navigate many of the principal waterways

Ports:

Paramaribo, Moengo, Nicuw Nickerie

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,472 GRT/8,914 DWT; includes 2 cargo,

1 container

Airports:

total:

46

usable:

39

with permanent-surface runways:

6

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

international facilities good; domestic microwave system; 27,500 telephones;

broadcast stations - 5 AM, 14 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT earth stations

*Suriname, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Army (including Navy which is company-size, small Air Force

element), Civil Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 111,716; fit for military service 66,429 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Svalbard, Header

Affiliation: (territory of Norway)

*Svalbard, Geography

Location:

in the Arctic Ocean where the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and

Norwegian Sea meet, 445 km north of Norway

Map references:

Arctic Region, Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

62,049 km2

land area:

62,049 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

note:

includes Spitsbergen and Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3,587 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm unilaterally claimed by Norway but not recognized by Russia

territorial sea:

4 nm

International disputes:

focus of maritime boundary dispute in the Barents Sea between Norway and

Russia

Climate:

arctic, tempered by warm North Atlantic Current; cool summers, cold winters;

North Atlantic Current flows along west and north coasts of Spitsbergen,

keeping water open and navigable most of the year

Terrain:

wild, rugged mountains; much of high land ice covered; west coast clear of

ice about half the year; fjords along west and north coasts

Natural resources:

coal, copper, iron ore, phosphate, zinc, wildlife, fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (no trees and the only bushes are crowberry and cloudberry)

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

great calving glaciers descend to the sea

Note:

northernmost part of the Kingdom of Norway; consists of nine main islands;

glaciers and snowfields cover 60% of the total area

*Svalbard, People

Population: 3,209 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-2.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years

female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Ethnic divisions:

Russian 64%, Norwegian 35%, other 1% (1981)

Languages:

Russian, Norwegian

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Svalbard, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Svalbard

Digraph:

SV

Type:

territory of Norway administered by the Ministry of Industry, Oslo, through

a governor (sysselmann) residing in Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen; by treaty (9

February 1920) sovereignty was given to Norway

Capital:

Longyearbyen

Independence:

none (territory of Norway)

Legal system:

NA

National holiday: NA

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991)

Head of Government:

Governor (vacant)

Member of:

none

Flag:

the flag of Norway is used

*Svalbard, Economy

Overview:

Coal mining is the major economic activity on Svalbard. By treaty (9

February 1920), the nationals of the treaty powers have equal rights to

exploit mineral deposits, subject to Norwegian regulation. Although US, UK,

Dutch, and Swedish coal companies have mined in the past, the only companies

still mining are Norwegian and Russian. The settlements on Svalbard are

essentially company towns. The Norwegian state-owned coal company employs

nearly 60% of the Norwegian population on the island, runs many of the local

services, and provides most of the local infrastructure. There is also some

trapping of seal, polar bear, fox, and walrus.

Budget:

revenues $13.3 million; expenditures $13.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990)

Electricity:

21,000 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 13,860 kWh per capita (1992)

Currency:

1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 ore

Exchange rates:

Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 6.8774 (January 1993), 6.2145 (1992),

6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989), 6.5170 (1988)

*Svalbard, Communications

Ports:

limited facilities - Ny-Alesund, Advent Bay

Airports:

total:

4

usable:

4

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications: 5 meteorological/radio stations; local telephone service; broadcast stations

- 1 AM, 1 (2 repeaters) FM, 1 TV; satellite communication with Norwegian

mainland

*Svalbard, Defense Forces

Note: demilitarized by treaty (9 February 1920)

*Swaziland, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

17,360 km2

land area:

17,200 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 535 km, Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

varies from tropical to near temperate

Terrain:

mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains

Natural resources:

asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and

diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

67%

forest and woodland:

6%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

620 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion

Note:

landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa

*Swaziland, People

Population:

906,932 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.18% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

43.22 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.41 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

95.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

55.94 years

male:

51.97 years

female:

60.03 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Swazi(s)

adjective:

Swazi

Ethnic divisions:

African 97%, European 3%

Religions:

Christian 60%, indigenous beliefs 40%

Languages:

English (official; government business conducted in English), siSwati

(official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

55%

male:

57%

female:

54%

Labor force:

195,000 (over 60,000 engaged in subsistence agriculture; about 92,000 wage

earners - many only intermittently)

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 36%, community and social service 20%,

manufacturing 14%, construction 9%, other 21%

note:

15,980 employed in South African gold and coal mines (1991)

*Swaziland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Swaziland

conventional short form:

Swaziland

Digraph:

WZ

Type:

monarchy independent member of Commonwealth

Capital:

Mbabane (administrative); Lobamba (legislative)

Administrative divisions:

4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni

Independence:

6 September 1968 (from UK)

Constitution:

none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended on 12 April 1973; a new

constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but has not been formally

presented to the people

Legal system:

based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts, Swazi

traditional law and custom in traditional courts; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Somhlolo (Independence) Day, 6 September (1968)

Political parties and leaders:

none; banned by the Constitution promulgated on 13 October 1978

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

direct legislative elections rescheduled for June 1993

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament is advisory and consists of an upper house or Senate

and a lower house or House of Assembly

Judicial branch:

High Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Obed Mfanyana DLAMINI (since 12 July 1989)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,

IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Absalom Vusani MAMBA

chancery: 3400 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 362-6683

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Stephen H. ROGERS

embassy:

Central Bank Building, Warner Street, Mbabane

*Swaziland, Government

mailing address:

P. O. Box 199, Mbabane

telephone:

[268] 46441 through 46445

FAX:

[268] 45959

Flag:

three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red

band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white

shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all

placed horizontally

*Swaziland, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on subsistence agriculture, which occupies most of the

labor force and contributes nearly 25% to GDP. Manufacturing, which includes

a number of agroprocessing factories, accounts for another quarter of GDP.

Mining has declined in importance in recent years; high-grade iron ore

deposits were depleted in 1978, and health concerns cut world demand for

asbestos. Exports of sugar and forestry products are the main earners of

hard currency. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with

Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa, from which it

receives 75% of its imports and to which it sends about half of its exports.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $700 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

2.5% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$800 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

13% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $342 million; expenditures $410 million, including capital

expenditures of $130 million (FY94 est.)

Exports:

$575 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, citrus, canned fruit

partners:

South Africa 50% (est.), EC countries, Canada

Imports:

$730 million (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products,

foodstuffs, chemicals

partners:

South Africa 75% (est.), Japan, Belgium, UK

External debt:

$290 million (1990)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for 26% of GDP (1989)

Electricity:

60,000 kW capacity; 155 million kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining (coal and asbestos), wood pulp, sugar

Agriculture:

accounts for 23% of GDP and over 60% of labor force; mostly subsistence

agriculture; cash crops - sugarcane, cotton, maize, tobacco, rice, citrus

fruit, pineapples; other crops and livestock - corn, sorghum, peanuts,

cattle, goats, sheep; not self-sufficient in grain

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $142 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $518 million

Currency:

1 lilangeni (E) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

emalangeni (E) per US$1 -3.1576 (May 1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7563 (1991),

2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989), 2.2611 (1988); note - the Swazi emalangeni is

at par with the South African rand

*Swaziland, Economy

Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March

*Swaziland, Communications

Railroads:

297 km (plus 71 km disused), 1.067-meter gauge, single track

Highways:

2,853 km total; 510 km paved, 1,230 km crushed stone, gravel, or stabilized

soil, and 1,113 km improved earth

Airports:

total:

23

usable:

21

with permanent-surfaced runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m: 0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

system consists of carrier-equipped open-wire lines and low-capacity

microwave links; 17,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 7 AM, 6 FM, 10 TV;

1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Swaziland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force, Royal Swaziland Police Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 197,214; fit for military service 114,097 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $22 million, NA% of GDP (FY93/94)

*Sweden, Geography

Location:

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, between Norway and Finland

Map references:

Arctic Region, Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

449,964 km2

land area:

410,928 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than California

Land boundaries:

total 2,205 km, Finland 586 km, Norway 1,619 km

Coastline:

3,218 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate in south with cold, cloudy winters and cool, partly cloudy

summers; subarctic in north

Terrain:

mostly flat or gently rolling lowlands; mountains in west

Natural resources:

zinc, iron ore, lead, copper, silver, timber, uranium, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

64%

other:

27%

Irrigated land:

1,120 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

water pollution; acid rain

Note:

strategic location along Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas

*Sweden, People

Population:

8,730,286 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.58% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.96 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

2.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

78.08 years

male:

75.3 years

female:

81.02 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.04 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Swede(s)

adjective:

Swedish

Ethnic divisions:

white, Lapp, foreign born or first-generation immigrants 12% (Finns,

Yugoslavs, Danes, Norwegians, Greeks, Turks)

Religions:

Evangelical Lutheran 94%, Roman Catholic 1.5%, Pentecostal 1%, other 3.5%

(1987)

Languages:

Swedish note:

small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities; immigrants speak native

languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1979)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

4.552 million

by occupation:

community, social and personal services 38.3%, mining and manufacturing

21.2%, commerce, hotels, and restaurants 14.1%, banking, insurance 9.0%,

communications 7.2%, construction 7.0%, agriculture, fishing, and forestry

3.2% (1991)

*Sweden, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Sweden

conventional short form:

Sweden

local long form:

Konungariket Sverige

local short form:

Sverige

Digraph:

SW

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Stockholm

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (lan, singular and plural); Alvsborgs Lan, Blekinge Lan,

Gavleborgs Lan, Goteborgs och Bohus Lan, Gotlands Lan, Hallands Lan,

Jamtlands Lan, Jonkopings Lan, Kalmar Lan, Kopparbergs Lan, Kristianstads

Lan, Kronobergs Lan, Malmohus Lan, Norrbottens Lan, Orebro Lan,

Ostergotlands Lan, Skaraborgs Lan, Sodermanlands Lan, Stockholms Lan,

Uppsala Lan, Varmlands Lan, Vasterbottens Lan, Vasternorrlands Lan,

Vastmanlands Lan

Independence:

6 June 1809 (constitutional monarchy established)

Constitution:

1 January 1975

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Day of the Swedish Flag, 6 June

Political parties and leaders: ruling four-party coalition consists of Moderate Party

(conservative), Carl

BILDT; Liberal People's Party, Bengt WESTERBERG; Center Party, Olof

JOHANSSON; and the Christian Democratic Party, Alf SVENSSON; Social

Democratic Party, Ingvar CARLSSON; New Democracy Party, Count Ian

WACHTMEISTER; Left Party (VP; Communist), Gudrun SCHYMAN; Communist Workers'

Party, Rolf HAGEL; Green Party, no formal leader

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Riksdag:

last held 15 September 1991 (next to be held NA September 1994); results -

Social Democratic Party 37.6%, Moderate Party (conservative) 21.9%, Liberal

People's Party 9.1%, Center Party 8.5%, Christian Democrats 7.1%, New

Democracy 6.7%, Left Party (Communist) 4.5%, Green Party 3.4%, other 1.2%;

seats - (349 total) Social Democratic 138, Moderate Party (conservative) 80,

Liberal People's Party 33, Center Party 31, Christian Democrats 26, New

Democracy 25, Left Party (Communist) 16; note - the Green Party has no seats

in the Riksdag because it received less than the required 4% of the vote

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral parliament (Riksdag)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Hogsta Domstolen)

*Sweden, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King CARL XVI GUSTAF (since 19 September 1973); Heir Apparent Princess

VICTORIA Ingrid Alice Desiree, daughter of the King (born 14 July 1977)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Carl BILDT (since 3 October 1991); Deputy Prime Minister

Bengt WESTERBERG (since NA)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM

(cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-6, G-8, G-9, G-10,

GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INMARSAT, INTERPOL, INTELSAT, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTRC, NAM

(guest), NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD,

UNESCO, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR,

UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Carl Henrik LILJEGREN

chancery:

Suite 1200 and 715, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 944-5600

FAX:

(202) 342-1319

consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation: chief of mission:

(vacant)

embassy:

Strandvagen 101, S-115 89 Stockholm

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[46] (8) 783-5300

FAX:

[46] (8) 661-1964

Flag:

blue with a yellow cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical

part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog

(Danish flag)

*Sweden, Economy

Overview:

Aided by a long period of peace and neutrality during World War I through

World War II, Sweden has achieved an enviable standard of living under a

mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has

a modern distribution system, excellent internal and external

communications, and a skilled labor force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore

constitute the resource base of an economy that is heavily oriented toward

foreign trade. Privately owned firms account for about 90% of industrial

output, of which the engineering sector accounts for 50% of output and

exports. In the last few years, however, this extraordinarily favorable

picture has been clouded by inflation, growing unemployment, and a gradual

loss of competitiveness in international markets. Although Prime Minister

BILDT'S center-right minority coalition had hoped to charge ahead with

free-market-oriented reforms, a skyrocketing budget deficit - almost 13% of

GDP in FY94 projections - and record unemployment have forestalled many of

the plans. Unemployment in 1993 is forecast at around 7% with another 5% in

job training. Continued heavy foreign exchange speculation forced the

government to cooperate in late 1992 with the opposition Social Democrats on

two crisis packages - one a severe austerity pact and the other a program to

spur industrial competitiveness - which basically set economic policy

through 1997. In November 1992, Sweden broke its tie to the EC's ECU, and

the krona has since depreciated around 2.5% against the dollar. The

government hopes the boost in export competitiveness from the depreciation

will help lift Sweden out of its 3-year recession. To curb the budget

deficit and bolster confidence in the economy, BILDT continues to propose

cuts in welfare benefits, subsidies, defense, and foreign aid. Sweden

continues to harmonize its economic policies with those of the EC in

preparation for concluding its EC membership bid by 1995.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $145.6 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-1.7% (1992)

National product per capita:

$16,900 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.3% (1992)

Unemployment rate: 5.3% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $70.4 billion; expenditures $82.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY92)

Exports:

$56 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery, motor vehicles, paper products, pulp and wood, iron and steel

products, chemicals, petroleum and petroleum products

partners:

EC 55.8% (Germany 15%, UK 9.7%, Denmark 7.2%, France 5.8%), EFTA 17.4%

(Norway 8.4%, Finland 5.1%), US 8.2%, Central and Eastern Europe 2.5% (1992)

Imports:

$51.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

machinery, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, motor vehicles,

foodstuffs, iron and steel, clothing

partners:

EC 53.6% (Germany 17.9%, UK 6.3%, Denmark 7.5%, France 4.9%), EFTA (Norway

6.6%, Finland 6%), US 8.4%, Central and Eastern Europe 3% (1992)

External debt:

$19.5 billion (1992 est.)

*Sweden, Economy

Industrial production:

growth rate -3.0% (1992)

Electricity:

39,716,000 kW capacity; 142,500 million kWh produced, 16,560 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

iron and steel, precision equipment (bearings, radio and telephone parts,

armaments), wood pulp and paper products, processed foods, motor vehicles

Agriculture:

animal husbandry predominates, with milk and dairy products accounting for

37% of farm income; main crops - grains, sugar beets, potatoes; 100%

self-sufficient in grains and potatoes; Sweden is about 50% self-sufficient

in most products; farming accounted for 1.2% of GDP and 1.9% of jobs in 1990

Illicit drugs:

increasingly used as transshipment point for Latin American cocaine to

Europe and gateway for Asian heroin shipped via the CIS and Baltic states

for the European market

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $10.3 billion

Currency:

1 Swedish krona (SKr) = 100 ore

Exchange rates:

Swedish kronor (SKr) per US$1 - 6.8812 (December 1992), 5.8238 (1992),

6.0475 (1991) 5.9188 (1990), 6.4469 (1989), 6.1272 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Sweden, Communications

Railroads:

12,000 km total; Swedish State Railways (SJ) - 10,819 km 1.435-meter

standard gauge, 6,955 km electrified and 1,152 km double track; 182 km

0.891-meter gauge; 117 km rail ferry service; privately-owned railways - 511

km 1.435-meter standard gauge (332 km electrified) and 371 km 0.891-meter

gauge (all electrified)

Highways:

97,400 km total; 51,899 km paved, 20,659 km gravel, 24,842 km unimproved

earth

Inland waterways:

2,052 km navigable for small steamers and barges

Pipelines:

natural gas 84 km

Ports:

Gavle, Goteborg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Kalmar, Malmo, Stockholm; numerous

secondary and minor ports

Merchant marine:

179 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,473,769 GRT/3,227,366 DWT; includes

10 short-sea passenger, 29 cargo, 3 container, 43 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 13

vehicle carrier, 2 railcar carrier, 32 oil tanker, 27 chemical tanker, 4

specialized tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 2 combination ore/oil, 10 bulk, 1

combination bulk, 1 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

253

usable:

250

with permanent-surface runways:

139

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

12

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

94

Telecommunications:

excellent domestic and international facilities; 8,200,000 telephones;

mainly coaxial and multiconductor cables carry long-distance network;

parallel microwave network carries primarily radio, TV and some telephone

channels; automatic system; broadcast stations - 5 AM, 360 (mostly

repeaters) FM, 880 (mostly repeaters) TV; 5 submarine coaxial cables;

satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 EUTELSAT

*Sweden, Defense Forces

Branches:

Swedish Army, Swedish Navy, Swedish Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,156,720; fit for military service 1,884,121; reach

military age (19) annually 57,383 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $6.7 billion, 3.8% of GDP (FY92/93)

*Switzerland, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, between France and Austria

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

41,290 km2

land area:

39,770 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey

Land boundaries:

total 1,852 km, Austria 164 km, France 573 km, Italy 740 km, Liechtenstein

41 km, Germany 334 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

temperate, but varies with altitude; cold, cloudy, rainy/snowy winters; cool

to warm, cloudy, humid summers with occasional showers

Terrain:

mostly mountains (Alps in south, Jura in northwest) with a central plateau

of rolling hills, plains, and large lakes

Natural resources:

hydropower potential, timber, salt

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

40%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

250 km2 (1989)

Environment:

dominated by Alps

Note:

landlocked; crossroads of northern and southern Europe; along with

southeastern France and northern Italy, contains the highest elevations in

Europe

*Switzerland, People

Population:

6,986,621 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.83% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.24 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

5.13 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

6.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

77.99 years

male:

74.6 years

female:

81.54 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.6 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Swiss (singular and plural)

adjective:

Swiss

Ethnic divisions:

total population:

German 65%

French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Swiss nationals:

German 74%

French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 47.6%, Protestant 44.3%, other 8.1% (1980)

Languages:

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 12%, Romansch 1%, other 4%

note:

these are figures for Swiss nationals only -

German 74%, French 20%, Italian 4%, Romansch 1%, other 1%

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

3.31 million (904,095 foreign workers, mostly Italian)

by occupation:

services 50%, industry and crafts 33%, government 10%, agriculture and

forestry 6%, other 1% (1989)

*Switzerland, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Swiss Confederation

conventional short form:

Switzerland

local long form:

Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft (German) Confederation Suisse (French)

Confederazione Svizzera (Italian)

local short form:

Schweiz (German) Suisse (French) Svizzera (Italian)

Digraph:

SZ

Type:

federal republic

Capital:

Bern

Administrative divisions:

26 cantons (cantons, singular - canton in French; cantoni, singular -

cantone in Italian; kantone, singular - kanton in German); Aargau,

Ausser-Rhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Geneve,

Glarus, Graubunden, Inner-Rhoden, Jura, Luzern, Neuchatel, Nidwalden,

Obwalden, Sankt Gallen, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, Thurgau, Ticino,

Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug, Zurich

Independence:

1 August 1291

Constitution:

29 May 1874

Legal system:

civil law system influenced by customary law; judicial review of legislative

acts, except with respect to federal decrees of general obligatory

character; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Founding of the Swiss Confederation, 1 August (1291)

Political parties and leaders:

Free Democratic Party (FDP), Bruno HUNZIKER, president; Social Democratic

Party (SPS), Helmut HUBACHER, chairman; Christian Democratic People's Party

(CVP), Eva SEGMULLER-WEBER, chairman; Swiss People's Party (SVP), Hans

UHLMANN, president; Green Party (GPS), Peter SCHMID, president; Automobile

Party (AP), DREYER; Alliance of Independents' Party (LdU), Dr. Franz JAEGER,

president; Swiss Democratic Party (SD), NA; Evangelical People's Party

(EVP), Max DUNKI, president; Workers' Party (PdA; Communist), Jean

SPIELMANN, general secretary; Ticino League, leader NA; Liberal Party (LPS),

Gilbert COUTAU, president

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Council of States:

last held throughout 1991 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (46 total) FDP 18, CVP 16, SVP 4, SPS 3, LPS 3,

LdU 1, Ticino League 1

National Council:

last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (200 total) FDP 44, SPS 42, CVP 37, SVP

25, GPS 14, LPS 10, AP 8, LdU 6, SD 5, EVP 3, PdA 2, Ticino League 2, other

2

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Federal Council (German - Bundesrat, French -

Conseil Federal, Italian - Consiglio Federale)

*Switzerland, Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral Federal Assembly (German - Bundesversammlung, French - Assemblee

Federale, Italian - Assemblea Federale) consists of an upper council or

Council of States (German - Standerat, French - Conseil des Etats, Italian -

Consiglio degli Stati) and a lower council or National Council (German -

Nationalrat, French - Conseil National, Italian - Consiglio Nazionale)

Judicial branch:

Federal Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Adolf OGI (1993 calendar year; presidency rotates annually); Vice

President Otto STICH (term runs concurrently with that of president)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM

(coopeating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, G-8, G-10, GATT,

IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTRC, NAM

(guest), NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNHCR, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edouard BRUNNER

chancery:

2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 745-7900

FAX:

(202) 387-2564

consulates general:

Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Joseph B. GILDENHORN

embassy:

Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[41] (31) 437-011

FAX:

[41] (31) 437-344

branch office:

Geneva

consulate general:

Zurich

Flag: red square with a bold, equilateral white cross in the center that does not

extend to the edges of the flag

*Switzerland, Economy

Overview:

Switzerland's economy - one of the most prosperous and stable in the world -

is nonetheless undergoing a painful adjustment after both the inflationary

boom of the late-1980s and the electorate's rejection late last year of

membership in the European Economic Area. Stubborn inflation and a soft

economy have afflicted Switzerland. Despite slow growth in 1991-92, the

Swiss central bank had been unable to ease monetary policy in the past three

years because of the threat to the Swiss franc posed by high German interest

rates. As a result, unemployment is forecast to rise from 3% in 1992 to more

than 4% in 1993, with inflation moving down from 4% to 3%. The voters'

rejection in December 1992 of a referendum on membership in the EEA which

was supported by most political, business, and financial leaders has raised

doubts that the country can maintain its preeminent prosperity and

leadership in commercial banking in the 21st century. Despite these

problems, Swiss per capita output, general living standards, education and

science, health care, and diet remain unsurpassed in Europe. The country has

few natural resources except for the scenic natural beauty that has made it

a world leader in tourism. Management-labor relations remain generally

harmonious.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $152.3 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-0.6% (1992)

National product per capita:

$22,300 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.1% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

3% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $24.0 billion; expenditures $23.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990)

Exports:

$62.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, precision instruments, metal products, foodstuffs,

textiles and clothing

partners:

Western Europe 64% (EC countries 56%, other 8%), US 9%, Japan 4%

Imports:

$68.5 billion (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

agricultural products, machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals,

textiles, construction materials

partners:

Western Europe 78% (EC countries 71%, other 7%), US 6%

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production: growth rate 0.4% (1991 est.)

Electricity:

17,710,000 kW capacity; 56,000 million kWh produced, 8,200 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

machinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments

Agriculture:

dairy farming predominates; less than 50% self-sufficient in food; must

import fish, refined sugar, fats and oils (other than butter), grains, eggs,

fruits, vegetables, meat

*Switzerland, Economy

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $3.5 billion

Currency:

1 Swiss franc, franken, or franco (SwF) = 100 centimes, rappen, or centesimi

Exchange rates:

Swiss francs, franken, or franchi (SwF) per US$1 - 1.4781 (January 1993),

1.4062 (1992), 1.4340 (1991), 1.3892 (1990), 1.6359 (1989), 1.4633 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Switzerland, Communications

Railroads:

4,418 km total; 3,073 km are government owned and 1,345 km are nongovernment

owned; the government network consists of 2,999 km 1.435-meter standard

gauge and 74 km 1.000-meter narrow gauge track; 1,432 km double track, 99%

electrified; the nongovernment network consists of 510 km 1.435-meter

standard gauge, and 835 km 1.000-meter gauge, 100% electrified

Highways:

62,145 km total (all paved); 18,620 km are canton, 1,057 km are national

highways (740 km autobahn), 42,468 km are communal roads

Inland waterways:

65 km; Rhine (Basel to Rheinfelden, Schaffhausen to Bodensee); 12 navigable

lakes

Pipelines:

crude oil 314 km, natural gas 1,506 km

Ports:

Basel (river port)

Merchant marine:

23 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 308,725 GRT/548,244 DWT; includes 5

cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 5 chemical tanker, 2 specialized tanker, 8

bulk, 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

66

usable:

65

with permanent-surface runways:

42 with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

18

Telecommunications:

excellent domestic, international, and broadcast services; 5,890,000

telephones; extensive cable and microwave networks; broadcast stations - 7

AM, 265 FM, 18 (1,322 repeaters) TV; communications satellite earth station

operating in the INTELSAT (Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean) system

*Switzerland, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (Air Force is part of the Army), Frontier Guards, Fortification Guards

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,852,213; fit for military service 1,590,308; reach

military age (20) annually 44,124 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $3.5 billion, 1.7% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Syria, Geography

Location:

Middle East, along the Mediterranean Sea, between Turkey and Lebanon

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

185,180 km2

land area:

184,050 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than North Dakota

note:

includes 1,295 km2 of Israeli-occupied territory

Land boundaries:

total 2,253 km, Iraq 605 km, Israel 76 km, Jordan 375 km, Lebanon 375 km,

Turkey 822 km

Coastline:

193 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

41 nm

territorial sea:

35 nm

International disputes:

separated from Israel by the 1949 Armistice Line; Golan Heights is Israeli

occupied; Hatay question with Turkey; periodic disputes with Iraq over

Euphrates water rights; ongoing dispute over water development plans by

Turkey for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; Syrian troops in northern

Lebanon since October 1976

Climate:

mostly desert; hot, dry, sunny summers (June to August) and mild, rainy

winters (December to February) along coast

Terrain:

primarily semiarid and desert plateau; narrow coastal plain; mountains in

west

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, chrome and manganese ores, asphalt, iron ore, rock

salt, marble, gypsum

Land use:

arable land:

28%

permanent crops:

3%

meadows and pastures:

46%

forest and woodland:

3%

other:

20%

Irrigated land:

6,700 km2 (1989)

Environment:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

there are 38 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights

*Syria, People

Population:

14,338,527 (July 1993 est.)

note:

in addition, there are at least 14,500 Druze and 14,000 Jewish settlers in

the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.76% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

44.08 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.44 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

43.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

66.12 years

male:

65.07 years

female:

67.22 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Syrian(s)

adjective:

Syrian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%, Christian

(various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and

Aleppo)

Languages:

Arabic (official), Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian, French widely

understood

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

64%

male:

78%

female:

51%

Labor force:

2.951 million (1989)

by occupation:

miscellaneous and government services 36%, agriculture 32%, industry and

construction 32%; note - shortage of skilled labor (1984)

*Syria, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Syrian Arab Republic

conventional short form:

Syria

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Arabiyah as Suriyah

local short form:

Suriyah

former:

United Arab Republic (with Egypt)

Digraph:

SY

Type:

republic under leftwing military regime since March 1963

Capital:

Damascus

Administrative divisions:

14 provinces (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Al Hasakah, Al Ladhiqiyah,

Al Qunaytirah, Ar Raqqah, As Suwayda', Dar'a, Dayr az Zawr, Dimashq, Halab,

Hamah, Hims, Idlib, Rif Dimashq, Tartus

Independence:

17 April 1946 (from League of Nations mandate under French administration)

Constitution: 13 March 1973

Legal system:

based on Islamic law and civil law system; special religious courts; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 17 April (1946)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party is the Arab Socialist Resurrectionist (Ba'th) Party; the

Progressive National is dominated by Ba'thists but includes independents and

members of the Syrian Arab Socialist Party (ASP); Arab Socialist Union

(ASU); Syrian Communist Party (SCP); Arab Socialist Unionist Movement; and

Democratic Socialist Union Party

Other political or pressure groups:

non-Ba'th parties have little effective political influence; Communist party

ineffective; conservative religious leaders; Muslim Brotherhood

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held December 1998); results -

President Hafiz al-ASAD was reelected for a fourth seven-year term with

99.98% of the vote

People's Council:

last held 22-23 May 1990 (next to be held NA May 1994); results - Ba'th

53.6%, ASU 3.2%, SCP 3.2%, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 2.8%, ASP 2%,

Democratic Socialist Union Party 1.6%, independents 33.6%; seats - (250

total) Ba'th 134, ASU 8, SCP 8, Arab Socialist Unionist Movement 7, ASP 5,

Democratic Socialist Union Party 4, independents 84; note - the People's

Council was expanded to 250 seats total prior to the May 1990 election

Executive branch:

president, three vice presidents, prime minister, three deputy prime

ministers, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral People's Council (Majlis al-Chaab)

*Syria, Government

Judicial branch:

Supreme Constitutional Court, High Judicial Council, Court of Cassation,

State Security Courts

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Hafiz al-ASAD (since 22 February 1971 see note); Vice Presidents

'Abd al-Halim KHADDAM, Rif'at al-ASAD, and Muhammad Zuhayr MASHARIQA (since

11 March 1984); note - President ASAD seized power in the November 1970

coup, assumed presidential powers 22 February 1971, and was confirmed as

president in the 12 March 1971 national elections

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Mahmud ZU'BI (since 1 November 1987); Deputy Prime Minister

Lt. Gen. Mustafa TALAS (since 11 March 1984); Deputy Prime Minister Salim

YASIN (since NA December 1981); Deputy Prime Minister Rashid AKHTARINI

(since 4 July 1992)

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNRWA, UPU, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Walid MOUALEM

chancery:

2215 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 232-6313

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Christopher W. S. ROSS

embassy:

Abu Rumaneh, Al Mansur Street No. 2, Damascus

mailing address:

P. O. Box 29, Damascus

telephone:

[963] (11) 333052 or 332557, 330416, 332814, 332315, 714108, 337178, 333232

FAX:

[963] (11) 718687

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black with two small

green five-pointed stars in a horizontal line centered in the white band;

similar to the flag of Yemen, which has a plain white band and of Iraq,

which has three green stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal

line centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt, which

has a symbolic eagle centered in the white band

*Syria, Economy

Overview:

Syria's state-dominated Ba'thist economy has benefited from the Gulf war,

increased oil production, good weather, and economic deregulation. Economic

growth averaged nearly 12% annually in 1990-91, buoyed by increased oil

production and improved agricultural performance. The Gulf war of early 1991

provided Syria an aid windfall of nearly $5 billion dollars from Arab,

European, and Japanese donors. These inflows more than offset Damascus's

war-related costs and will help Syria cover some of its debt arrears,

restore suspended credit lines, and initiate selected military and civilian

purchases. In 1992 the government spurred economic development by loosening

controls on domestic and foreign investment while maintaining strict

political controls. For the long run, Syria's economy is still saddled with

a large number of poorly performing public sector firms and industrial and

agricultural productivity is poor. A major long-term concern is the

additional drain of upstream Euphrates water by Turkey when its vast dam and

irrigation projects are completed by mid-decade.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $30 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

9% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,300 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.7% (1989)

Budget:

revenues $5.4 billion; expenditures $7.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $2.9 billion (1991 est.)

Exports:

$3.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum 45%, farm products 11%, textiles, phosphates 5% (1990)

partners:

USSR and Eastern Europe 44%, EC 34%, Arab countries 17%, US/Canada 1% (1990)

Imports:

$2.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs and beverages 21%, machinery 15%, metal and metal products 15%,

textiles 7%, petroleum products (1990)

partners:

EC 42%, USSR and Eastern Europe 13%, other Europe 13%, US/Canada 11%, Arab

countries 6% (1990)

External debt:

$5.3 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6% (1991 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP

Electricity:

3,205,000 kW capacity; 11,900 million kWh produced, 830 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, beverages, tobacco, phosphate rock mining,

petroleum

Agriculture:

accounts for 27% of GDP and one-third of labor force; all major crops

(wheat, barley, cotton, lentils, chickpeas) grown mainly on rain-watered

land causing wide swings in production; animal products - beef, lamb, eggs,

poultry, milk; not self-sufficient in grain or livestock products

*Syria, Economy

Illicit drugs:

a transit country for Lebanese and Turkish refined cocaine going to Europe

and heroin and hashish bound for the Persian Gulf area

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-81), $538 million; Western (non-US)

ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.23 billion; OPEC bilateral

aid (1979-89), $12.3 billion; former Communist countries (1970-89), $3.3

billion

Currency:

1 Syrian pound (#S) = 100 piasters

Exchange rates:

Syrian pounds (#S) per US$1 - 22.0 (promotional rate since 1991), 22.0

(official rate since 1991), 42.0 (official parallel rate since 1991),

11.2250 (fixed rate 1987-90)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Syria, Communications

Railroads:

1,998 km total; 1,766 km standard gauge, 232 km 1.050-meter (narrow) gauge

Highways:

29,000 km total; 670 km expressways; 5,000 km main or national roads; 23,330

km secondary or regional roads (not including municipal roads); 22,680 km of

the total is paved (1988)

Inland waterways:

870 km; minimal economic importance

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,304 km, petroleum products 515 km

Ports:

Tartus, Latakia, Baniyas, Jablah

Merchant marine:

41 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 117,247 GRT/183,607 DWT; includes 36

cargo, 2 vehicle carrier, 3 bulk

Airports:

total:

104

usable:

100

with permanent-surface runways:

24

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

21

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

3

Telecommunications:

fair system currently undergoing significant improvement and digital

upgrades, including fiber optic technology; 512,600 telephones (37

telephones per 1,000 persons); broadcast stations - 9 AM, 1 FM, 17 TV;

satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Intersputnik; 1

submarine cable; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Iraq, Jordan,

Lebanon, and Turkey

*Syria, Defense Forces

Branches:

Syrian Arab Army, Syrian Arab Navy, Syrian Arab Air Force, Syrian Arab Air

Defense Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 3,168,429; fit for military service 1,777,413; reach

military age (19) annually 151,102 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.2 billion, 6% of GDP (1992)

*Taiwan, Geography

Location:

East Asia, off the southeastern coast of China, between Japan and the

Philippines

Map references:

Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia

Area:

total area:

35,980 km2

land area:

32,260 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Maryland and Delaware combined

note:

includes the Pescadores, Matsu, and Quemoy

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

1,448 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

involved in complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia,

Philippines, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; Paracel Islands occupied by

China, but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan; Japanese-administered

Senkaku-shoto (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai) claimed by China and Taiwan

Climate:

tropical; marine; rainy season during southwest monsoon (June to August);

cloudiness is persistent and extensive all year

Terrain:

eastern two-thirds mostly rugged mountains; flat to gently rolling plains in

west

Natural resources:

small deposits of coal, natural gas, limestone, marble, and asbestos

Land use:

arable land:

24%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

5%

forest and woodland:

55%

other:

15%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to earthquakes and typhoons

*Taiwan, People

Population:

21,091,663 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.38 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

5.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.04 years

male:

71.84 years

female:

78.39 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.81 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Chinese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Chinese

Ethnic divisions:

Taiwanese 84%, mainland Chinese 14%, aborigine 2%

Religions:

mixture of Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist 93%, Christian 4.5%, other 2.5%

Languages:

Madarin Chinese (official), Taiwanese (Min), Hakka dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

86%

male:

93%

female:

79%

Labor force:

7.9 million

by occupation:

industry and commerce 53%, services 22%, agriculture 15.6%, civil

administration 7% (1989)

*Taiwan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form: Taiwan

local long form:

none

local short form:

T'ai-wan

Digraph:

TW

Type:

multiparty democratic regime; opposition political parties legalized in

March, 1989

Capital:

Taipei

Administrative divisions:

some of the ruling party in Taipei claim to be the government of all China;

in keeping with that claim, the central administrative divisions include 2

provinces (sheng, singular and plural) and 2 municipalities* (shih, singular, and plural) -

Fu-chien (some 20 offshore islands of Fujian Province

including Quemoy and Matsu), Kao-hsiung*, T'ai-pei*, and Taiwan (the island, of Taiwan and the

Pescadores islands); the more commonly referenced

administrative divisions are those of Taiwan Province - 16 counties (hsien,

singular and plural), 5 municipalities* (shih, singular and plural), and 2, special

municipalities** (chuan-shih, singular and plural); Chang-hua,, Chia-i, Chia-i*, Chi-lung*,,

Hsin-chu, Hsin-chu*, Hua-lien, I-lan,, Kao-hsiung, Kao-hsiung**, Miao-li, Nan-t'ou, P'eng-hu,,

P'ing-tung,

T'ai-chung, T'ai-chung*, T'ai-nan, T'ai-nan*, T'ai-pei, T'ai-pei**,, T'ai-tung, T'ao-yuan, and

Yun-lin; the provincial capital is at

Chung-hsing-hsin-ts'un

note:

Taiwan uses the Wade-Giles system for romanization

Constitution:

25 December 1947, presently undergoing revision

Legal system:

based on civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with

reservations

National holiday:

National Day, 10 October (1911) (Anniversary of the Revolution)

Political parties and leaders:

Kuomintang (KMT, Nationalist Party), LI Teng-hui, chairman; Democratic

Progressive Party (DPP); China Social Democratic Party (CSDP); Labor Party

(LP)

Other political or pressure groups:

Taiwan independence movement, various environmental groups

note:

debate on Taiwan independence has become acceptable within the mainstream of

domestic politics on Taiwan; political liberalization and the increased

representation of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan's

legislature have opened public debate on the island's national identity;

advocates of Taiwan independence, both within the DPP and the ruling

Kuomintang, oppose the ruling party's traditional stand that the island will

eventually unify with mainland China; the aims of the Taiwan independence

movement include establishing a sovereign nation on Taiwan and entering the

UN; other organizations supporting Taiwan independence include the World

United Formosans for Independence and the Organization for Taiwan Nation

Building

*Taiwan, Government

Suffrage:

20 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - President

LI Teng-hui was reelected by the National Assembly

Vice President:

last held 21 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - LI

Yuan-zu was elected by the National Assembly

Legislative Yuan:

last held 19 December 1992 (next to be held near the end of 1995); results -

KMT 60%, DPP 31%, independents 9%; seats - (304 total, 161 elected) KMT 96,

DPP 50, independents 15

National Assembly:

first National Assembly elected in November 1946 with a supplementary

election in December 1986; second and present National Assembly elected in

December 1991; seats - 403 total, KMT 318, DPP 75, other 10; (next election

to be held in 1997)

Executive branch:

president, vice president, premier of the Executive Yuan, vice premier of

the Executive Yuan, Executive Yuan

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Yuan and unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Judicial Yuan

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President LI Teng-hui (since 13 January 1988); Vice President LI Yuan-zu

(since 20 May 1990)

Head of Government:

Premier (President of the Executive Yuan) LIEN Chan (since 23 February

1993); Vice Premier (Vice President of the Executive Yuan) HSU Li-teh (since

23 February 1993)

Member of:

expelled from UN General Assembly and Security Council on 25 October 1971

and withdrew on same date from other charter-designated subsidiary organs;

expelled from IMF/World Bank group April/May 1980; seeking to join GATT;

attempting to retain membership in INTELSAT; suspended from IAEA in 1972,

but still allows IAEA controls over extensive atomic development, APEC,

AsDB, ICC, ICFTU, IOC

Diplomatic representation in US:

none; unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of the US

are maintained through a private instrumentality, the Coordination Council

for North American Affairs (CCNAA) with headquarters in Taipei and field

offices in Washington and 10 other US cities

US diplomatic representation:

unofficial commercial and cultural relations with the people of Taiwan are

maintained through a private institution, the American Institute in Taiwan

(AIT), which has offices in Taipei at #7, Lane 134, Hsiu Yi Road, Section 3,

telephone [886] (2) 709-2000, and in Kao-hsiung at #2 Chung Cheng 3d Road,

telephone [886] (7) 224-0154 through 0157, and the American Trade Center at

Room 3207 International Trade Building, Taipei World Trade Center, 333

Keelung Road Section 1, Taipei 10548, telephone [886] (2) 720-1550

Flag:

red with a dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a

white sun with 12 triangular rays

*Taiwan, Economy

Overview:

Taiwan has a dynamic capitalist economy with considerable government

guidance of investment and foreign trade and partial government ownership of

some large banks and industrial firms. Real growth in GNP has averaged about

9% a year during the past three decades. Export growth has been even faster

and has provided the impetus for industrialization. Agriculture contributes

about 4% to GNP, down from 35% in 1952. Taiwan currently ranks as number 13

among major trading countries. Traditional labor-intensive industries are

steadily being replaced with more capital- and technology-intensive

industries. Taiwan has become a major investor in China, Thailand,

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The tightening of labor markets

has led to an influx of foreign workers, both legal and illegal.

National product:

GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $209 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6.7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$10,000 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.4% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

1.6% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $30.3 billion; expenditures $30.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$82.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

electrical machinery 18.5%, textiles 14.7%, general machinery and equipment

17.7%, footwear 4.5%, foodstuffs 1.1%, plywood and wood products 1.1% (1992

est.)

partners:

US 29.1%, Hong Kong 18.7%, EC countries 17.1% (1992 est.)

Imports:

$72.1 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment 15.8%, chemicals 10.0%, crude oil 4.2%, foodstuffs

2.1% (1992 est.)

partners:

Japan 30.3%, US 21.9%, EC countries 17.1% (1992 est.)

External debt:

$620 million (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 6.5% (1992 est.); accounts for more than 40% of GDP

Electricity:

18,382,000 kW capacity; 98,500 million kWh produced, 4,718 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries: electronics, textiles, chemicals, clothing, food processing, plywood, sugar

milling, cement, shipbuilding, petroleum refining

Agriculture:

accounts for 4% of GNP and 16% of labor force (includes part-time farmers);

heavily subsidized sector; major crops - vegetables, rice, fruit, tea;

livestock - hogs, poultry, beef, milk; not self-sufficient in wheat,

soybeans, corn; fish catch increasing, reached 1.4 million metric tons in

1988

Illicit drugs:

an important heroin transit point; also a major drug money laundering center

*Taiwan, Economy

Economic aid:

US, including Ex-Im (FY46-82), $4.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA

and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $500 million

Currency:

1 New Taiwan dollar (NT$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

New Taiwan dollars per US$1 - 25.125 (1992 est.), 25.748 (1991), 27.108

(1990), 26.407 (1989) 28.589 (1988), 31.845 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Taiwan, Communications

Railroads:

about 4,600 km total track with 1,075 km common carrier lines and 3,525 km

industrial lines; common carrier lines consist of the 1.067-meter gauge 708

km West Line and the 367 km East Line; a 98.25 km South Link Line connection

was completed in late 1991; common carrier lines owned by the government and

operated by the Railway Administration under Ministry of Communications;

industrial lines owned and operated by government enterprises

Highways:

20,041 km total; 17,095 km bituminous or concrete pavement, 2,371 km crushed

stone or gravel, 575 km graded earth

Pipelines:

petroleum products 615 km, natural gas 97 km

Ports:

Kao-hsiung, Chi-lung (Keelung), Hua-lien, Su-ao, T'ai-tung

Merchant marine:

223 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,761,609 GRT/9,375,677 DWT; includes

1 passenger-cargo, 43 cargo, 11 refrigerated cargo, 85 container, 19 oil

tanker, 2 combination ore/oil, 1 specialized tanker, 57 bulk, 1

roll-on/roll-off, 2 combination bulk, 1 chemical tanker

Airports:

total:

40

usable:

38

with permanent-surface runways:

36 with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

16

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

7

Telecommunications:

best developed system in Asia outside of Japan; 7,800,000 telephones;

extensive microwave radio relay links on east and west coasts; broadcast

stations - 91 AM, 23 FM, 15 TV (13 repeaters); 8,620,000 radios; 6,386,000

TVs (5,680,000 color, 706,000 monochrome); satellite earth stations - 1

Pacific Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; submarine cable links to

Japan (Okinawa), the Philippines, Guam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia,

Australia, Middle East, and Western Europe

*Taiwan, Defense Forces

Branches:

General Staff, Ministry of National Defense, Army, Navy (including Marines),

Air Force, Coastal Patrol and Defense Command, Armed Forces Reserve Command,

Military Police Command

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 6,095,857; fit for military service 4,731,172 (1993 est.);

about 184,740 currently reach military age (19) annually

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $10.9 billion, 5.4% of GNP (FY93/94 est.)

*Tajikistan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, between Uzbekistan and China

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

143,100 km2

land area:

142,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Wisconsin

Land boundaries:

total 3,651 km, Afghanistan 1,206 km, China 414 km, Kyrgyzstan 870 km,

Uzbekistan 1,161 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

boundary with China under dispute; territorial dispute with Kyrgyzstan on

northern boundary in Isfara Valley area; Afghanistan's support to Islamic

fighters in Tajikistan's civil war

Climate:

midlatitude; semiarid to polar in Pamir Mountains

Terrain:

Pamir and Altay Mountains dominate landscape; western Fergana Valley in

north, Kafirnigan and Vakhsh Valleys in south or southwest

Natural resources:

significant hydropower potential, petroleum, uranium, mercury, brown coal,

lead, zinc, antimony, tungsten

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

23%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

71%

Irrigated land:

6,940 km2 (1990)

Environment:

NA

Note:

landlocked

*Tajikistan, People

Population:

5,836,140 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.72% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

35.52 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.42 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

63.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

68.5 years

male:

65.66 years

female:

71.48 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Tajik(s)

adjective:

Tajik

Ethnic divisions:

Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining because of emigration),

other 6.6%

Religions:

Sunni Muslim 80%, Shi'a Muslim 5%

Languages:

Tajik (official)

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

99%

Labor force:

1.938 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 43%, industry and construction 22%, other 35%

(1990)

*Tajikistan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Tajikistan

conventional short form:

Tajikistan

local long form:

Respublika i Tojikiston

local short form:

none

former:

Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

TI

Type:

republic

Capital:

Dushanbe

Administrative divisions:

2 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and one autonomous oblast*;, Gorno-Badakhshan*;,

Khatlon, Leninabad (Khudzhand)

note:

the rayons around Dushanbe are under direct republic jurisdiction; an oblast

usually has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the

administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

9 September 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

as of mid-1993, a new constitution had not been formally approved

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday: NA

Political parties and leaders:

Tajik Democratic Party (TDP), Maksud IKRAMOV, Davia KOUDONAZAROV, Shodmon

YUSUPOV; Tajik Socialist Party (TSP), Rakhman NABIYEV, Kakhkhor MAKHKAMOV;

Islamic Revival Party (IRP), Mullah Mukhamedsharif KHIMATZODA, Daviat USMON

Other political or pressure groups:

Tajik People's Front

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 27 October 1991 (next to be held NA); results - Rakhman NABIYEV,

Communist Party 60%; Davlat KHUDONAZAROV, Democratic Party, Islamic Rebirth

Party and Rastokhoz Party 30%

Supreme Soviet:

last held 25 February 1990 (next to be held NA); results - Communist Party

99%, other 1%; seats - (230 total) Communist Party 227, other 3

note:

in May 1992, the Supreme Soviet was replaced by the transitional 80-member

Assembly (Majlis) and in November 1992 Emomili RAKHMANOV, chairman of the

Assembly, became Chief of State

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Assembly (Majlis)

Judicial branch:

NA

*Tajikistan, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Acting President and Assembly Chairman Emomili RAKHMANOV (since NA November

1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Abdumalik ABULAJANOV (since NA November 1992); First Deputy

Prime Minister Tukhtaboy GAFAROV (since NA November 1992)

Member of:

CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

NA

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Stanley T. ESCUDERO

embassy:

(temporary) #39 Ainii Street, Dushanbe

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone: [7] (3772) 24-82-33

Flag:

NA

*Tajikistan, Economy

Overview:

Tajikistan has had the lowest living standards of the CIS republics and now

faces the bleakest economic prospects. Agriculture (particularly cotton and

fruit growing) is the most important sector, accounting for 38% of

employment (1990). Industrial production includes aluminum reduction,

hydropower generation, machine tools, refrigerators, and freezers.

Throughout 1992 bloody civil disturbances disrupted food imports and several

regions became desperately short of basic needs. Hundreds of thousands of

people were made homeless by the strife. In late 1992, one-third of industry

was shut down and the cotton crop was only one-half of that of 1991.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-34% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

35% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.4% includes only officially registered unemployed; also large numbers of

underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$100 million to outside successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

aluminum, cotton, fruits, vegetable oil, textiles

partners:

Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Imports:

$100 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

chemicals, machinery and transport equipment, textiles, foodstuffs

partners:

NA

External debt:

$650 million (end of 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -25% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

4,585,000 kW capacity; 16,800 million kWh produced, 2,879 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

aluminum, zinc, lead, chemicals and fertilizers, cement, vegetable oil,

metal-cutting machine tools, refrigerators and freezers

Agriculture:

cotton, grain, fruits, grapes, vegetables; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,

yaks

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication programs; used as transshipment points for illicit

drugs from Southwest Asia to Western Europe

Economic aid:

$700 million offical and commitments by foreign donors (1992)

Currency:

retaining Russian ruble as currency (January 1993)

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

*Tajikistan, Economy

Fiscal year: calendar year

*Tajikistan, Communications

Railroads:

480 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

29,900 km total (1990); 21,400 km hard surfaced, 8,500 km earth

Pipelines:

natural gas 400 km (1992)

Airports:

total:

58

useable:

30

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

13

Telecommunications:

poorly developed and not well maintained; many towns are not reached by the

national network; telephone density in urban locations is about 100 per 1000

persons; linked by cable and microwave to other CIS republics, and by leased

connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; satellite earth

stations - 1 orbita and 2 INTELSAT (TV receive-only; the second INTELSAT

earth station provides TV receive-only service from Turkey)

*Tajikistan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army (being formed), National Guard, Security Forces (internal and border

troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,313,676; fit for military service 1,079,935; reach

military age (18) annually 56,862 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

$NA, NA% of GDP

*Tanzania, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean between Kenya and Mozambique

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

945,090 km2

land area:

886,040 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than twice the size of California

note:

includes the islands of Mafia, Pemba, and Zanzibar

Land boundaries:

total 3,402 km, Burundi 451 km, Kenya 769 km, Malawi 475 km, Mozambique 756

km, Rwanda 217 km, Uganda 396 km, Zambia 338 km

Coastline:

1,424 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

boundary dispute with Malawi in Lake Nyasa; Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint

in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be indefinite since it is reported that the

indefinite section of the Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled

Climate:

varies from tropical along coast to temperate in highlands

Terrain:

plains along coast; central plateau; highlands in north, south

Natural resources:

hydropower potential, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones,

gold, natural gas, nickel

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

40%

forest and woodland:

47%

other:

7%

Irrigated land: 1,530 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

lack of water and tsetse fly limit agriculture; recent droughts affected

marginal agriculture; Kilimanjaro is highest point in Africa

*Tanzania, People

Population:

27,286,363 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.56% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

45.66 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

19.02 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.06 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

110.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

44 years

male:

42.19 years

female:

45.87 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.25 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Tanzanian(s)

adjective:

Tanzanian

Ethnic divisions:

mainland:

native African 99% (consisting of well over 100 tribes)

Asian, European, and Arab 1%

Zanzibar:

NA

Religions:

mainland:

Christian 40%, Muslim 33%, indigenous beliefs 25%

Zanzibar:

Muslim

Languages:

Swahili (official; widely understood and generally used for communication

between ethnic groups and is used in primary education), English (official;

primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education)

note:

first language of most people is one of the local languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1978)

total population:

46% male:

62%

female:

31%

Labor force:

732,200 wage earners

by occupation:

agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 10% (1986 est.)

*Tanzania, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

United Republic of Tanzania

conventional short form:

Tanzania

former:

United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Digraph:

TZ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Dar es Salaam

note:

some government offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as

the new national capital by the end of the 1990s

Administrative divisions:

25 regions; Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Kigoma, Kilimanjaro,

Lindi, Mara, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pemba North, Pemba South,

Pwani, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Shinyanga, Singida, Tabora, Tanga, Zanzibar

Central/South, Zanzibar North, Zanzibar Urban/West, Ziwa Magharibi

Independence:

26 April 1964 Tanganyika became independent 9 December 1961 (from UN

trusteeship under British administration); Zanzibar became independent 19

December 1963 (from UK); Tanganyika united with Zanzibar 26 April 1964 to

form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar; renamed United Republic

of Tanzania 29 October 1964

Constitution:

15 March 1984 (Zanzibar has its own constitution but remains subject to

provisions of the union constitution)

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to

matters of interpretation; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Union Day, 26 April (1964)

Political parties and leaders:

Chama Chr Mapinduzi (CCM or Revolutionary Party), Ali Hassan MWINYI; Civic

United Front (CUF), James MAPALALA; National Committee for Constitutional

Reform (NCCK), Mabere MARANDO; Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD),

Abdullah FUNDIKIRA; Democratic Party (DP), Christopher Mtikila

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections: President:

last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - Ali

Hassan MWINYI was elected without opposition

National Assembly:

last held 28 October 1990 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - CCM

was the only party; seats - (241 total, 168 elected) CCM 168

Executive branch:

president, first vice president and prime minister of the union, second vice

president and president of Zanzibar, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Bunge)

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, High Court

*Tanzania, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Ali Hassan MWINYI (since 5 November 1985); First Vice President

John MALECELA (since 9 November 1990); Second Vice President Salmin AMOUR

(since 9 November 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister John MALECELA (since 9 November 1990)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-6, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS,

NAM, OAU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Charles Musama NYIRABU

chancery:

2139 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 939-6125

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Peter Jon DE VOS

embassy:

36 Laibon Road (off Bagamoyo Road), Dar es Salaam

mailing address:

P. O. Box 9123, Dar es Salaam

telephone:

[255] (51) 66010/13

FAX:

[255] (51) 66701

Flag:

divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side

corner; the upper triangle (hoist side) is green and the lower triangle is

blue

*Tanzania, Economy

Overview:

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. The economy is

heavily dependent on agriculture, which accounts for about 58% of GDP,

provides 85% of exports, and employs 90% of the work force. Industry

accounts for 8% of GDP and is mainly limited to processing agricultural

products and light consumer goods. The economic recovery program announced

in mid-1986 has generated notable increases in agricultural production and

financial support for the program by bilateral donors. The World Bank, the

International Monetary Fund, and bilateral donors have provided funds to

rehabilitate Tanzania's deteriorated economic infrastructure. Growth in

1991-92 featured a pickup in industrial production and a substantial

increase in output of minerals led by gold.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $7.2 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$260 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

22% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $495 million; expenditures $631 million, including capital

expenditures of $118 million (FY90)

Exports:

$422 million (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

coffee, cotton, tobacco, tea, cashew nuts, sisal

partners:

FRG, UK, Japan, Netherlands, Kenya, Hong Kong, US

Imports:

$1.43 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery and transportation equipment, cotton piece

goods, crude oil, foodstuffs

partners:

FRG, UK, US, Japan, Italy, Denmark

External debt:

$6.44 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 9.3% (1990); accounts for 7% of GDP

Electricity:

405,000 kW capacity; 600 million kWh produced, 20 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

primarily agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine),

diamond and gold mining, oil refinery, shoes, cement, textiles, wood

products, fertilizer

Agriculture:

accounts for over 58% of GDP; topography and climatic conditions limit

cultivated crops to only 5% of land area; cash crops - coffee, sisal, tea,

cotton, pyrethrum (insecticide made from chrysanthemums), cashews, tobacco,

cloves (Zanzibar); food crops - corn, wheat, cassava, bananas, fruits,

vegetables; small numbers of cattle, sheep, and goats; not self-sufficient

in food grain production

*Tanzania, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $400 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $9.8 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $44 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $614

million

Currency:

1 Tanzanian shilling (TSh) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Tanzanian shillings (TSh) per US$1 - 325.00 (November 1992), 219.16 (1991),

195.06 (1990), 143.38 (1989), 99.29 (1988), 64.26 (1987)

Fiscal year:

1 July-30 June

*Tanzania, Communications

Railroads:

3,555 km total; 960 km 1.067-meter gauge (including the 962 km Tazara

Railroad); 2,595 km 1.000-meter gauge, including 6.4 km double track; 115 km

of 1.000-meter gauge planned by end of decade

Highways:

81,900 km total, 3,600 km paved; 5,600 km gravel or crushed stone; 72,700 km

improved and unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake Nyasa

Pipelines:

crude oil 982 km

Ports:

Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Tanga, and Zanzibar are ocean ports; Mwanza on Lake

Victoria and Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika are inland ports

Merchant marine:

6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 19,185 GRT/22,916 DWT; includes 2

passenger-cargo, 2 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

103

usable:

92

with permanent-surface runways:

12

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

40

Telecommunications:

fair system operating below capacity; open wire, radio relay, and

troposcatter; 103,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 12 AM, 4 FM, 2 TV; 1

Indian Ocean and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Tanzania, Defense Forces

Branches:

Tanzanian People's Defense Force (TPDF; including Army, Navy, and Air

Force), paramilitary Police Field Force Unit, Militia

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,835,064; fit for military service 3,375,567 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Thailand, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Burma and Cambodia

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

514,000 km2

land area:

511,770 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of Wyoming

Land boundaries:

total 4,863 km, Burma 1,800 km, Cambodia 803 km, Laos 1,754 km, Malaysia 506

km

Coastline:

3,219 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

boundary dispute with Laos; unresolved maritime boundary with Vietnam

Climate:

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid-May to September); dry,

cool northeast monsoon (November to mid-March); southern isthmus always hot

and humid

Terrain:

central plain; eastern plateau (Khorat); mountains elsewhere

Natural resources:

tin, rubber, natural gas, tungsten, tantalum, timber, lead, fish, gypsum,

lignite, fluorite

Land use:

arable land:

34%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures:

1% forest and woodland:

30%

other:

31%

Irrigated land:

42,300 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

air and water pollution; land subsidence in Bangkok area

Note:

controls only land route from Asia to Malaysia and Singapore

*Thailand, People

Population:

58,722,437 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.36% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

19.97 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.33 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

38.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

68.28 years

male:

65.05 years

female:

71.66 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.16 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Thai (singular and plural)

adjective:

Thai

Ethnic divisions:

Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Religions:

Buddhism 95%, Muslim 3.8%, Christianity 0.5%, Hinduism 0.1%, other 0.6%

(1991)

Languages:

Thai, English the secondary language of the elite, ethnic and regional

dialects

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

93%

male:

96%

female: 90%

Labor force:

30.87 million

by occupation:

agriculture 62%, industry 13%, commerce 11%, services (including government)

14% (1989 est.)

*Thailand, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Thailand

conventional short form:

Thailand

Digraph:

TH

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

Bangkok

Administrative divisions:

73 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Ang Thong, Buriram,

Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Changwat Mukdahan, Chanthaburi, Chiang

Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi,

Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon, Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri,

Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom,

Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong

Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao,

Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya,

Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi,

Rayong, Roi Et, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram,

Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri,

Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai

Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Independence:

1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

Constitution:

22 December 1978; new constitution approved 7 December 1991; amended 10 June

1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; martial law in effect since 23 February 1991

military coup

National holiday:

Birthday of His Majesty the King, 5 December (1927)

Political parties and leaders:

Democrat Party (DP), Chuan LIKPHAI; Thai Nation Pary (TNP or Chat Thai

Party), Praman ADIREKSAN; National Development Party (NDP or Chat Phattana),

Chatchai CHUNHAWAN; New Aspiration Party, Gen. Chawalit YONGCHAIYUT; Phalang

Tham (Palang Dharma), Bunchu ROTCHANASATIEN; Social Action Party (SAP),

Montri PHONGPHANIT; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP or Seri Tham), Athit

URAIRAT; Solidarity Party (SP), Uthai PHIMCHAICHON; Mass Party (Muanchon),

Pol. Cpt. Choem YUBAMRUNG; Thai Citizen's Party (Prachakon Thai), Samak

SUNTHONWET; People's Party (Ratsadon), Chaiphak SIRIWAT; People's Force

Party (Phalang Prachachon), Col. Sophon HANCHAREON

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 13 September 1992 (next to be held by NA); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (360 total) DP 79, TNP 77, NDP 60, NAP 51, Phalang

Tham 47, SAP 22, LDP 8, SP 8, Mass Party 4, Thai Citizen's Party 3, People's

Party 1, People's Force Party 0

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, four deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers

(cabinet), Privy Council

*Thailand, Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral National Assembly (Rathasatha) consists of an upper house or

Senate (Vuthisatha) and a lower house or House of Representatives

(Saphaphoothan-Rajsadhorn)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Sarndika)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet (since 9 June 1946); Heir Apparent Crown Prince

WACHIRALONGKON (born 28 July 1952)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister CHUAN Likphai (since 23 September 1992)

Member of:

APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU,

IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU,

LORCS, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO,

WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador-designate PHIRAPHONG Kasemsi

chancery:

2300 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 483-7200

consulates general:

Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador David F. LAMBERTSON

embassy:

95 Wireless Road, Bangkok

mailing address:

APO AP 96546

telephone:

[66] (2) 252-5040

FAX:

[66] (2) 254-2990

consulate general:

Chiang Mai consulates:

Songkhla, Udorn

Flag:

five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and

red

*Thailand, Economy

Overview:

Thailand's economy recovered rapidly from the political unrest in May 1992

to post an impressive 7% growth rate for the year. Thailand, one of the more

advanced developing countries in Asia, depends on exports of manufactures

and the development of the service sector to fuel the country's rapid

growth. The trade and current account deficits fell in 1992; much of

Thailand's recent imports have been for capital equipment suggesting that

the export sector is poised for further growth. With foreign investment

slowing, Bangkok is working to increase the generation of capital

domestically. Prime Minister CHUAN's government - Thailand's fifth

government in less than two years - is pledged to continue Bangkok's

probusiness policies, and the return of a democratically elected government

has improved business confidence. Nevertheless, CHUAN must overcome

divisions within his ruling coalition to complete much needed infrastructure

development programs if Thailand is to remain an attractive place for

business investment. Over the longer-term, Bangkok must produce more college

graduates with technical training and upgrade workers' skills to continue

its rapid economic development.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $103 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

7% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,800 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

4.7% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $21.36 billion; expenditures $22.40 billion, including capital

expenditures of $6.24 billion (FY93 est.)

Exports:

$32.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

machinery and manufactures 76.9%, agricultural products 14.9%, fisheries

products 5.9% (1992)

partners:

US 21.6%, Japan 18.0%, Singapore 8.7%, Hong Kong 4.8%, Germany 4.4%,

Netherlands 4.2%, UK 3.4%, Malaysia, France, China (1992 est.)

Imports:

$41.5 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

capital goods 41.4%, intermediate goods and raw materials 32.8%, consumer

goods 10.4%, oil 8.2%

partners:

Japan 29.3%, US 11.4%, Singapore 7.6%, Taiwan 5.5%, Germany 5.4%, South

Korea 4.6%, Malaysia 4.2%, China 3.3%, Hong Kong 3.3%, UK (1992 est.)

External debt:

$33.4 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 18% (1990); accounts for about 26% of GDP

Electricity:

10,000,000 kW capacity; 43,750 million kWh produced, 760 kWh per capita

(1992)

*Thailand, Economy

Industries:

tourism is the largest source of foreign exchange; textiles and garments,

agricultural processing, beverages, tobacco, cement, light manufacturing,

such as jewelry; electric appliances and components, integrated circuits,

furniture, plastics; world's second-largest tungsten producer and

third-largest tin producer

Agriculture:

accounts for 12% of GDP and 60% of labor force; leading producer and

exporter of rice and cassava (tapioca); other crops - rubber, corn,

sugarcane, coconuts, soybeans; except for wheat, self-sufficient in food

Illicit drugs:

a minor producer, major illicit trafficker of heroin, particularly from

Burma and Laos, and cannabis for the international drug market; eradication

efforts have reduced the area of cannabis cultivation and shifted some

production to neighboring countries; opium poppy cultivation has been

affected by eradication efforts; also a major drug money laundering center

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $870 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $8.6 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $19 million

Currency:

1 baht (B) = 100 satang

Exchange rates:

baht (B) per US$1 - 25.280 (April 1993), 25.400 (1992), 25.517 (1991),

25.585 (1990), 25.702 (1989), 25.294 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 October-30 September

*Thailand, Communications

Railroads:

3,940 km 1.000-meter gauge, 99 km double track

Highways:

77,697 km total; 35,855 km paved (including 88 km expressways), 14,092 km

gravel or other stabilization, 27,750 km mostly dirt and other (1988)

Inland waterways:

3,999 km principal waterways; 3,701 km with navigable depths of 0.9 m or

more throughout the year; numerous minor waterways navigable by

shallow-draft native craft

Pipelines:

natural gas 350 km, petroleum products 67 km

Ports:

Bangkok, Pattani, Phuket, Sattahip, Si Racha

Merchant marine:

169 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 752,055 GRT/1,166,136 DWT; includes 1

short-sea passenger, 91 cargo, 12 container, 40 oil tanker, 9 liquefied gas,

2 chemical tanker, 5 bulk, 6 refrigerated cargo, 2 combination bulk, 1

passenger

Airports:

total:

106

usable:

95

with permanent-surface runways:

51

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

14

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

28

Telecommunications:

service to general public inadequate; bulk of service to government

activities provided by multichannel cable and microwave radio relay network;

739,500 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - over 200 AM, 100 FM, and 11

TV in government-controlled networks; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian

Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT; domestic satellite system being

developed

*Thailand, Defense Forces

Branches:

Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy (including Royal Thai Marine Corps), Royal

Thai Air Force, Paramilitary Forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 16,685,044; fit for military service 10,148,786; reach

military age (18) annually 616,042 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $2.6 billion, about 2% of GNP (FY92/93 est.)

*Togo, Geography

Location:

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean beween Benin and Ghana

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

56,790 km2

land area:

54,390 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than West Virginia

Land boundaries:

total 1,647 km, Benin 644 km, Burkina 126 km, Ghana 877 km

Coastline:

56 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

30 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid in south; semiarid in north

Terrain:

gently rolling savanna in north; central hills; southern plateau; low

coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes

Natural resources:

phosphates, limestone, marble

Land use:

arable land:

25%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

28%

other:

42%

Irrigated land:

70 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

hot, dry harmattan wind can reduce visibility in north during winter; recent

droughts affecting agriculture; deforestation

*Togo, People

Population:

4,104,657 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.61% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

47.87 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

11.8 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

91.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

56.46 years

male:

54.45 years female:

58.53 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.96 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Togolese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Togolese

Ethnic divisions:

37 tribes; largest and most important are Ewe, Mina, and Kabye, European and

Syrian-Lebanese under 1%

Religions:

indigenous beliefs 70%, Christian 20%, Muslim 10%

Languages:

French (official and the language of commerce), Ewe (one of the two major

African languages in the south), Mina (one of the two major African

languages in the south), Dagomba (one of the two major African languages in

the north), Kabye (one of the two major African languages in the north)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

43%

male:

56%

female:

31%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 78%, industry 22%

note:

about 88,600 wage earners, evenly divided between public and private

sectors; 50% of population of working age (1985)

*Togo, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Togo

conventional short form:

Togo

local long form:

Republique Togolaise

local short form:

none

former:

French Togo

Digraph:

TO

Type:

republic under transition to multiparty democratic rule

Capital:

Lome

Administrative divisions:

21 circumscriptions (circonscriptions, singular - circonscription); Amlame

(Amou), Aneho (Lacs), Atakpame (Ogou), Badou (Wawa), Bafilo (Assoli), Bassar

(Bassari), Dapango (Tone), Kande (Keran), Klouto (Kloto), Pagouda (Binah),

Lama-Kara (Kozah), Lome (Golfe), Mango (Oti), Niamtougou (Doufelgou), Notse

(Haho), Pagouda, Sotouboua, Tabligbo (Yoto), Tchamba, Nyala, Tchaoudjo,

Tsevie (Zio), Vogan (Vo)

note:

the 21 units may now be called prefectures (prefectures, singular -

prefecture) and reported name changes for individual units are included in

parentheses

Independence:

27 April 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)

Constitution:

1980 constitution nullified during national reform conference; transition

constitution adopted 24 August 1991; multiparty draft constitution sent to

High Council of the Republic for approval in November 1991; adopted by

public referendum September 1992

Legal system:

French-based court system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 April (1960)

Political parties and leaders:

Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) led by President EYADEMA was the only

party until the formation of multiple parties was legalized 12 April 1991;

transition regime in place since August 1991

Suffrage:

universal adult at age NA

Elections:

President:

last held 21 December 1986 (next to be held 1993); results - Gen. EYADEMA

was reelected without opposition

National Assembly:

last held 4 March 1990; dissolved during national reform conference (next to

be held 1993); results - RPT was the only party; seats - (77 total) RPT 77;

interim legislative High Council of the Republic (HCR) in place since August

1991

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

*Togo, Government

Legislative branch:

National Assembly dissolved during national reform conference; 79-member

interim High Council for the Republic (HCR) formed to act as legislature

during transition to multiparty democracy; legislative elections scheduled

to be held in 1993

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal (Cour d'Appel), Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Gen. Gnassingbe EYADEMA (since 14 April 1967)

Head of Government:

interim Prime Minister Joseph Kokou KOFFIGOH (since 28 August 1991)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO (observer), ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77,

GATT, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL,

IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO,

WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ellom-Kodjo SCHUPPIUS

chancery:

2208 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 234-4212 or 4213

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Harmon E. KIRBY

embassy:

Rue Pelletier Caventou and Rue Vauban, Lome

mailing address:

B. P. 852, Lome

telephone:

[228] 21-29-91 through 94 and 21-77-17

FAX:

[228] 21-79-52

Flag:

five equal horizontal bands of green (top and bottom) alternating with

yellow; there is a white five-pointed star on a red square in the upper

hoist-side corner; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Togo, Economy

Overview:

The economy is heavily dependent on subsistence agriculture, which accounts

for about 33% of GDP and provides employment for 78% of the labor force.

Primary agricultural exports are cocoa, coffee, and cotton, which together

account for about 30% of total export earnings. Togo is self-sufficient in

basic foodstuffs when harvests are normal. In the industrial sector

phosphate mining is by far the most important activity, with phosphate

exports accounting for about 40% of total foreign exchange earnings. Togo

serves as a regional commercial and trade center. The government, over the

past decade, with IMF and World Bank support, has been implementing a number

of economic reform measures to encourage foreign investment and bring

revenues in line with expenditures. Political unrest, including private and

public sector strikes throughout 1991 and 1992, has jeopardized the reform

program and has disrupted vital economic activity.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.5 billion (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0% (1991 est.)

National product per capita:

$400 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

0.5% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

2% (1987)

Budget:

revenues $284.8 million; expenditures $407 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1991 est.)

Exports:

$512 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

phosphates, cotton, cocoa, coffee

partners:

EC 40%, Africa 16%, US 1% (1990)

Imports:

$583 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemical products

partners:

EC 57%, Africa 17%, US 5%, Japan 4% (1990)

External debt:

$1.3 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 9.0% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDP

Electricity:

179,000 kW capacity; 209 million kWh produced, 60 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

phosphate mining, agricultural processing, cement, handicrafts, textiles,

beverages

Agriculture:

accounts for 33% of GDP; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, cotton; food crops -

yams, cassava, corn, beans, rice, millet, sorghum; livestock production not

significant; annual fish catch, 10,000-14,000 tons

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-90), $142 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-90), $2 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $35 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $51

million

Currency:

1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes

*Togo, Economy

Exchange rates:

Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 274.06 (January

1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989), 297.85

(1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Togo, Communications

Railroads:

570 km 1.000-meter gauge, single track

Highways:

6,462 km total; 1,762 km paved; 4,700 km unimproved roads

Inland waterways: 50 km Mono River

Ports:

Lome, Kpeme (phosphate port)

Merchant marine:

2 roll-on/roll-off ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 11,118 GRT/20,529 DWT

Airports:

total:

9

usable:

9

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

fair system based on network of radio relay routes supplemented by open wire

lines; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 3 (2 relays) TV; satellite earth

stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 SYMPHONIE

*Togo, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 862,427; fit for military service 452,974 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $43 million, about 3% of GDP (1989)

*Tokelau, Header

Affiliation: (territory of New Zealand)

*Tokelau, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 3,750 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean, about

halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

10 km2

land area:

10 km2 comparative area:

about 17 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

101 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by trade winds (April to November)

Terrain:

coral atolls enclosing large lagoons

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

lies in Pacific typhoon belt

*Tokelau, People

Population:

1,544 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-1.35% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

NA births/1,000 population

Death rate:

NA deaths/1,000 population

Net migration rate:

NA migrant(s)/1,000 population

Infant mortality rate:

NA deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

NA years

male:

NA years female:

NA years

Total fertility rate:

NA children born/woman

Nationality:

noun:

Tokelauan(s)

adjective:

Tokelauan

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian

Religions:

Congregational Christian Church 70%, Roman Catholic 28%, other 2%

note:

on Atafu, all Congregational Christian Church of Samoa; on Nukunonu, all

Roman Catholic; on Fakaofo, both denominations, with the Congregational

Christian Church predominant

Languages:

Tokelauan (a Polynesian language), English

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

*Tokelau, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Tokelau

Digraph:

TL

Type:

territory of New Zealand

Capital:

none; each atoll has its own administrative center

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Independence:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Constitution:

administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970

Legal system:

British and local statutes

National holiday:

Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British

sovereignty over New Zealand)

Political parties and leaders: NA

Suffrage:

NA

Elections:

NA

Executive branch:

British monarch, administrator (appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

in New Zealand), official secretary

Legislative branch:

unicameral Council of Elders (Taupulega) on each atoll

Judicial branch:

High Court in Niue, Supreme Court in New Zealand

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)

Head of Government:

Administrator Graham ANSELL (since NA 1990); Official Secretary Casimilo J.

PEREZ (since NA), Office of Tokelau Affairs; Tokelau's governing Council

will elect its first head of government in 1993

Member of:

SPC, WHO (associate)

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of New Zealand)

US diplomatic representation:

none (territory of New Zealand)

Flag:

the flag of New Zealand is used

*Tokelau, Economy

Overview:

Tokelau's small size, isolation, and lack of resources greatly restrain

economic development and confine agriculture to the subsistence level. The

people must rely on aid from New Zealand to maintain public services, annual

aid being substantially greater than GDP. The principal sources of revenue

come from sales of copra, postage stamps, souvenir coins, and handicrafts.

Money is also remitted to families from relatives in New Zealand.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.4 million (1988 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$800 (1988 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $430,830; expenditures $2.8 million, including capital expenditures

of $37,300 (FY87)

Exports:

$98,000 (f.o.b., 1983)

commodities:

stamps, copra, handicrafts

partners:

NZ

Imports:

$323,400 (c.i.f., 1983)

commodities:

foodstuffs, building materials, fuel

partners:

NZ

External debt:

$0

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

200 kW capacity; 300,000 kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

small-scale enterprises for copra production, wood work, plaited craft

goods; stamps, coins; fishing

Agriculture:

coconuts, copra; basic subsistence crops - breadfruit, papaya, bananas;

pigs, poultry, goats

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $24

million

Currency:

1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.9486 (January 1993), 1.8584 (1992),

l.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6708 (1989), 1.5244 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April-31 March

*Tokelau, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

none; lagoon landings by amphibious aircraft from Western Samoa

Telecommunications:

radiotelephone service between islands and to Western Samoa

*Tokelau, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand

*Tonga, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 2,250 km north-northwest of New Zealand, about two-thirds of the

way between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

748 km2

land area:

718 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than four times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

419 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

not specified

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool

season (May to December)

Terrain:

most islands have limestone base formed from uplifted coral formation;

others have limestone overlying volcanic base

Natural resources:

fish, fertile soil

Land use:

arable land:

25%

permanent crops:

55%

meadows and pastures:

6%

forest and woodland:

12%

other:

2%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

archipelago of 170 islands (36 inhabited); subject to cyclones (October to

April); deforestation

*Tonga, People

Population:

103,949 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.8% (1993 est.)

Birth rate: 25.16 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.75 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-10.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

21.38 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.79 years

male:

65.5 years

female:

70.24 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.68 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Tongan(s)

adjective:

Tongan

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian, Europeans about 300

Religions:

Christian (Free Wesleyan Church claims over 30,000 adherents)

Languages:

Tongan, English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1976)

total population:

57%

male:

60%

female:

60%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture 70%, mining (600 engaged in mining)

*Tonga, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Kingdom of Tonga

conventional short form:

Tonga

former:

Friendly Islands

Digraph:

TN

Type:

hereditary constitutional monarchy

Capital: Nuku alofa

Administrative divisions:

three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u

Independence:

4 June 1970 (from UK)

Constitution:

4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967

Legal system:

based on English law

National holiday:

Emancipation Day, 4 June (1970)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Reform Movement, 'Akilisi POHIVA; Christian Democratic Party,

leader NA

Suffrage:

all literate, tax-paying males and all literate females over 21

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held 14-15 February 1990 (next to be held 3-4 February 1993); results -

percent of vote NA; seats - (29 total, 9 elected) 6 proreform, 3

traditionalist

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet), Privy Council

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fale Alea)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

King Taufa'ahau TUPOU IV (since 16 December 1965)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Baron VAEA (since 22 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister S.

Langi KAVALIKU (since 22 August 1991)

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF,

INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU,

WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

Ambassador Sione KITE, resides in London

US diplomatic representation:

the US has no offices in Tonga; the ambassador to Fiji is accredited to

Tonga and makes periodic visits

Flag:

red with a bold red cross on a white rectangle in the upper hoist-side

corner

*Tonga, Economy

Overview:

The economy's base is agriculture, which employs about 70% of the labor

force and contributes 40% to GDP. Coconuts, bananas, and vanilla beans are

the main crops and make up two-thirds of exports. The country must import a

high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The manufacturing

sector accounts for only 11% of GDP. Tourism is the primary source of hard

currency earnings, but the island remains dependent on sizable external aid

and remittances to offset its trade deficit.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $92 million (FY90)

National product real growth rate:

0.4% (FY92 est.)

National product per capita:

$900 (FY90)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

4% (FY92 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $36.4 million; expenditures $68.1 million, including capital

expenditures of $33.2 million (FY91 est.)

Exports:

$18.8 million (f.o.b., FY92 est.)

commodities:

coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra, bananas, taro, vanilla beans,

fruits, vegetables, fish

partners:

Japan 34%, US 17%, Australia 13%, NZ 13% (FY91)

Imports:

$68.3 million (c.i.f., FY92 est.)

commodities:

food products, machinery and transport equipment, manufactures, fuels,

chemicals

partners:

NZ 33%, Australia 22%, US 8%, Japan 8% (FY91)

External debt:

$47.5 million (FY91)

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.7% (FY90); accounts for 11% of GDP

Electricity:

6,000 kW capacity; 8 million kWh produced, 80 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

tourism, fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP; dominated by coconut, copra, and banana production;

vanilla beans, cocoa, coffee, ginger, black pepper

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $16 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $258 million

Currency:

1 pa'anga (T$) = 100 seniti

Exchange rates:

pa'anga (T$) per US$1 - 1.3996 (January 1993), 1.3471 (1992), 1.2961 (1991),

1.2809 (1990), 1.2637 (1989), 1.2799 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July-30 June

*Tonga, Communications

Highways:

198 km sealed road (Tongatapu); 74 km (Vava'u); 94 km unsealed roads usable

only in dry weather

Ports:

Nukualofa, Neiafu, Pangai

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,765 GRT/10,597 DWT; includes 1 cargo,

1 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 1 liquefied gas

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

6

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

3,529 telephones; 66,000 radios; no TV sets; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no

FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Tonga, Defense Forces

Branches:

Tonga Defense Force, Tonga Maritime Division, Royal Tongan Marines, Royal

Tongan Guard, Police

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Trinidad and Tobago, Geography

Location:

in the extreme southeastern Caribbean Sea, 11 km off the coast of Venezuela

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the

World

Area:

total area:

5,130 km2

land area:

5,130 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Delaware

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline: 362 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the outer edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (June to December)

Terrain:

mostly plains with some hills and low mountains

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, asphalt

Land use:

arable land:

14%

permanent crops:

17%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

44%

other:

23%

Irrigated land:

220 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

outside usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms

*Trinidad and Tobago, People

Population:

1,313,738 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.1% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.08 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.31 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.74 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

16.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.53 years

male:

67.91 years

female: 73.22 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.35 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Trinidadian(s), Tobagonian(s)

adjective:

Trinidadian, Tobagonian

Ethnic divisions:

black 43%, East Indian 40%, mixed 14%, white 1%, Chinese 1%, other 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 32.2%, Hindu 24.3%, Anglican 14.4%, other Protestant 14%,

Muslim 6%, none or unknown 9.1%

Languages:

English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

95%

male:

97%

female:

93%

Labor force:

463,900

by occupation:

construction and utilities 18.1%, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying

14.8%, agriculture 10.9%, other 56.2% (1985 est.)

*Trinidad and Tobago, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

conventional short form:

Trinidad and Tobago

Digraph:

TD

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Port-of-Spain

Administrative divisions:

8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**; Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva,, Port-of-Spain*,,

Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San

Fernando*, Tobago**, Victoria, Independence:

31 August 1962 (from UK)

Constitution:

31 August 1976

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the

Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962)

Political parties and leaders:

People's National Movement (PNM), Patrick MANNING; United National Congress

(UNC), Basdeo PANDAY; National Alliance for Reconstruction (NAR), Carson

CHARLES; Movement for Social Transformation (MOTION), David ABDULLAH;

National Joint Action Committee (NJAC), Makandal DAAGA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held 16 December 1991 (next to be held by December 1996); results - PNM

32%, UNC 13%, NAR 2%; seats - (36 total) PNM 21, UNC 13, NAR 2

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house

or House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Noor Mohammed HASSANALI (since 18 March 1987)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Patrick Augustus Mervyn MANNING (since 17 December 1991)

Member of:

ACP, C, CARICOM, CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IBRD, ICAO,

ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU,

LAES, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO,

WIPO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Corinne BAPTISTE

chancery:

1708 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 467-6490

*Trinidad and Tobago, Government

consulate general:

New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Sally G. COWAL

embassy:

15 Queen's Park West, Port-of-Spain

mailing address:

P. O. Box 752, Port-of-Spain

telephone:

(809) 622-6372 through 6376, 6176

FAX:

(809) 628-5462

Flag:

red with a white-edged black diagonal band from the upper hoist side

*Trinidad and Tobago, Economy

Overview:

Trinidad and Tobago's petroleum-based economy has begun to emerge from a

lengthy depression in the last few years. The economy fell sharply through

most of the 1980s, largely because of the decline in oil prices. This sector

accounts for 80% of export earnings and almost 20% of GDP. The government,

in response to the oil revenue loss, pursued a series of austerity measures

that pushed the unemployment rate as high as 22% in 1988. The economy showed

signs of recovery in 1990 and 1991, however, helped along by rising oil

prices. Agriculture employs only about 11% of the labor force and produces

about 3% of GDP. Since this sector is small, it has been unable to absorb

the large numbers of the unemployed. The government currently seeks to

diversify its export base.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $5 billion (1991)

National product real growth rate:

2.6% (1991)

National product per capita:

$3,800 (1991)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.8% (1991)

Unemployment rate:

18.5% (1991)

Budget:

revenues $1.6 billion; expenditures $1.6 billion, including capital

expenditures of $158 million (1993 est.)

Exports:

$2.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

includes reexports - petroleum and petroleum products 82%, steel products

9%, fertilizer, sugar, cocoa, coffee, citrus (1988)

partners:

US 49%, CARICOM 12%

Imports:

$1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

raw materials and intermediate goods 48%, capital goods 29%, consumer goods

23% (1991)

partners:

US 39%, Venezuela 14%, UK 7%, CARICOM 5% (1991)

External debt:

$2.4 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 2.3%, excluding oil refining (1986); accounts for 40% of GDP,

including petroleum

Electricity:

1,176,000 kW capacity; 3,480 million kWh produced, 2,680 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, chemicals, tourism, food processing, cement, beverage, cotton

textiles

Agriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP; highly subsidized sector; major crops - cocoa,

sugarcane; sugarcane acreage is being shifted into rice, citrus, coffee,

vegetables; poultry sector most important source of animal protein; must

import large share of food needs

Illicit drugs:

transshipment point for South American drugs destined for the US

*Trinidad and Tobago, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $373 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $518 million

Currency:

1 Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Trinidad and Tobago dollars (TT$) per US$1 - 4.2500 (fixed rate since 1989)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Trinidad and Tobago, Communications

Railroads:

minimal agricultural railroad system near San Fernando

Highways:

8,000 km total; 4,000 km paved, 1,000 km improved earth, 3,000 km unimproved

earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,032 km, petroleum products 19 km, natural gas 904 km

Ports:

Port-of-Spain, Pointe-a-Pierre, Scarborough

Merchant marine:

2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 12,507 GRT/21,923 DWT

Airports:

total:

6

usable:

5

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

excellent international service via tropospheric scatter links to Barbados

and Guyana; good local service; 109,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2

AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Trinidad and Tobago, Defense Forces

Branches:

Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (including Ground Forces, Coast Guard, and

Air Wing), Trinidad and Tobago Police Service

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 351,183; fit for military service 253,084 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $59 million, 1-2% of GDP (1989 est.)

*Tromelin Island, Header

Affiliation: (possession of France)

*Tromelin Island, Geography

Location:

in the western Indian Ocean, 350 km east of Madagascar and 600 km north of

Reunion

Map references:

World

Area:

total area:

1 km2

land area:

1 km2

comparative area:

about 1.7 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

3.7 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

12 nm

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

sandy

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land: 0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100% (scattered bushes)

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

wildlife sanctuary

Note:

climatologically important location for forecasting cyclones

*Tromelin Island, People

Population: uninhabited

*Tromelin Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Tromelin Island

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ile Tromelin

Digraph:

TE

Type:

French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic, resident in

Reunion

Capital:

none; administered by France from Reunion

Independence:

none (possession of France)

*Tromelin Island, Economy

Overview: no economic activity

*Tromelin Island, Communications

Ports:

none; offshore anchorage only

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

important meteorological station

*Tromelin Island, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*Tunisia, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, 144 km from Italy across the Strait of Sicily, between

Algeria and Libya

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

163,610 km2

land area:

155,360 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Georgia

Land boundaries:

total 1,424 km, Algeria 965 km, Libya 459 km

Coastline:

1,148 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary dispute with Libya; land boundary disputes with Algeria

under discussion

Climate:

temperate in north with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers; desert in

south

Terrain: mountains in north; hot, dry central plain; semiarid south merges into the

Sahara

Natural resources:

petroleum, phosphates, iron ore, lead, zinc, salt

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

10%

meadows and pastures:

19%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

47%

Irrigated land:

2,750 km2 (1989)

Environment:

deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

strategic location in central Mediterranean

*Tunisia, People

Population:

8,570,868 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.84% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

24.24 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.04 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

35.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.54 years

male:

70.55 years

female:

74.62 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.02 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Tunisian(s)

adjective:

Tunisian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab-Berber 98%, European 1%, Jewish less than 1%

Religions:

Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish 1%

Languages:

Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

65%

male:

74%

female:

56%

Labor force:

2.25 million

by occupation:

agriculture 32%

note:

shortage of skilled labor

*Tunisia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Tunisia

conventional short form:

Tunisia

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah at Tunisiyah

local short form:

Tunis

Digraph:

TS

Type:

republic

Capital:

Tunis

Administrative divisions:

23 governorates; Beja, Ben Arous, Bizerte, Gabes, Gafsa, Jendouba, Kairouan,

Kasserine, Kebili, L'Ariana, Le Kef, Mahdia, Medenine, Monastir, Nabeul,

Sfax, Sidi Bou Zid, Siliana, Sousse, Tataouine, Tozeur, Tunis, Zaghouan

Independence:

20 March 1956 (from France)

Constitution:

1 June 1959

Legal system:

based on French civil law system and Islamic law; some judicial review of

legislative acts in the Supreme Court in joint session

National holiday:

National Day, 20 March (1956)

Political parties and leaders:

Constitutional Democratic Rally Party (RCD), President BEN ALI (official

ruling party); Movement of Democratic Socialists (MDS), Mohammed MOUAADA;

five other political parties are legal, including the Communist Party

Other political or pressure groups:

the Islamic fundamentalist party, An Nahda (Rebirth), is outlawed

Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 2 April 1989 (next to be held NA March 1994); results - Gen. Zine

el Abidine BEN ALI was reelected without opposition

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 2 April 1989 (next to be held NA April 1994); results - RCD 80.7%,

independents/Islamists 13.7%, MDS 3.2%, other 2.4%; seats - (141 total) RCD

141

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Nuwaab)

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation (Cour de Cassation)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Gen. Zine el Abidine BEN ALI (since 7 November 1987)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Hamed KAROUI (since 26 September 1989)

*Tunisia, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAPEC (withdrew from

active membership in 1986), OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Ismail KHELIL

chancery:

1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone:

(202) 862-1850

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador John T. McCARTHY

embassy:

144 Avenue de la Liberte, 1002 Tunis-Belvedere

mailing address:

use embassy street address

telephone:

[216] (1) 782-566

FAX:

[216] (1) 789-719

Flag:

red with a white disk in the center bearing a red crescent nearly encircling

a red five-pointed star; the crescent and star are traditional symbols of

Islam

*Tunisia, Economy

Overview:

The economy depends primarily on petroleum, phosphates, tourism, and exports

of light manufactures. Following two years of drought-induced economic

decline, the economy came back strongly in 1990-92 as a result of good

harvests, continued export growth, and higher domestic investment. High

unemployment has eroded popular support for the government, however, and

forced Tunis to slow the pace of economic reform. Nonetheless, the

government appears committed to implementing its IMF-supported structural

adjustment program and to servicing its foreign debt.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $13.6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,650 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

6% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15.7% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $4.3 billion; expenditures $5.5 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993 est.)

Exports:

$3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

hydrocarbons, agricultural products, phosphates and chemicals

partners:

EC countries 74%, Middle East 11%, US 2%, Turkey, former USSR republics

Imports:

$6.1 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

industrial goods and equipment 57%, hydrocarbons 13%, food 12%, consumer

goods

partners:

EC countries 67%, US 6%, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Turkey, Algeria

External debt:

$7.7 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5% (1989); accounts for about 25% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

1,545,000 kW capacity; 5,096 million kWh produced, 600 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

petroleum, mining (particularly phosphate and iron ore), tourism, textiles,

footwear, food, beverages

Agriculture:

accounts for 15% of GDP and one-third of labor force; output subject to

severe fluctuations because of frequent droughts; export crops - olives,

dates, oranges, almonds; other products - grain, sugar beets, wine grapes,

poultry, beef, dairy; not self-sufficient in food; fish catch of 99,200

metric tons (1987)

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $730 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $5.2 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $684 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $410

million

Currency:

1 Tunisian dinar (TD) = 1,000 millimes

*Tunisia, Economy

Exchange rates:

Tunisian dinars (TD) per US$1 - 0.9931 (February 1993), 0.8844 (1992),

0.9246 (1991), 0.8783 (1990), 0.9493 (1989), 0.8578 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Tunisia, Communications

Railroads:

2,115 km total; 465 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge; 1,650 km 1.000-meter

gauge

Highways:

17,700 km total; 9,100 km bituminous; 8,600 km improved and unimproved earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 797 km, petroleum products 86 km, natural gas 742 km

Ports:

Bizerte, Gabes, Sfax, Sousse, Tunis, La Goulette, Zarzis

Merchant marine:

22 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 161,661 GRT/221,959 DWT; includes 1

short-sea passenger, 4 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 oil tanker, 6

chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 6 bulk

Airports:

total:

29

usable:

26

with permanent-surface runways:

13

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

7

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

7

note:

a new airport opened 6 May 1993, length and type of surface NA

Telecommunications:

the system is above the African average; facilities consist of open-wire

lines, coaxial cable, and microwave radio relay; key centers are Sfax,

Sousse, Bizerte, and Tunis; 233,000 telephones (28 telephones per 1,000

persons); broadcast stations - 7 AM, 8 FM, 19 TV; 5 submarine cables;

satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT with

back-up control station; coaxial cable and microwave radio relay to Algeria

and Libya

*Tunisia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary forces, National Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,164,686; fit for military service 1,244,683; reach

military age (20) annually 90,349 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $618 million, 3.7% of GDP (1993 est.)

*Turkey, Geography

Location:

Southeastern Europe/Southwest Asia, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and

Black Sea, between Bulgaria and Iran

Map references:

Africa, Europe, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

780,580 km2

land area:

770,760 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 2,627 km, Armenia 268 km, Azerbaijan 9 km, Bulgaria 240 km, Georgia

252 km, Greece 206 km, Iran 499 km, Iraq 331 km, Syria 822 km

Coastline:

7,200 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

in Black Sea only - to the maritime boundary agreed upon with the former

USSR

territorial sea:

6 nm in the Aegean Sea,

12 nm in the Black Sea and in the Mediterranean Sea

International disputes:

complex maritime and air (but not territorial) disputes with Greece in

Aegean Sea; Cyprus question; Hatay question with Syria; ongoing dispute with

downstream riparians (Syria and Iraq) over water development plans for the

Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

Climate:

temperate; hot, dry summers with mild, wet winters; harsher in interior

Terrain:

mostly mountains; narrow coastal plain; high central plateau (Anatolia)

Natural resources:

antimony, coal, chromium, mercury, copper, borate, sulphur, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

30%

permanent crops:

4%

meadows and pastures: 12%

forest and woodland:

26%

other:

28%

Irrigated land:

22,200 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to severe earthquakes, especially along major river valleys in west;

air pollution; desertification

Note:

strategic location controlling the Turkish straits (Bosporus, Sea of

Marmara, Dardanelles) that link Black and Aegean Seas

*Turkey, People

Population:

60,897,841 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.07% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.62 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.97 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

52 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

70.41 years

male:

68.11 years

female:

72.82 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.3 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Turk(s)

adjective:

Turkish

Ethnic divisions:

Turkish 80%, Kurdish 20% (est.)

Religions:

Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (Christian and Jews)

Languages:

Turkish (official), Kurdish, Arabic

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

81%

male:

90% female:

71%

Labor force:

20.7 million

by occupation:

agriculture 50%, services 35%, industry 15%

note:

about 1,800,000 Turks work abroad (1991)

*Turkey, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Turkey

conventional short form:

Turkey

local long form:

Turkiye Cumhuriyeti

local short form:

Turkiye

Digraph:

TU

Type:

republican parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Ankara

Administrative divisions:

73 provinces (iller, singular - il); Adana, Adiyaman, Afyon, Agri, Aksaray,

Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Artvin, Aydin, Balikesir, Batman, Bayburt, Bilecik,

Bingol, Bitlis, Bolu, Burdur, Bursa, Canakkale, Cankiri, Corum, Denizli,

Diyarbakir, Edirne, Elazig, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskisehir, Gaziantep,

Giresun, Gumushane, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Isparta, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahraman

Maras, Karaman, Kars, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirklareli, Kirsehir,

Kocaeli, Konya, Kutahya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mugla, Mus, Nevsehir,

Nigde, Ordu, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Siirt, Sinop, Sirnak, Sivas, Tekirdag,

Tokat, Trabzon, Tunceli, Urfa, Usak, Van, Yozgat, Zonguldak

Independence:

29 October 1923 (successor state to the Ottoman Empire)

Constitution:

7 November 1982

Legal system:

derived from various continental legal systems; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic, 29 October (1923)

Political parties and leaders:

Correct Way Party (DYP), Suleyman DEMIREL; Motherland Party (ANAP), Mesut

YILMAZ; Social Democratic Populist Party (SHP), Erdal INONU; Refah Party

(RP), Necmettin ERBAKAN; Democratic Left Party (DSP), Bulent ECEVIT;

Nationalist Labor Party (MCP), Alpaslan TURKES; People's Labor Party (HEP),

Ahmet TURK; Socialist Unity Party (SBP), Saden AREN; Democratic Center Party

(DSP), Bedrettin DALAN; Republican People's Party (CHP), Deniz BAYKAL;

Workers' Party (IP), Dogu PERINCEK; National Party (MP), Aykut EDIBALI

Other political or pressure groups: Turkish Confederation of Labor (TURK-IS), Sevket YILMAZ

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal

Elections:

Grand National Assembly:

last held 20 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1996); results - DYP

27.03%, ANAP 24.01%, SHP 20.75%, RP 16.88%, DSP 10.75%, SBP 0.44%,

independent 0.14%; seats - (450 total) DYP 178, ANAP 115, SHP 86, RP 40, MCP

19, DSP 7, other 5

Executive branch:

president, Presidential Council, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Grand National Assembly (Buyuk Millet Meclisi)

Judicial branch:

Court of Cassation

*Turkey, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Suleyman DEMIREL (since 16 May 1993)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Tansu CILLER (since NA June 1993)

Member of:

AsDB, BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CERN (observer), COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECO, FAO,

GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC,

NATO, NEA, OECD, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNRWA,

UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Nuzhet KANDEMIR

chancery:

1714 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036

telephone:

(202) 659-8200

consulates general:

Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard C. BARKLEY

embassy:

110 Ataturk Boulevard, Ankara

mailing address:

PSC 88, Box 5000, Ankara, or APO AE 09823

telephone:

[90] (4) 426 54 70

FAX:

[90] (4) 467-0057 and 0019

consulates general:

Istanbul and Izmir

consulate:

Adana

Flag:

red with a vertical white crescent (the closed portion is toward the hoist

side) and white five-pointed star centered just outside the crescent opening

*Turkey, Economy

Overview:

After an impressive economic performance through most of the 1980s, Turkey

has experienced erratic rates of economic growth since 1988 - ranging from a

high of 9.2% in 1990 to a low of 0.9% in 1991. Strong consumer demand and

increased public investment led the way to a strong 5.9% growth in 1992.

Chronic high inflation is Turkey's most serious economic problem, leading to

high interest rates and the rapid depreciation of the Turkish lira. The huge

public sector deficit - about 12% of GDP - and the Treasury's heavy reliance

on Central Bank financing of the deficit are the major causes of Turkish

inflation. Meanwhile, wage increases in both the public and private sector

have outpaced productivity gains, limited the government's ability to reduce

current expenditures, and hindered the return to profitability of many

private companies. Agriculture remains an important economic sector,

employing about half of the work force, contributing 18% to GDP, and

accounting for about 20% of exports. The government has launched a

multibillion-dollar development program in the southeastern region, which

includes the building of a dozen dams on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers to

generate electric power and irrigate large tracts of farmland. The Turkish

economy will probably continue to grow faster than the West European average

in 1993, but the shaky coalition government of Prime Minister DEMIREL -

which has seen its parliamentary majority shrink from 36 to 11 seats during

its first year in power - is unlikely to risk further erosion of its support

by implementing the belt-tightening measures necessary to substantially

reduce inflation.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $219 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

5.9% (1992)

National product per capita:

$3,670 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

70% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

11.1% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $40.5 billion; expenditures $46.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $5.5 billion (1993)

Exports:

$13.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 69%, foodstuffs 22%, fuels 2%

partners:

EC countries 51%, US 7%, Iran 5%, former USSR 5%

Imports:

$21.1 billion (c.i.f., 1991)

commodities:

manufactured goods 61%, foodstuffs 8%, fuels 21%

partners: EC countries 44%, US 12%, former USSR 5%

External debt:

$48.7 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate 3.2% (1991 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP

Electricity:

14,400,000 kW capacity; 44,000 million kWh produced, 750 kWh per capita

(1991)

Industries:

textiles, food processing, mining (coal, chromite, copper, boron minerals),

steel, petroleum, construction, lumber, paper

*Turkey, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 18% of GDP and employs about half of working force; products -

tobacco, cotton, grain, olives, sugar beets, pulses, citrus fruit, variety

of animal products; self-sufficient in food most years

Illicit drugs:

major transit route for Southwest Asian heroin and hashish to Western Europe

and the US via air, land, and sea routes; major Turkish, Iranian, and other

international trafficking organizations operate out of Istanbul;

laboratories to convert imported morphine base into heroin have sprung up in

remote regions of Turkey as well as near Istanbul; government maintains

strict controls over areas of legal opium poppy cultivation and output of

poppy straw concentrate

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.3 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $10.1 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $665 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4.5

billion; note - aid for Persian Gulf war efforts from coalition allies

(1991), $4.1 billion; aid pledged for Turkish Defense Fund, $2.5 billion

Currency:

1 Turkish lira (TL) = 100 kurus

Exchange rates:

Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 8,814.3 (January 1993), 6,872.4 (1992),

4,171.8 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989), 1,422.3 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Turkey, Communications

Railroads:

8,429 km 1.435-meter gauge (including 795 km electrified)

Highways:

320,611 km total; 138 km limited access expressways, 31,062 km national

(main) roads, 27,853 km regional (secondary) roads, 261,558 km local and

municipal roads; 45,526 km of hard surfaced roads (of which about 27,000 km

are paved and about 18,500 km are surfaced with gravel or crushed stone)

(1988 est.)

Inland waterways:

about 1,200 km

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,738 km, petroleum products 2,321 km, natural gas 708 km

Ports:

Iskenderun, Istanbul, Mersin, Izmir

Merchant marine:

353 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,825,274 GRT/6,628,207 DWT; includes

7 short-sea passenger, 1 passenger-cargo, 189 cargo, 1 container, 6

roll-on/roll-off cargo, 2 refrigerated cargo, 1 livestock carrier, 39 oil

tanker, 10 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 9 combination ore/oil, 2

specialized tanker, 80 bulk, 3 combination bulk

Airports:

total:

110

usable:

102

with permanent-surface runways:

65

with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

32

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

26

Telecommunications:

fair domestic and international systems; trunk radio relay microwave

network; limited open wire network; 3,400,000 telephones; broadcast stations

- 15 AM; 94 FM; 357 TV; 1 satellite ground station operating in the INTELSAT

(2 Atlantic Ocean antennas) and EUTELSAT systems; 1 submarine cable

*Turkey, Defense Forces

Branches:

Land Forces, Navy (including Naval Air and Naval Infantry), Air Force, Coast

Guard, Gendarmerie

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 15,691,874; fit for military service 9,579,453; reach

military age (20) annually 604,816 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $5.6 billion, 3.9% of GDP (1992)

*Turkmenistan, Geography

Location:

South Asia, bordering the Caspian Sea, between Iran and Uzbekistan

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

488,100 km2

land area:

488,100 km2 comparative area:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total 3,736 km, Afghanistan 744 km, Iran 992 km, Kazakhstan 379 km,

Uzbekistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km

note:

Turkmenistan does border the Caspian Sea (1,768 km)

Maritime claims:

landlocked, but boundaries in the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan,

and Iran will have to be negotiated

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical desert

Terrain:

flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; borders Caspian Sea in west

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, coal, sulphur, salt

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

69%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

28%

Irrigated land:

12,450 km2 (1990)

Environment:

contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals,

pesticides; salinization, water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation

methods

Note:

landlocked

*Turkmenistan, People

Population:

3,914,997 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.04% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

30.91 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.6 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

71.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

64.93 years

male:

61.4 years

female:

68.62 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.82 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Turkmen(s)

adjective:

Turkmen

Ethnic divisions:

Turkmen 73.3%, Russian 9.8%, Uzbek 9%, Kazakhs 2%, other 5.9%

Religions:

Muslim 87%, Eastern Orthodox 11%, unknown 2%

Languages:

Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, other 7%

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

1.542 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 42%, industry and construction 21%, other 37%

(1990)

*Turkmenistan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Turkmenistan

conventional short form:

Turkmenistan

local long form:

Tiurkmenostan Respublikasy

local short form:

Turkmanistan

former:

Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

TX

Type:

republic

Capital:

Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)

Administrative divisions: 5 velayets: Balkan (Nebit Dag), Doshkhovuz (formerly Tashauz), Lebap

(Charjev), Mary, Akhal (Ashgabat)

note:

all oblasts have the same name as their administrative center except Balkan

Oblast, centered at Nebit-Dag

Independence:

27 October 1991 (from the Soviet Union)

Constitution:

adopted 18 May 1992

Legal system:

based on civil law system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 27 October (1991)

Political parties and leaders:

ruling party:

Democratic Party (formerly Communist), chairman vacant

opposition:

Party for Democratic Development, Durdymurat HOJA-MUHAMMET, chairman

; Agzybirlik, Nurberdy NURMAMEDOV, cochairman, Hubayberdi HALLIYEV,

cochairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*Turkmenistan, Government

Elections:

President:

last held 21 June 1992 (next to be held NA June 1997); results - Saparmurad

NIYAZOV 99.5% (ran unopposed)

Majlis:

last held 7 January 1990 (next to be held NA 1995); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (175 total) elections not officially by party, but

Communist Party members won nearly 90% of seats; note - seats to be reduced

to 50 at next election

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, nine deputy prime ministers, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

under 1992 constitution there are two parliamentary bodies, a unicameral

People's Council (Halk Maslahaty - having more than 100 members and meeting

infrequently) and a 50-member unicameral Assembly (Majlis)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Saparmurad NIYAZOV (since NA October 1990)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister (vacant); Deputy Prime Ministers Valery G. OCHERTSOV,

Orazgeldi AYDOGDYEV, Yagmur OVEZOV, Jourakuli BABAKULIYEV, Matkarim RAJAPOV,

Rejep SAPAROV, Boris SHIKHMURADOV (since NA); Chairman of the People's

Council Sakhat MURADOV (since NA)

Member of:

CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

NA

chancery:

NA

telephone:

NA

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Joseph S. HULINGS III

embassy:

Yubilenaya Hotel, Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

[7] 36320 24-49-08

Flag:

green field, including a vertical stripe on the hoist side, with a claret

veritcal stripe in between containing five white, black, and orange carpet

guls (an assymetrical design used in producing rugs) associated with five

different tribes; a white crescent and five white stars in the upper left

corner to the right of the carpet guls

*Turkmenistan, Economy

Overview:

Like the other 15 former Soviet republics, Turkmenistan faces enormous

problems of economic adjustment - to move away from Moscow-based central

planning toward a system of decisionmaking by private entrepreneurs, local

government authorities, and, hopefully, foreign investors. This process

requires wholesale changes in supply sources, markets, property rights, and

monetary arrangements. Industry - with 10% of the labor force - is heavily

weighted toward the energy sector, which produced 11% of the ex-USSR's gas

and 1% of its oil. Turkmenistan ranked second among the former Soviet

republics in cotton production, mainly in the irrigated western region,

where the huge Karakumskiy Canal taps the Amu Darya. The general decline in

national product accelerated in 1992, principally because of inability to

obtain spare parts and disputes with customers over the price of natural

gas.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

53% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

15%-20% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$100 million to outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

natural gas, oil, chemicals, cotton, textiles, carpets

partners:

Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Imports:

$100 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

machinery and parts, plastics and rubber, consumer durables, textiles

partners:

mostly other than former Soviet Union

External debt:

$650 million (end 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -17% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

2,920,000 kW capacity; 13,100 million kWh produced, 3,079 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

oil and gas, petrochemicals, fertilizers, food processing, textiles

Agriculture:

cotton, fruits, vegetables

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication program; used as transshipment points for illicit

drugs from Southwest Asia to Western Europe

Economic aid:

$280 million offical aid commitments by foreign donors (1992)

Currency:

retaining Russian ruble as currency; planning to establish own currency, the

manat, but no date set (May 1993)

*Turkmenistan, Economy

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Turkmenistan, Communications

Railroads:

2,120 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

23,000 km total; 18,300 km hard surfaced, 4,700 km earth (1990)

Pipelines:

crude oil 250 km, natural gas 4,400 km

Ports:

inland - Krasnovodsk (Caspian Sea)

Airports:

total:

7

useable:

7

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

poorly developed; only 65 telephones per 1000 persons (1991); linked by

cable and microwave to other CIS republics and to other countries by leased

connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; a new direct

telephone link from Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) to Iran has been established;

satellite earth stations - 1 Orbita and 1 INTELSAT for TV receive-only

service; a newly installed satellite earth station provides TV receiver-only

capability for Turkish broadcasts

*Turkmenistan, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Guard, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops), Joint

Command Turkmenistan/Russia (Ground, Navy or Caspian Sea Flotilla, Air, and

Air Defense)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 933,285; fit for military service 765,824; reach military

age (18) annually 39,254 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Header

Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Geography

Location:

in the western North Atlantic Ocean, 190 km north of the Dominican Republic

and southeast of The Bahamas

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

430 km2

land area:

430 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

389 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; marine; moderated by trade winds; sunny and relatively dry

Terrain:

low, flat limestone; extensive marshes and mangrove swamps

Natural resources:

spiny lobster, conch

Land use:

arable land:

2%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

98%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

30 islands (eight inhabited); subject to frequent hurricanes

*Turks and Caicos Islands, People

Population:

13,137 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.97% (1993 est.)

Birth rate: 14.88 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.17 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

20.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.34 years

male:

73.41 years

female:

77.02 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.17 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

none

adjective:

none

Ethnic divisions:

African

Religions:

Baptist 41.2%, Methodist 18.9%, Anglican 18.3%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.7%,

other 19.9% (1980)

Languages:

English (official)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1970)

total population:

98%

male:

99%

female:

98%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

majority engaged in fishing and tourist industries; some subsistence

agriculture

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Turks and Caicos Islands

Digraph:

TK

Type:

dependent territory of the UK

Capital: Grand Turk

Administrative divisions:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Independence:

none (dependent territory of the UK)

Constitution:

introduced 30 August 1976, suspended in 1986, and a Constitutional

Commission is currently reviewing its contents

Legal system:

based on laws of England and Wales with a small number adopted from Jamaica

and The Bahamas

National holiday:

Constitution Day, 30 August (1976)

Political parties and leaders:

Progressive National Party (PNP), Washington MISSIC; People's Democratic

Movement (PDM), Oswald SKIPPINGS; National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Ariel

MISSICK

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Legislative Council:

last held on 3 April 1991 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by

party NA; seats - (20 total, 13 elected) PNP 8, PDM 5

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor, Executive Council, chief minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1953), represented by Governor Michael

J. BRADLEY (since NA 1987)

Head of Government:

Chief Minister Washington MISSIC (since NA 1991)

Member of:

CARICOM (associate), CDB

Diplomatic representation in US:

as a dependent territory of the UK, the interests of the Turks and Caicos

Islands are represented in the US by the UK

US diplomatic representation:

none

Flag:

blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the

colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield is yellow

and contains a conch shell, lobster, and cactus

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based on fishing, tourism, and offshore banking. Only

subsistence farming - corn, cassava, citrus, and beans - exists on the

Caicos Islands, so that most foods, as well as nonfood products, must be

imported.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $68.5 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$5,000 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

12% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $20.3 million; expenditures $44.0 million, including capital

expenditures of $23.9 million (1989)

Exports:

$4.1 million (f.o.b., 1987)

commodities:

lobster, dried and fresh conch, conch shells

partners:

US, UK

Imports:

$33.2 million (c.i.f., FY84)

commodities:

foodstuffs, drink, tobacco, clothing, manufactures, construction materials

partners:

US, UK

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

9,050 kW capacity; 11.1 million kWh produced, 860 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

fishing, tourism, offshore financial services

Agriculture:

subsistence farming prevails, based on corn and beans; fishing more

important than farming; not self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$110 million

Currency:

US currency is used

Exchange rates:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Communications

Highways:

121 km, including 24 km tarmac

Ports:

Grand Turk, Salt Cay, Providenciales, Cockburn Harbour

Airports:

total: 7

usable:

7

with permanent-surface runways:

4

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

4

Telecommunications:

fair cable and radio services; 1,446 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM,

no FM, several TV; 2 submarine cables; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth

station

*Turks and Caicos Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK

*Tuvalu, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 3,000 km east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific Ocean

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

26 km2

land area:

26 km2

comparative area:

about 0.1 times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

24 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by easterly trade winds (March to November); westerly

gales and heavy rain (November to March)

Terrain:

very low-lying and narrow coral atolls

Natural resources:

fish

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

severe tropical storms are rare

*Tuvalu, People

Population:

9,666 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.74% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.79 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.41 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

26.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62.64 years

male:

61.27 years

female:

63.82 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.11 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Tuvaluans(s)

adjective:

Tuvaluan

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian 96%

Religions:

Church of Tuvalu (Congregationalist) 97%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1.4%, Baha'i

1%, other 0.6%

Languages:

Tuvaluan, English

Literacy: total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

NA

*Tuvalu, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Tuvalu

former:

Ellice Islands

Digraph:

TV

Type:

democracy; began debating republic status in 1992; referendum expected in

1993

Capital:

Funafuti

Administrative divisions:

none

Independence:

1 October 1978 (from UK)

Constitution:

1 October 1978

Legal system:

NA

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 October (1978)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Parliament:

last held 28 September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1993); results

- percent of vote NA; seats - (12 total)

Executive branch:

British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament (Palamene)

Judicial branch:

High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General

Toaripi LAUTI (since NA 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Bikenibeu PAENIU (since 16 October 1989); Deputy Prime

Minister Dr. Alesana SELUKA (since October 1989)

Member of:

ACP, C (special), ESCAP, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, UPU

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

(vacant)

US diplomatic representation:

none

Flag:

light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the

outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow

five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands

*Tuvalu, Economy

Overview:

Tuvalu consists of a scattered group of nine coral atolls with poor soil.

The country has no known mineral resources and few exports. Subsistence

farming and fishing are the primary economic activities. The islands are too

small and too remote for development of a tourist industry. Government

revenues largely come from the sale of stamps and coins and worker

remittances. Substantial income is received annually from an international

trust fund established in 1987 by Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and

supported also by Japan and South Korea.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $4.6 million (1989 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$530 (1989 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.9% (1984)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $4.3 million; expenditures $4.3 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1989)

Exports:

$1.0 million (f.o.b., 1983 est.)

commodities:

copra

partners:

Fiji, Australia, NZ

Imports:

$2.8 million (c.i.f., 1983 est.)

commodities:

food, animals, mineral fuels, machinery, manufactured goods

partners:

Fiji, Australia, NZ

External debt: $NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

2,600 kW capacity; 3 million kWh produced, 330 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

fishing, tourism, copra

Agriculture:

coconuts

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-87), $1 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $101 million

Currency:

1 Tuvaluan dollar ($T) or 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Tuvaluan dollars ($T) or Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4837 (January

1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989), 1.2752

(1988)

Fiscal year:

NA

*Tuvalu, Communications

Highways:

8 km gravel

Ports:

Funafuti, Nukufetau

Merchant marine:

6 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 33,220 GRT/58,518 DWT; includes 1

passenger-cargo, 1 oil tanker, 4 chemical tanker

Airports:

total:

1

useable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

0

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 300 radiotelephones; 4,000 radios;

108 telephones

*Tuvalu, Defense Forces

Branches:

Police Force

Manpower availability: NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP

*Uganda, Geography

Location:

Eastern Africa, between Kenya and Zaire

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

236,040 km2

land area:

199,710 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oregon

Land boundaries:

total 2,698 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km,

Zaire 765 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June

to August); semiarid in northeast

Terrain:

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, limestone, salt

Land use:

arable land:

23%

permanent crops:

9%

meadows and pastures:

25%

forest and woodland:

30%

other:

13%

Irrigated land:

90 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

straddles Equator; deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion

Note:

landlocked

*Uganda, People

Population:

19,344,181 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.69% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

49.86 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

22.98 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

112.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

38.4 years

male:

38.09 years

female:

38.71 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.15 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ugandan(s)

adjective:

Ugandan

Ethnic divisions:

African 99%, European, Asian, Arab 1%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, indigenous beliefs 18%

Languages:

English (official), Luganda, Swahili, Bantu languages, Nilotic languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

48%

male:

62%

female:

35%

Labor force:

4.5 million (est.)

by occupation:

agriculture over 80%

note:

50% of population of working age (1983)

*Uganda, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Uganda

conventional short form: Uganda

Digraph:

UG

Type:

republic

Capital:

Kampala

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces; Busoga, Central, Eastern, Karamoja, Nile, North Buganda,

Northern, South Buganda, Southern, Western

Independence:

9 October 1962 (from UK)

Constitution:

8 September 1967, in process of constitutional revision

Legal system:

government plans to restore system based on English common law and customary

law and reinstitute a normal judicial system; accepts compulsory ICJ

jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - National Resistance Movement (NRM), Yoweri MUSEVENI

note:

the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM); Ugandan People's Congress (UPC), Milton

OBOTE; Democratic Party (DP), Paul SSEMOGEERE; and Conservative Party (CP),

Jeshua NIKHGI continue to exist but are all proscribed from conducting

public political activities

Other political or pressure groups:

Uganda People's Front (UPF); Uganda People's Christian Democratic Army

(UPCDA); Ruwenzori Movement

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Resistance Council:

last held 11-28 February 1989 (next to be held by January 1995); results -

NRM was the only party; seats - (278 total, 210 indirectly elected) 210

members elected without party affiliation

Executive branch:

president, vice president, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers,

Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Resistance Council

Judicial branch:

Court of Appeal, High Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 29 January 1986); Vice

President Samson Babi Mululu KISEKKA (since NA January 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister George Cosmas ADYEBO (since NA January 1991)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, EADB, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA,

IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS,

NAM, OAU, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO,

WTO

*Uganda, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Stephen Kapimpina KATENTA-APULI

chancery:

5909 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

telephone:

(202) 726-7100 through 7102

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Johnnie CARSON

embassy:

Parliament Avenue, Kampala

mailing address:

P. O. Box 7007, Kampala

telephone:

[256] (41) 259792, 259793, 259795

Flag:

six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and

red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested

crane (the national symbol) facing the staff side

*Uganda, Economy

Overview:

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular

rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. The economy has

been devastated by widespread political instability, mismanagement, and

civil war since independence in 1962, keeping Uganda poor with a per capita

income of about $300. (GDP remains below the levels of the early 1970s, as

does industrial production.) Agriculture is the most important sector of the

economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee is the major export

crop and accounts for the bulk of export revenues. Since 1986 the government

has acted to rehabilitate and stabilize the economy by undertaking currency

reform, raising producer prices on export crops, increasing prices of

petroleum products, and improving civil service wages. The policy changes

are especially aimed at dampening inflation, which was running at over 300%

in 1987, and boosting production and export earnings. In 1990-92, the

economy has turned in a solid performance based on continued investment in

the rehabilitation of infrastructure, improved incentives for production and

exports, and gradually improving domestic security.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

4% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$300 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

41.5% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $365 million; expenditures $545 million, including capital

expenditures of $165 million (FY89 est.)

Exports:

$170 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

coffee 97%, cotton, tea

partners:

US 25%, UK 18%, France 11%, Spain 10%

Imports:

$610 million (c.i.f., 1991 est.)

commodities:

petroleum products, machinery, cotton piece goods, metals, transportation

equipment, food

partners:

Kenya 25%, UK 14%, Italy 13%

External debt:

$1.9 billion (1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 7.0% (1990); accounts for 5% of GDP

Electricity:

200,000 kW capacity; 610 million kWh produced, 30 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Agriculture:

mainly subsistence; accounts for 57% of GDP and over 80% of labor force;

cash crops - coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco; food crops - cassava, potatoes,

corn, millet, pulses; livestock products - beef, goat meat, milk, poultry;

self-sufficient in food

*Uganda, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $145 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.4 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $60 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $169

million

Currency:

1 Ugandan shilling (USh) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

Ugandan shillings (USh) per US$1 - 1,217.1 (January 1993), 1.133.8 (1992),

734.0 (1991), 428.85 (1990), 223.1 (1989), 106.1 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Uganda, Communications

Railroads:

1,300 km, 1.000-meter-gauge single track

Highways:

26,200 km total; 1,970 km paved; 5,849 km crushed stone, gravel, and

laterite; remainder earth roads and tracks

Inland waterways:

Lake Victoria, Lake Albert, Lake Kyoga, Lake George, Lake Edward; Victoria

Nile, Albert Nile; principal inland water ports are at Jinja and Port Bell,

both on Lake Victoria

Merchant marine:

3 roll-on/roll-off (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 15,091 GRT

Airports:

total:

31

usable:

23

with permanent-surface runways:

5

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

11

Telecommunications:

fair system with microwave and radio communications stations; broadcast

stations - 10 AM, no FM, 9 TV; satellite communications ground stations - 1

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT

*Uganda, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 4,137,983; fit for military service 2,250,793 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, 15% of budget (FY89/90)

*Ukraine, Geography

Location:

Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and Russia

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Europe, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

603,700 km2

land area:

603,700 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 4,558 km, Belarus 891 km, Hungary 103 km, Moldova 939 km, Poland 428

km, Romania (southwest) 169 km, Romania (west) 362 km, Russia 1,576 km,

Slovakia 90 km

Coastline: 2,782 km

Maritime claims:

NA

International disputes:

potential border disputes with Moldova and Romania in northern Bukovina and

southern Odes'ka Oblast'; potential dispute with Moldova over former

southern Bessarabian areas; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but

has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any

other nation

Climate:

temperate continental; subtropical only on the southern Crimean coast;

precipitation disproportionately distributed, highest in west and north,

lesser in east and southeast; winters vary from cool along the Black Sea to

cold farther inland; summers are warm across the greater part of the

country, hot in the south

Terrain:

most of Ukraine consists of fertile plains (steppes) and plateaux, mountains

being found only in the west (the Carpathians), and in the Crimean Peninsula

in the extreme south

Natural resources:

iron ore, coal, manganese, natural gas, oil, salt, sulphur, graphite,

titanium, magnesium, kaolin, nickel, mercury, timber

Land use:

arable land:

56%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

12%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

30%

Irrigated land:

26,000 km2 (1990)

Environment:

air and water pollution, deforestation, radiation contamination around

Chornobyl' nuclear power plant

Note:

strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second largest

country in Europe

*Ukraine, People

Population:

51,821,230 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.06% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

12.38 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

12.53 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

21 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.87 years

male:

65.32 years

female:

74.65 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.82 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ukrainian(s)

adjective:

Ukrainian

Ethnic divisions:

Ukrainian 73%, Russian 22%, Jewish 1%, other 4%

Religions:

Ukrainian Orthodox - Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Orthodox - Kiev

Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox, Ukrainian Catholic (Uniate),

Protestant, Jewish

Languages:

Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

25.277 million

by occupation:

industry and construction 41%, agriculture and forestry 19%, health,

education, and culture 18%, trade and distribution 8%, transport and

communication 7%, other 7% (1990)

*Ukraine, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Ukraine

local long form:

none

local short form:

Ukrayina

former:

Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

UP

Type:

republic

Capital:

Kiev (Kyyiv)

Administrative divisions:

24 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'), 1 autonomous republic* (avtomnaya, respublika), and 2

municipalites (singular - misto) with oblast status**;, Chernihivs'ka, Cherkas'ka, Chernivets'ka,

Dnipropetrovs'ka, Donets'ka,

Ivano-Frankivs'ka, Kharkivs'ka, Khersons'ka, Khmel'nyts'ka, Kirovohrads'ka,

Kyyiv (Kiev)**, Kyyivs'ka (Kiev), Luhans'ka, L'vivs'ka, Mykolayivs'ka,, Odes'ka, Poltavs'ka,

Respublika Krym*, Rivnens'ka, Sevastopol'**,Sums'ka,, Ternopil's'ka, Vinnyts'ka, Volyns'ka,

Zakarpats'ka, Zaporiz'ka, Zhytomyrs'ka

Independence:

1 December 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

using 1978 pre-independence constitution; new consitution currently being

drafted

Legal system:

based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 August (1991)

Political parties and leaders:

Green Party of Ukraine, Vitaliy KONONOV, leader; Liberal Party of Ukraine,

Ihor MERKULOV, chairman; Liberal Democratic Party of Ukraine, Volodymyr

KLYMCHUK, chairman; Democratic Party of Ukraine, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych

YAVORIVSKIY, chairman; People's Party of Ukraine, Leopol'd TABURYANSKYY,

chairman; Peasants' Party of Ukraine, Serhiy DOVGRAN', chairman; Party of

Democratic Rebirth of Ukraine, Volodymyr FILENKO, chairman; Social

Democratic Party of Ukraine, Yuriy ZBITNEV, chairman; Socialist Party of

Ukraine, Oleksandr MOROZ, chairman; Ukrainian Christian Democratic Party,

Vitaliy ZHURAVSKYY, chairman; Ukrainian Conservative Republican Party,

Stepan KHMARA, chairman; Ukrainian Labor Party, Valentyn LANDIK, chairman;

Ukrainian Party of Justice, Mykhaylo HRECHKO, chairman; Ukrainian Peasants'

Democratic Party, Serhiy PLACHINDA, chairman; Ukrainian Republican Party,

Mykhaylo HORYN', chairman; Ukrainian National Conservative Party, Viktor

RADIONOV, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Ukrainian People's Movement for Restructuring (Rukh); New Ukraine (Nova

Ukrayina); Congress of National Democratic Forces

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

*Ukraine, Government

Elections:

President:

last held 1 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Leonid

KRAVCHUK 61.59%, Vyacheslav CHERNOVIL 23.27%, Levko LUKYANENKO 4.49%,

Volodymyr HRYNYOV 4.17%, Iher YUKHNOVSKY 1.74%, Leopold TABURYANSKYY 0.57%,

other 4.17%

Supreme Council:

last held 4 March 1990 (next scheduled for 1995, may be held earlier in late

1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (450 total) number of

seats by party NA

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Council

Judicial branch:

being organized

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Leonid Makarovych KRAVCHUK (since 5 December 1991)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Leonid Danilovych KUCHMA (since 13 October 1992); Acting

First Deputy Prime Minister Yukhym Leonidovych ZVYAHIL'SKYY (since 11 June

1993) and five deputy prime ministers

Member of:

BSEC, CBSS (observer), CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT,

IOC, ITU, NACC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNPROFOR, UPU, WHO, WIPO,

WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Oleh Hryhorovych BILORUS

chancery:

3350 M Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 333-0606

FAX:

(202) 333-0817

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Roman POPADIUK

embassy:

10 Vul. Yuria Kotsyubinskovo, 252053 Kiev 53

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

[7] (044) 244-7349

FAX:

[7] (044) 244-7350

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of azure (top) and golden yellow represent

grainfields under a blue sky

*Ukraine, Economy

Overview:

After Russia, the Ukrainian republic was far and away the most important

economic component of the former Soviet Union producing more than three

times the output of the next-ranking republic. Its fertile black soil

generated more than one fourth of Soviet agricultural output, and its farms

provided substantial quantities of meat, milk, grain and vegetables to other

republics. Likewise, its well-developed and diversified heavy industry

supplied equipment and raw materials to industrial and mining sites in other

regions of the former USSR. In 1992 the Ukrainian government liberalized

most prices and erected a legal framework for privatizing state enterprises

while retaining many central economic controls and continuing subsidies to

state production enterprises. In November 1992 the new Prime Minister KUCHMA

launched a new economic reform program promising more freedom to the

agricultural sector, faster privatization of small and medium enterprises,

and stricter control over state subsidies. Even so, the magnitude of the

problems and the slow pace in building new market-oriented institutions

preclude a near-term recovery of output to the 1990 level.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-13% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

20%-30% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$13.5 billion to outside of the successor states of the former USSR (1990)

commodities:

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, chemicals, machinery

and transport equipment, grain, meat

partners:

NA

Imports:

$16.7 billion from outside of the successor states of the former USSR (1990)

commodities:

machinery and parts, transportation equipment, chemicals, textiles

partners:

NA

External debt:

$12 billion (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -9% (1992)

Electricity:

55,882,000 kW capacity; 281,000 million kWh produced, 5,410 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

coal, electric power, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and transport

equipment, chemicals, food-processing (especially sugar)

Agriculture:

grain, vegetables, meat, milk, sugar beets

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication program; used as transshipment points for illicit

drugs to Western Europe

*Ukraine, Economy

Economic aid:

$NA

Currency:

Ukraine withdrew the Russian ruble from circulation on 12 November 1992 and

declared the karbovanets (plural karbovantsi) sole legal tender in Ukrainian

markets; Ukrainian officials claim this is an interim move toward

introducing a new currency - the hryvnya - possibly in late 1993

Exchange rates:

Ukrainian karbovantsi per $US1 - 3,000 (1 April 1993)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Ukraine, Communications

Railroads:

22,800 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

273,700 km total (1990); 236,400 km hard surfaced, 37,300 km earth

Inland waterways:

1,672 km perennially navigable (Pripyat and Dnipro River)

Pipelines:

crude oil 2,010 km, petroleum products 1,920 km, natural gas 7,800 km (1992)

Ports:

coastal - Berdyans'k, Illichivs'k Kerch, Kherson, Mariupol' (formerly

Zhdanov), Mykolayiv, Odesa, Sevastopol', Pirdenne; inland - Kiev (Kyyiv)

Merchant marine:

394 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,952,328 GRT/5,262,161 DWT; includes

234 cargo, 18 container, 7 barge carriers, 55 bulk cargo, 10 oil tanker, 2

chemical tanker, 1 liquefied gas, 12 passenger, 5 passenger cargo, 9

short-sea passenger, 33 roll-on/roll-off, 2 railcar carrier, 1

multi-function-large-load-carrier, 5 refrigerated cargo

Airports:

total:

694

useable:

100

with permanent-surface runways:

111

with runways over 3,659 m:

3

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

81

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

78

Telecommunications:

international electronic mail system established in Kiev; Ukraine has about

7 million telephone lines (135 telephones for each 1000 persons); as of

mid-1992, 650 telephone lines per 1000 persons in Kiev with 15-20 digital

switches as of mid-1991; NMT-450 analog cellular network under construction

in Kiev; 3.56 million applications for telephones could not be satisfied as

of January 1990; international calls can be made via satellite, by landline

to other CIS countries, and through the Moscow international switching

center on 150 international lines; satellite earth stations employ INTELSAT,

INMARSAT, and Intersputnik; fiber optic cable installation (intercity)

remains incomplete; new international digital telephone exchange operational

in Kiev for direct communication with 167 countries

*Ukraine, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Airspace Defense Forces, Republic Security Forces (internal and

border troops), National Guard

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 12,070,775; fit for military service 9,521,697; reach

military age (18) annually 365,534 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

544,256 million karbovantsi, NA% of GDP (forecast for 1993); note -

conversion of the military budget into US dollars using the current exchange

rate could produce misleading results

*United Arab Emirates, Geography

Location:

Middle East, along the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

75,581 km2

land area:

75,581 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Maine

Land boundaries:

total 867 km, Oman 410 km, Saudi Arabia 457 km

Coastline:

1,318 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

defined by bilateral boundaries or equidistant line

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

3 nm assumed for most of country,

12 nm for Ash Shariqah (Sharjah)

International disputes:

location and status of boundary with Saudi Arabia is not final; no defined

boundary with most of Oman, but Administrative Line in far north; claims two

islands in the Persian Gulf occupied by Iran (Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Bozorg or

Greater Tunb, and Jazireh-ye Tonb-e Kuchek or Lesser Tunb); claims island in

the Persian Gulf jointly administered with Iran (Jazireh-ye Abu Musa or Abu

Musa); in 1992, the dispute over Abu Musa and the Tumb islands became more

acute when Iran unilaterally tried to control the entry of third country

nationals into the UAE portion of Abu Musa island, Tehran subsequently

backed off in the face of significant diplomatic support for the UAE in the

region

Climate:

desert; cooler in eastern mountains

Terrain:

flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert

wasteland; mountains in east

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

98%

Irrigated land:

50 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

frequent dust and sand storms; lack of natural freshwater resources being

overcome by desalination plants; desertification

*United Arab Emirates, Geography

Note:

strategic location along southern approaches to Strait of Hormuz, a vital

transit point for world crude oil

*United Arab Emirates, People

Population:

2,657,013 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

5.06% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

28.4 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

3.07 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

25.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

22.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72 years

male:

69.91 years

female:

74.2 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.67 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Emirian(s) adjective:

Emirian

Ethnic divisions:

Emirian 19%, other Arab 23%, South Asian 50%, other expatriates (includes

Westerners and East Asians) 8% (1982)

note:

less than 20% are UAE citizens (1982)

Religions:

Muslim 96% (Shi'a 16%), Christian, Hindu, and other 4%

Languages:

Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu

Literacy:

age 10 and over can read and write (1980)

total population:

68%

male:

70%

female:

63%

Labor force:

580,000 (1986 est.)

by occupation:

industry and commerce 85%, agriculture 5%, services 5%, government 5%

note:

80% of labor force is foreign

*United Arab Emirates, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

United Arab Emirates

conventional short form:

none

local long form:

Al Imarata al Arabiyah al Muttahidah

local short form:

none

former:

Trucial States

Abbreviation:

UAE

Digraph:

TC

Type:

federation with specified powers delegated to the UAE central government and

other powers reserved to member emirates

Capital:

Abu Dhabi

Administrative divisions:

7 emirates (imarat, singular - imarah); Abu Zaby (Abu Dhabi), 'Ajman, Al

Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah (Sharjah), Dubayy, Ra's al Khaymah, Umm al Qaywayn

Independence:

2 December 1971 (from UK)

Constitution: 2 December 1971 (provisional)

Legal system:

secular codes are being introduced by the UAE Government and in several

member emirates; Islamic law remains influential

National holiday:

National Day, 2 December (1971)

Political parties and leaders:

none

Other political or pressure groups:

a few small clandestine groups may be active

Suffrage:

none

Elections:

none

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Supreme Council of Rulers, prime minister, deputy

prime minister, Council of Ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Federal National Council (Majlis Watani Itihad)

Judicial branch:

Union Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Zayid bin Sultan Al NUHAYYAN, (since 2 December 1971), ruler of

Abu Dhabi; Vice President Shaykh Maktum bin Rashid al-MAKTUM (since 8

October 1990), ruler of Dubayy

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Shaykh Maktum bin Rashid al-MAKTUM (since 8 October 1990),

ruler of Dubayy; Deputy Prime Minister Sultan bin Zayid Al NUHAYYAN (since

20 November 1990)

*United Arab Emirates, Government

Member of:

ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO,

UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Muhammad bin Husayn Al SHAALI

chancery:

Suite 740, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 338-6500

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador William RUGH

embassy:

Al-Sudan Street, Abu Dhabi

mailing address:

P. O. Box 4009, Abu Dhabi

telephone:

[971] (2) 336691, afterhours 338730 FAX:

[971] (2) 318441

consulate general:

Dubayy (Dubai)

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of green (top), white, and black with a thicker

vertical red band on the hoist side

*United Arab Emirates, Economy

Overview:

The UAE has an open economy with one of the world's highest incomes per

capita outside the OECD nations. This wealth is based on oil and gas, and

the fortunes of the economy fluctuate with the prices of those commodities.

Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an

impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern state with a

high standard of living. At present levels of production, crude oil reserves

should last for over 100 years.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $34.9 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$13,800 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

1% (1990 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NEGL% (1988)

Budget:

revenues $4.3 billion; expenditures $4.8 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1993)

Exports:

$21.2 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

crude oil 66%, natural gas, reexports, dried fish, dates

partners:

Japan 39%, Singapore 5%, Korea 4%, Iran 4%, India

Imports:

$13.9 billion (f.o.b., 1991 est.)

commodities:

capital goods, consumer goods, food

partners:

Japan 15%, US 10%, UK 9%, Germany 7%, Korea 4%

External debt:

$11 billion (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 30% (1990 est.); accounts for 56% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

6,090,000 kW capacity; 17,850 million kWh produced, 6,718 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, fishing, petrochemicals, construction materials, some boat

building, handicrafts, pearling

Agriculture: accounts for 2% of GDP and 5% of labor force; cash crop - dates; food

products - vegetables, watermelons, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish; only 25%

self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

donor - pledged $9.1 billion in bilateral aid to less developed countries

(1979-89)

Currency:

1 Emirian dirham (Dh) = 100 fils

Exchange rates:

Emirian dirhams (Dh) per US$1 - 3.6710 (fixed rate)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*United Arab Emirates, Communications

Highways:

2,000 km total; 1,800 km bituminous, 200 km gravel and graded earth

Pipelines:

crude oil 830 km, natural gas, including natural gas liquids, 870 km

Ports:

Al Fujayrah, Khawr Fakkan, Mina' Jabal 'Ali, Mina' Khalid, Mina' Rashid,

Mina' Saqr, Mina' Zayid

Merchant marine:

56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,197,306 GRT/2,153,673 DWT; includes

15 cargo, 8 container, 3 roll-on/roll-off, 23 oil tanker, 4 bulk, 1

refrigerated cargo, 1 liquified gas, 1 chemical tanker

Airports:

total:

37

usable:

34

with permanent-surface runways:

20

with runways over 3,659 m:

7

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

5

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

modern system consisting of microwave and coaxial cable; key centers are Abu

Dhabi and Dubayy; 386,600 telephones; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic

Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; submarine cables to

Qatar, Bahrain, India, and Pakistan; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain;

microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 3 FM, 12

TV

*United Arab Emirates, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Federal Police Force

Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,008,076; fit for military service 550,965; reach military

age (18) annually 15,499 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.47 billion, 5.3% of GDP (1989 est.)

*United Kingdom, Geography

Location:

Western Europe, bordering on the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea,

between Ireland and France

Map references:

Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

244,820 km2

land area:

241,590 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Oregon

note:

includes Rockall and Shetland Islands

Land boundaries:

total 360 km, Ireland 360 km

Coastline:

12,429 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

as defined in continental shelf orders or in accordance with agreed upon

boundaries

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Northern Ireland question with Ireland; Gibraltar question with Spain;

Argentina claims Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); Argentina claims South

Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Mauritius claims island of Diego

Garcia in British Indian Ocean Territory; Rockall continental shelf dispute

involving Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland (Ireland and the UK have signed a

boundary agreement in the Rockall area); territorial claim in Antarctica

(British Antarctic Territory)

Climate:

temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic

Current; more than half of the days are overcast

Terrain:

mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and

southeast

Natural resources:

coal, petroleum, natural gas, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, clay, chalk,

gypsum, lead, silica

Land use:

arable land:

29%

permanent crops: 0%

meadows and pastures:

48%

forest and woodland:

9%

other:

14%

Irrigated land:

1,570 km2 (1989)

*United Kingdom, Geography

Environment:

pollution control measures improving air and water quality; because of

heavily indented coastline, no location is more than 125 km from tidal

waters

Note:

lies near vital North Atlantic sea lanes; only 35 km from France and now

being linked by tunnel under the English Channel

*United Kingdom, People

Population:

57,970,200 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.29% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

13.58 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

10.87 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.17 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

76.5 years

male:

73.71 years

female:

79.43 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

1.83 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Briton(s), British (collective pl.)

adjective:

British

Ethnic divisions:

English 81.5%, Scottish 9.6%, Irish 2.4%, Welsh 1.9%, Ulster 1.8%, West

Indian, Indian, Pakistani, and other 2.8%

Religions: Anglican 27 million, Roman Catholic 9 million, Muslim 1 million,

Presbyterian 800,000, Methodist 760,000, Sikh 400,000, Hindu 350,000, Jewish

300,000 (1991 est.)

note:

the UK does not include a question on religion in its census

Languages:

English, Welsh (about 26% of the population of Wales), Scottish form of

Gaelic (about 60,000 in Scotland)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1978)

total population:

99%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

28.048 million

by occupation:

services 62.8%, manufacturing and construction 25.0%, government 9.1%,

energy 1.9%, agriculture 1.2% (June 1992)

*United Kingdom, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

conventional short form:

United Kingdom

Abbreviation:

UK

Digraph:

UK

Type:

constitutional monarchy

Capital:

London

Administrative divisions:

47 counties, 7 metropolitan counties, 26 districts, 9 regions, and 3 islands

areas

England:

39 counties, 7 metropolitan counties*; Avon, Bedford, Berkshire, Buckingham,, Cambridge,

Cheshire, Cleveland, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derby, Devon, Dorset,

Durham, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucester, Greater London*, Greater, Manchester*, Hampshire,,

Hereford and Worcester, Hertford, Humberside, Isle

of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Leicester, Lincoln, Merseyside*, Norfolk,, Northampton,

Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Nottingham, Oxford,

Shropshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire*, Stafford, Suffolk, Surrey, Tyne and, Wear*, Warwick,,

West Midlands*, West Sussex, West Yorkshire*, Wiltshire, Northern Ireland:

26 districts; Antrim, Ards, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge,

Belfast, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Coleraine, Cookstown, Craigavon, Down,

Dungannon, Fermanagh, Larne, Limavady, Lisburn, Londonderry, Magherafelt,

Moyle, Newry and Mourne, Newtownabbey, North Down, Omagh, Strabane

Scotland:

9 regions, 3 islands areas*; Borders, Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife,, Grampian, Highland,

Lothian, Orkney*, Shetland*, Strathclyde, Tayside,, Western Isles*, Wales:

8 counties; Clwyd, Dyfed, Gwent, Gwynedd, Mid Glamorgan, Powys, South

Glamorgan, West Glamorgan

Dependent areas:

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands,

Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong (scheduled

to become a Special Administrative Region of China on 1 July 1997), Jersey,

Isle of Man, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena, South Georgia and

the South Sandwich Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

Independence:

1 January 1801 (United Kingdom established)

Constitution:

unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice

Legal system:

common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences; no

judicial review of Acts of Parliament; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction,

with reservations

National holiday:

Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)

*United Kingdom, Government

Political parties and leaders:

Conservative and Unionist Party, John MAJOR; Labor Party, John SMITH;

Liberal Democrats (LD), Jeremy (Paddy) ASHDOWN; Scottish National Party,

Alex SALMOND; Welsh National Party (Plaid Cymru), Dafydd Iwan WIGLEY; Ulster

Unionist Party (Northern Ireland), James MOLYNEAUX; Democratic Unionist

Party (Northern Ireland), Rev. Ian PAISLEY; Ulster Popular Unionist Party

(Northern Ireland), James KILFEDDER; Social Democratic and Labor Party

(SDLP, Northern Ireland), John HUME; Sinn Fein (Northern Ireland), Gerry

ADAMS

Other political or pressure groups:

Trades Union Congress; Confederation of British Industry; National Farmers'

Union; Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Commons:

last held 9 April 1992 (next to be held by NA April 1997); results -

Conservative 41.9%, Labor 34.5%, Liberal Democratic 17.9%, other 5.7%; seats

- (651 total) Conservative 336, Labor 271, Liberal Democratic 20, other 24

Executive branch:

monarch, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or House of Lords and a

lower house or House of Commons

Judicial branch:

House of Lords

Leaders:

Chief of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Heir Apparent Prince CHARLES

(son of the Queen, born 14 November 1948)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister John MAJOR (since 28 November 1990)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB

(non-regional), CE, CERN, COCOM, CP, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE,

ECLAC, EIB, ESCAP, ESA, FAO, G-5, G-7, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,

INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTRC, NACC, NATO,

NEA, NSG, OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UN Trusteeship Council, UPU,

WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Sir Robin RENWICK

chancery:

3100 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 462-1340

FAX:

(202) 898-4255

consulates general:

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San

Francisco,

consulates:

Dallas, Miami, and Seattle

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Raymond G. H. SEITZ

embassy:

24/31 Grosvenor Square, London, W.1A1AE

*United Kingdom, Government

mailing address:

PSC 801, Box 40, FPO AE 09498-4040

telephone:

[44] (71) 499-9000

FAX:

[44] (71) 409-1637

consulates general:

Belfast and Edinburgh

Flag:

blue with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in

white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint

of Ireland) which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint

Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); known as the Union Flag or Union Jack;

the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a

number of other flags including dependencies, Commonwealth countries, and

others

*United Kingdom, Economy

Overview:

The UK is one of the world's great trading powers and financial centers, and

its economy ranks among the four largest in Europe. The economy is

essentially capitalistic; over the past thirteen years the ruling Tories

have greatly reduced public ownership and contained the growth of social

welfare programs. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient

by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with only 1% of the

labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil reserves, and

primary energy production accounts for 12% of GDP, one of the highest shares

of any industrial nation. Services, particularly banking, insurance, and

business services, account by far for the largest proportion of GDP while

industry continues to decline in importance, now employing only 25% of the

work force and generating 21% of GDP. The economy is emerging out of its

3-year recession with only weak recovery expected in 1993. Unemployment is

hovering around 10% of the labor force. The government in 1992 adopted a

pro-growth strategy, cutting interest rates sharply and removing the pound

from the European exchange rate mechanism. Excess industrial capacity

probably will moderate inflation which for the first time in a decade is

below the EC average. The major economic policy question for Britain in the

1990s is the terms on which it participates in the financial and economic

integration of Europe.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $920.6 billion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

-0.6% (1992)

National product per capita:

$15,900 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3.6% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

9.8% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $367.6 billion; expenditures $439.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $32.5 billion (FY92 est.)

Exports:

$187.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, chemicals, semifinished goods,

transport equipment

partners:

EC countries 56.7% (Germany 14.0%, France 11.1%, Netherlands 7.9%), US 10.9%

Imports:

$210.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, semifinished goods, foodstuffs, consumer

goods

partners:

EC countries 51.7% (Germany 14.9%, France 9.3%, Netherlands 8.4%), US 11.6%

External debt:

$16.2 billion (June 1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 0.4% (1992 est.)

Electricity:

99,000,000 kW capacity; 317,000 million kWh produced, 5,480 kWh per capita

(1992)

*United Kingdom, Economy

Industries:

production machinery including machine tools, electric power equipment,

equipment for the automation of production, railroad equipment,

shipbuilding, aircraft, motor vehicles and parts, electronics and

communications equipment, metals, chemicals, coal, petroleum, paper and

paper products, food processing, textiles, clothing, and other consumer

goods

Agriculture:

accounts for only 1.5% of GDP and 1% of labor force; highly mechanized and

efficient farms; wide variety of crops and livestock products produced;

about 60% self-sufficient in food and feed needs; fish catch of 665,000

metric tons (1987)

Illicit drugs:

increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering

the European market

Economic aid:

donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $21.0 billion

Currency:

1 British pound (#) = 100 pence

Exchange rates:

British pounds (#) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652

(1991), 0.5603 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 April-31 March

*United Kingdom, Communications

Railroads:

UK, 16,914 km total; Great Britain's British Railways (BR) operates 16,584

km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge (including 4,545 km electrified and 12,591

km double or multiple track), several additional small standard-gauge and

narrow-gauge lines are privately owned and operated; Northern Ireland

Railways (NIR) operates 330 km 1.600-meter gauge (including 190 km double

track)

Highways:

UK, 362,982 km total; Great Britain, 339,483 km paved (including 2,573 km

limited-access divided highway); Northern Ireland, 23,499 km (22,907 paved,

592 km gravel)

Inland waterways:

2,291 total; British Waterways Board, 606 km; Port Authorities, 706 km;

other, 979 km

Pipelines:

crude oil (almost all insignificant) 933 km, petroleum products 2,993 km,

natural gas 12,800 km

Ports:

London, Liverpool, Felixstowe, Tees and Hartlepool, Dover, Sullom Voe,

Southampton

Merchant marine: 204 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,819,719 GRT/4,941,785 DWT; includes

7 passenger, 16 short-sea passenger, 37 cargo, 25 container, 14

roll-on/roll-off, 5 refrigerated cargo, 1 vehicle carrier, 65 oil tanker, 1

chemical tanker, 8 liquefied gas, 1 specialized tanker, 22 bulk, 1

combination bulk, 1 passenger cargo

Airports:

total:

496

usable:

385

with permanent-surface runways:

249

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

37

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

134

Telecommunications:

technologically advanced domestic and international system; 30,200,000

telephones; equal mix of buried cables, microwave and optical-fiber systems;

excellent countrywide broadcast systems; broadcast stations - 225 AM, 525

(mostly repeaters) FM, 207 (3,210 repeaters) TV; 40 coaxial submarine

cables; 5 satellite ground stations operating in INTELSAT (7 Atlantic Ocean

and 3 Indian Ocean), INMARSAT, and EUTELSAT systems; at least 8 large

international switching centers

*United Kingdom, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), Royal Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 14,445,998; fit for military service 12,084,913 (1993 est.);

no conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $42.5 billion, 3.8% of GDP (FY92/93)

*United States, Geography

Location:

North America, between Canada and Mexico

Map references:

North America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

9,372,610 km2

land area:

9,166,600 km2

comparative area:

about half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about

one-half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil);

slightly smaller than China; about two and one-half times the size of

Western Europe

note:

includes only the 50 states and District of Columbia

Land boundaries:

total 12,248 km, Canada 8,893 km (including 2,477 km with Alaska), Cuba 29

km (US naval base at Guantanamo), Mexico 3,326 km

Coastline:

19,924 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary disputes with Canada (Dixon Entrance, Beaufort Sea, Strait

of Juan de Fuca); US Naval Base at Guantanamo is leased from Cuba and only

mutual agreement or US abandonment of the area can terminate the lease;

Haiti claims Navassa Island; US has made no territorial claim in Antarctica

(but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of

any other nation; Republic of Marshall Islands claims Wake Island

Climate:

mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida and arctic in Alaska,

semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River and arid in the

Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are

ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from

the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains

Terrain:

vast central plain, mountains in west, hills and low mountains in east;

rugged mountains and broad river valleys in Alaska; rugged, volcanic

topography in Hawaii

Natural resources:

coal, copper, lead, molybdenum, phosphates, uranium, bauxite, gold, iron,

mercury, nickel, potash, silver, tungsten, zinc, petroleum, natural gas,

timber

Land use:

arable land:

20%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

26%

*United States, Geography

forest and woodland:

29%

other:

25%

Irrigated land:

181,020 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

pollution control measures improving air and water quality; agricultural

fertilizer and pesticide pollution; management of sparse natural water

resources in west; desertification; tsunamis, volcanoes, and earthquake

activity around Pacific Basin; permafrost in northern Alaska is a major

impediment to development

Note:

world's fourth-largest country (after Russia, Canada, and China)

*United States, People

Population:

258,103,721 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.02% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

15.48 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

8.67 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

3.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

8.36 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.8 years

male:

72.49 years

female:

79.29 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.05 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

American(s)

adjective:

American

Ethnic divisions:

white 83.4%, black 12.4%, asian 3.3%, native american 0.8% (1992)

Religions:

Protestant 56%, Roman Catholic 28%, Jewish 2%, other 4%, none 10% (1989)

Languages:

English, Spanish (spoken by a sizable minority)

Literacy:

age 15 and over having completed 5 or more years of schooling (1991)

total population:

97.9%

male:

97.9%

female:

97.9%

Labor force:

128.548 million (includes armed forces and unemployed; civilian labor force

126.982 million) (1992)

by occupation:

NA

*United States, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

United States of America

conventional short form:

United States

Abbreviation:

US or USA

Digraph:

US

Type:

federal republic; strong democratic tradition

Capital:

Washington, DC

Administrative divisions:

50 states and 1 district*; Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,, Colorado,

Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Florida, Georgia,, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana,

Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine,

Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri,

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York,

North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode

Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont,

Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Dependent areas:

American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston

Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Northern Mariana

Islands, Palmyra Atoll, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Wake Island

note:

since 18 July 1947, the US has administered the Trust Territory of the

Pacific Islands, but recently entered into a new political relationship with

three of the four political units; the Northern Mariana Islands is a

Commonwealth in political union with the US (effective 3 November 1986);

Palau concluded a Compact of Free Association with the US that was approved

by the US Congress but to date the Compact process has not been completed in

Palau, which continues to be administered by the US as the Trust Territory

of the Pacific Islands; the Federated States of Micronesia signed a Compact

of Free Association with the US (effective 3 November 1986); the Republic of

the Marshall Islands signed a Compact of Free Association with the US

(effective 21 October 1986)

Independence:

4 July 1776 (from England)

Constitution:

17 September 1787, effective 4 June 1789

Legal system:

based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

National holiday:

Independence Day, 4 July (1776)

Political parties and leaders:

Republican Party, Haley BARBOUR, national committee chairman; Jeanie AUSTIN,

co-chairman; Democratic Party, David C. WILHELM, national committee

chairman; several other groups or parties of minor political significance

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 5 November 1996); results -

William Jefferson CLINTON (Democratic Party) 43.2%, George BUSH (Republican

Party) 37.7%, Ross PEROT (Independent) 19.0%, other 0.1%

*United States, Government

Senate:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 8 November 1994); results -

Democratic Party 53%, Republican Party 47%, other NEGL%; seats - (100 total)

Democratic Party 57, Republican Party 43

House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 8 November 1994); results -

Democratic Party 52%, Republican Party 46%, other 2%; seats - (435 total)

Democratic Party 258, Republican Party 176, Independent 1

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or

House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

Member of:

AfDB, AG (observer), ANZUS, APEC, AsDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, COCOM,

CP, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, ECLAC, FAO, ESCAP, G-2, G-5, G-7, G-8, G-10, GATT,

IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR,

NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS, OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM,

UNRWA, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UN Trusteeship Council, UNTSO, UPU, WCL,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Flag:

thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with

white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50

small white five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of

six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars

represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies;

known as Old Glory; the design and colors have been the basis for a number

of other flags including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

*United States, Economy

Overview:

The US has the most powerful, diverse, and technologically advanced economy

in the world, with a per capita GDP of $23,400, the largest among major

industrial nations. The economy is market oriented with most decisions made

by private individuals and business firms and with government purchases of

goods and services made predominantly in the marketplace. In 1989 the

economy enjoyed its seventh successive year of substantial growth, the

longest in peacetime history. The expansion featured moderation in wage and

consumer price increases and a steady reduction in unemployment to 5.2% of

the labor force. In 1990, however, growth slowed to 1% because of a

combination of factors, such as the worldwide increase in interest rates,

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August, the subsequent spurt in oil prices, and

a general decline in business and consumer confidence. In 1991 output fell

by 1%, unemployment grew, and signs of recovery proved premature. Growth

picked up to 2.1% in 1992. Unemployment, however, remained at nine million,

the increase in GDP being mainly attributable to gains in output per worker.

Ongoing problems for the 1990s include inadequate investment in economic

infrastructure, rapidly rising medical costs, and sizable budget and trade

deficits.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $5.951 trillion (1992)

National product real growth rate:

2.1% (1992)

National product per capita:

$23,400 (1992)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

3% (1992)

Unemployment rate:

7% (April 1993)

Budget:

revenues $1,092 billion; expenditures $1,382 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY92)

Exports:

$442.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

capital goods, automobiles, industrial supplies and raw materials, consumer

goods, agricultural products

partners:

Western Europe 27.3%, Canada 22.1%, Japan 12.1% (1989)

Imports:

$544.1 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

crude oil and refined petroleum products, machinery, automobiles, consumer

goods, industrial raw materials, food and beverages

partners:

Western Europe 21.5%, Japan 19.7%, Canada 18.8% (1989)

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate 1.5% (1992 est.); accounts for NA% of GDP

Electricity:

780,000,000 kW capacity; 3,230,000 million kWh produced, 12,690 kWh per

capita (1992)

Industries:

leading industrial power in the world, highly diversified; petroleum, steel,

motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food

processing, consumer goods, lumber, mining

*United States, Economy

Agriculture:

accounts for 2% of GDP and 2.8% of labor force; favorable climate and soils

support a wide variety of crops and livestock production; world's second

largest producer and number one exporter of grain; surplus food producer;

fish catch of 4.4 million metric tons (1990)

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis for domestic consumption with 1987 production

estimated at 3,500 metric tons or about 25% of the available marijuana;

ongoing eradication program aimed at small plots and greenhouses has not

reduced production

Economic aid:

donor - commitments, including ODA and OOF, (FY80-89), $115.7 billion

Currency:

1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents

Exchange rates:

British pounds:

(#) per US$ - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5603

(1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988)

Canadian dollars:

(Can$) per US$ - 1.2776 (January 1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668

(1990), 1.1840 (1989), 1.2307 (1988)

French francs:

(F) per US$ - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453

(1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)

Italian lire:

(Lit) per US$ - 1,482.5 (January 1993), 1,232.4 (1992), 1,240.6 (1991),

1,198.1 (1990), 1.372.1 (1989), 1,301.6 (1988)

Japanese yen:

(Y) per US$ - 125.01 (January 1993), 126.65 (1992), 134.71 (1991), 144.79

(1990), 137.96 (1989), 128.15 (1988)

German deutsche marks:

(DM) per US$ - 1.6158 (January 1993), 1.5617 (1992), 1.6595 (1991), 1.6157

(1990), 1.8800 (1989), 1.7562 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*United States, Communications

Railroads:

240,000 km of mainline routes, all standard 1.435 meter track, no government

ownership (1989)

Highways:

7,599,250 km total; 6,230,000 km state-financed roads; 1,369,250 km

federally-financed roads (including 71,825 km interstate limited access

freeways) (1988)

Inland waterways:

41,009 km of navigable inland channels, exclusive of the Great Lakes (est.)

Pipelines:

petroleum 276,000 km (1991), natural gas 331,000 km (1991)

Ports: Anchorage, Baltimore, Beaumont, Boston, Charleston, Chicago, Cleveland,

Duluth, Freeport, Galveston, Hampton Roads, Honolulu, Houston, Jacksonville,

Long Beach, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Mobile, New Orleans, New York,

Philadelphia, Portland (Oregon), Richmond (California), San Francisco,

Savannah, Seattle, Tampa, Wilmington

Merchant marine:

385 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 12,567,000 GRT/19,511,000 DWT;

includes 3 passenger-cargo, 36 cargo, 23 bulk, 169 tanker, 13 tanker

tug-barge, 13 liquefied gas, 128 intermodal; in addition, there are 219

government-owned vessels

Airports:

total:

14,177

usable:

12,417

with permanent-surface runways:

4,820

with runways over 3,659 m:

63

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

325

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2,524

Telecommunications:

126,000,000 telephone access lines; 7,557,000 cellular phone subscribers;

broadcast stations - 4,987 AM, 4,932 FM, 1,092 TV; about 9,000 TV cable

systems; 530,000,000 radio sets and 193,000,000 TV sets in use; 16

satellites and 24 ocean cable systems in use; satellite ground stations - 45

Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 16 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT (1990)

*United States, Defense Forces

Branches:

Department of the Army, Department of the Navy (including Marine Corps),

Department of the Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 66.826 million; fit for military service NA (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $315.5 billion, 5.3% of GDP (1992)

*Uruguay, Geography

Location:

Eastern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Argentina

and Brazil

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

176,220 km2

land area:

173,620 km2 comparative area:

slightly smaller than Washington State

Land boundaries:

total 1,564 km, Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km

Coastline:

660 km

Maritime claims:

continental shelf:

200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

territorial sea:

200 nm; overflight and navigation permitted beyond 12 nm

International disputes:

short section of boundary with Argentina is in dispute; two short sections

of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute - Arroyo de la Invernada (Arroio

Invernada) area of the Rio Quarai and the islands at the confluence of the

Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the Uruguay

Climate:

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Terrain:

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Natural resources:

soil, hydropower potential, minor minerals

Land use:

arable land:

8%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

78%

forest and woodland:

4%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

1,100 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to seasonally high winds, droughts, floods

*Uruguay, People

Population:

3,175,050 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.75% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

17.82 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.52 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

18 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population: 73.74 years

male:

70.52 years

female:

77.11 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.46 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Uruguayan(s)

adjective:

Uruguayan

Ethnic divisions:

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%

Religions:

Roman Catholic 66% (less than half adult population attends church

regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%

Languages:

Spanish

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

96%

male:

97%

female:

96%

Labor force:

1.355 million (1991 est.)

by occupation:

government 25%, manufacturing 19%, agriculture 11%, commerce 12%, utilities,

construction, transport, and communications 12%, other services 21% (1988

est.)

*Uruguay, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Oriental Republic of Uruguay

conventional short form:

Uruguay

local long form:

Republica Oriental del Uruguay

local short form:

Uruguay

Digraph:

UY

Type:

republic

Capital:

Montevideo

Administrative divisions:

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones,

Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado,

Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano,

Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Independence:

25 August 1828 (from Brazil)

Constitution:

27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new

constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980

Legal system:

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 25 August (1828)

Political parties and leaders:

National (Blanco) Party, Carlos CAT; Colorado Party, Secretary General

(vacant); Broad Front Coalition, Liber SEREGNI Mosquera - includes PSU, PCU,

MLN, MRO, PVP; Uruguayan Socialist Party (PSU), Jose Pedro CARDOSO, and;

Communist Party (PCU), Marina ARISMENDI; National Liberation Movement (MLN)

or Tupamaros, Eleuterio FERNANDEZ Huidobro; Oriental Rvolutionary Movement

(MRO), Walter ARTOLA; Party for the Victory of the Poor (PVP), Hugo CORES;

New Space Coalition consists of PGP, PDC, and Civic Union, Hugo BATALLA;

People's Government Party (PGP), Hugo BATALLA, secretary general; Christian

Democratic Party (PDC), Carlos VASSALLO, secretary general; Civic Union,

Humberto CIGANDA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 26 November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

Luis Alberto LACALLE Herrera (Blanco) 37%, Jorge BATLLE Ibanez (Colorado)

29%, Liber SEREGNI Mosquera (Broad Front) 20%

Chamber of Senators:

last held 26 November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

Blanco 40%, Colorado 30%, Broad Front 23% New Space 7%; seats - (30 total)

Blanco 12, Colorado 9, Broad Front 7, New Space 2

Chamber of Representatives:

last held NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1994); results -

Blanco 39%, Colorado 30%, Broad Front 22%, New Space 8%, other 1%; seats -

(99 total) number of seats by party NA

Executive branch:

president, vice president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

*Uruguay, Government

Legislative branch:

bicameral General Assembly (Asamblea General) consists of an upper chamber

or Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores) and a lower chamber or Chamber

of Representatives (Camera de Representantes)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Luis Alberto LACALLE (since 1 March 1990); Vice President Gonzalo

AGUIRRE Ramirez (since 1 March 1990)

Member of:

AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO,

ICC, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO

(correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, NAM (observer), OAS,

OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOMOZ, UNTAC,

UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Eduardo MACGILLYCUDDY

chancery:

1918 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone:

telephone (202) 331-1313 through 1316

consulates general:

Los Angeles, Miami, and New York,

consulate:

New Orleans

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Richard C. BROWN

embassy:

Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo

mailing address:

APO AA 34035

telephone:

[598] (2) 23-60-61 or 48-77-77

FAX:

[598] (2) 48-86-11

Flag:

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with

blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow

sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately

triangular and wavy

*Uruguay, Economy

Overview:

Uruguay is a small economy with favorable climate, good soils, and solid

hydropower potential. Economic development has been held back by excessive

government regulation of economic detail and 50% to 130% inflation. After

several years of sluggish growth, real GDP jumped by about 8% in 1992. The

rise is attributable mainly to an increase in Argentine demand for Uruguayan

exports, particularly agricultural products and electricity. In a major step

toward greater regional economic cooperation, Uruguay in 1991 had joined

Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay in forming the Southern Cone Common Market

(Mercosur). A referendum in December 1992 overturned key portions of

landmark privatization legislation, dealing a serious blow to President

LACALLE's broad economic reform plan.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $9.8 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

8% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$3,100 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

58% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

9% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $2.9 billion; expenditures $3.0 billion, including capital

expenditures of $388 million (1991)

Exports:

$1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

hides and leather goods 17%, beef 10%, wool 9%, fish 7%, rice 4%

partners:

Argentina, Brazil, US, Germany

Imports:

$1.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, fuels, and lubricants, metals, machinery, transportation

equipment, industrial chemicals

partners:

Brazil 23%, Argentina 17%, US 10%, EC 27.1% (1990)

External debt:

$4.1 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1.4% (1990), accounts for almost 25% of GDP

Electricity:

2,168,000 kW capacity; 5,960 million kWh produced, 1,900 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

meat processing, wool and hides, sugar, textiles, footwear, leather apparel,

tires, cement, fishing, petroleum refining, wine

Agriculture:

large areas devoted to livestock grazing; wheat, rice, corn, sorghum;

self-sufficient in most basic foodstuffs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-88), $105 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $420 million;

Communist countries (1970-89), $69 million

Currency:

1 new Uruguayan peso (N$Ur) = 100 centesimos

*Uruguay, Economy

Exchange rates:

new Uruguayan pesos (N$Ur) per US$1 - 3,457.5 (December 1992), 3,026.9

(1992), 2,489 (1991), 1,594 (1990), 805 (1989), 451 (1988), 281 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Uruguay, Communications

Railroads:

3,000 km, all 1.435-meter (standard) gauge and government owned

Highways:

49,900 km total; 6,700 km paved, 3,000 km gravel, 40,200 km earth

Inland waterways:

1,600 km; used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft

Ports:

Montevideo, Punta del Este, Colonia

Merchant marine:

4 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 84,797 GRT/132,296 DWT; includes 1

cargo, 2 container, 1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

88

usable:

81

with permanent-surface runways:

16

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

2

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

14

Telecommunications:

most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave

network; 337,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 99 AM, no FM, 26 TV, 9

shortwave; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations

*Uruguay, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy (including Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, Marines), Air Force,

Grenadier Guards, Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 755,667; fit for military service 613,585 (1993 est.); no

conscription

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $216 million, 2.3% of GDP (1991 est.)

*Uzbekistan, Geography

Location:

Central Asia, bordering the Aral Sea, between Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

Map references:

Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Standard

Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

447,400 km2

land area:

425,400 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than California

Land boundaries:

total 6,221 km, Afghanistan 137 km, Kazakhstan 2,203 km, Kyrgyzstan 1,099

km, Tajikistan 1,161 km, Turkmenistan 1,621 km

Coastline:

0 km

note:

Uzbekistan does border the Aral Sea (420 km)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

none

Climate:

mostly mid latitude desert; semiarid grassland in east

Terrain:

mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; Fergana Valley in east

surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in

west

Natural resources:

natural gas, petroleum, coal, gold, uranium, silver, copper, lead and zinc,

tungsten, molybdenum

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

47%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

43%

Irrigated land:

41,550 km2 (1990)

Environment:

drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical

pesticides and natural salts

Note:

landlocked

*Uzbekistan, People

Population:

22,127,946 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.17% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

30.57 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.63 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

54.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

68.36 years male:

65.05 years

female:

71.84 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.78 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Uzbek(s)

adjective:

Uzbek

Ethnic divisions:

Uzbek 71.4%, Russian 8.3%, Tajik 4.7%, Kazakhs 4.1%, Tartars 2.4% (includes

70% of Crimean Tatars deported during World War II), Karakalpaks 2.1%, other

7%

Religions:

Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages:

Uzbek 85%, Russian 5%, other 10%

Literacy:

age 9-49 can read and write (1970)

total population:

100%

male:

100%

female:

100%

Labor force:

7.941 million

by occupation:

agriculture and forestry 39%, industry and construction 24%, other 37%

(1990)

*Uzbekistan, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Uzbekistan

conventional short form:

Uzbekistan

local long form:

Uzbekiston Respublikasi

local short form:

none

former:

Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic

Digraph:

UZ

Type:

republic

Capital:

Tashkent (Toshkent)

Administrative divisions:

12 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast') and 1 autonomous republic*, (avtomnaya respublika);

Andizhan, Bukhara, Dzhizak, Fergana, Karakalpakstan*, (Nukus), Kashkadar'ya (Karshi), Khorezm

(Urgench), Namangan, Navoi,

Samarkand, Surkhandar'ya (Termez), Syrdar'ya (Gulistan), Tashkent

note:

an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center

(exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses)

Independence:

31 August 1991 (from Soviet Union)

Constitution:

new constitution adopted 8 December 1992

Legal system:

evolution of Soviet civil law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 1 September (1991)

Political parties and leaders:

People's Democratic Party (PDP; formerly Communist Party), Islam A. KARIMOV,

chairman; Erk (Freedom) Democratic Party (EDP), Muhammad SOLIKH, chairman

Other political or pressure groups:

Birlik (Unity) People's Movement (BPM), Abdul Rakhman PULATOV, chairman;

Islamic Rebirth Party (IRP), Abdullah UTAYEV, chairman

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 29 December 1991 (next to be held NA December 1996); results -

Islam KARIMOV 86%, Mukhammad SOLIKH 12%, other 2%

Supreme Soviet:

last held 18 February 1990 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote

by party NA; seats - (500 total) Communist 450, ERK 10, other 40; note -

total number of seats will be reduced to 150 in next election

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Supreme Soviet

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Islam KARIMOV (since NA March 1990)

*Uzbekistan, Government

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Abdulkhashim MUTALOV (since 13 January 1992), First Deputy

Prime Minister Ismail Hakimovitch DJURABEKOV (since NA); Supreme Soviet

Chairman Shavkat Muhitdinovitch YULDASHEV (since NA June 1991)

Member of:

CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECO, ESCAP, IBRD, IDA, IMF, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Muhammed Babir MALIKOV

chancery:

200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006

telephone: (202) 778-0107

FAX:

(202) 861-0472

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Henry L. CLARKE

embassy:

55 Chelanzanskaya, Tashkent

mailing address:

APO AE 09862

telephone:

[7] (3712) 77-14-07

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and green separated by

red fimbriations with a crescent moon and 12 stars in the upper hoist-side

quadrant

*Uzbekistan, Economy

Overview:

Although Uzbekistan accounted for only 3.4% of total Soviet output, it

produced two-thirds of the USSR's cotton and ranks as the fourth largest

global producer. Moscow's push for ever-increasing amounts of cotton had

included massive irrigation projects which caused extensive environmental

damage to the Aral Sea and rivers of the republic. Furthermore, the lavish

use of chemical fertilizers has caused extensive pollution and widespread

health problems. Recently the republic has sought to encourage food

production at the expense of cotton. The small industrial sector specializes

in such items as agricultural machinery, mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil,

and bridge cranes. Uzbekistan also has some important natural resources

including gold (about 30% of former Soviet production), uranium, and natural

gas. The Uzbek Government has encouraged some land reform but has shied away

from other aspects of economic reform. Output and living standards continued

to fall in 1992 largely because of the cumulative impact of disruptions in

supply that have followed the dismemberment of the USSR.

National product:

GDP $NA

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1992)

National product per capita:

$NA

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

at least 17% per month (first quarter 1993)

Unemployment rate:

0.1% includes only officially registered unemployed; there are also large

numbers of underemployed workers

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$900 million to outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

cotton, gold, textiles, chemical and mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil

partners:

Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe

Imports:

$900 million from outside the successor states of the former USSR (1992)

commodities:

machinery and parts, consumer durables, grain, other foods

partners:

principally other former Soviet republics

External debt:

$2 billion (end 1991 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -6%

Electricity:

11,950,000 kW capacity; 50,900 million kWh produced, 2,300 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

chemical and mineral fertilizers, vegetable oil, textiles

Agriculture:

cotton, with much smaller production of grain, fruits, vegetables, and

livestock

Illicit drugs:

illicit producers of cannabis and opium; mostly for CIS consumption; limited

government eradication programs; used as transshipment points for illicit

drugs to Western Europe

Economic aid:

$950 million official aid commitments by foreign donors (1992)

*Uzbekistan, Economy

Currency:

retaining Russian ruble as currency (January 1993)

Exchange rates:

rubles per US$1 - 415 (24 December 1992) but subject to wide fluctuations

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Uzbekistan, Communications

Railroads:

3,460 km; does not include industrial lines (1990)

Highways:

78,400 km total; 67,000 km hard-surfaced, 11,400 km earth (1990)

Pipelines:

crude oil 250 km, petroleum products 40 km, natural gas 810 km (1992)

Ports:

none; landlocked

Airports:

totol:

265

useable:

74

with permanent-surface runways:

30

with runways over 3,659 m: 2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

20

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

19

Telecommunications:

poorly developed; NMT-450 analog cellular network established in Tashkent;

1.4 million telephone lines with 7.2 lines per 100 persons (1992); linked by

landline or microwave with CIS member states and by leased connection via

the Moscow international gateway switch to other countries; satellite earth

stations - Orbita and INTELSAT (TV receive only); new intelsat earth station

provides TV receive only capability for Turkish broadcasts; new satellite

ground station also installed in Tashkent for direct linkage to Tokyo.

*Uzbekistan, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, National Guard, Republic Security Forces (internal and border troops)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,214,075; fit for military service 4,272,398; reach

military age (18) annually 218,916 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Vanuatu, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 5,750 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean, about

three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Australia

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

14,760 km2

land area:

14,760 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Connecticut

note:

includes more than 80 islands

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

2,528 km

Maritime claims:

measured from claimed archipelagic baselines

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; moderated by southeast trade winds

Terrain:

mostly mountains of volcanic origin; narrow coastal plains

Natural resources:

manganese, hardwood forests, fish

Land use:

arable land:

1%

permanent crops:

5%

meadows and pastures:

2%

forest and woodland:

1%

other:

91%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to tropical cyclones or typhoons (January to April); volcanism

causes minor earthquakes

*Vanuatu, People

Population:

165,876 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.36% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.16 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

69.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

58.8 years

male:

57.11 years

female:

60.58 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.47 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Ni-Vanuatu (singular and plural)

adjective: Ni-Vanuatu

Ethnic divisions:

indigenous Melanesian 94%, French 4%, Vietnamese, Chinese, Pacific Islanders

Religions:

Presbyterian 36.7%, Anglican 15%, Catholic 15%, indigenous beliefs 7.6%,

Seventh-Day Adventist 6.2%, Church of Christ 3.8%, other 15.7%

Languages:

English (official), French (official), pidgin (known as Bislama or

Bichelama)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1979)

total population:

53%

male:

57%

female:

48%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

NA

*Vanuatu, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Vanuatu

conventional short form:

Vanuatu

former:

New Hebrides

Digraph:

NH

Type:

republic

Capital:

Port-Vila

Administrative divisions:

11 island councils; Ambrym, Aoba/Maewo, Banks/Torres, Efate, Epi, Malakula,

Paama, Pentecote, Santo/Malo, Shepherd, Tafea

Independence:

30 July 1980 (from France and UK)

Constitution:

30 July 1980

Legal system:

unified system being created from former dual French and British systems

National holiday:

Independence Day, 30 July (1980)

Political parties and leaders:

Vanuatu Party (VP), Donald KALPOKAS; Union of Moderate Parties (UMP), Serge

VOHOR; Melanesian Progressive Party (MPP), Barak SOPE; National United Party

(NUP), Walter LINI; Tan Union Party (TUP), Vincent BOULEKONE; Nagriamel

Party, Jimmy STEVENS; Friend Melanesian Party, leader NA

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Parliament:

last held 2 December 1991 (next to be held by November 1995); note - after

election, a coalition was formed by the Union of Moderate Parties and the

National United Party to form new government on 16 December 1991; seats -

(46 total) UMP 19; NUP 10; VP 10; MPP 4; TUP 1; Nagriamel 1; Friend 1

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of Ministers

(cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament; note - the National Council of Chiefs advises on

matters of custom and land

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Frederick TIMAKATA (since 30 January 1989)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Maxime CARLOT KORMAN (since 16 December 1991); Deputy Prime

Minister Sethy REGENVANU (since 17 December 1991)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, IMO, IOC,

ITU, NAM, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation in US:

Vanuatu does not have a mission in Washington

US diplomatic representation:

the ambassador to Papua New Guinea is accredited to Vanuatu

*Vanuatu, Government

Flag:

two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and green with a black isosceles

triangle (based on the hoist side) all separated by a black-edged yellow

stripe in the shape of a horizontal Y (the two points of the Y face the

hoist side and enclose the triangle); centered in the triangle is a boar's

tusk encircling two crossed namele leaves, all in yellow

*Vanuatu, Economy

Overview:

The economy is based primarily on subsistence farming which provides a

living for about 80% of the population. Fishing and tourism are the other

mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has

no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the

local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $142 million (1988 est.)

National product real growth rate:

6% (1990)

National product per capita:

$900 (1988 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

5% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $90 million; expenditures $103 million, including capital

expenditures of $45 million (1989 est.)

Exports:

$15.6 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

copra 59%, cocoa 11%, meat 9%, fish 8%, timber 4%

partners:

Netherlands, Japan, France, New Caledonia, Belgium

Imports:

$60.4 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

machines and vehicles 25%, food and beverages 23%, basic manufactures 18%,

raw materials and fuels 11%, chemicals 6%

partners:

Australia 36%, Japan 13%, NZ 10%, France 8%, Fiji 8%

External debt:

$30 million (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%; accounts for about 10% of GDP

Electricity:

17,000 kW capacity; 30 million kWh produced, 180 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

food and fish freezing, wood processing, meat canning

Agriculture:

accounts for 40% of GDP; export crops - coconuts, cocoa, coffee, fish;

subsistence crops - taro, yams, coconuts, fruits, vegetables

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$606 million

Currency:

1 vatu (VT) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

vatu (VT) per US$1 - 120.77 (January 1993), 113.39 (1992), 111.68 (1991),

116.57 (1990), 116.04 (1989), 104.43 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Vanuatu, Communications

Railroads:

none

Highways:

1,027 km total; at least 240 km sealed or all-weather roads

Ports:

Port-Vila, Luganville, Palikoulo, Santu

Merchant marine:

125 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,121,819 GRT/3,193,942 DWT; includes

23 cargo, 16 refrigerated cargo, 6 container, 11 vehicle carrier, 1

livestock carrier, 6 oil tanker, 2 chemical tanker, 3 liquefied gas, 54

bulk, 1 combination bulk, 1 passenger, 1 short-sea passenger; note - a flag

of convenience registry

Airports:

total:

31

usable:

31

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

Telecommunications:

broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, no TV; 3,000 telephones; 1 Pacific Ocean

INTELSAT ground station

*Vanuatu, Defense Forces

Branches:

Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), paramilitary Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF)

note:

no military forces

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 NA; fit for military service NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Venezuela, Geography

Location:

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea between Colombia and

Guyana

Map references:

South America, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

912,050 km2

land area:

882,050 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than twice the size of California

Land boundaries:

total 4,993 km, Brazil 2,200 km, Colombia 2,050 km, Guyana 743 km

Coastline:

2,800 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

15 nm

continental shelf: 200 m depth or to depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claims all of Guyana west of the Essequibo river; maritime boundary dispute

with Colombia in the Gulf of Venezuela

Climate:

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Terrain:

Andes mountains and Maracaibo lowlands in northwest; central plains

(llanos); Guyana highlands in southeast

Natural resources:

petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite, other minerals, hydropower,

diamonds

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

1%

meadows and pastures:

20%

forest and woodland:

39%

other:

37%

Irrigated land:

2,640 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

subject to floods, rockslides, mudslides; periodic droughts; increasing

industrial pollution in Caracas and Maracaibo

Note:

on major sea and air routes linking North and South America

*Venezuela, People

Population:

20,117,687 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.22% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.37 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

4.69 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.48 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

28.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

72.69 years

male:

69.76 years female:

75.77 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.14 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Venezuelan(s)

adjective:

Venezuelan

Ethnic divisions:

mestizo 67%, white 21%, black 10%, Indian 2%

Religions:

nominally Roman Catholic 96%, Protestant 2%

Languages:

Spanish (official), Indian dialects spoken by about 200,000 Amerindians in

the remote interior

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

88%

male:

87%

female:

90%

Labor force:

5.8 million

by occupation:

services 56%, industry 28%, agriculture 16% (1985)

*Venezuela, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Venezuela

conventional short form:

Venezuela

local long form:

Republica de Venezuela

local short form:

Venezuela

Digraph:

VE

Type:

republic

Capital:

Caracas

Administrative divisions:

21 states (estados, singular - estado), 1 territory* ( territorio), 1, federal district**,

(distrito federal), and 1 federal dependence***, (dependencia federal); Amazonas*, Anzoategui,,

Apure, Aragua, Barinas,

Bolivar, Carabobo, Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Dependencias Federales***,, Distrito Federal**,,

Falcon, Guarico, Lara, Merida, Miranda, Monagas, Nueva

Esparta, Portuguesa, Sucre, Tachira, Trujillo, Yaracuy, Zulia

note: the federal dependence consists of 11 federally controlled island groups

with a total of 72 individual islands

Independence:

5 July 1811 (from Spain)

Constitution:

23 January 1961

Legal system:

based on Napoleonic code; judicial review of legislative acts in Cassation

Court only; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 5 July (1811)

Political parties and leaders:

Social Christian Party (COPEI), Hilarion CARDOZO, president, and Jose

CURIEL, secretary general (acting); Democratic Action (AD), Humberto CELLI,

president, and Luis ALFARO Ucero, secretary general; Movement Toward

Socialism (MAS), Argelia LAYA, president, and Freddy MUNOZ, secretary

general; The Radical Cause ( La Causa R), Pablo Medina, secretary general

Other political or pressure groups:

FEDECAMARAS, a conservative business group; Venezuelan Confederation of

Workers (labor organization dominated by the Democratic Action); VECINOS

groups

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held 5 December 1993); results -

Carlos Andres PEREZ (AD) 54.6%, Eduardo FERNANDEZ (COPEI) 41.7%, other 3.7%;

note - President Carlos Andres PEREZ suspended pending trial on corruption

charges

Senate:

last held 4 December 1988 (next to be held 5 December 1993); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (49 total) AD 23, COPEI 22, other 4;

note - 3 former presidents (1 from AD, 2 from COPEI) hold lifetime senate

seats

*Venezuela, Government

Chamber of Deputies:

last held 4 December 1992 (next to be held 5 December 1993); results - AD

43.7%, COPEI 31.4%, MAS 10.3%, other 14.6%; seats - (201 total) AD 97, COPEI

67, MAS 18, other 19

Executive branch:

president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

bicameral Congress of the Republic (Congreso de la Republica) consists of an

upper chamber or Senate (Senado) and a lower chamber or Chamber of Deputies

(Camara de Diputados)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia)

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Interim President Ramon Jose VELASQUEZ (since 5 June 1993); note - President

Carlos Andres PEREZ suspended pending trial on corruption charges

Member of: AG, CARICOM (observer), CDB, CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24,

G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,

INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM,

OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, OPEC, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO,

UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Simon Alberto CONSALVI Bottaro

chancery:

1099 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

telephone:

(202) 342-2214

consulates general:

Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York,

Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Michael Martin SKOL

embassy:

Avenida Francisco de Miranda and Avenida Principal de la Floresta, Caracas

mailing address:

P. O. Box 62291, Caracas 1060-A, or APO AA 34037

telephone:

[58] (2) 285-2222

FAX:

[58] (2) 285-0336

consulate:

Maracaibo

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of yellow (top), blue, and red with the coat of

arms on the hoist side of the yellow band and an arc of seven white

five-pointed stars centered in the blue band

*Venezuela, Economy

Overview:

Petroleum is the backbone of the economy, accounting for 23% of GDP, 70% of

central government revenues, and 82% of export earnings in 1992. President

PEREZ introduced an economic readjustment program when he assumed office in

February 1989. Lower tariffs and the removal of price controls, a free

market exchange rate, and market-linked interest rates threw the economy

into confusion, causing an 8% decline in GDP in 1989. However, the economy

recovered part way in 1990 and grew by 10.4% in 1991 and 7.3% in 1992, led

by the non-petroleum sector.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $57.8 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

7.3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$2,800 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

32% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

8.4% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $13.2 billion; expenditures $13.1 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1992)

Exports:

$14.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

petroleum 82%, bauxite and aluminum, iron ore, agricultural products, basic

manufactures

partners:

US 50.7%, Europe 13.7%, Japan 4.0% (1989)

Imports:

$12.4 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

foodstuffs, chemicals, manufactures, machinery and transport equipment

partners:

US 44%, FRG 8.0%, Japan 4%, Italy 7%, Canada 2% (1989)

External debt:

$27.1 billion (1992)

Industrial production:

growth rate 11.9% (1992 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP, including petroleum

Electricity:

21,130,000 kW capacity; 58,541 million kWh produced, 2,830 kWh per capita

(1992)

Industries:

petroleum, iron-ore mining, construction materials, food processing,

textiles, steel, aluminum, motor vehicle assembly

Agriculture:

accounts for 6% of GDP and 16% of labor force; products - corn, sorghum,

sugarcane, rice, bananas, vegetables, coffee, beef, pork, milk, eggs, fish;

not self-sufficient in food other than meat

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis and coca leaf for the international drug trade

on a small scale; however, large quantities of cocaine transit the country

from Colombia; important money-laundering hub

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-86), $488 million; Communist countries

(1970-89), $10 million

Currency:

1 bolivar (Bs) = 100 centimos

*Venezuela, Economy

Exchange rates:

bolivares (Bs) per US$1 - 80.18 (January 1993), 68.38 (1992), 56.82 (1991),

46.90 (1990), 34.68 (1989), 14.50 (fixed rate 1987-88)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Venezuela, Communications

Railroads:

542 km total; 363 km 1.435-meter standard gauge all single track, government

owned; 179 km 1.435-meter gauge, privately owned

Highways:

77,785 km total; 22,780 km paved, 24,720 km gravel, 14,450 km earth roads,

and 15,835 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

7,100 km; Rio Orinoco and Lago de Maracaibo accept oceangoing vessels

Pipelines:

crude oil 6,370 km; petroleum products 480 km; natural gas 4,010 km

Ports:

Amuay Bay, Bajo Grande, El Tablazo, La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Puerto Ordaz

Merchant marine:

56 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 837,375 GRT/1,344,795 DWT; includes 1

short-sea passenger, 1 passenger cargo, 19 cargo, 2 container, 4

roll-on/roll-off, 18 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 6 bulk,

1 vehicle carrier, 1 combination bulk

Airports:

total:

360

usable:

331

with permanent-surface runways:

133

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

15

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

87

Telecommunications:

modern and expanding; 1,440,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 181 AM, no

FM, 59 TV, 26 shortwave; 3 submarine coaxial cables; satellite ground

stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic

*Venezuela, Defense Forces

Branches:

National Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Nacionales, FAN) includes - Ground

Forces or Army (Fuerzas Terrestres or Ejercito), Naval Forces (Fuerzas

Navales or Armada), Air Forces (Fuerzas Aereas or Aviacion), Armed Forces of

Cooperation or National Guard (Fuerzas Armadas de Cooperation or Guardia

Nacional)

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 5,192,107; fit for military service 3,769,441; reach

military age (18) annually 221,043 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $1.95 billion, 4% of GDP (1991)

*Vietnam, Geography

Location:

Southeast Asia, bordering the South China Sea, between Laos and the

Philippines

Map references:

Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

329,560 km2

land area:

325,360 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than New Mexico

Land boundaries:

total 3,818 km, Cambodia 982 km, China 1,281 km, Laos 1,555 km

Coastline:

3,444 km (excludes islands)

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

maritime boundary with Cambodia not defined; involved in a complex dispute

over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, and

possibly Brunei; unresolved maritime boundary with Thailand; maritime

boundary dispute with China in the Gulf of Tonkin; Paracel Islands occupied

by China but claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan

Climate:

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (mid-May to

mid-September) and warm, dry season (mid-October to mid-March)

Terrain:

low, flat delta in south and north; central highlands; hilly, mountainous in

far north and northwest

Natural resources:

phosphates, coal, manganese, bauxite, chromate, offshore oil deposits,

forests

Land use:

arable land:

22%

permanent crops:

2%

meadows and pastures:

1%

forest and woodland:

40%

other:

35%

Irrigated land:

18,300 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

occasional typhoons (May to January) with extensive flooding

*Vietnam, People

Population:

71,787,608 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.85% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

27.99 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

7.92 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-1.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

46.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

65.1 years

male:

63.08 years

female:

67.25 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.45 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Vietnamese (singular and plural)

adjective:

Vietnamese

Ethnic divisions:

Vietnamese 85-90%, Chinese 3%, Muong, Thai, Meo, Khmer, Man, Cham

Religions:

Buddhist, Taoist, Roman Catholic, indigenous beliefs, Islamic, Protestant

Languages:

Vietnamese (official), French, Chinese, English, Khmer, tribal languages

(Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

88%

male:

92%

female:

84%

Labor force:

32.7 million

by occupation:

agricultural 65%, industrial and service 35% (1990 est.)

*Vietnam, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

conventional short form:

Vietnam local long form:

Cong Hoa Chu Nghia Viet Nam

local short form:

Viet Nam

Abbreviation:

SRV

Digraph:

VM

Type:

Communist state

Capital:

Hanoi

Administrative divisions:

50 provinces (tinh, singular and plural), 3 municipalities* (thanh pho,, singular and plural);

An Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Bac Thai, Ben Tre, Binh

Dinh, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Cao Bang, Dac Lac, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai,

Ha Bac, Ha Giang, Ha Noi*, Ha Tay, Ha Tinh, Hai Hung, Hai Phong*, Ho Chi, Minh*, Hoa Binh,

Khanh, Hoa, Kien Giang, Kon Tum, Lai Chau, Lam Dong, Lang

Son, Lao Cai, Long An, Minh Hai, Nam Ha, Nghe An, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Phu

Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam-Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc

Trang, Son La, Song Be, Tay Ninh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien, Tien

Giang, Tra Vinh, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Long, Vinh Phu, Yen Bai

Independence:

2 September 1945 (from France)

Constitution:

NA April 1992

Legal system:

based on Communist legal theory and French civil law system

National holiday:

Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

Political parties and leaders:

only party - Vietnam Communist Party (VCP), DO MUOI, general secretary

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

National Assembly:

last held 19 July 1992 (next to be held NA July 1997); results - VCP is the

only party; seats - (395 total) VCP or VCP-approved 395

Executive branch:

president, prime minister, three deputy prime ministers

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly (Quoc-Hoi)

Judicial branch:

Supreme People's Court

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Le Duc ANH (since 23 September 1992)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister Vo Van KIET (since 9 August 1991); First Deputy Prime

Minister Phan Van KHAI (since 10 August 1991); Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen

KHANH (since NA February 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Tran Duc LUONG (since

NA February 1987)

*Vietnam, Government

Member of:

ACCT, AsDB, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF,

IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

none

US diplomatic representation:

none

Flag:

red with a large yellow five-pointed star in the center

*Vietnam, Economy

Overview:

Vietnam has made significant progress in recent years moving away from the

planned economic model and toward a more effective market-based economic

system. Most prices are now fully decontrolled and the Vietnamese currency

has been effectively devalued and floated at world market rates. In

addition, the scope for private sector activity has been expanded, primarily

through decollectivization of the agricultural sector and introduction of

laws giving legal recognition to private business. Despite such positive

indicators, the country's economic turnaround remains tenuous. Nearly

three-quarters of export earnings are generated by only two commodities,

rice and crude oil. Meanwhile, industrial production stagnates, burdened by

uncompetitive state-owned enterprises the government is unwilling or unable

to privatize. Unemployment looms as the most serious problem with over 25%

of the workforce without jobs and population growth swelling the ranks of

the unemployed yearly.

National product:

GNP - exchange rate conversion - $16 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

7.4% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$230 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15%-20% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

25% (1992 est.)

Budget:

revenues $1.7 billion; expenditures $1.9 billion, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1990)

Exports:

$2.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992)

commodities:

agricultural and handicraft products, coal, minerals, crude oil, ores,

seafood

partners:

Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan

Imports:

$1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1992)

commodities:

petroleum products, steel products, railroad equipment, chemicals,

medicines, raw cotton, fertilizer, grain

partners:

Japan, Singapore, Thailand

External debt:

$16.8 billion (1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 15% (1992); accounts for 30% of GNP

Electricity:

3,300,000 kW capacity; 9,000 million kWh produced, 130 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

food processing, textiles, machine building, mining, cement, chemical

fertilizer, glass, tires, oil

Agriculture:

accounts for half of GNP; paddy rice, corn, potatoes make up 50% of farm

output; commercial crops (rubber, soybeans, coffee, tea, bananas) and animal

products 50%; since 1989 self-sufficient in food staple rice; fish catch of

943,100 metric tons (1989 est.)

*Vietnam, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-74), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.9 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $61 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $12.0

billion

Currency:

1 new dong (D) = 100 xu

Exchange rates:

new dong (D) per US$1 - 10,800 (November 1992), 8,100 (July 1991), 7,280

(December 1990), 3,996 (March 1990), 2,047 (1988), 225 (1987); note -

1985-89 figures are end of year

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Vietnam, Communications

Railroads:

3,059 km total; 2,454 1.000-meter gauge, 151 km 1.435-meter (standard)

gauge, 230 km dual gauge (three rails), and 224 km not restored to service

after war damage

Highways:

85,000 km total; 9,400 km paved, 48,700 km gravel or improved earth, 26,900

km unimproved earth (est.)

Inland waterways:

17,702 km navigable; more than 5,149 km navigable at all times by vessels up

to 1.8 meter draft

Pipelines:

petroleum products 150 km

Ports:

Da Nang, Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City

Merchant marine:

99 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 460,712 GRT/739,246 DWT; includes 84

cargo, 3 refrigerated cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off, 8 oil tanker, 3 bulk

Airports:

total:

100

usable:

100

with permanent-surface runways:

50

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

10

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

20

Telecommunications:

the inadequacies of the obsolete switching equipment and cable system is a

serious constraint on the business sector and on economic growth, and

restricts access to the international links that Vietnam has established

with most major countries; the telephone system is not generally available

for private use (25 telephones for each 10,000 persons); 3 satellite earth

stations; broadcast stations - NA AM, 288 FM; 36 (77 repeaters) TV; about

2,500,000 TV receivers and 7,000,000 radio receivers in use (1991)

*Vietnam, Defense Forces

Branches:

Ground, Navy (including Naval Infantry), Air Force

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 17,835,536; fit for military service 11,338,880; reach

military age (17) annually 771,792 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GNP

*Virgin Islands, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Virgin Islands, Geography

Location:

in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 110 km east and southeast of Puerto Rico

Map references:

Central America and the Caribbean

Area:

total area:

352 km2

land area:

349 km2

comparative area:

slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

188 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

subtropical, tempered by easterly tradewinds, relatively low humidity,

little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season May to November

Terrain:

mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land

Natural resources:

sun, sand, sea, surf

Land use:

arable land:

15%

permanent crops:

6%

meadows and pastures:

26%

forest and woodland:

6%

other:

47%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

rarely affected by hurricanes; subject to frequent severe droughts, floods,

earthquakes; lack of natural freshwater resources

Note:

important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the

Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural, deepwater harbors in

the Caribbean

*Virgin Islands, People

Population:

98,130 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

-0.76% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

20.26 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate: -22.64 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

12.54 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

75.29 years

male:

73.6 years

female:

77.2 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

2.64 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Virgin Islander(s)

adjective:

Virgin Islander; US citizens

Ethnic divisions:

West Indian (45% born in the Virgin Islands and 29% born elsewhere in the

West Indies) 74%, US mainland 13%, Puerto Rican 5%, other 8%; black 80%,

white 15%, other 5%; Hispanic origin 14%

Religions:

Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%

Languages:

English (official), Spanish, Creole

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

45,500 (1988)

by occupation:

tourism 70%

*Virgin Islands, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Virgin Islands of the United States

conventional short form:

Virgin Islands

Digraph:

VQ

Type:

organized, unincorporated territory of the US administered by the Office of

Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior

Capital:

Charlotte Amalie

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of the US)

Constitution: Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954

Legal system:

based on US

National holiday:

Transfer Day, 31 March (1917) (from Denmark to US)

Political parties and leaders:

Democratic Party, Marilyn STAPLETON; Independent Citizens' Movement (ICM),

Virdin C. BROWN; Republican Party, Charlotte-Poole DAVIS

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Governor:

last held 6 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results -

Governor Alexander FARRELLY (Democratic Party) 56.5% defeated Juan LUIS

(independent) 38.5%

Senate:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 2 November 1994); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total) number of seats by party NA

US House of Representatives:

last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held 2 November 1994); results - Ron

DE LUGO reelected as delegate; seats - (1 total); seat by party NA; note -

the Virgin Islands elect one representative to the US House of

Representatives

Executive branch:

US president, popularly elected governor and lieutenant governor

Legislative branch:

unicameral Senate

Judicial branch:

US District Court:

handles civil matters over $50,000, felonies (persons 15 years of age and

over), and federal cases

Territorial Court:

handles civil matters up to $50,000, small claims, juvenile, domestic,

misdemeanors, and traffic cases

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President

Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993)

Head of Government:

Governor Alexander A. FARRELLY (since 5 January 1987); Lieutenant Governor

Derek M. HODGE (since 5 January 1987)

Member of:

ECLAC (associate), IOC

*Virgin Islands, Government

Diplomatic representation in US:

none (territory of the US)

Flag:

white with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue

initials V and I; the coat of arms shows an eagle holding an olive branch in

one talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield of

vertical red and white stripes below a blue panel

*Virgin Islands, Economy

Overview:

Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for more than 70% of

GDP and 70% of employment. The manufacturing sector consists of textile,

electronics, pharmaceutical, and watch assembly plants. The agricultural

sector is small, most food being imported. International business and

financial services are a small but growing component of the economy. One of

the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix.

National product:

GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.2 billion (1987)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$11,000 (1987)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

3.7% (1992)

Budget:

revenues $364.4 million; expenditures $364.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY90)

Exports:

$2.8 billion (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

refined petroleum products

partners:

US, Puerto Rico

Imports:

$3.3 billion (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials

partners:

US, Puerto Rico

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate 12%; accounts for NA% of GDP

Electricity:

380,000 kW capacity; 565 million kWh produced, 5,710 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction,

pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics

Agriculture:

truck gardens, food crops (small scale), fruit, sorghum, Senepol cattle

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $42

million

Currency:

US currency is used

Fiscal year:

1 October - 30 September

*Virgin Islands, Communications

Highways:

856 km total

Ports:

Saint Croix - Christiansted, Frederiksted; Saint Thomas - Long Bay, Crown

Bay, Red Hook; Saint John - Cruz Bay

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways :

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

2

note:

international airports on Saint Thomas and Saint Croix

Telecommunications:

modern telephone system using fiber-optic cable, submarine cable, microwave

radio, and satellite facilities; 58,931 telephones; 98,000 radios; 63,000 TV

sets in use; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 8 FM, 4 TV (1988)

*Virgin Islands, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of the US

*Wake Island, Header

Affiliation: (territory of the US)

*Wake Island, Geography

Location:

in the North Pacific Ocean, 3,700 km west of Honolulu, about two-thirds of

the way between Hawaii and the Northern Mariana Islands

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

6.5 km2

land area:

6.5 km2 comparative area:

about 11 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

19.3 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm

continental shelf:

200 m or depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

claimed by the Republic of the Marshall Islands

Climate:

tropical

Terrain:

atoll of three coral islands built up on an underwater volcano; central

lagoon is former crater, islands are part of the rim; average elevation less

than 4 meters

Natural resources:

none

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

100%

Irrigated land:

0 km2

Environment:

subject to occasional typhoons

Note:

strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean; emergency landing location

for transpacific flights

*Wake Island, People

Population:

no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 302 US Air Force personnel,

civilian weather service personnel, and US and Thai contractors; population

peaked about 1970 with over 1,600 persons during the Vietnam conflict

*Wake Island, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Wake Island

Digraph:

WQ

Type:

unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Air Force (under

an agreement with the US Department of Interior) since 24 June 1972

Capital:

none; administered from Washington, DC

Independence:

none (territory of the US)

Flag:

the US flag is used

*Wake Island, Economy

Overview:

Economic activity is limited to providing services to US military personnel

and contractors located on the island. All food and manufactured goods must

be imported.

Electricity:

supplied by US military

*Wake Island, Communications

Ports:

none; because of the reefs, there are only two offshore anchorages for large

ships

Airports:

total:

1

usable:

1

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

underwater cables to Guam and through Midway to Honolulu; 1 Autovon circuit

off the Overseas Telephone System (OTS); Armed Forces Radio/Television

Service (AFRTS) radio and television service provided by satellite;

broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV

Note:

formerly an important commercial aviation base, now used only by US military

and some commercial cargo planes

*Wake Island, Defense Forces

defense is the responsibility of the US

*Wallis and Futuna, Header

Affiliation: (overseas territory of France)

*Wallis and Futuna, Geography

Location:

in the South Pacific Ocean, 4,600 km southwest of Honolulu, about two-thirds

of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania

Area:

total area:

274 km2

land area:

274 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Washington, DC

note:

includes Ile Uvea (Wallis Island), Ile Futuna (Futuna Island), Ile Alofi,

and 20 islets

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

129 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

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

October)

Terrain:

volcanic origin; low hills

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

5%

permanent crops: 20%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

75%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

both island groups have fringing reefs

*Wallis and Futuna, People

Population:

14,175 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.15% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

26.42 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.38 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-9.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

27.59 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

71.2 years

male:

70.54 years

female:

71.9 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.34 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Wallisian(s), Futunan(s), or Wallis and Futuna Islanders

adjective:

Wallisian, Futunan, or Wallis and Futuna Islander

Ethnic divisions:

Polynesian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

French, Wallisian (indigenous Polynesian language)

Literacy:

all ages can read and write (1969)

total population:

50%

male:

50%

female:

51%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture, livestock, and fishing 80%, government 4% (est.)

*Wallis and Futuna, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Territory of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

conventional short form:

Wallis and Futuna

local long form:

Territoire des Iles Wallis et Futuna

local short form:

Wallis et Futuna

Digraph:

WF

Type:

overseas territory of France

Capital:

Mata Utu (on Ile Uvea)

Administrative divisions:

none (overseas territory of France)

Independence:

none (overseas territory of France)

Constitution:

28 September 1958 (French Constitution)

Legal system:

French legal system

Political parties and leaders:

Rally for the Republic (RPR); Union Populaire Locale (UPL); Union Pour la

Democratie Francaise (UDF); Lua kae tahi (Giscardians); Mouvement des

Radicaux de Gauche (MRG)

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Territorial Assembly:

last held 15 March 1987 (next to be held NA March 1992); results - percent

of vote by party NA; seats - (20 total) RPR 7, UPL 5, UDF 4, UNF 4

French Senate:

last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1998); results

- percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPR 1

French National Assembly:

last held 21 and 28 March 1992 (next to be held by NA September 1996);

results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MRG 1

Executive branch:

French president, chief administrator; note - there are three traditional

kings with limited powers

Legislative branch:

unicameral Territorial Assembly (Assemblee Territoriale)

Judicial branch:

none; justice generally administered under French law by the chief

administrator, but the three traditional kings administer customary law and

there is a magistrate in Mata Utu

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)

Head of Government:

Chief Administrator Robert POMMIES (since 26 September 1990)

Member of:

FZ, SPC

Diplomatic representation in US:

as an overseas territory of France, local interests are represented in the

US by France

*Wallis and Futuna, Government

US diplomatic representation:

none (overseas territory of France)

Flag:

the flag of France is used

*Wallis and Futuna, Economy

Overview:

The economy is limited to traditional subsistence agriculture, with about

80% of the labor force earning its livelihood from agriculture (coconuts and

vegetables), livestock (mostly pigs), and fishing. About 4% of the

population is employed in government. Revenues come from French Government

subsidies, licensing of fishing rights to Japan and South Korea, import

taxes, and remittances from expatriate workers in New Caledonia. Wallis and

Futuna imports food, fuel, clothing, machinery, and transport equipment, but

its exports are negligible, consisting of copra and handicrafts.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $25 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$1,500 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $2.7 million; expenditures $2.7 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (1983)

Exports:

negligible

commodities:

copra, handicrafts

partners:

NA

Imports:

$13.3 million (c.i.f., 1984)

commodities: foodstuffs, manufactured goods, transportation equipment, fuel

partners:

France, Australia, New Zealand

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

1,200 kW capacity; 1 million kWh produced, 70 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

copra, handicrafts, fishing, lumber

Agriculture:

dominated by coconut production, with subsistence crops of yams, taro,

bananas, and herds of pigs and goats

Economic aid:

Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),

$118 million

Currency:

1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 99.65 (January

1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.0 (1990), 115.99 (1989), 108.30

(1988); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc

Fiscal year:

NA

*Wallis and Futuna, Communications

Highways:

100 km on Ile Uvea, 16 km sealed; 20 km earth surface on Ile Futuna

Inland waterways:

none

Ports:

Mata-Utu, Leava

Airports:

total:

2

useable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

225 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV

*Wallis and Futuna, Defense Forces

Note: defense is the responsibility of France

*West Bank, Header

The war between Israel and the Arab states in June 1967 ended with Israel in control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Sinai, and the Golan Heights. As stated in the 1978 Camp David Accords and reaffirmed by President Bush's post-Gulf crisis peace initiative, the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, their relationship with their neighbors, and a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan are to be negotiated among the concerned parties. Camp David further specifies that these negotiations will resolve the respective boundaries. Pending the completion of this process, it is US policy that the final status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip has yet to be determined. In the view of the US, the term West Bank describes all of the area west of the Jordan River under Jordanian administration before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. However, with respect to negotiations envisaged in the framework agreement, it is US policy that a distinction must be made between Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank because of the city's special status and circumstances. Therefore, a negotiated solution for the final status of Jerusalem could be different in character from that of the rest of the West Bank.

*West Bank, Geography

Location:

Middle East, between Jordan and Israel

Map references:

Middle East

Area:

total area:

5,860 km2

land area:

5,640 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Delaware

note:

includes West Bank, East Jerusalem, Latrun Salient, Jerusalem No Man's Land,

and the northwest quarter of the Dead Sea, but excludes Mt. Scopus

Land boundaries:

total 404 km, Israel 307 km, Jordan 97 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

Israeli occupied with status to be determined

Climate:

temperate, temperature and precipitation vary with altitude, warm to hot

summers, cool to mild winters

Terrain:

mostly rugged dissected upland, some vegetation in west, but barren in east

Natural resources:

negligible

Land use:

arable land:

27%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

32%

forest and woodland:

1%

other:

40%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

highlands are main recharge area for Israel's coastal aquifers

Note:

landlocked; there are 175 Jewish settlements in the West Bank and 14

Israeli-built Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem

*West Bank, People

Population:

1,404,114 (July 1993 est.)

note:

in addition, there are 102,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and 134,000

in East Jerusalem (1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.9% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33.78 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

5.32 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

35.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

69.93 years

male:

68.48 years

female:

71.46 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.37 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

NA

adjective:

NA

Ethnic divisions:

Palestinian Arab and other 88%, Jewish 12%

Religions:

Muslim 80% (predominantly Sunni), Jewish 12%, Christian and other 8%

Languages:

Arabic, Hebrew spoken by Israeli settlers, English widely understood

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

NA

by occupation:

small industry, commerce, and business 29.8%, construction 24.2%,

agriculture 22.4%, service and other 23.6% (1984)

note:

excluding Israeli Jewish settlers

*West Bank, Government

Note:

The West Bank is currently governed by Israeli military authorities and

Israeli civil administration. It is US policy that the final status of the

West Bank will be determined by negotiations among the concerned parties.

These negotiations will determine how the area is to be governed.

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

West Bank

Digraph:

WG

*West Bank, Economy

Overview:

Economic progress in the West Bank has been hampered by Israeli military

administration and the effects of the Palestinian uprising (intifadah).

Industries using advanced technology or requiring sizable investment have

been discouraged by a lack of local capital and restrictive Israeli

policies. Capital investment consists largely of residential housing, not

productive assets that would enable local firms to compete with Israeli

industry. A major share of GNP is derived from remittances of workers

employed in Israel and Persian Gulf states, but such transfers from the Gulf

dropped dramatically after Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990. In the wake

of the Persian Gulf crisis, many Palestinians have returned to the West

Bank, increasing unemployment, and export revenues have plunged because of

the loss of markets in Jordan and the Gulf states. Israeli measures to

curtail the intifadah also have pushed unemployment up and lowered living

standards. The area's economic outlook remains bleak.

National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $1.3 billion (1990 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$1,200 (1990 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

11% (1991 est.)

Unemployment rate:

15% (1990 est.)

Budget:

revenues $31.0 million; expenditures $36.1 million, including capital

expenditures of $NA (FY88)

Exports:

$150 million (f.o.b., 1988 est.)

commodities:

NA

partners:

Jordan, Israel

Imports:

$410 million (c.i.f., 1988 est.)

commodities:

NA

partners:

Jordan, Israel

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate 1% (1989); accounts for about 4% of GNP

Electricity:

power supplied by Israel

Industries:

generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap,

olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have

established some small-scale modern industries in the settlements and

industrial centers

Agriculture:

accounts for about 15% of GNP; olives, citrus and other fruits, vegetables,

beef, and dairy products

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 new Israeli shekel (NIS) = 100 new agorot; 1 Jordanian dinar (JD) = 1,000

fils

*West Bank, Economy

Exchange rates:

new Israeli shekels (NIS) per US$1 - 2.6480 (November 1992), 2.2791 (1991),

2.0162 (1990), 1.9164 (1989), 1.5989 (1988), 1.5946 (1987); Jordanian dinars

(JD) per US$1 - 0.6890 (January 1993), 0.6797 (1992), 0.6808 (1991), 0.6636

(1990), 0.5704 (1989), 0.3709 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year (since 1 January 1992)

*West Bank, Communications

Highways:

small road network, Israelis developing east-west axial highways to service

new settlements

Airports:

total:

2

usable:

2

with permanent-surface runways:

2

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

0

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

1

Telecommunications:

open-wire telephone system currently being upgraded; broadcast stations - no

AM, no FM, no TV

*West Bank, Defense Forces

Branches:

NA

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 NA; fit for military service NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Western Sahara, Geography

Location:

Northern Africa, along the Atlantic Ocean, between Morocco and Mauritania

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

266,000 km2

land area:

266,000 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Colorado

Land boundaries:

total 2,046 km, Algeria 42 km, Mauritania 1,561 km, Morocco 443 km

Coastline:

1,110 km

Maritime claims:

contingent upon resolution of sovereignty issue

International disputes:

claimed and administered by Morocco, but sovereignty is unresolved and the

UN is attempting to hold a referendum on the issue; the UN-administered

cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991

Climate:

hot, dry desert; rain is rare; cold offshore air currents produce fog and

heavy dew

Terrain:

mostly low, flat desert with large areas of rocky or sandy surfaces rising

to small mountains in south and northeast

Natural resources:

phosphates, iron ore

Land use:

arable land:

0%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

19%

forest and woodland:

0%

other:

81%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind can occur during winter and spring;

widespread harmattan haze exists 60% of time, often severely restricting

visibility; sparse water and arable land

*Western Sahara, People

Population:

206,629 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.52% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

47.54 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

19.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.79 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

155.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

44.88 years

male:

43.98 years

female:

46.06 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

7.01 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality: noun:

Sahrawi(s), Sahraoui(s)

adjective:

Sahrawian, Sahraouian

Ethnic divisions:

Arab, Berber

Religions:

Muslim

Languages:

Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Literacy:

total population:

NA%

male:

NA%

female:

NA%

Labor force:

12,000

by occupation:

animal husbandry and subsistence farming 50%

*Western Sahara, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

none

conventional short form:

Western Sahara

Digraph:

WI

Type:

legal status of territory and question of sovereignty unresolved; territory

contested by Morocco and Polisario Front (Popular Front for the Liberation

of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro), which in February 1976 formally

proclaimed a government in exile of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

(SADR); territory partitioned between Morocco and Mauritania in April 1976,

with Morocco acquiring northern two-thirds; Mauritania, under pressure from

Polisario guerrillas, abandoned all claims to its portion in August 1979;

Morocco moved to occupy that sector shortly thereafter and has since

asserted administrative control; the Polisario's government in exile was

seated as an OAU member in 1984; guerrilla activities continued

sporadically, until a UN-monitored cease-fire was implemented 6 September

1991

Capital:

none

Administrative divisions:

none (under de facto control of Morocco)

Leaders:

none

Member of:

none

Diplomatic representation in US:

none

US diplomatic representation:

none

*Western Sahara, Economy

Overview:

Western Sahara, a territory poor in natural resources and having little

rainfall, has a per capita GDP of roughly $300. Pastoral nomadism, fishing,

and phosphate mining are the principal sources of income for the population.

Most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade and

other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $60 million (1991 est.)

National product real growth rate:

NA%

National product per capita:

$300 (1991 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

NA%

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA; expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$8 million (f.o.b., 1982 est.)

commodities:

phosphates 62%

partners:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are

included in overall Moroccan accounts

Imports:

$30 million (c.i.f., 1982 est.)

commodities:

fuel for fishing fleet, foodstuffs

partners:

Morocco claims and administers Western Sahara, so trade partners are

included in overall Moroccan accounts

External debt:

$NA

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%

Electricity:

60,000 kW capacity; 79 million kWh produced, 425 kWh per capita (1989)

Industries:

phosphate mining, fishing, handicrafts

Agriculture:

limited largely to subsistence agriculture; some barley is grown in

nondrought years; fruit and vegetables are grown in the few oases; food

imports are essential; camels, sheep, and goats are kept by the nomadic

natives; cash economy exists largely for the garrison forces

Economic aid:

NA

Currency:

1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes

Exchange rates:

Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 9.034 (January 1993), 8.538 (1992), 8.707

(1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989), 8.209 (1988)

Fiscal year:

NA

*Western Sahara, Communications

Highways:

6,200 km total; 1,450 km surfaced, 4,750 km improved and unimproved earth

roads and tracks

Ports:

El Aaiun, Ad Dakhla

Airports:

total:

14

usable:

14

with permanent-surface runways:

3

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

5

Telecommunications:

sparse and limited system; tied into Morocco's system by microwave radio

relay, troposcatter, and 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations linked to

Rabat, Morocco; 2,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 2 TV

*Western Sahara, Defense Forces

Branches:

NA

Manpower availability:

NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*Western Samoa, Geography

Location:

Oceania, 4,300 km southwest of Honolulu in the South Pacific Ocean, about

halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand

Map references:

Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,860 km2 land area:

2,850 km2

comparative area:

slightly smaller than Rhode Island

Land boundaries:

0 km

Coastline:

403 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

none

Climate:

tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Natural resources:

hardwood forests, fish

Land use:

arable land:

19%

permanent crops:

24%

meadows and pastures:

0%

forest and woodland:

47%

other:

10%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

subject to occasional typhoons; active volcanism

*Western Samoa, People

Population:

199,652 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.37% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

33 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

6.17 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-3.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

38.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

67.58 years male:

65.19 years

female:

70.08 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

4.28 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Western Samoan(s)

adjective:

Western Samoan

Ethnic divisions:

Samoan 92.6%, Euronesians 7% (persons of European and Polynesian blood),

Europeans 0.4%

Religions:

Christian 99.7% (about half of population associated with the London

Missionary Society; includes Congregational, Roman Catholic, Methodist,

Latter Day Saints, Seventh-Day Adventist)

Languages:

Samoan (Polynesian), English

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1971)

total population:

97%

male:

97%

female:

97%

Labor force:

38,000

by occupation:

agriculture 22,000 (1987 est.)

*Western Samoa, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Independent State of Western Samoa

conventional short form:

Western Samoa

Digraph:

WS

Type:

constitutional monarchy under native chief

Capital:

Apia

Administrative divisions:

11 districts; A'ana, Aiga-i-le-Tai, Atua, Fa'asaleleaga, Gaga'emauga,

Gagaifomauga, Palauli, Satupa'itea, Tuamasaga, Va'a-o-Fonoti, Vaisigano

Independence:

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

Constitution:

1 January 1962

Legal system: based on English common law and local customs; judicial review of

legislative acts with respect to fundamental rights of the citizen; has not

accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

National Day, 1 June

Political parties and leaders:

Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), TOFILAU Eti, chairman; Samoan National

Development Party (SNDP), TAPUA Tamasese Efi, chairman

Suffrage:

21 years of age; universal, but only matai (head of family) are able to run

for the Legislative Assembly

Elections:

Legislative Assembly:

last held 5 April 1991 (next to be held by NA 1996); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (47 total) HRPP 28, SNDP 18, independents 1

Executive branch:

chief, Executive Council, prime minister, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Legislative Assembly (Fono)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court, Court of Appeal

Leaders:

Chief of State:

Chief Susuga Malietoa TANUMAFILI II (Co-Chief of State from 1 January 1962

until becoming sole Chief of State on 5 April 1963)

Head of Government:

Prime Minister TOFILAU Eti Alesana (since 7 April 1988)

Member of:

ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, IOC, ITU,

LORCS, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador-designate Neroni SLADE

chancery:

(temporary) suite 510, 1155 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

telephone:

(202) 833-1743

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

the ambassador to New Zealand is accredited to Western Samoa

*Western Samoa, Government

embassy:

address NA, Apia

mailing address:

P.O. Box 3430, Apia

telephone:

(685) 21-631

FAX:

(685) 22-030

Flag:

red with a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side quadrant bearing five

white five-pointed stars representing the Southern Cross constellation

*Western Samoa, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture employs more than half of the labor force, contributes 50% to

GDP, and furnishes 90% of exports. The bulk of export earnings comes from

the sale of coconut oil and copra. The economy depends on emigrant

remittances and foreign aid to support a level of imports several times

export earnings. Tourism has become the most important growth industry, and

construction of the first international hotel is under way.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $115 million (1990)

National product real growth rate:

-4.5% (1990 est.)

National product per capita:

$690 (1990)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

15% (1990)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $95.3 million; expenditures $95.4 million, including capital

expenditures of $41 million (FY92)

Exports:

$9 million (f.o.b., 1990)

commodities:

coconut oil and cream 54%, taro 12%, copra 9%, cocoa 3%

partners:

NZ 28%, American Samoa 23%, Germany 22%, US 6% (1990)

Imports:

$75 million (c.i.f., 1990)

commodities:

intermediate goods 58%, food 17%, capital goods 12%

partners:

New Zealand 41%, Australia 18%, Japan 13%, UK 6%, US 6%

External debt:

$83 million (December 1990 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -4% (1990 est.); accounts for 14% of GDP

Electricity:

29,000 kW capacity; 45 million kWh produced, 240 kWh per capita (1990)

Industries:

timber, tourism, food processing, fishing

Agriculture:

accounts for 50% of GDP; coconuts, fruit (including bananas, taro, yams)

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $18 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $306 million; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $4 million

Currency:

1 tala (WS$) = 100 sene

Exchange rates:

tala (WS$) per US$1 - 2.5681 (January 1993), 2.4655 (1992), 2.3975 (1991),

2.3095 (1990), 2.2686 (1989), 2.0790 (1988)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Western Samoa, Communications

Highways:

2,042 km total; 375 km sealed; 1,667 km mostly gravel, crushed stone, or

earth

Ports:

Apia

Merchant marine:

1 roll-on/roll-off ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,838 GRT/5,536 DWT

Airports:

total:

3

usable:

3

with permanent-surface runways:

1

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

1

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

0

Telecommunications:

7,500 telephones; 70,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1

Pacific Ocean INTELSAT ground station

*Western Samoa, Defense Forces

Branches:

Department of Police and Prisons

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 NA; fit for military service NA

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP

*World, Geography

Map references:

Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

510.072 million km2

land area:

148.94 million km2

water area:

361.132 million km2

comparative area: land area about 16 times the size of the US

note:

70.8% of the world is water, 29.2% is land

Land boundaries:

the land boundaries in the world total 250,883.64 km (not counting shared

boundaries twice)

Coastline:

356,000 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

24 nm claimed by most but can vary

continental shelf:

200 m depth claimed by most or to the depth of exploitation, others claim

200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm claimed by most but can vary

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm claimed by most but can vary

territorial sea:

12 nm claimed by most but can vary

note:

boundary situations with neighboring states prevent many countries from

extending their fishing or economic zones to a full 200 nm; 42 nations and

other areas that are landlocked include Afghanistan, Andorra, Armenia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi,

Central African Republic, Chad, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Holy See (Vatican

City), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein,

Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger,

Paraguay, Rwanda, San Marino, Slovakia, Swaziland, Switzerland, Tajikistan,

Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Climate:

two large areas of polar climates separated by two rather narrow temperate

zones from a wide equatorial band of tropical to subtropical climates

Terrain:

highest elevation is Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters and lowest depression is

the Dead Sea at 392 meters below sea level; greatest ocean depth is the

Marianas Trench at 10,924 meters

Natural resources:

the rapid using up of nonrenewable mineral resources, the depletion of

forest areas and wetlands, the extinction of animal and plant species, and

the deterioration in air and water quality (especially in Eastern Europe and

the former USSR) pose serious long-term problems that governments and

peoples are only beginning to address

Land use:

arable land:

10%

permanent crops:

1%

*World, Geography

meadows and pastures:

24%

forest and woodland: 31%

other:

34%

Irrigated land:

NA km2

Environment:

large areas subject to severe weather (tropical cyclones), natural disasters

(earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions), overpopulation,

industrial disasters, pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances),

loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification), loss of

wildlife resources, soil degradation, soil depletion, erosion

*World, People

Population:

5,554,552,453 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.6% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

25 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

9 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

66 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

62 years

male:

60 years

female:

64 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

3.2 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.)

combined:

74%

male:

81%

female:

67%

Labor force:

2.24 billion (1992)

by occupation:

NA

*World, Government

Digraph:

XX

Administrative divisions:

265 sovereign nations, dependent areas, other, and miscellaneous entries

Legal system:

varies by individual country; 182 are parties to the United Nations

International Court of Justice (ICJ or World Court)

*World, Economy

Overview:

Real global output—gross world product (GWP)—rose one-half of 1% in 1992,

with results varying widely among regions and countries. Average growth of

1.5% in the GDP of industrialized countries (62% of GWP in 1992) and average

growth of 5% in the GDP of less developed countries (30% of GWP) were offset

by a further 15-20% drop in the GDP of the former Soviet-East European area

(now only 8% of GWP). The United States accounted for 23% of GWP in 1992;

the 12-member European Community, which established a single internal market

on 1 January 1993, accounted for another 23%, and Japan accounted for 10%.

These are the three "economic superpowers" presumably destined to compete

for mastery in international markets on into the 21st century. In general,

growth in the industrialized countries was sluggish in 1992, with

unemployment typically at 7-11%. As for the less developed countries, China,

India, and the Four Dragons—South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and

Singapore—posted good records; however, many other countries, especially in

Africa, suffered bitterly from drought, rapid population growth, and civil

strife. The continued plunge in production in practically all the former

Warsaw Pact economies strained the political and social fabric of these

newly independent nations, in particular in Russia. The addition of nearly

100 million people each year to an already overcrowded globe is exacerbating

the problems of pollution, desertification, underemployment, epidemics, and

famine. Because of their own internal problems, the industrialized countries

have inadequate resources to deal effectively with the poorer areas of the

world, which, at least from the economic point of view, are becoming further

marginalized. (For the specific economic problems of each country, see the

individual country entries in this volume.)

National product:

GWP (gross world product) - purchasing power equivalent - $25.6 trillion

(1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

0.5% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$4,600 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

developed countries:

5% (1992 est.)

developing countries:

50% (1992 est.)

note:

these figures vary widely in individual cases

Unemployment rate:

developed countries typically 7-11%; developing countries, extensive

unemployment and underemployment (1992)

Exports:

$3.64 trillion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

partners: in value, about 75% of exports from the developed countries

Imports:

$3.82 trillion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

the whole range of industrial and agricultural goods and services

partners:

in value, about 75% of imports by the developed countries

External debt:

$1 trillion for less developed countries (1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate -1% (1992 est.)

*World, Economy

Electricity:

2,864,000,000 kW capacity; 11,450,000 million kWh produced, 2,150 kWh per

capita (1990)

Industries:

industry worldwide is dominated by the onrush of technology, especially in

computers, robotics, telecommunications, and medicines and medical

equipment; most of these advances take place in OECD nations; only a small

portion of non-OECD countries have succeeded in rapidly adjusting to these

technological forces, and the technological gap between the industrial

nations and the less-developed countries continues to widen; the rapid

development of new industrial (and agricultural) technology is complicating

already grim environmental problems

Agriculture:

the production of major food crops has increased substantially in the last

20 years; the annual production of cereals, for instance, has risen by 50%,

from about 1.2 billion metric tons to about 1.8 billion metric tons;

production increases have resulted mainly from increased yields rather than

increases in planted areas; while global production is sufficient for

aggregate demand, about one-fifth of the world's population remains

malnourished, primarily because local production cannot adequately provide

for large and rapidly growing populations, which are too poor to pay for

food imports; conditions are especially bad in Africa where drought in

recent years has intensified the consequences of overpopulation

Economic aid:

NA

*World, Communications

Railroads:

239,430 km of narrow gauge track; 710,754 km of standard gauge track;

251,153 km of broad gauge track; includes about 190,000 to 195,000 km of

electrified routes of which 147,760 km are in Europe, 24,509 km in the Far

East, 11,050 km in Africa, 4,223 km in South America, and only 4,160 km in

North America; fastest speed in daily service is 300 km/hr attained by

France's SNCF TGV-Atlantique line

Ports:

Mina al Ahmadi (Kuwait), Chiba, Houston, Kawasaki, Kobe, Marseille, New

Orleans, New York, Rotterdam, Yokohama

Merchant marine:

23,943 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 397,225,000 GRT/652,025,000 DWT;

includes 347 passenger-cargo, 12,581 freighters, 5,473 bulk carriers, and

5,542 tankers (January 1992)

*World, Defense Forces

Branches:

ground, maritime, and air forces at all levels of technology

Defense expenditures:

$1.0 trillion, 4% of total world output; decline of 5-10% (1991 est.)

*Yemen, Geography

Location:

Middle East, along the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, south of Saudi Arabia

Map references:

Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

527,970 km2

land area:

527,970 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than twice the size of Wyoming

note:

includes Perim, Socotra, the former Yemen Arab Republic (YAR or North

Yemen), and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY or South

Yemen)

Land boundaries:

total 1,746 km, Oman 288 km, Saudi Arabia 1,458 km

Coastline:

1,906 km

Maritime claims:

contiguous zone:

18 nm in the North

24 nm in the South

continental shelf:

200 m depth in the North

200 nm in the South or to the edge of the continental margin

exclusive economic zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

undefined section of boundary with Saudi Arabia; Administrative Line with

Oman; a treaty with Oman to settle the Yemeni-Omani boundary was ratified in

December 1992

Climate:

mostly desert; hot and humid along west coast; temperate in western

mountains affected by seasonal monsoon; extraordinarily hot, dry, harsh

desert in east

Terrain:

narrow coastal plain backed by flat-topped hills and rugged mountains;

dissected upland desert plains in center slope into the desert interior of

the Arabian Peninsula

Natural resources:

petroleum, fish, rock salt, marble, small deposits of coal, gold, lead,

nickel, and copper, fertile soil in west

Land use:

arable land:

6%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

30%

forest and woodland:

7%

other:

57%

Irrigated land:

3,100 km2 (1989 est.)

*Yemen, Geography

Environment:

subject to sand and dust storms in summer; scarcity of natural freshwater

resources; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

controls Bab el Mandeb, the strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,

one of world's most active shipping lanes

*Yemen, People

Population:

10,742,395 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.31% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

51 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

15.37 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-2.56 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

115.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

50.94 years

male:

49.83 years

female:

52.11 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate: 7.27 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Yemeni(s)

adjective:

Yemeni

Ethnic divisions:

predominantly Arab; Afro-Arab concentrations in coastal locations; South

Asians in southern regions; small European communities in major metropolitan

areas; 60,000 (est.) Somali refugees encamped near Aden

Religions:

Muslim (including Sha'fi, Sunni, and Zaydi Shi'a), Jewish, Christian, Hindu

Languages:

Arabic

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

38%

male:

53%

female:

26%

Labor force:

North:

NA

by occupation:

agriculture and herding 70%, expatriate laborers 30% (est.)

South:

477,000

by occupation:

agriculture 45.2%, services 21.2%, construction 13.4%, industry 10.6%,

commerce and other 9.6% (1983)

*Yemen, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Yemen

conventional short form:

Yemen

local long form:

Al Jumhuriyah al Yamaniyah

local short form:

Al Yaman

Digraph:

YM

Type:

republic

Capital:

Sanaa

Administrative divisions:

17 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Abyan, 'Adan, Al Bayda',

Al Hudaydah, Al Jawf, Al Mahrah, Al Mahwit, Dhamar, Hadramawt, Hajjah, Ibb,

Lahij, Ma'rib, Sa'dah, San'a', Shabwah, Ta'izz

note:

there may be a new capital district of San'a'

Independence:

22 May 1990 Republic of Yemen was established on 22 May 1990 with the merger

of the Yemen Arab Republic {Yemen (Sanaa) or North Yemen} and the

Marxist-dominated People's Democratic Republic of Yemen {Yemen (Aden) or

South Yemen}; previously North Yemen had become independent on NA November

1918 (from the Ottoman Empire) and South Yemen had become independent on 30

November 1967 (from the UK)

Constitution:

16 April 1991

Legal system:

based on Islamic law, Turkish law, English common law, and local customary

law; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Proclamation of the Republic, 22 May (1990)

Political parties and leaders:

General People's Congress, 'Ali 'Abdallah SALIH; Yemeni Socialist Party

(YSP; formerly South Yemen's ruling party - a coalition of National Front,

Ba'th, and Communist Parties), Ali Salim al-BIDH; Yemen Grouping for Reform

or Islaah, Abdallah Husayn AHMAR

Other political or pressure groups:

conservative tribal groups; Muslim Brotherhood; Islamist parties; pro-Iraqi

Ba'thists; Nasirists

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

House of Representatives:

last held NA (next to be held 27 April 1993); results - percent of vote NA;

seats - (301); number of seats by party NA; note - the 301 members of the

new House of Representatives come from North Yemen's Consultative Assembly

(159 members), South Yemen's Supreme People's Council (111 members), and

appointments by the New Presidential Council (31 members)

Executive branch:

five-member Presidential Council (president, vice president, two members

from northern Yemen and one member from southern Yemen), prime minister

Legislative branch:

unicameral House of Representatives

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

*Yemen, Government

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President 'Ali 'Abdallah SALIH (since 22 May 1990, the former president of

North Yemen); Vice President Ali Salim al-BIDH (since 22 May 1990);

Presidential Council Member Salim Salih MUHAMMED; Presidential Council

Member Kadi Abdul-Karim al-ARASHI; Presidential Council Member Abdul-Aziz

ABDUL-GHANI; Prime Minister Haydar Abu Bakr al-'ATTAS (since 22 May 1990,

the former president of South Yemen)

Member of:

ACC, AFESD, AL, AMF, CAEU, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD,

IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OIC, UN,

UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Muhsin Ahmad al-AYNI

chancery:

Suite 840, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

telephone:

(202) 965-4760 or 4761

consulate general:

Detroit

consulate:

San Francisco

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Arthur H. HUGHES

embassy:

Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, Sanaa

mailing address:

P. O. Box 22347 Sanaa or Sanaa, Department of State, Washington, DC

20521-6330

telephone:

[967] (2) 238-842 through 238-852

FAX:

[967] (2) 251-563

Flag:

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; similar to the

flag of Syria which has two green stars and of Iraq which has three green

stars (plus an Arabic inscription) in a horizontal line centered in the

white band; also similar to the flag of Egypt which has a symbolic eagle

centered in the white band

*Yemen, Economy

Overview:

Whereas the northern city Sanaa is the political capital of a united Yemen,

the southern city Aden, with its refinery and port facilities, is the

economic and commercial capital. Future economic development depends heavily

on Western-assisted development of promising oil resources. Former South

Yemen's willingness to merge stemmed partly from the steady decline in

Soviet economic support. The low level of domestic industry and agriculture

have made northern Yemen dependent on imports for virtually all of its

essential needs. Large trade deficits have been compensated for by

remittances from Yemenis working abroad and by foreign aid. Once

self-sufficient in food production, northern Yemen has become a major

importer. Land once used for export crops - cotton, fruit, and vegetables -

has been turned over to growing qat, a mildly narcotic shrub chewed by

Yemenis which has no significant export market. Oil export revenues started

flowing in late 1987 and boosted 1988 earnings by about $800 million.

Economic growth in former South Yemen has been constrained by a lack of

incentives, partly stemming from centralized control over production

decisions, investment allocation, and import choices.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $8 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate: NA%

National product per capita:

$775 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

100% (December 1992)

Unemployment rate:

30% (December 1992)

Budget:

revenues $NA, expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$908 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

crude oil, cotton, coffee, hides, vegetables, dried and salted fish

partners:

US, EC countries, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

Imports:

$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1990 est.)

commodities:

textiles and other manufactured consumer goods, petroleum products, sugar,

grain, flour, other foodstuffs, cement, machinery, chemicals

partners:

Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, EC countries, China, Russia, US

External debt:

$5.75 billion (December 1989 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate NA%, accounts for 18% of GDP

Electricity:

714,000 kW capacity; 1,224 million kWh produced, 120 kWh per capita (1992)

Industries:

crude oil production and petroleum refining; small-scale production of

cotton textiles and leather goods; food processing; handicrafts; small

aluminum products factory; cement

Agriculture:

accounted for 26% of GDP; products - grain, fruits, vegetables, qat (mildly

narcotic shrub), coffee, cotton, dairy, poultry, meat, fish; not

self-sufficient in grain

*Yemen, Economy

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $389 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.0 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $3.2 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.4

billion

Currency:

Yemeni rial (new currency); 1 North Yemeni riyal (YR) = 100 fils; 1 South

Yemeni dinar (YD) = 1,000 fils

note:

following the establishment of the Republic of Yemen on 22 May 1990, the

North Yemeni riyal and the South Yemeni dinar are to be replaced with a new

Yemeni rial

Exchange rates:

Yemeni rials per US$1 - 12.0 (official); 30-40 (unofficial) (est.); North

Yemeni riyals (YR) per US$1 - 12.1000 (June 1992), 12.0000 (1991), 9.7600

(1990), 9.7600 (January 1989), 9.7717 (1988), 10.3417 (1987); South Yemeni

dinars (YD) per US$1 - 0.3454 (fixed rate)

note:

following the establishment of the Republic of Yemen on 22 May 1990, the

North Yemeni riyal and the South Yemeni dinar are to be replaced with a new

Yemeni rial

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Yemen, Communications

Highways:

15,500 km total; 4,000 km paved, 11,500 km natural surface (est.)

Pipelines:

crude oil 644 km, petroleum products 32 km

Ports:

Aden, Al Hudaydah, Al Khalf, Al Mukalla, Mocha, Nishtun, Ra's Kathib, Salif

Merchant marine:

3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,309 GRT/6,568 DWT; includes 2 cargo,

1 oil tanker

Airports:

total:

45

usable:

39

with permanent-surface runways:

10

with runways over 3,659 m:

0

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

18

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

11

Telecommunications:

since unification in 1990, efforts are still being made to create a national

domestic civil telecommunications network; the network consists of microwave

radio relay, cable and troposcatter; 65,000 telephones (est.); broadcast

stations - 4 AM, 1 FM, 10 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Indian Ocean

INTELSAT, 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Intersputnik, 2 ARABSAT; microwave

radio relay to Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti

*Yemen, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, Police

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,060,124; fit for military service 1,172,633; reach

military age (14) annually 133,727 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $762 million, 10% of GDP (1992)

*Zaire, Geography

Location:

Central Africa, between Congo and Zambia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

2,345,410 km2

land area:

2,267,600 km2

comparative area:

slightly more than one-quarter the size of US

Land boundaries:

total 10,271 km, Angola 2,511 km, Burundi 233 km, Central African Republic

1,577 km, Congo 2,410 km, Rwanda 217 km, Sudan 628 km, Uganda 765 km, Zambia

1,930 km

Coastline:

37 km

Maritime claims:

exclusive fishing zone:

200 nm

territorial sea:

12 nm

International disputes:

Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be

indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the

Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled; long section with Congo along the

Congo River is indefinite (no division of the river or its islands has been

made)

Climate:

tropical; hot and humid in equatorial river basin; cooler and drier in

southern highlands; cooler and wetter in eastern highlands; north of Equator

- wet season April to October, dry season December to February; south of

Equator - wet season November to March, dry season April to October

Terrain:

vast central basin is a low-lying plateau; mountains in east

Natural resources:

cobalt, copper, cadmium, petroleum, industrial and gem diamonds, gold,

silver, zinc, manganese, tin, germanium, uranium, radium, bauxite, iron ore,

coal, hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

3%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

4%

forest and woodland:

78%

other:

15%

Irrigated land:

100 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment: dense tropical rain forest in central river basin and eastern highlands;

periodic droughts in south

Note:

straddles Equator; very narrow strip of land that controls the lower Congo

River and is only outlet to South Atlantic Ocean

*Zaire, People

Population:

41,345,738 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

3.2% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

48.43 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

113.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

47.26 years

male:

45.45 years

female:

49.12 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.7 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Zairian(s)

adjective:

Zairian

Ethnic divisions:

over 200 African ethnic groups, the majority are Bantu; four largest tribes

- Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up

about 45% of the population

Religions:

Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other

syncretic sects and traditional beliefs 10%

Languages:

French, Lingala, Swahili, Kingwana, Kikongo, Tshiluba

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

72%

male:

84%

female:

61%

Labor force:

15 million (13% of the labor force is wage earners; 51% of the population is

of working age)

by occupation:

agriculture 75%, industry 13%, services 12% (1985)

*Zaire, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Zaire

conventional short form:

Zaire

local long form:

Republique du Zaire

local short form:

Zaire

former:

Belgian Congo Congo/Leopoldville Congo/Kinshasa

Digraph:

CG

Type:

republic with a strong presidential system

Capital:

Kinshasa

Administrative divisions:

10 regions (regions, singular - region) and 1 town* (ville); Bandundu,, Bas-Zaire, Equateur,

Haut-Zaire, Kasai-Occidental, Kasai-Oriental,

Kinshasa*, Maniema, Nord-Kivu, Shaba, Sud-Kivu, Independence:

30 June 1960 (from Belgium)

Constitution:

24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978; amended April

1990; new constitution to be put to referendum in 1993

Legal system:

based on Belgian civil law system and tribal law; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Anniversary of the Regime (Second Republic), 24 November (1965)

Political parties and leaders:

sole legal party until January 1991 - Popular Movement of the Revolution

(MPR); other parties include Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS),

Etienne TSHISEKEDI wa Mulumba; Democratic Social Christian Party (PDSC),

Joseph ILEO; Union of Federalists and Independent Republicans (UFERI), NGUZ

a Karl-I-Bond; Unified Lumumbast Party (PALU), leader NA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Elections:

President:

last held 29 July 1984 (next to be scheduled by High Council, the

opposition-controlled transition legislature); results - President MOBUTU

was reelected without opposition

Legislative Council:

last held 6 September 1987 (next to be scheduled by High Council); results -

MPR was the only party; seats - (210 total) MPR 210; note - MPR still holds

majority of seats but some deputies have joined other parties

Executive branch: president, prime minister, Executive Council (cabinet)

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Parliament; anti-Mobutu opposition claims National

Parliament replaced by High Council

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Leaders:

Chief of State:

President Marshal MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Banga (since 24

November 1965)

*Zaire, Government

Head of Government:

Interim Prime Minister Faustin BIRINDWA (since 18 March 1993)

Member of:

ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA,

IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC,

ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador TATANENE Manata

chancery:

1800 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 234-7690 or 7691

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Deputy Chief of Mission John YATES

embassy:

310 Avenue des Aviateurs, Kinshasa

mailing address:

APO AE 09828

telephone:

[243] (12) 21532, 21628

FAX:

[243] (12) 21232

consulate general:

Lubumbashi (closed and evacuated in October 1991 because of the poor

security situation)

Flag:

light green with a yellow disk in the center bearing a black arm holding a

red flaming torch; the flames of the torch are blowing away from the hoist

side; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia

*Zaire, Economy

Overview:

In 1992, Zaire's formal economy continued to disintegrate. While meaningful

economic figures are difficult to come by, Zaire's hyperinflation, the

largest government deficit ever, and plunging mineral production have made

the country one of the world's poorest. Most formal transactions are

conducted in hard currency as indigenous banknotes have lost almost all

value, and a barter economy now flourishes in all but the largest cities.

Most individuals and families hang on grimly through subsistence farming and

petty trade. The government has not been able to meet its financial

obligations to the International Momentary Fund or put in place the

financial measures advocated by the IMF. Although short-term prospects for

improvement are dim, improved political stability would boost Zaire's

long-term potential to effectively exploit its vast wealth of mineral and

agricultural resources.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $9.2 billion (1992, at 1990 exchange rate)

National product real growth rate:

-6% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$235 (1992, at 1990 exchange rate)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

35-40% per month (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $NA, expenditures $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA

Exports:

$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

copper, coffee, diamonds, cobalt, crude oil

partners:

US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, UK, Japan, South Africa

Imports:

$1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

consumer goods, foodstuffs, mining and other machinery, transport equipment,

fuels

partners:

South Africa, US, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK

External debt:

$9.2 billion (May 1992 est.)

Industrial production:

growth grate NA%

Electricity:

2,580,000 kW capacity; 6,000 million kWh produced, 160 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining, mineral processing, consumer products (including textiles, footwear,

and cigarettes), processed foods and beverages, cement, diamonds

Agriculture:

cash crops - coffee, palm oil, rubber, quinine; food crops - cassava,

bananas, root crops, corn

Illicit drugs:

illicit producer of cannabis, mostly for domestic consumption

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.1 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.9 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $35 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $263

million; except for humanitarian aid to private organizations, no US

assistance was given to Zaire in 1992

*Zaire, Economy

Currency:

1 zaire (Z) = 100 makuta

Exchange rates:

zaire (Z) per US$1 - 2,000,000 (January1993), 15,587 (1991), 719 (1990), 381

(1989), 187 (1988), 112 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Zaire, Communications

Railroads:

5,254 km total; 3,968 km 1.067-meter gauge (851 km electrified); 125 km

1.000-meter gauge; 136 km 0.615-meter gauge; 1,025 km 0.600-meter gauge;

limited trackage in use because of civil strife

Highways:

146,500 km total; 2,800 km paved, 46,200 km gravel and improved earth;

97,500 unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

15,000 km including the Congo, its tributaries, and unconnected lakes

Pipelines:

petroleum products 390 km

Ports:

Matadi, Boma, Banana

Merchant marine:

1 passenger cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 15,489 GRT/13,481 DWT

Airports:

total:

281

usable:

235

with permanent-surface runways:

25

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

6

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

73

Telecommunications:

barely adequate wire and microwave service; broadcast stations - 10 AM, 4

FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 14 domestic

*Zaire, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary National Gendarmerie, Civil Guard,

Special Presidential Division

Manpower availability: males age 15-49 8,879,731; fit for military service 4,521,768 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $49 million, 0.8% of GDP (1988)

*Zambia, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, between Zaire and Zimbabwe

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

752,610 km2

land area:

740,720 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Texas

Land boundaries:

total 5,664 km, Angola 1,110 km, Malawi 837 km, Mozambique 419 km, Namibia

233 km, Tanzania 338 km, Zaire 1,930 km, Zimbabwe 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

quadripoint with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement;

Tanzania-Zaire-Zambia tripoint in Lake Tanganyika may no longer be

indefinite since it is reported that the indefinite section of the

Zaire-Zambia boundary has been settled

Climate:

tropical; modified by altitude; rainy season (October to April)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with some hills and mountains

Natural resources:

copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, coal, emeralds, gold, silver, uranium,

hydropower potential

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops:

0%

meadows and pastures:

47%

forest and woodland:

27%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

320 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification

Note:

landlocked

*Zambia, People

Population:

8,926,099 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

2.96% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

46.53 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

16.88 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-0.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

83.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

45.56 years

male:

44.97 years

female:

46.16 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

6.75 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Zambian(s)

adjective:

Zambian

Ethnic divisions:

African 98.7%, European 1.1%, other 0.2%

Religions:

Christian 50-75%, Muslim and Hindu 24-49%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages:

English (official)

note:

about 70 indigenous languages

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population:

73%

male:

81%

female:

65%

Labor force:

2.455 million

by occupation:

agriculture 85%, mining, manufacturing, and construction 6%, transport and

services 9%

*Zambia, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Zambia

conventional short form:

Zambia

former:

Northern Rhodesia

Digraph:

ZA

Type:

republic

Capital:

Lusaka

Administrative divisions:

9 provinces; Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Luapula, Lusaka, Northern,

North-Western, Southern, Western

Independence:

24 October 1964 (from UK)

Constitution:

NA August 1991

Legal system:

based on English common law and customary law; judicial review of

legislative acts in an ad hoc constitutional council; has not accepted

compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

National holiday:

Independence Day, 24 October (1964)

Political parties and leaders:

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Frederick CHILUBA; United National

Independence Party (UNIP), Kebby MUSOKATWANE; United Democratic Party, Enoch

KAVINDELE

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

President:

last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held mid-1995); results - Frederick

CHILUBA 84%, Kenneth KAUNDA 16%

National Assembly:

last held 31 October 1991 (next to be held mid-1995); results - percent of

vote by party NA; seats - (150 total) MMD 125, UNIP 25

Executive branch:

president, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral National Assembly

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

President Frederick CHILUBA (since 31 October 1991)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,

SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Dunstan KAMONA

chancery: 2419 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone:

(202) 265-9717 through 9721

*Zambia, Government

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Gordon L. STREEB

embassy:

corner of Independence Avenue and United Nations Avenue, Lusaka

mailing address:

P. O. Box 31617, Lusaka

telephone:

[260-1] 228-595, 228-601, 228-602, 228-603

FAX:

[260-1] 251-578

Flag:

green with a panel of three vertical bands of red (hoist side), black, and

orange below a soaring orange eagle, on the outer edge of the flag

*Zambia, Economy

Overview:

The economy has been in decline for more than a decade with falling imports

and growing foreign debt. Economic difficulties stem from a chronically

depressed level of copper production and ineffective economic policies. In

1991 real GDP fell by 2% and in 1992 by 3% more. An annual population growth

of more than 3% has brought a decline in per capita GDP of 50% over the past

decade. A high inflation rate has also added to Zambia's economic woes in

recent years, as well as severe drought in the crop year 1991/92.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $4.7 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-3% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$550 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

170% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

NA%

Budget:

revenues $665 million; expenditures $767 million, including capital

expenditures of $300 million (1991 est.)

Exports:

$1.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

copper, zinc, cobalt, lead, tobacco

partners:

EC countries, Japan, South Africa, US, India

Imports:

$1.2 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, fuels, manufactures

partners:

EC countries, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, US

External debt:

$7.6 billion (1991)

Industrial production:

growth rate -2% (1991); accounts for 50% of GDP

Electricity:

2,775,000 kW capacity; 12,000 million kWh produced, 1,400 kWh per capita

(1991)

Industries:

copper mining and processing, construction, foodstuffs, beverages,

chemicals, textiles, and fertilizer

Agriculture:

accounts for 17% of GDP and 85% of labor force; crops - corn (food staple),

sorghum, rice, peanuts, sunflower, tobacco, cotton, sugarcane, cassava;

cattle, goats, beef, eggs

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (1970-89), $4.8 billion; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.8 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $60 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $533

million

Currency:

1 Zambian kwacha (ZK) = 100 ngwee

Exchange rates:

Zambian kwacha (ZK) per US$1 - 178.5714 (August 1992), 61.7284 (1991),

28.9855 (1990), 12.9032 (1989), 8.2237 (1988), 8.8889 (1987)

Fiscal year:

calendar year

*Zambia, Communications

Railroads:

1,266 km, all 1.067-meter gauge; 13 km double track

Highways:

36,370 km total; 6,500 km paved, 7,000 km crushed stone, gravel, or

stabilized soil; 22,870 km improved and unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

2,250 km, including Zambezi and Luapula Rivers, Lake Tanganyika

Pipelines:

crude oil 1,724 km

Ports:

Mpulungu (lake port)

Airports:

total:

116

usable:

104

with permanent-surface runways:

13

with runways over 3,659 m:

1

with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 4

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

22

Telecommunications:

facilities are among the best in Sub-Saharan Africa; high-capacity microwave

connects most larger towns and cities; broadcast stations - 11 AM, 5 FM, 9

TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Atlantic Ocean

INTELSAT

*Zambia, Defense Forces

Branches:

Army, Air Force, Police, paramilitary

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 1,810,442; fit for military service 949,878 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $45 million, 1% of GDP (1992 est.)

*Zimbabwe, Geography

Location:

Southern Africa, between South Africa and Zambia

Map references:

Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World

Area:

total area:

390,580 km2

land area:

386,670 km2

comparative area:

slightly larger than Montana

Land boundaries:

total 3,066 km, Botswana 813 km, Mozambique 1,231 km, South Africa 225 km,

Zambia 797 km

Coastline:

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims:

none; landlocked

International disputes:

quadripoint with Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia is in disagreement

Climate:

tropical; moderated by altitude; rainy season (November to March)

Terrain:

mostly high plateau with higher central plateau (high veld); mountains in

east

Natural resources:

coal, chromium ore, asbestos, gold, nickel, copper, iron ore, vanadium,

lithium, tin, platinum group metals

Land use:

arable land:

7%

permanent crops: 0%

meadows and pastures:

12%

forest and woodland:

62%

other:

19%

Irrigated land:

2,200 km2 (1989 est.)

Environment:

recurring droughts; floods and severe storms are rare; deforestation; soil

erosion; air and water pollution

Note:

landlocked

*Zimbabwe, People

Population:

10,837,772 (July 1993 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.32% (1993 est.)

Birth rate:

38.16 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Death rate:

17.68 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Net migration rate:

-7.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)

Infant mortality rate:

75.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:

total population:

42.82 years

male:

41.2 years

female:

44.49 years (1993 est.)

Total fertility rate:

5.26 children born/woman (1993 est.)

Nationality:

noun:

Zimbabwean(s)

adjective:

Zimbabwean

Ethnic divisions:

African 98% (Shona 71%, Ndebele 16%, other 11%), white 1%, mixed and Asian

1%

Religions:

syncretic (part Christian, part indigenous beliefs) 50%, Christian 25%,

indigenous beliefs 24%, Muslim and other 1%

Languages:

English (official), Shona, Sindebele

Literacy:

age 15 and over can read and write (1990)

total population: 67%

male:

74%

female:

60%

Labor force:

3.1 million

by occupation:

agriculture 74%, transport and services 16%, mining, manufacturing,

construction 10% (1987)

*Zimbabwe, Government

Names:

conventional long form:

Republic of Zimbabwe

conventional short form:

Zimbabwe

former:

Southern Rhodesia

Digraph:

ZI

Type:

parliamentary democracy

Capital:

Harare

Administrative divisions:

8 provinces; Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland

West, Masvingo (Victoria), Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Midlands

Independence:

18 April 1980 (from UK)

Constitution:

21 December 1979

Legal system:

mixture of Roman-Dutch and English common law

National holiday:

Independence Day, 18 April (1980)

Political parties and leaders:

Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), Robert MUGABE;

Zimbabwe African National Union-Sithole (ZANU-S), Ndabaningi SITHOLE;

Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM), Edgar TEKERE; Democratic Party (DP), Emmanuel

MAGOCHE; Forum Party, Enock DUMBUTSHENA

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Elections:

Executive President:

last held 28-30 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1996); results - Robert

MUGABE 78.3%, Edgar TEKERE 21.7%

Parliament:

last held 28-30 March 1990 (next to be held NA March 1995); results -

percent of vote by party NA; seats - (150 total, 120 elected) ZANU-PF 117,

ZUM 2, ZANU-S 1

Executive branch:

executive president, 2 vice presidents, Cabinet

Legislative branch:

unicameral Parliament

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court

Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government:

Executive President Robert Gabriel MUGABE (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice

President Simon Vengai MUZENDA (since 31 December 1987); Co-Vice President

Joshua M. NKOMO (since 6 August 1990)

Member of:

ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-15, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA,

IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, LORCS,

NAM, OAU, PCA, SADC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UPU, WCL,

WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in US:

chief of mission:

Counselor (Political Affairs), Head of Chancery, Ambassador-designate Amos

Bernard Muvengwa MIDZI

*Zimbabwe, Government

chancery:

1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009

telephone:

(202) 332-7100

US diplomatic representation:

chief of mission:

Ambassador Edward Gibson LANPHER

embassy:

172 Herbert Chitapo Avenue, Harare

mailing address:

P. O. Box 3340, Harare

telephone:

[263] (4) 794-521

FAX:

[263] (4) 796-488

Flag:

seven equal horizontal bands of green, yellow, red, black, red, yellow, and

green with a white equilateral triangle edged in black based on the hoist

side; a yellow Zimbabwe bird is superimposed on a red five-pointed star in

the center of the triangle

*Zimbabwe, Economy

Overview:

Agriculture employs three-fourths of the labor force and supplies almost 40%

of exports. The manufacturing sector, based on agriculture and mining,

produces a variety of goods and contributes 35% to GDP. Mining accounts for

only 5% of both GDP and employment, but supplies of minerals and metals

account for about 40% of exports. Wide fluctuations in agricultural

production over the past six years have resulted in an uneven growth rate,

one that on average has matched the 3% annual increase in population. Helped

by an IMF/World Bank structural adjustment program, output rose 3.5% in

1991. A severe drought in 1991/92 caused the economy to contract by about

10% in 1992.

National product:

GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6.2 billion (1992 est.)

National product real growth rate:

-10% (1992 est.)

National product per capita:

$545 (1992 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

45% (1992 est.)

Unemployment rate:

at least 35% (1993 est.)

Budget:

revenues $2.7 billion; expenditures $3.3 billion, including capital

expenditures of $330 million (FY91)

Exports:

$1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.)

commodities:

agricultural 35% (tobacco 20%, other 15%), manufactures 20%, gold 10%,

ferrochrome 10%, cotton 5%

partners:

UK 14%, Germany 11%, South Africa 10%, Japan 7%, US 5% (1991)

Imports:

$1.8 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.)

commodities:

machinery and transportation equipment 37%, other manufactures 22%,

chemicals 16%, fuels 15%

partners:

UK 15%, Germany 9%, South Africa 5%, Botswana 5%, US 5%, Japan 5% (1991)

External debt:

$3.9 billion (March 1993 est.)

Industrial production:

growth rate 5% (1991 est.); accounts for 38% of GDP

Electricity:

3,650,000 kW capacity; 8,920 million kWh produced, 830 kWh per capita (1991)

Industries:

mining, steel, clothing and footwear, chemicals, foodstuffs, fertilizer,

beverage, transportation equipment, wood products

Agriculture:

accounts for 13% of GDP and employs 74% of population; 40% of land area

divided into 4,500 large commercial farms and 42% in communal lands; crops -

corn (food staple), cotton, tobacco, wheat, coffee, sugarcane, peanuts;

livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; self-sufficient in food

Economic aid:

US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY80-89), $389 million; Western (non-US)

countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $2.6 billion; OPEC

bilateral aid (1979-89), $36 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $134

million

Currency:

1 Zimbabwean dollar (Z$) = 100 cents

*Zimbabwe, Economy

Exchange rates:

Zimbabwean dollars (Z$) per US$1 - 6.3532 (February 1993), 5.1046 (1992),

3.4282 (1991), 2.4480 (1990), 2.1133 (1989), 1.8018 (1988)

Fiscal year:

1 July - 30 June

*Zimbabwe, Communications

Railroads:

2,745 km 1.067-meter gauge (including 42 km double track, 355 km

electrified)

Highways:

85,237 km total; 15,800 km paved, 39,090 km crushed stone, gravel,

stabilized soil: 23,097 km improved earth; 7,250 km unimproved earth

Inland waterways:

Lake Kariba is a potential line of communication

Pipelines:

petroleum products 212 km

Airports:

total:

485

usable:

403

with permanent-surface runways:

22

with runways over 3,659 m:

2

with runways 2,440-3,659 m:

3

with runways 1,220-2,439 m:

29

Telecommunications:

system was once one of the best in Africa, but now suffers from poor

maintenance; consists of microwave links, open-wire lines, and radio

communications stations; 247,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 18

FM, 8 TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station

*Zimbabwe, Defense Forces

Branches:

Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police

(including Police Support Unit, Paramilitary Police), People's Militia

Manpower availability:

males age 15-49 2,315,461; fit for military service 1,436,671 (1993 est.)

Defense expenditures:

exchange rate conversion - $412.4 million, about 6% of GDP (FY91 est.)

***

Appendix A:

The United Nations System

The UN is composed of six principal organs and numerous subordinate agencies and bodies as follows:

1) Secretariat

2) General Assembly:

UNCHS United Nations Center for Human Settlements (Habitat)

UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDP United Nations Development Program

UNEP United Nations Environment Program

UNFPA United Nations Population Fund

UNHCR United Nations Office of High Commissioner for

Refugees

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund

UN Institute for Training and Research

UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine

Refugees in the Near East

UN Special Fund

UN University

WFC World Food Council

WFP World Food Program

3) Security Council:

UNAVEM II United Nations Angola Verification Mission

UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNFICYP United Nations Force in Cyprus

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UNMOGIP United Nations Military Observer Group in India

and Pakistan

UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organization

UNIKOM United Nations Iran-Kuwait Observation Mission

MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in

Western Sahara

ONUSAL United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador

UNTAC United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia

UNPROFOR United Nations Protection Force

UNOSOM United Nations Operation in Somolia

UNOMOZ United Nations Operation in Mozambique

4) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):

Specialized agencies

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations

IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and

Development

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

IDA International Development Association

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC International Finance Corporation

ILO International Labor Organization

IMF International Monetary Fund

IMO International Maritime Organization

ITU International Telecommunication Union

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and

Cultural Organization

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UPU Universal Postal Union

WHO World Health Organization

WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization

WMO World Meteorological Organization

Related organizations

GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

Regional commissions

ECA Economic Commission for Africa

ECE Economic Commission for Europe

ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the

Caribbean

ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the

Pacific

ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Functional commissions

Commission on Human Rights

Commission on Narcotics Drugs

Commission for Social Development

Commission on the Status of Women

Population Commission

Statistical Commission

Commission on Science and Technology for Development

Commission on Sustainable Development

Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Commission on Transnational Corporations

5) Trusteeship Council

6) International Court of Justice (ICJ)

***

Appendix B

Abbreviations for

International

Organizations and Groups

A ABEDA Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa

ACC Arab Cooperation Council

ACCT Agence de Cooperation Culturelle et Technique;

see Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation

ACP African, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries

AfDB African Development Bank

AFESD Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development

AG Andean Group

AL Arab League

ALADI Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion;

see Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)

AMF Arab Monetary Fund

AMU Arab Maghreb Union

ANZUS Australia-New Zealand-United States Security Treaty

APEC Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

AsDB Asian Development Bank

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations

B BAD Banque Africaine de Developpement;

see African Development Bank (AfDB)

BADEA Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique;

see Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA)

BCIE Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico;

see Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE)

BDEAC Banque de Developpment des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale;

see Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC)

Benelux Benelux Economic Union

BID Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo;

see Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

BIS Bank for International Settlements

BOAD Banque Ouest-Africaine de Developpement;

see West African Development Bank (WADB)

BSEC Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone

C C Commonwealth

CACM Central American Common Market

CAEU Council of Arab Economic Unity

CARICOM Caribbean Community and Common Market

CBSS Council of the Baltic Sea States

CCC Customs Cooperation Council

CDB Caribbean Development Bank

CE Council of Europe

CEAO Communaute Economique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest;

see West African Economic Community (CEAO)

CEEAC Communaute Economique des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale;

see Economic Community of Central African

States (CEEAC)

CEI Central European Initiative

CEMA Council for Mutual Economic Assistance;

also known as CMEA or Comecon; abolished 1 January 1991

CEPGL Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs;

see Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries

(CEPGL)

CERN Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire;

see European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

CG Contadora Group

CIS Commonwealth of Independent States

CMEA Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA); also known as

Comecon; abolished 1 January 1991

COCOM Coordinating Committee on Export Controls

Comecon Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA); also known as CMEA;

abolished 1 January 1991

CP Colombo Plan

CSCE Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe

D DC developed country

E EADB East African Development Bank

EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

EC European Community

ECA Economic Commission for Africa

ECAFE Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East;

see Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

(ESCAP)

ECE Economic Commission for Europe

ECLA Economic Commission for Latin America;

see Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

(ECLAC)

ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

ECO Economic Cooperation Organization

ECOSOC Economic and Social Council

ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States

ECWA Economic Commission for Western Asia;

see Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

EFTA European Free Trade Association

EIB European Investment Bank

Entente Council of the Entente

ESA European Space Agency

ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific

ESCWA Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

F FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

FLS Front Line States

FZ Franc Zone

G G-2 Group of 2

G-3 Group of 3

G-5 Group of 5

G-6 Group of 6 (not to be

confused with the Big Six)

G-7 Group of 7

G-8 Group of 8

G-9 Group of 9

G-10 Group of 10

G-11 Group of 11

G-15 Group of 15

G-19 Group of 19

G-24 Group of 24

G-30 Group of 30

G-33 Group of 33

G-77 Group of 77

GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

GCC Gulf Cooperation Council

H Habitat Commission on Human Settlements

I IADB Inter-American Development Bank

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

IBEC International Bank for Economic Cooperation

IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

ICC International Chamber of Commerce

ICEM Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration;

see International Organization for Migration (IOM)

ICFTU International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

ICJ International Court of Justice

ICM Intergovernmental Committee for Migration;

see International Organization for Migration (IOM)

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross

IDA International Development Association

IDB Islamic Development Bank

IEA International Energy Agency

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development

IFC International Finance Corporation

IGADD Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development

IIB International Investment Bank

ILO International Labor Organization

IMCO Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization;

see International Maritime Organization (IMO)

IMF International Monetary Fund

IMO International Maritime Organization

INMARSAT International Maritime Satellite Organization

INTELSAT International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization

IOC International Olympic Committee

IOM International Organization for Migration

ISO International Organization for Standardization

ITU International Telecommunication Union

L LAES Latin American Economic System

LAIA Latin American Integration Association

LAS League of Arab States; see Arab League (AL)

LDC less developed country

LLDC least developed country

LORCS League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

M MERCOSUR Mercado Comun del Cono Sur;

see Southern Cone Common Market

MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

MTCR Missile Technology Control Regime

N NACC North Atlantic Cooperation Council

NAM Nonaligned Movement

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization

NC Nordic Council

NEA Nuclear Energy Agency

NIB Nordic Investment Bank

NIC newly industrializing country;

see newly industrializing economy (NIE)

NIE newly industrializing economy

NSG Nuclear Suppliers Group

O OAPEC Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries

OAS Organization of American States

OAU Organization of African Unity

OECD Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECS Organization of Eastern Caribbean States

OIC Organization of the Islamic Conference

ONUSAL United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador

OPANAL Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la

America Latina y el Caribe; see Agency for the Prohibition of

Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean

OPEC Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

P PCA Permanent Court of Arbitration

R RG Rio Group

S SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SACU Southern African Customs Union

SADC Southern African Development Community

SELA Sistema Economico Latinoamericana;

see Latin American Economic System (LAES)

SPARTECA South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

SPC South Pacific Commission

SPF South Pacific Forum

U UDEAC Union Douaniere et Economique de l'Afrique Centrale;

see Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

UN United Nations

UNAVEM II United Nations Angola Verification Mission

UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

UNDP United Nations Development Program

UNEP United Nations Environment Program

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and

Cultural Organization

UNFICYP United Nations Force in Cyprus

UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities;

see UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

UNHCR United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

UNIKOM United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission

UNMOGIP United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

UNOMOZ United Nations Operation in Mozambique

UNOSOM United Nations Operation in Somalia

UNPROFOR United Nations ProtectionForce

UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency for

Palestine Refugees in the Near East

UNTAC United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia

UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organization

UPU Universal Postal Union

USSR/EE USSR/Eastern Europe

W WADB West African Development Bank

WCL World Confederation of Labor

WEU Western European Union

WFC World Food Council

WFP World Food Program

WFTU World Federation of Trade Unions

WHO World Health Organization

WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization

WMO World Meteorological Organization

WP Warsaw Pact (members met 1 July 1991 to

dissolve the alliance)

WTO World Tourism Organization

Z ZC Zangger Committee

Note: Not all international organizations and groups have

abbreviations

***

Appendix C: International Organizations and Groups

advanced developing countries another term for those less developed countries (LDCs) with particularly rapid industrial development; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs) African, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries (ACP)

established-1 April 1976

aim-members have a preferential economic and aid relationship with the EC

members-(69) Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Botswana,

Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho,

Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius,

Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and

Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

African Development Bank (AfDB), also known as Banque Africaine de Developpement (BAD)

established-4 August 1963

aim-to promote economic and social development

regional members-(50)

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi,

Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic,

Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti,

Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon,

The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger,

Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland,

Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

nonregional members-(25)

Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark,

Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea,

Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US, Yugoslavia

Agence de Cooperation Culturelle et Technique (ACCT) see Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT)

Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation (ACCT)

note-acronym from Agence de Cooperation Culturelle et Technique

established-21 March 1970

aim-to promote cultural and technical cooperation among French-speaking countries

members-(31) Belgium, Benin, Burkina, Burundi,

Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros,

Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial

Guinea, France, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda,

Senegal, Seychelles, Togo, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zaire

associate members-(7) Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Mauritania, Morocco, Saint Lucia participating governments-(2) New Brunswick (Canada), Quebec (Canada)

Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the

Caribbean (OPANAL)

note-acronym from Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la America Latina y el Caribe (OPANAL)

established-14 February 1967

aim-to encourage the peaceful uses of atomic energy and prohibit nuclear weapons

members-(26) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados,

Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada,

Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua,

Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago,

Uruguay, Venezuela Andean Group (AG)

established-26 May 1969

effective-16 October 1969

aim-to promote harmonious development through economic integration

members-(5) Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela associate member-(1) Panama observers-(26) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US, Uruguay, Yugoslavia The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved, and ceases to exist. None of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, including Serbia and Montenegro, have been permitted to participate solely on the basis of the membership of the former Yugoslavia in the United Nations General Assembly and Economic and Social Council and their subsidiary bodies and in various United Nations Specialized Agencies. The United Nations, however, permits the seat and nameplate of the SFRY to remain, permits the SFRY mission to continue to function, and continues to fly the flag of the former Yugoslavia. For a variety of reasons, a number of other organizations have not yet taken action with regard to the membership of the former Yugoslavia. The The World Factbook therefore continues to list Yugoslavia under international organizations where the SFRY seat remains or where no action has yet been taken.

Arab Bank for Economic

Development in Africa (ABEDA)

note-also known as Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique (BADEA) established-18 February 1974

effective-16 September 1974

aim-to promote economic development

members-(17 plus the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq,

Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania,

Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria,

Tunisia, UAE, Palestine Liberation Organization;

note-these are all the members of the Arab League except Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen

Arab Cooperation Council

(ACC)

established-16 February 1989

aim-to promote economic cooperation and integration, possibly leading to an Arab Common Market

members-(4) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Yemen

Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD)

established-16 May 1968

aim-to promote economic and social development

members-(20 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt (suspended from 1979 to 1988), Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Arab League (AL)

note-also known as League of Arab States (LAS)

established-22 March 1945

aim-to promote economic, social, political, and military cooperation

members-(20 plus the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt,

Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania,

Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan,

Syria, Tunisia, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation

Organization

Arab Maghreb Union

(AMU)

established-17 February 1989

aim-to promote cooperation and integration among the Arab states of northern Africa

members-(5) Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Arab Monetary Fund (AMF)

established-27 April 1976

effective-2 February 1977

aim-to promote Arab cooperation, development, and integration in monetary and economic affairs

members-(19 plus the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan,

Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia,

UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

established-NA November 1989

aim-to promote trade and investment in the Pacific basin

members-(15) all ASEAN members (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand) plus Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, NZ, Taiwan, US

Asian Development Bank

(AsDB)

established-19 December 1966

aim-to promote regional economic cooperation

regional members-(36)

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma,

Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, Hong Kong, India,

Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Laos,

Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands,

Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal,

NZ, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore,

Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga,

Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa nonregional members-(16)

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,

Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion (ALADI) see Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

established-9 August 1967

aim-to encourage regional economic, social, and cultural cooperation among the non-Communist countries of Southeast Asia

members-(6) Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand observer-(1) Papua New Guinea

Australia Group

established-1984

aim-to consult on and coordinate export controls related to chemical and biological weapons

members-(25) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US observer-(1) Singapore

Australia—New Zealand—United States Security Treaty (ANZUS)

established-1 September 1951

effective-29 April 1952

aim-to implement a trilateral mutual security agreement, although the US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986 members-(3) Australia, NZ, US

Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico (BCIE) see Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE)

Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) see Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

established-20 January 1930

effective-17 March 1930

aim-to promote cooperation among central banks in international financial settlements

members-(30) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,

Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US, Yugoslavia

Banque Africaine de Developpement (BAD) see African Development Bank (AfDB)

Banque Arabe de Developpement Economique en Afrique (BADEA) see Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (ABEDA)

Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique

Centrale (BDEAC) see Central African States

Development Bank (BDEAC)

Banque Ouest-Africaine de Developpement (BOAD) see West African Development Bank (WADB)

Benelux Economic Union (Benelux)

note-acronym from Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg

established-3 February 1958

effective-1 November 1960

aim-to develop closer economic cooperation and integration

members-(3) Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Big Seven

note-membership is the same as the Group of 7

established-NA

aim-to discuss and coordinate major economic policies

members-(7) Big Six (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK) plus the US Big Six

note-not to be confused with the Group of 6

established-NA

aim-to foster economic cooperation

members-(6) Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK

Black Sea Economic Cooperation Zone (BSEC)

established-25 June 1992

aim-to enhance regional stability through economic cooperation

members-(11) Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine

Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)

established-4 July 1973

effective-1 August 1973

aim-to promote economic integration and development, especially among the less developed countries

members-(13) Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica,

Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

associate members-(2)

British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands

observers-(10) Anguilla, Bermuda,

Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Mexico,

Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Venezuela

Caribbean Development Bank

(CDB)

established-18 October 1969

effective-26 January 1970

aim-to promote economic development and cooperation

regional members-(20)

Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados,

Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands,

Colombia, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico,

Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks

and Caicos Islands, Venezuela

nonregional members-(5) Canada, France, Germany, Italy, UK

Cartagena Group see Group of 11

Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

note-acronym from Union Douaniere et Economique de l'Afrique Centrale

established-8 December 1964

effective-1 January 1966

aim-to promote the establishment of a Central African Common Market

members-(6) Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

Central African States Development Bank (BDEAC)

note-acronym from Banque de Developpement des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale

established-3 December 1975

aim-to provide loans for economic development

members-(9) Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Kuwait

Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE)

note-acronym from Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economico

established-13 December 1960

aim-to promote economic integration and development

members-(5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

Central American Common Market (CACM)

established-13 December 1960

effective-3 June 1961

aim-to promote establishment of a Central American Common Market

members-(5) Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua

Central European Initiative (CEI)

note-evolved from the Hexagonal Group established-July 1991

aim-to form an economic and political cooperation group for the region between the Adriatic and the Baltic Seas

members-(10) Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Yugoslavia

centrally planned economies a term applied mainly to the traditionally Communist states that looked to the former USSR for leadership; most are now evolving toward more democratic and market-oriented systems; also known formerly as the Second World or as the Communist countries; through the 1980s, this group included Albania, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, GDR, Hungary, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

Colombo Plan (CP)

established-1 July 1951

aim-to promote economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific

members-(26) Afghanistan,

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Cambodia, Canada,

Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Laos,

Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, NZ, Pakistan, Papua New

Guinea, Philippines, Singapore,

Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK, US

Commission for Social Development

established-21 June 1946 as the Social Commission, renamed 29 July 1966

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with social development programs of UN

members-(32) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Commission on Human Rights

established-18 February 1946

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with human rights programs of UN

members-(53) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Commission on Human Settlements (Habitat)

established-12 October 1978

aim-Economic and Social Council organization assisting in solving human settlement problems of UN

members-(58) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Commission on Narcotic Drugs

established-16 February 1946

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with illicit drugs programs of UN

members-(53) selected on a rotating basis from all regions with emphasis on producing and processing countries

Commission on the Status of Women

established-21 June 1946

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with women's rights goals of UN

members-(32) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Commonwealth (C)

established-31 December 1931

aim-voluntary association that evolved from the British Empire and that seeks to foster multinational cooperation and assistance

members-(48) Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Dominica, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Namibia, NZ, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, UK, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zambia, Zimbabwe special members-(2) Nauru, Tuvalu

Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)

established-8 December 1991

effective-21 December 1991

aim-to coordinate intercommonwealth relations and to provide a mechanism for the orderly dissolution of the USSR

members-(10) Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Communaute Economique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEAO) see West African Economic Community (CEAO)

Communaute Economique des

Etats de l'Afrique Centrale

(CEEAC)

see Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC)

Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs

(CEPGL)

see Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL)

Communist countries traditionally the Marxist-Leninist states with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; most of the successor states are no longer Communist; see centrally planned economies

Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe

(CSCE)

established-NA November 1972

aim-discusses issues of mutual concern and reviews implementation of the Helsinki Agreement

members-(53) Albania, Armenia, Austria,

Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany,

Greece, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco,

Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,

San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,

UK, US, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia

observer-(1) Japan

Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire (CERN)

see European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Contadora Group (CG)

was established 5 January 1983 (on the Panamanian island of Contadora) to reduce tensions and conflicts in Central America but evolved into the Rio Group (RG); members included Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela

Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the

Gulf

see Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Coordinating Committee on Export Controls (COCOM)

established-NA 1949

aim-to control the export of strategic products and technical data from member countries to proscribed destinations

members-(17) Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US cooperating countries-(8) Austria, Finland, Ireland, South Korea, NZ, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CEMA) also known as CMEA or Comecon,

was established 25 January 1949 to promote the development of socialist economies and was abolished 1 January 1991; members included Afghanistan (observer), Albania (had not participated since 1961 break with USSR), Angola (observer), Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, Ethiopia (observer), GDR, Hungary, Laos (observer), Mongolia, Mozambique (observer), Nicaragua (observer), Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam, Yemen (observer), Yugoslavia (associate)

Council of Arab Economic Unity (CAEU)

established-3 June 1957

effective-30 May 1964

aim-to promote economic integration among Arab nations

members-(11 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization) Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, UAE, Yemen, Palestine

Liberation Organization Council of the Baltic Sea States

(CBSS)

established-5 March 1992

aim-to promote cooperation among the Baltic Sea states in the areas of aid to new democratic institutions, economic development, humanitarian aid, energy and the environment, cultural and education, and transportation and communication members-(10) Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden observers-(2) Belarus, Ukraine

Council of Europe (CE)

established-5 May 1949

effective-3 August 1949

aim-to promote increased unity and quality of life in Europe

members-(29) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK

Council of the Entente (Entente)

established-29 May 1959

aim-to promote economic, social,and political coordination

members-(5) Benin, Burkina, Cote d'Ivoire, Niger, Togo

Customs Cooperation Council (CCC)

established-15 December 1950

aim-to promote international cooperation in customs matters

members-(114) Algeria, Angola, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belgium,

Bermuda, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma,

Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic,

Chile, China, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala,

Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Yugoslavia,

Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

developed countries (DCs)

the top group in the comprehensive but mutually exclusive hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); includes the market-oriented economies of the mainly democratic nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Bermuda, Israel, South Africa, and the European ministates; also known as the First World, high-income countries, the North, industrial countries; generally have a per capita GNP/GDP in excess of $10,000 although some OECD countries and South Africa have figures well under $10,000 and two of the excluded OPEC countries have figures of more than $10,000; the 34 DCs are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

developing countries

an imprecise term for the less developed countries with growing economies; see less developed countries (LDCs)

East African Development Bank (EADB)

established-6 June 1967

effective-1 December 1967

aim-to promote economic development

members-(3) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

established-28 March 1947 as Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE)

aim-to promote economic development as a regional commission for the UN's Economic and Social Council

members-(46) Afghanistan, Australia,

Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Fiji, France,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan,

Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia,

Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Singapore,

Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga,

Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, UK,US, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa

associate members-(10) American Samoa, Cook Islands, French

Polynesia, Guam, Hong Kong, Macau, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana

Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific

Islands (Palau)

Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

(ESCWA)

established-9 August 1973 as Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA)

aim-to promote economic development as a regional commission for the UN's Economic and Social Council

members-(12 and the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait,

Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE, Yemen,

Palestine Liberation Organization

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-to coordinate the economic and social work of the UN; includes five regional commissions (see Economic Commission for Africa, Economic Commission for Europe, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia) and six functional commissions (see Commission for Social Development, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Commission on the Status of Women, Population Commission, Statistical Commission, Commission on Science and Technology for Development, Commission on Sustainable Development, Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and Commission on Transnational Corporations)

members-(54) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

established-29 April 1958

aim-to promote economic development as a regional commission of the UN's Economic and Social Council

members-(52) Algeria, Angola, Benin,

Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote

d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea,

Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar,

Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome

and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Somalia, South Africa (suspended), Sudan, Swaziland,

Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe associate members-(2)

France, UK

Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) see Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)

established-28 March 1947

aim-to promote economic development as a regional commission of the UN's Economic and Social Council

members-(44) Albania, Austria, Belarus,

Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy,

Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova,

Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San

Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, UK,

US, Yugoslavia

Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) see Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

Economic Commission for Latin America and the

Caribbean (ECLAC)

established-25 February 1948 as Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA)

aim-to promote economic development as a regional commission of the UN's Economic and Social Council

members-(41) Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia,

Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,

France, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua,

Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela

associate members-(6)

Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Netherlands

Antilles, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) see Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC)-acronym from Communaute

Economique des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale

established-18 October 1983

aim-to promote regional economic cooperation and establish a Central African Common Market

members-(10) Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Zaire observer-(1) Angola

Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries

(CEPGL)

note-acronym from Communaute Economique des Pays des Grands Lacs

established-26 September 1976

aim-to promote regional economic cooperation and integration

members-(3) Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire Economic Community of

West African States (ECOWAS)

established-28 May 1975

aim-to promote regional economic cooperation

members-(17) Benin, Burkina, Cape

Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana,

Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal,

Sierra Leone,Togo

Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)

established-1985

aim-to promote regional cooperation in trade, transportation, communications, tourism, cultural affairs,and economic development

members-(10) Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(EBRD)

established-15 April 1991

aim-to facilitate the transition of seven centrally planned economies in Europe (Bulgaria, former Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, former USSR, and former Yugoslavia) to market economies by committing 60% of its loans to privatization

members-(58) Albania, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, European Community (EC), Egypt,

European Investment Bank (EIB), Estonia, Finland, France,

Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan,

Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico,

Moldova, Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey,

Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UK, US, Uzbekistan,

Yugoslavia; note-includes all 24 members of the OECD and the EC as an

institution

European Community (EC)

established-8 April 1965

effective-1 July 1967

aim-to integrate the European Atomic

Energy Community (Euratom), the European Coal and Steel Community (ESC), and the European Economic Community (EEC or Common Market); the EC plans to establish a completely integrated common market and an eventual federation of Europe

members-(12) Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

established-4 January 1960

effective-3 May 1960

aim-to promote expansion of free rade

members-(7) Austria, Finland, Iceland, Leichtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland

European Investment Bank EIB)

established-25 March 1957

effective-1 January 1958

aim-to promote economic development of the EC

members-(12) Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK

European Organization for uclear Research (CERN)

note-acronym retained from the predecessor organization Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire established-1 July 1953

effective-29 September 1954

aim-to foster nuclear research for peaceful purposes only

members-(19) Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK observers-(6) EC, Israel, Russia, Turkey, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Yugoslavia

European Space Agency ESA)

established-31 July 1973

effective-1 May 1975

aim-to promote peaceful cooperation in space research and technology

members-(13) Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK associate member-(1) Finland cooperating state-(1) Canada

First World

another term for countries ith advanced, industrialized economies; this term is fading from use; see developed countries (DCs)

Food and Agriculture rganization (FAO)

established-16 October 1945

aim-UN specialized agency to raise living standards and increase availability of agricultural products

members-(162) Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, EC, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and

Principe, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swazi

land, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe associate member-(1) Puerto Rico

Former USSR/Eastern Europe former USSR/EE)

the middle group in the comprehensive but mutually exclusive hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); these countries are in political and economic transition and may well be grouped differently in the near future; this group of 27 countries includes Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia. Moldova, oland, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Four Dragons

the four small Asian less developed countries (LDCs) that have experienced unusually rapid economic growth; also known as the Four Tigers; this group includes Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan

Four Tigers

another term for the Four Dragons; see Four Dragons

Franc Zone (FZ)

established-NA

aim-to form a monetary union among countries whose currencies are linked to the French franc

members-(15) Benin, Burkina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo; note-France includes metropolitan France, the four overseas departments of France (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion), the two territorial collectivities of France (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon), and the three overseas territories of France (French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna)

Front Line States (FLS)

established-NA

aim-to achieve black majority rule in South Africa

members-(7) Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)

established-30 October 1947

effective-1 January 1948

aim-to promote the expansion of international trade on a nondiscriminatory basis

members-(104) Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa

Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Lesotho,

Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,

Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra

Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Uganda, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Group of 2 (G-2)

established-informal term that came into use about 1986

aim-bilateral economic cooperation between the two most powerful economic giants

members-(2) Japan, US

Group of 3 (G-3)

established-NA October 1990

aim-mechanism for policy coordination

members-(3) Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela

Group of 5 (G-5)

established-22 September 1985

aim-the five major non-Communist economic powers

members-(5) France, Germany, Japan, UK, US

Group of 6 (G-6)

note-not to be confused with theBig Six

established-22 May 1984

aim-to achieve nuclear disarmament

members-(6) Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden, Tanzania

Group of 7 (G-7)

note-membership is the same as the Big Seven

established-22 September 1985

aim-the seven major non-Communist economic powers

members-(7) Group of 5 (France, Germany, Japan, UK, US) plus Canada and Italy

Group of 8 (G-8)

established-NA October 1975

aim-the developed countries (DCs) that participated in the Conference on International Economic Cooperation (CIEC), held in several sessions between NA December 1975 and 3 June 1977

members-(8) Australia, Canada, EC (as one member), Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, US

Group of 9 (G-9)

established-NA

aim-informal group that meets occasionally on matters of mutual interest

members-(9) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, Yugoslavia

Group of 10 (G-10)

note-also known as the Paris Club

established-NA October 1962

aim-wealthiest members of the IMF who provide most of the money to be loaned and act as the informal steering committee; name persists in spite of the addition of Switzerland on NA April 1984

members-(11) Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

Group of 11 (G-11)

note-also known as the Cartagena Group

established-22 June 1984, in Cartagena, Colombia

aim-forum for largest debtor nations in Latin America

members-(11) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Group of 15 (G-15)

note-byproduct of the Non-Aligned Movement

established-1989

aim-to promote economic cooperation among developing nations; to act as the main political organ for the Non-Aligned Movement

members-(15) Algeria, Argentina,

Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia,

Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela, Yugoslavia,

Zimbabwe

Group of 19 (G-19)

established-NA October 1975

aim-the less developed countries (LDCs) that participated in the Conference on International Economic Cooperation (CIEC) held in several sessions between NA December 1975 and 3 June 1977

members-(19) Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia

Group of 24 (G-24)

established-NA January 1972

aim-to promote the interests of developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America within the IMF

members-(24) Algeria, Argentina,

Brazil, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia,

Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Iran, Lebanon,

Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Sri

Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela,

Yugoslavia, Zaire

Group of 30 (G-30)

established-NA 1979

aim-to discuss and propose solutions to the world's economic problems

members-(30) informal group of 30 leading international bankers, economists, financial experts, and businessmen organized by Johannes Witteveen (former managing director of the IMF)

Group of 33 (G-33)

established-NA 1987

aim-to promote solutions to international economic problems

members-(33) leading economists from 13 countries

Group of 77 (G-77)

established-NA October 1967

aim-to promote economic cooperation among developing countries; name persists in spite of increased membership

members-(127 plus the Palestine

Liberation Organization) Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola,

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,

Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa

Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia,

Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,

Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Kitts

and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,

Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and

Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, UAE, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe, Palestine Liberation

Organization Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

note-also known as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf

established-25-26 May 1981

aim-to promote regional cooperation in economic, social, political, and military affairs

members-(6) Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Habitat

Commission on Human Settlements

Hexagonal Group see Central European Initiative (CEI)

high-income countries

another term for the industrialized countries with high per capita GNPs/GDPs; see developed countries (DCs)

industrial countries

another term for the developed countries; see developed countries (DCs)

Inter-American DevelopmentBank (IADB) note-also known as Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID)

established-8 April 1959

effective-30 December 1959

aim-to promote economic and social development in Latin America

members-(44) Argentina, Austria, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia,

Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua,

Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Suriname, Sweden,

Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia

Inter-Governmental Authority on Drought and Development

(IGADD)

established-NA January 1986

aim-to promote cooperation on drought-related matters

members-(6) Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

established-26 October 1956

effective-29 July 1957

aim-to promote peaceful uses of tomic energy

members-(115) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh,

Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia,

Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland,

France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala,

Haiti, Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,

Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, alaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,

Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Bank for conomic Cooperation (IBEC)

established in 22 October 1963;

aim was to promote economic cooperation and development;

members were Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam; now it is a Russian bank with a new charter

International Bank for econstruction and Development

(IBRD)

note-also known as the World Bank

established-22 July 1944

effective-27 December 1945

aim-UN specialized agency that initially promoted economic rebuilding after World War II and now provides economic development loans

members-(174) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New

Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,

Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent

and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,

Solvenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, ganda, Ukraine, UAE,

UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

established-NA 1919

aim-to promote free trade and private enterprise and to represent business interests at national and international levels

members-(58 national councils) Argentina,

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Burkina,

Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus,

Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, France, Gabon,

Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, South Korea,

Lebanon, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco,

Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan,

Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zaire

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

established-7 December 1944

effective-4 April 1947

aim-UN specialized agency to promote international cooperation in civil aviation

members-(173) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape

Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,

Madagacar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States

of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia,

Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa

(suspended), Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania,

Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

established-NA 1863

aim-to provide humanitarian aid in wartime

members-(25 individuals) all Swiss nationals

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions

(ICFTU)

established-NA December 1949

aim-to promote the trade union movement

members-(144 national organizations

in the following 104 areas) Antigua and Barbuda,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Basque Country, Belgium, Bermuda, Botswana,

Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina, Canada, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Falkland Islands,

Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, The Gambia,

Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Holy See,

Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel,

Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Montserrat, Morocco,

Netherlands, New Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua, Norway,

Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saint Helena,

Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain,

Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand,

Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UK, US, Venezuela,

Western Samoa

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

note-also known as the World Court

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-primary judicial organ of the UN

members-(15 judges) elected by the General Assembly and Security Council to represent all principal legal systems

International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)

established-13 June 1956

aim-to promote international cooperation between criminal police authorities

members-(159) Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and

Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana,

Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo,

Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea,

Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,

Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands

Antilles, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway,

Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

subbureaus-(5) American Samoa, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong

International Development Association

(IDA)

established-26 January 1960

effective-24 September 1960

aim-UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate that provides economic loans for low income countries

members-(147) Part I-(23 more economically advanced countries) Australia,

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland,

Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, South Africa,

Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, US

members-Part II-(124 less developed nations) Afghanistan,

Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape

Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo,

Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,

Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos,

Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain,

Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Energy Agency (IEA)

established-15 November 1974

aim-established by the OECD to promote cooperation on energy matters, especially emergency oil sharing and relations between oil consumers and oil producers

members-(21) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland,

Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway,

Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

established-25 May 1955

effective-20 July 1956

aim-UN specialized agency and IBRD affiliate that helps private enterprise sector in economic development

members-(149) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape

Verde, Central African Republic, Chile, China, Colombia,

Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea, Kuwait,

Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall

Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK,

US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western

Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)

established-NA November 1974

aim-UN specialized agency that promotes agricultural development

members-(147) Category I-(21 industrialized aid contributors) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

members-Category II-(12 petroleum-exporting

aid contributors) Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran,

Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia,

UAE, Venezuela

members-Category III-(114 aid recipients) Afghanistan,

Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,

Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,

Fiji, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Israel,

Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Laos,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger,

Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,

Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Investment Bank (IIB)

established on 7 July 1970; to promote economic development; members were Bulgaria, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, USSR, Vietnam; now it is a Russian bank with a new charter

International Labor Organization (ILO)

established-11 April 1919 (affiliated with the UN 14 December 1946)

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with world labor issues

members-(158) Afghanistan, Algeria,

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria,

Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt,

El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama,

Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia,

San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia,

Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

note-name changed from Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) on 22 May 1982

established-17 March 1958

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with world maritime affairs

members-(138) Algeria, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burma, Cambodia,

Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia,

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon,

The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel,

Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South

Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco,

Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Nigeria,

Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad

and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire

associate members-(2) Hong Kong, Macau

International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT)

established-3 September 1976

effective-26 July 1979

aim-to provide worldwide communications for maritime and other applications

members-(66) Algeria, Argentina,

Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil,

Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia,

Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland,

France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, South

Korea, Kuwait, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco,

Mozambique, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,

Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal,

Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,

Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland,

Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Yugoslavia

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

established-22 July 1944

effective-27 December 1945

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with world monetary stability and economic development

members-(175) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji,

Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana,

Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau,

Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius,

Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands,

NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands,

Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE,

UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

observers-(3) Holy See, North Korea, Monaco

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

established-23 June 1894

aim-to promote the Olympic ideals and administer the Olympic games: 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France (8-23 February); 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain (25 July-9 August); 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer; Norway (12-27 February); 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States (20 July-4 August); 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan (date NA)

members-(168) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Antigua

and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan,

Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina,

Burma, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica,Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus,

Czech Republic, Denmark,

Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica,

Japan, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands

Antilles, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman,

Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon

Islands, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US,

Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands,

Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

International Organization for Migration (IOM)-established

as Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the

Movement of Migrants from Europe; renamed

Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) on 15

November 1952; renamed Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in

November 1980; current name adopted 14 November 1989

established-5 December 1951

aim-to facilitate orderly international emigration and immigration

members-(46) Angola, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia,

Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras,

Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kenya, South Korea, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland,

Thailand, Uganda, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia

observers-(41) Albania, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Croatia,

Czech Republic, Federation of Ethnic Communities' Council of Australia Inc.,

Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, India, Indonesia, Japan, Japan International

Friendship and Welfare Foundation, Jordan, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco,

Namibia, NZ, Niwano Peace Foundation, Pakistan, Partnership with the Children

of the Third World, Poland, Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief/Episcopal

Church Refuge Council of Australia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Sao Tome and

Principe, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Turkey, UK, Vietnam,

Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

established-NA February 1947

aim-to promote the development of international standards

members-(73 national standards organizations)

Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria,

Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile,

China, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia,

Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,

Slovakia,South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland,

Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, UK,

US, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

correspondent members-(14) Bahrain, Barbados, Brunei, Guinea, Hong Kong,

Iceland, Jordan, Kuwait, Malawi, Mauritius, Oman, Senegal, UAE, Uruguay

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

established-NA 1928

aim-to promote worldwide humanitarian aid through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in wartime, and League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (LORCS) in peacetime

members-(9) 2 representatives from ICRC, 2 from LORCS, and 5 from national societies elected by the international conference of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

established-9 December 1932

effective-1 January 1934 affiliated with the UN-15 November 1947

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with world telecommunications

members-(168) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote

d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras,

Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya,

Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands,

Somalia, South Africa (suspended), Spain, Sri Lanka,

Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad

and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK,

US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western

Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

International Telecommunications Satellite Organization

(INTELSAT)

established-20 August 1971

effective-12 February 1973

aim-to develop and operate a global commercial telecommunications satellite system

members-(125) Afghanistan, Algeria,

Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan,

The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Benin,

Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany,

Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Iceland, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kenya, South Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco,

Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Singapore, Slovakia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri

Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia,

Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK,US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

established-15 December 1973

aim-to promote Islamic economic aid and social development

members-(44 plus the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Afghanistan (suspended), Algeria,

Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina,

Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The

Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation

Organization

Latin American Economic System (LAES)

note-also known as Sistema Economico Latinoamericana (SELA)

established-17 October 1975

aim-to promote economic and social development through regional cooperation

members-(26) Argentina, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile,

Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El

Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico,

Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay,

Venezuela

Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) note-also known as Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integracion (ALADI)

established-12 August 1980

effective-18 March 1981

aim-to promote freer regional trade

members-(11) Argentina, Bolivia,

Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay,

Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

observers-(16) Commission of the European Communities, Costa

Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,

Inter-American Development Bank, Italy, Nicaragua,

Organization of American States, Panama, Portugal,

Spain, United Nations Development Program, United

Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the

Caribbean

League of Arab States (LAS) see Arab League (AL)

League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

(LORCS)

established-5 May 1919

aim-to provide humanitarian aid in peacetime

members-(148) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium,

Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire,

Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, The Gambia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,

Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea,

South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho,

Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,

San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone,

Singapore, Slovakia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, UAE, UK,

US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

associate members-(2) Equatorial Guinea, Gabon

least developed countries (LLDCs) that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) initially identified by the UN General Assembly in 1971 as having no significant economic growth, per capita GNPs/GDPs normally less than $500, and low literacy rates; also known as the undeveloped countries. The 42 LLDCs are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Botswana, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Yemen

less developed countries (LDCs) the bottom group in the comprehensive but mutually exclusive hierarchy of developed countries (DCs), former USSR/Eastern Europe (former USSR/EE), and less developed countries (LDCs); mainly countries with low levels of output, living standards, and technology; per capita GNPs/GDPs are generally below $5,000 and often less than $1,000; however, the group also includes a number of countries with high per capita incomes, areas of advanced technology, and rapid rates of growth; includes the advanced developing countries, developing countries, Four Dragons (Four Tigers), least developed countries (LLDCs), low-income countries, middle-income countries, newly industrializing economies (NIEs), the South, Third World, underdeveloped countries, undeveloped countries; the 175 LDCs are: Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia, Gaza Strip, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Isle of Man, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, UAE, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara, Western Samoa, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

low-income countries another term for those less developed countries with below-average per capita GNPs/GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

London Suppliers Group see Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

Mercado Comun del Cono Sur (MERCOSUR) see Southern Cone Common Market

middle-income countries another term for those less developed countries with above-average per capita GNPs/GDPs; see less developed countries (LDCs)

Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)

established-April 1987

aim-to arrest missile proliferation by controlling the export of key missile technologies and equipment

members-(24) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,

Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, NZ, Norway,

Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

newly industrializing countries (NICs) former term for the newly industrializing economies; see newly industrializing economies (NIEs)

newly industrializing economies (NIEs) that subgroup of the less developed countries (LDCs) that has experienced particularly rapid industrialization of their economies; formerly known as the newly industrializing countries (NICs); also known as advanced developing countries; usually includes the Four Dragons (Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan) plus Brazil and Mexico

Nonaligned Movement (NAM)

established-1-6 September 1961

aim-to establish political and military cooperation apart from the traditional East or West blocs

members-(102 plus the Palestine Liberation Organization)

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon,

CapeVerde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cote

d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,

Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-

Bissau, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica,

Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia,

Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru,

Qatar, Rawada, Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname,

Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, UAE,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Palestine Liberation Organization

observers-(19) African National Congress, Afro-Asian Solidarity Organization,

Antigua and Barbuda, Arab League, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Dominica, El

Salvador, Islamic Conference, Kanaka Socialist National Liberation Front (New

Caledonia), Mexico, Mongolia, Organization of African Unity, Pan Africanist

Congress of Azania, Philippines,

Socialist Party of Puerto Rico, UN, Uruguay

guests-(21) Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech

Republic, Dominican Republic, Finland, Germany,

Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Poland,

Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain,

Sweden, Switzerland

Nordic Council (NC)

established-16 March 1952

effective-12 February 1953

aim-to promote regional economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation

members-(5) Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden; note-Denmark includes Faroe Islands and Greenland

Nordic Investment Bank (NIB)

established-4 December 1975

effective-1 June 1976

aim-to promote economic cooperation and development

members-(5) Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

North a popular term for the rich industrialized countries generally located in the northern portion of the Northern Hemisphere; the counterpart of the South; see developed countries (DCs)

North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC)-an extension of NATO

established-8 November 1991

effective-20 December 1991

aim-to form a forum to discuss cooperation concerning mutual political and security issues

members-(38) Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan,

Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia,

Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,

Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova,

Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia,

Slovakia, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine,

UK, US, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

established-17 September 1949

aim-to promote mutual defense and cooperation

members-(16) Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)

established-NA 1958

aim-associated with OECD, seeks to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy

members-(23) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US

Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) note-also known as the London Suppliers Group

established-1974

aim-to establish guidelines on exports of enrichment and processing plant assistance and nuclear exports to countries of proliferation concern and regions of conflict and instability

members-(28) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan,

Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

Organismo para la Proscripcion de las Armas Nucleares en la AmericaLatina y el Caribe (OPANAL) see Agency for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (OPANAL)

Organization for Economic

Cooperation and Development (OECD)

established-14 December 1960, effective 30 September 1961

aim-to promote economic cooperation and development

members-(24) Australia, Austria,

Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,

Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, UK, US special members-(2) EC, Yugoslavia

Organization of African Unity (OAU)

established-25 May 1963

aim-to promote unity and cooperation among African states

members-(52) Algeria, Angola, Benin,

Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire,

Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia,

Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya,

Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria,

Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sao Tome and

Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia,

Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

Organization of American States (OAS)

established-30 April 1948

effective-13 December 1951

aim-to promote peace and security as well as economic and social development

members-(35) Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba (excluded from formal participation since 1962), Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, US, Uruguay, Venezuela observers-(24) Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, EC, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, ?

Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC)

established-9 January 1968

aim-to promote cooperation in the petroleum industry

members-(11) Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia (withdrew from active membership in 1986),

UAE Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

established-18 June 1981

effective-4 July 1981

aim-to promote political, economic, and defense cooperation

members-(7) Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines associate member-(1) British Virgin Islands

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

established-14 September 1960

aim-to coordinate petroleum policies

members-(12) Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela

Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)

established-22-25 September 1969

aim-to promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation in economic, social, cultural, and political affairs

members-(47 plus the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Afghanistan (suspended), Albania, Algeria,

Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina,

Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, The

Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria,

Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra

Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

UAE, Yemen, Palestine Liberation Organization

observer-(1) Turkish-Cypriot administered area of Cyprus

Paris Club see Group of 10

Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)

established-NA 1899

aim-to facilitate the settlement of international disputes

members-(78) Argentina, Australia,

Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China,

Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland,

France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,

Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy,

Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Luxembourg,

Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zimbabwe

Population Commission

established-3 October 1946

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with population matters of importance to the UN

members-(27) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

Rio Group (RG)

established-NA 1988

aim-a consultation mechanism on regional Latin American issues members-(11) Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru (suspended), Uruguay, Venezuela; note-Panama was expelled in 1988; Peru was suspended after April 1992 coup

Second World another term for the traditionally Marxist-Leninist states with authoritarian governments and command economies based on the Soviet model; the term is fading from use; see centrally planned economies socialist countries in general, countries in which the government owns and plans the use of the major factors of production; note-the term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for Communist countries

South a popular term for the poorer, less industrialized countries generally located south of the developed countries; the counterpart of the North; see less developed countries (LDCs)

South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

established-8 December 1985

aim-to promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation

members-(7) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

South Pacific Commission (SPC)

established-6 February 1947

effective-29 July 1948

aim-to promote regional cooperation n economic and social matters

members-(27) American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, NZ, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, UK, US, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Western Samoa

South Pacific Forum (SPF)

established-5 August 1971

aim-to promote regional cooperation in political matters

members-(15) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa observer-(1) Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau)

South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement

(SPARTECA)

established-NA 1981

aim-to redress unequal trade relationship of Australia and New Zealand with small island economies in Pacific region

members-(15) Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, NZ, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa

Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

established-11 December 1969

aim-to promote free trade and cooperation in customs matters

members-(9) Bophuthatswana, Botswana, Ciskei, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Transkei, Venda

Southern African Development Community (SADC)

note-evolved from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) established-17 August 1992

aim-to promote regional economic development and integration

members-(10) Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR)

established-26 March 1991

aim-regional economic cooperation

members-(4) Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

Statistical Commission

established-21 June 1946

aim-Economic and Social Council organization dealing with development and standardization of national statistics of interest to the UN

members-(25) selected on a rotating basis from all regions Third World another term for the less developed countries; the term is fading from use; see less developed countries (LDCs)

underdeveloped countries refers to those less developed countries with the potential for above-average economic growth; see less developed countries (LDCs)

undeveloped countries refers to those extremely poor less developed countries (LDCs) with little prospect for economic growth; see least developed countries (LLDCs)

Union Douaniere et Economique de l'Afrique Centrale

(UDEAC)

see Central African Customs and Economic Union (UDEAC)

United Nations (UN)

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-to maintain international peace and security and to promote cooperation involving economic, social, cultural and humanitarian problems

members-(182 excluding Yugoslavia) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma,

Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central

African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica,

Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti,

Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea,

Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon,

The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq,

Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,

Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia,

Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua

New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts

and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South

Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,

Sweden, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan,

Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe; note-all UN members are represented in the General Assembly

observers-(2 and the Palestine Liberation

Organization) Holy See, Switzerland, Palestine Liberation

Organization

United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II)

note-successor to original UNAVEM

established-20 December 1988

aim-established by the UN Security Council to verify the withdrawal of Cuban troops from Angola

members-(25) Algeria, Argentina,

Brazil, Canada, Congo, Czech Republic, Egypt, Guinea-

Bissau, Hungary, India, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia,

Morocco, Netherlands, NZ, Nigeria, Norway, Senegal,

Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Yugoslavia,

Zimbabwe

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

note-acronym retained from the predecessor organization UN International Children's Emergency Fund established-11 December 1946

aim-to help establish child health and welfare services

members-(41) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

(UNCTAD)

established-30 December 1964

aim-to promote international trade

members-(186) all UN members plus Holy See, Switzerland, Tonga

United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

established-22 November 1965

aim-to provide technical assistance to stimulate economic and social development

members-(48) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)

established-31 May 1974

aim-established by the UN Security Council to observe the 1973 Arab-Israeli ceasefire

members-(4) Austria, Canada, Finland,Poland

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

established-16 November 1945

effective-4 November 1946

aim-to promote cooperation in education, science, and culture

members-(172) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, The Bahamas,

Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize,

Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria,

Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,

Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile,

China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa

Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon,

The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua,

Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint

Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino,

Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland,

Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine,

UAE, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia,

Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

associate members-(3) Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Netherlands Antilles

United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)

established-15 December 1972

aim-to promote international cooperation on all environmental matters

members-(58) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)

established-4 March 1964

aim-established by the UN Security Council to serve as a peacekeeping force beween Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus

members-(7) Austria,Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, UK

United Nations General Assembly

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-primary deliberative organ in the UN

members-(183) all UN members are represented in the

General Assembly United Nations Industrial

Development Organization (UNIDO)

established-17 November 1966

effective-1 January 1967

aim-UN specialized agency that promotes industrial development especially among the members

members-(160) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia,

Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia,

Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi,

Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros,

Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The

Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India,

Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali,

Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan,

Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar,

Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and

the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles,

Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago,

Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay,

Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

established-19 March 1978

aim-established by the UN Security Council to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces, restore peace, and reestablish Lebanese authority in southern Lebanon

members-(10) Fiji, Finland, France, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Nepal, Norway, Poland, Sweden

United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM)

established-NA 1991

aim-established by the UN Security Council to observe and monitor the demilitarized zone established between Iraq and Kuwait

members-(34) Argentina, Austria,

Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Fiji, Finland,

France, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland,

Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland,

Romania, Russia, Senegal, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, US, Uruguay,

Venezuela

United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)

established-13 August 1948

aim-established by the UN Security Council to observe the 1949 India-Pakistan ceasefire

members-(8) Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Uruguay

United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

(MINURSO)

established-NA 1990

aim-established by the UN Security Council to supervise the referendum in Western Sahara

members-(25) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Tunisia, UK, US, Venezuela

United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL)

established-NA 1991

aim-established by the UN Security Council to verify ceasefire arrangments and to monitor the maintenance of public order pending the organization of a new National Civil Police

members-(9) Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Venezuela

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

established-3 December 1949

effective-1 January 1951

aim-to try to ensure the humanitarian treatment of refugees and find permanent

solutions to refugee problems

members-(46) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada,

China, Colombia,Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See,

Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Morocco,

Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines,

Somalia, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey,

Uganda,UK, US, Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zaire

United Nations Operation in Mozambique (UNOMOZ)

established-NA 1992

aim-established by the UN Security Council to supervise the ceasefire

members-(18) Argentina, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,

Uruguay, Zambia United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM)

established-NA 1992

aim-established by the UN Security Council to facilitate an immediate cessation of hostilities, to maintain a ceasefire to promote a political settlement, and to provide urgent humanitarian assistance

members-(17) Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Egypt, Fiji, Finland, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, NZ, Norway, Pakistan, Slovakia, Zimbabwe

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

note-acronym retained from predecessor organization UN Fund for Population Activities

established-NA July 1967

aim-to promote assistance in dealing with population problems

members-(51) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR)

established-NA 1992

aim-established by the UN Security Council to create conditions for peace and security required for the negotiation of an overall settlement of the "Yugoslav" crisis

members-(31) Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium,

Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark,

Egypt, Finland, France, Ghana, Ireland, Jordan,

Kenya, Luxembourg, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ,

Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden,

Switzerland, Tunisia, Ukraine, UK, Venezuela

United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East

(UNRWA)

established-8 December 1949

aim-to provide assistance to Palestinian refugees

members-(10) Belgium, Egypt, France, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, UK, US

United Nations Secretariat

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-primary administrative organ of the UN

member-Secretary General appointed for a five-year term by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council

United Nations Security Council

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-to maintain international peace and security

permanent members-(5) China, France, Russia, UK, US nonpermanent members-(10) elected for two-year terms by the UN General Assembly; Austria (1991-92), Belgium (1991-92), Cape Verde (1992- 93), Ecuador (1991-92), Hungary (1992-93), India (1991- 92), Japan (1992-93), Morocco (1992-93), Venezuela (1992- 93), Zimbabwe (1991-92)

United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC)

established-NA 1992

aim-established by the UN Security Council to contribute to the restoration and maintenance of peace and to the holding of free elections

members-(31) Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium,

Bulgaria, Cameroon,Canada, Chile, China, Congo, France, Germany, Ghana, India,

Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, NZ, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland,

Russia, Senegal, Thailand, Tunisia, UK, US, Uruguay

United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

established-NA May 1948

aim-initially established by the UN Security Council to supervise the 1948 Arab-Israeli ceasefire and subsequently extended to work in the Sinai, Lebanon, Jordan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan

members-(19) Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada,

Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France,

Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, NZ, Norway, Russia, Sweden,

Switzerland, US

United Nations Trusteeship Council

established-26 June 1945

effective-24 October 1945

aim-to supervise the administration of the UN trust territories; only one of the original 11 trusteeships remains-the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau)

members-(5) China, France, Russia, UK, US

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

established-9 October 1874, affiliated with the UN 15 November 1947

effective-1 July 1948

aim-UN specialized agency that promotes international postal cooperation

members-(178) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria,

The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus,

Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana,

Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo,

Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican

Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial

Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati,

North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia,

Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein,

Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia,

Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia,

Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, NZ,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Overseas

Territories of the UK, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New

Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland,

Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts

and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore,

Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Spain,

Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden,

Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga,

Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda,

Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela,

Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

Warsaw Pact (WP)

was established 14 May 1955 to promote mutual defense; members met 1 July 1991 to dissolve the alliance; member states at the time of dissolution were Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the USSR; earlier members included East Germany and Albania

West African Development Bank (WADB) note-also known as Banque Ouest-Africaine de Developpement (BOAD)

established-14 November 1973

aim-to promote economic development and integration

members-(7) Benin, Burkina, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo

West African Economic Community (CEAO)

note-acronym from Communaute Economique de l'Afrique de l'Ouest

established-3 June 1972

aim-to promote regional economic development

members-(7) Benin, Burkina, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal observers-(2) Guinea, Togo

Western European Union (WEU)

established-23 October 1954

effective-6 May 1955

aim-mutual defense and progressive political unification

members-(9) Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, UK associate member-(1) Iceland observer-(1) Greece

World Bank

see International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)

World Bank Group

includes International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),

International Development Association (IDA), and International Finance

Corporation (IFC)

World Confederation of Labor (WCL)

established-19 June 1920 as the International Federation of Christian Trade Unions (IFCTU), renamed 4 October 1968

aim-to promote the trade union movement

members-(94 national organizations)

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba,

Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia,

Bonaire Island, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina, Cameroon,

Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad,

Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba,

Curacao, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,

El Salvador, France, French Guiana, Gabon, The Gambia,

Ghana, Grenada, Guadaloupe, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana,

Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica,

Kenya, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Madagascar,

Malaysia, Mali, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico,

Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines,

Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and

Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Spain,

Sri Lanka, Suriname, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand,

Togo, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zaire,

Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Court see International Court of Justice (ICJ)

World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU)

established-NA 1945

aim-to promote the trade union movement

members-(67) Afghanistan, Angola,

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia,

Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominican Republic,

Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, The Gambia,

Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar,

Mauritius, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Oman,

Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines,

Puerto Rico, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia,

Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria,

Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zaire

World Food Council (WFC)

established-17 December 1974

aim-ECOSOC organization that studies world food problems and recommends solutions

members-(36) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

World Food Program (WFP)

established-24 November 1961

aim-ECOSOC organization that provides food aid to assist in development or disaster relief

members-(42) selected on a rotating basis from all regions

World Health Organization (WHO)

established-22 July 1946

effective-7 April 1948

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with health matters

members-(180) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin,

Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana,

Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi,

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African

Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo,

Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica,

Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,

Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France,

Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,

Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia,

Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan,

Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea,

Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia,

Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi,

Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia,

Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique,

Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria,

Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania,

Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome

and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra

Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands,

Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan,

Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad

and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, UAE, UK,

US, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam,

Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

associate members-(2) Puerto Rico, Tokelau

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

established-14 July 1967

effective-26 April 1970

aim-UN specialized agency concerned with the protection of literary, artistic, and scientific works

members-(133) Albania, Algeria,

Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas,

Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin,

Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada,

Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece,

Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Holy See, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland,

India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan,

Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,

Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali,

Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Namibia,

Netherlands, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay,

Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi

Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Somalia, South Africa,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

Ukraine,

UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

established-11 October 1947

effective-4 April 1951

aim-specialized UN agency concerned with meteorological cooperation

members-(162) Afghanistan, Albania,

Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina,

Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh,

Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, British

Caribbean Territories, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia,

Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China,

Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech

Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El

Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Gabon, The Gambia,

Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti,

Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland,

Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait,

Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar,

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives,

Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico,

Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands,

Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, NZ, Nicaragua, Niger,

Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea,

Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda,

Saint Lucia, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra

Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa (suspended),

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria,

Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda,

Ukraine, UAE, UK, US, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen,

Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

World Tourism Organization (WTO)

established-2 January 1975

aim-promote tourism as a means of contributing to economic

development, international understanding, and peace

members-(110) Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Austria, Bangladesh,

Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina, Burundi, Cambodia,

Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba,

Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland,

France, Gabon, The Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guinea,

Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy,

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon,

Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,

Mauritania,

Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands,

Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,

Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San

Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia,

Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey,

Uganda, UAE, US, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia,

Zimbabwe

associate members-(4) Aruba, Macau, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico

observer-(1) Holy See

Zangger Committee (ZC)

established-early 1970s

aim-to establish guidelines for the export control provisions of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

members-(28) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic,

Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan,

Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia,

Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, US

***

Appendix D: Weights and Measures Mathmatical Notation Mathmatical Power Name 10^18 or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 one quintillion 10^15 or 1,000,000,000,000,000 one quadrillion 10^12 or 1,000,000,000,000 one trillion 10^9 or 1,000,000,000 one billion 10^6 or 1,000,000 one million 10^3 or 1,000 one thousand 10^2 or 100 one hundred 10^1 or 10 ten 10^0 or 1 one 10-^1 or 0.1 one tenth 10-^2 or 0.01 one hundredth 10-^3 or 0.001 one thousandth 10-^6 or 0.000 001 one millionth 10-^9 or 0.000 000 001 one billionth 10-^12 or0.000 000 000 001 one trillionth 10-^15 or 0.000 000 000 000 001 one quadrillionth 10-^18 or 0.000 000 000 000 000 00 one quintillionth

Metric Interrelationships

Conversions from a multiple or submultiple to the basic units of meters, liters, or grams can be done using the table. For example, to convert from kilometers to meters, multiply by 1,000 (9.26 kilometers equals 9,260 meters) or to convert from meters to kilometers, multiply by 0.001 (9,260 meters equals 9.26 kilometers).

Prefix Symbol Length, weight, or capacity Area Volume exa E 0^18 10^36 10^54 peta P 10^15 10^30 10^45 tera T 10^12 10^24 10^36 giga G 10^9 10^18 10^27 mega M 10^6 10^12 10^18 hectokilo hk 10^5 10^10 10^15 myria ma 10^4 10^8 10^12 kilo k 10^3 10^6 10^9 hecto h 10^2 10^4 10^6 basic unit - 1 meter 1 meter^2 1 meter^3 1 gram, 1 liter deci d 10-^1 10-^2 10-^3 centi c 10-^2 10-^4 10-^6 milli m 10-^3 10-^6 10-^9 decimilli dm 10-^4 10-^8 10-^12 centimilli cm 10-^5 10-^10 10^15 micro u 10-^6 10-^12 10-^18 nano n 10-^9 10-^18 10-^27 pico p 10-^12 10-^24 10-^36 femto f 10-^15 10-^30 10-^45 atto a 10-^18 10-^36 10-^54

Equivalents Units Metric Equivalent US Equivalent acre 0.404 685 64 hectares 43,560 feet^2 acre 4,046,856 4 meters^2 4,840 yards^ 2 acre 0.004 046 856 4 kilometers^2 0.001 562 miles^2,statute are 100 meters^2 119.599 yards^2 barrel (petroleum, US) 158.987 29 liters 42 gallons (proof spirits, US) 151.416 47 liters 40 gallons (beer, US) 117.347 77 liters 31 gallons bushel 35.239 07 liters 4 pecks cable 219.456 meters 120 fathoms chain (surveyor's) 20.116 8 meters 66 feet cord (wood) 3.624 556 meters^3 128 feet^3 cup 0.236 588 2 liters 8 ounces, liquid (US) degrees, celsius water boils at 100 degrees C, freezes at 0 degrees C) multiply by 1.8 and add 32 to obtain degrees F degrees, fahrenheit subtract 32 and divide by 1.8 to obtain degrees C (water boils at 212 degrees F, freezes at 32 degrees F) dram, avdp. 1.771 845 2 grams 0.0625 5 ounces, avdp dram, troy 3.887 934 6 grams 0.125 ounces, troy dram, liquid (US) 3.696 69 milliliters 0.125 ounces, liquid fathom 1.828 8 meters 6 feet foot 30.48 centimeters 12 inches foot 0.304 8 meters 0.333 333 3 yards foot 0.000 304 8 kilometers 0.000 189 39 miles, statute foot^2 929.030 4 centimeters^2 144 inches^2 foot 2 0.092 903 04 meters^2 0.111 111 1 yards^2 foot^3 28.316 846 592 liters 7.480 519 gallons foot^3 0.028 316 847 meters^3 1,728 inches^3 furlong 201.168 meters 220 yards gallon, liquid (US) 3.785 411 784 liters 4 quarts, liquid gill (US) 118.294 118 milliliters 4 ounces, liquid grain 64.798 91 milligrams 0.002 285 71 ounces, advp. gram 1,000 milligrams 0.035 273 96 ounces, advp. hand (height of horse) 10.16 centimeters 4 inches hectare 10,000 meters^2 2.471 053 8 acres hundredweight, long 50.802 345 kilograms 112 pounds, avdp hundredweight, short 45.359 237 kilograms 100 pounds, avdp inch 2.54 centimeters 0.083 333 33 feet inch^2 6.451 6 centimeters^2 0.006 944 44 feet^2 inch^3 16.387 064 centimeters^3 0.000 578 7 feet^3 inch^3 16.387 064 milliliters 0.029 761 6 pints, dry inch^3 16.387 064 milliliters 0.034 632 0 pints, liquid kilogram 0.001 tons, metric 2.204 623 pounds, avdp kilometer 1,000 meters 0.621 371 19 miles, statute kilometer^2 100 hectares 247.105 38 acres kilometer^2 1,000,000 meters^2 0.386 102 16 miles^2,statute knot (1 nautical mi/hr) 1.852 kilometers/hour 1.151 statute miles/hour league, nautical 5.559 552 kilometers 3 miles, nautical league, statute 4.828.032 kilometers 3 miles, statute link (surveyor's) 20.116 8 centimeters 7.92 inches liter 0.001 meters^3 61.023 74 inches^3 liter 0.1 dekaliter 0.908 083 quarts, dry liter 1,000 milliliters 1.056 688 quarts, liquid meter 100 centimeters 1.093 613 yards meter^2 10,000 centimeters^2 1.195 990 yards^2 meter^3 1,000 liters 1.307 951 yards^3 micron 0.000 001 meter 0.000 039 4 inches mil 0.025 4 millimeters 0.001 inch mile, nautical 1.852 kilometers 1.150 779 4 miles, statute mile^2, nautical 3.429 904 kilometers^2 1.325 miles^2, statute mile, statute 1.609 344 kilometers 5,280 feet or 8 furlongs mile^2 statute 258.998 811 hectares 640 acres or 1 section mile^2, statute 2.589 988 11 kilometers^2 0.755 miles2, nautical minim (US) 0.061 611 52 milliliters 0.002 083 33 ounces, liquid ounce,avoirdupois 28.349 523 125 grams 437.5 grains ounce, liquid (US) 29.573 53 milliliters 0.062 5 pints, liquid ounce, troy 31.103 476 8 grams 480 grains pace 76.2 centimeters 30 inches peck 8.809 767 5 liters 8 quarts, dry pennyweight 1.555 173 84 grams 24 grains pint, dry (US) 0.550 610 47 liters 0.5 quarts, dry pint, liquid (US) 0.473 176 473 liters 0.5 quarts, liquid point (typographical) 0.351 459 8 millimeters 0.013 837 inches pound, avdp 453.592 37 grams 16 ounces, avdp pound, troy 373.241 721 6 grams 12 ounces, troy quart, dry (US) 1.101 221 liters 2 pints, dry quart, liquid (US) 0.946 352 946 liters 2 pints, liquid quintal 100 kilograms 220.462 26 pounds, avdp. rod 5.029 2 meters 5.5 yards scruple 1.295 978 2 grams 20 grains section (US) 2.589 988 1 kilometers^2 1 mile^2, statute or 640 acres span 22.86 centimeters 9 inches stere 1 meter^3 1.307 95 yards^3 tablespoon 14.786 76 milliliters 3 teaspoons teaspoon 4.928 922 milliliters 0.333 333 tablespoons ton, long or deadweight 1,016.046 909 kilograms 2,240 pounds, avdp. ton, metric 1,000 kilograms 2,204.623 pounds, avdp. ton, metric 1,000 kilograms 32,150.75 ounces, troy ton, register 2.831 684 7 meters^3 100 feet^3 ton, short 907.184 74 kilograms 2,000 pounds, avdp. township (US) 93.239 572 kilometers^2 36 miles^2, statute yard 0.914 4 meters 3 feet yard^2 0.836 127 36 meters^2 9 feet^2 yard^3 0.764 554 86 meters^3 27 feet^3 yard^3 764.554 857 984 liters 201.974 gallons

***

Appendix E Cross-Reference List of Geographic Names This list indicates where various names including all United States Foreign Service Posts, alternate names, former names, and political or geographical portions of larger entities can be found in The World Fact-book. Spellings are not necessarily those approved by the United States Board on Geographic Names (BGN). Alternate names are included in parentheses; additional information is included in brackets.

Name Entry in The World Factbook

A

Abidjan [US Embassy]

Cote d'Ivoire

Abu Dhabi [US Embassy]

United Arab Emirates

Abuja [US Embassy Branch Office]

Nigeria

Acapulco [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Accra [US Embassy]

Ghana

Adamstown

Pitcairn Islands

Adana [US Consulate]

Turkey

Addis Ababa [US Embassy]

Ethiopia

Adelaide [US Consular Agency]

Australia

Adelie Land (Terre Adelie) [claimed by France]

Antarctica

Aden

Yemen

Aden, Gulf of

Indian Ocean

Admiralty Islands

Papua New Guinea

Adriatic Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Aegean Islands

Greece

Aegean Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Afars and Issas, French Territory of the (F.T.A.I.)

Djibouti

Agalega Islands

Mauritius

Agana

Guam

Aland Islands

Finland

Alaska

United States

Alaska, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Aldabra Islands

Seychelles

Alderney

Guernsey

Aleutian Islands

United States

Alexander Island

Antarctica

Alexandria [US Consulate General]

Egypt

Algiers [US Embassy]

Algeria

Alhucemas, Penon de

Spain

Alma-Ata (Almaty)

Kazakhstan

Almaty (Alma-Ata) [US Embassy]

Kazakhstan

Alofi

Niue

Alphonse Island

Seychelles

Amami Strait

Pacific Ocean

Amindivi Islands

India

Amirante Isles

Seychelles

Amman [US Embassy]

Jordan

Amsterdam [US Consulate General]

Netherlands

Amsterdam Island (Ile Amsterdam)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Amundsen Sea

Pacific Ocean

Amur

China; Russia

Andaman Islands

India

Andaman Sea

Indian Ocean

Andorra la Vella

Andorra

Anegada Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Anglo-Egyptian Sudan

Sudan

Anjouan

Comoros

Ankara [US Embassy]

Turkey

Annobon

Equatorial Guinea

Antananarivo [US Embassy]

Madagascar

Antipodes Islands

New Zealand

Antwerp [US Consulate General]

Belgium

Aozou Strip [claimed by Libya]

Chad

Apia [US Embassy]

Western Samoa

Aqaba, Gulf of

Indian Ocean

Arabian Sea

Indian Ocean

Arafura Sea

Pacific Ocean

Argun

China; Russia

Ascension Island

Saint Helena

Ashgabat (Ashkhabad)

Turkmenistan

Ashkhabad [US Embassy]

Turkmenistan

Asmara [US Embassy]

Eritrea

Asmera (see Asmara)

Eritrea

Assumption Island

Seychelles

Asuncion [US Embassy]

Paraguay

Asuncion Island

Northern Mariana Islands

Atacama

Chile

Athens [US Embassy]

Greece

Attu

United States

Auckland [US Consulate General]

New Zealand

Auckland Islands

New Zealand

Australes Iles (Iles Tubuai)

French Polynesia

Avarua

Cook Islands

Axel Heiberg Island

Canada

Azores

Portugal

Azov, Sea of

Atlantic Ocean

B

Bab el Mandeb

Indian Ocean

Babuyan Channel

Pacific Ocean

Babuyan Islands

Philippines

Baffin Bay

Arctic Ocean

Baffin Island

Canada

Baghdad

[US Embassy temporarily suspended; US Interests Section located in

Poland's embassy in Baghdad]

Iraq

Baku [US Embassy]

Azerbaijan

Baky (Baku)

Azerbaijan

Balabac Strait

Pacific Ocean

Balearic Islands

Spain

Balearic Sea (Iberian Sea)

Atlantic Ocean

Bali [US Consular Agency]

Indonesia

Bali Sea

Indian Ocean

Balintang Channel

Pacific Ocean

Balintang Islands

Philippines

Balleny Islands

Antarctica

Balochistan

Pakistan

Baltic Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Bamako [US Embassy]

Mali

Banaba (Ocean Island)

Kiribati

Bandar Seri Begawan [US Embassy]

Brunei

Banda Sea

Pacific Ocean

Bangkok [US Embassy]

Thailand

Bangui [US Embassy]

Central African Republic

Banjul [US Embassy]

Gambia, The

Banks Island

Canada

Banks Islands (Iles Banks)

Vanuatu

Barcelona [US Consulate General]

Spain

Barents Sea

Arctic Ocean

Barranquilla [US Consulate]

Colombia

Bashi Channel

Pacific Ocean

Basilan Strait

Pacific Ocean

Bass Strait

Indian Ocean

Basse-Terre

Gaudeloupe

Basseterre

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Batan Islands

Philippines

Basutoland

Lesotho

Bavaria (Bayern)

Germany

Beagle Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Bear Island (Bjornoya)

Svalbard

Beaufort Sea

Arctic Ocean

Bechuanaland

Botswana

Beijing [US Embassy]

China

Beirut [US Embassy]

Lebanon

Belau

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the

Belem [US Consular Agency]

Brazil

Belep Islands (Iles Belep)

New Caledonia

Belfast [US Consulate General]

United Kingdom

Belgian Congo

Zaire

Belgrade [US Embassy; US does not maintain full diplomatic relations with

Serbia and Montenegro]

Serbia and Montenegro

Belize City [US Embassy]

Belize

Belle Isle, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Bellingshausen Sea

Pacific Ocean

Belmopan

Belize

Belorussia

Belarus

Bengal, Bay of

Indian Ocean

Bering Sea

Pacific Ocean

Bering Strait

Pacific Ocean

Berkner Island

Antarctica

Berlin [US Branch Office]

Germany

Berlin, East

Germany

Berlin, West

Germany

Bern [US Embassy]

Switzerland

Bessarabia

Romania; Moldova

Bijagos, Arquipelago dos

Guinea-Bissau

Bikini Atoll

Marshall Islands

Bilbao [US Consulate]

Spain

Bioko

Equatorial Guinea

Biscay, Bay of

Atlantic Ocean

Bishkek [Interim Chancery]

Kyrgyzstan

Bishop Rock

United Kingdom

Bismarck Archipelago

Papua New Guinea

Bismarck Sea

Pacific Ocean

Bissau [US Embassy]

Guinea-Bissau

Bjornoya (Bear Island)

Svalbard

Black Rock

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Black Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Bloemfontein

South Africa

Boa Vista

Cape Verde

Bogota [US Embassy]

Colombia

Bombay [US Consulate General]

India

Bonaire

Netherlands Antilles

Bonifacio, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Bonin Islands

Japan

Bonn [US Embassy]

Germany

Bophuthatswana

South Africa

Bora-Bora

French Polynesia

Bordeaux [US Consulate General]

France

Borneo

Brunei; Indonesia; Malaysia

Bornholm

Denmark

Bosporus

Atlantic Ocean

Bothnia, Gulf of

Atlantic Ocean

Bougainville Island

Papua New Guinea

Bougainville Strait

Pacific Ocean

Bounty Islands

New Zealand

Brasilia [US Embassy]

Brazil

Bratislava [US Embassy]

Slovakia

Brazzaville [US Embassy]

Congo

Bridgetown [US Embassy]

Barbados

Brisbane [US Consulate]

Australia

British East Africa

Kenya

British Guiana

Guyana

British Honduras

Belize

British Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

British Somaliland

Somalia

Brussels [US Embassy, US Mission to European Communities,

US Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USNATO)]

Belgium

Bucharest [US Embassy]

Romania

Budapest [US Embassy]

Hungary

Buenos Aires [US Embassy]

Argentina

Bujumbura [US Embassy]

Burundi

Burnt Pine

Norfolk Island

Byelorussia

Belarus

C

Cabinda

Angola

Cabot Strait

Atlantic Ocean

Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands

Cairo [US Embassy]

Egypt

Calcutta [US Consulate General]

India

Calgary [US Consulate General]

Canada

California, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Campbell Island

New Zealand

Canal Zone

Panama

Canary Islands

Spain

Canberra [US Embassy]

Australia

Cancun [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Canton (Guangzhou)

China

Canton Island

Kiribati

Cape Town [US Consulate General]

South Africa

Caracas [US Embassy]

Venezuela

Cargados Carajos Shoals

Mauritius

Caroline Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of; Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the

Caribbean Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Carpentaria, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Casablanca [US Consulate General]

Morocco

Castries

Saint Lucia

Cato Island

Australia

Cayenne

French Guiana

Cebu [US Consulate General]

Philippines

Celebes

Indonesia

Celebes Sea

Pacific Ocean

Celtic Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Central African Empire

Central African Republic

Ceuta

Spain

Ceylon

Sri Lanka

Chafarinas, Islas

Spain

Chagos Archipelago (Oil Islands)

British Indian Ocean Territory

Channel Islands

Guernsey; Jersey

Charlotte Amalie

Virgin Islands

Chatham Islands

New Zealand

Cheju-do

Korea, South

Cheju Strait

Pacific Ocean

Chengdu [US Consulate General]

China

Chesterfield Islands (Iles Chesterfield)

New Caledonia

Chiang Mai [US Consulate General]

Thailand

Chihli, Gulf of (Bo Hai)

Pacific Ocean

China, People's Republic of

China

China, Republic of

Taiwan

Chisinau [US Embassy]

Moldova

Choiseul

Solomon Islands

Christchurch [US Consular Agency]

New Zealand

Christmas Island [Indian Ocean]

Australia

Christmas Island [Pacific Ocean] (Kiritimati)

Kiribati

Chukchi Sea

Arctic Ocean

Ciskei

South Africa

Ciudad Juarez [US Consulate General]

Mexico

Cochabamba [US Consular Agency]

Bolivia

Coco, Isla del

Costa Rica

Cocos Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Colombo [US Embassy]

Sri Lanka

Colon [US Consular Agency]

Panama

Colon, Archipielago de (Galapagos Islands)

Ecuador

Commander Islands (Komandorskiye Ostrova)

Russia

Conakry [US Embassy]

Guinea

Congo (Brazzaville)

Congo

Congo (Kinshasa)

Zaire

Congo (Leopoldville)

Zaire

Con Son Islands

Vietnam

Cook Strait

Pacific Ocean

Copenhagen [US Embassy]

Denmark

Coral Sea

Pacific Ocean

Corn Islands (Islas del Maiz)

Nicaragua

Corsica

France

Cosmoledo Group

Seychelles

Cotonou [US Embassy]

Benin

Crete

Greece

Crooked Island Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Crozet Islands (Iles Crozet)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Curacao [US Consulate General]

Netherlands Antilles

Cusco [US Consular Agency]

Peru

Czechoslovakia

Czech Republic; Slovakia

D

Dahomey

Benin

Daito Islands

Japan

Dakar [US Embassy]

Senegal

Daman (Damao)

India

Damascus [US Embassy]

Syria

Danger Atoll

Cook Islands

Danish Straits

Atlantic Ocean

Danzig (Gdansk)

Poland

Dao Bach Long Vi

Vietnam

Dardanelles

Atlantic Ocean

Dar es Salaam [US Embassy]

Tanzania

Davis Strait

Atlantic Ocean

Deception Island

Antarctica

Denmark Strait

Atlantic Ocean

D'Entrecasteaux Islands

Papua New Guinea

Devon Island

Canada

Dhahran [US Consulate General]

Saudi Arabia

Dhaka [US Embassy]

Bangladesh

Diego Garcia

British Indian Ocean Territory

Diego Ramirez

Chile

Diomede Islands

Russia [Big Diomede]; United States [Little Diomede]

Diu

India

Djibouti [US Embassy]

Djibouti

Dodecanese

Greece

Dodoma

Tanzania

Doha [US Embassy]

Qatar

Douala [US Consulate]

Cameroon

Douglas

Man, Isle of

Dover, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Drake Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Dubai (Dubayy) [US Consulate General]

United Arab Emirates

Dublin [US Embassy]

Ireland

Durango [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Durban [US Consulate General]

South Africa

Dushanbe [Interim Chancery]

Tajikistan

Dusseldorf [US Consulate General]

Germany

Dutch East Indies

Indonesia

Dutch Guiana

Suriname

E

East China Sea

Pacific Ocean

Easter Island (Isla de Pascua)

Chile

Eastern Channel (East Korea Strait or Tsushima Strait)

Pacific Ocean

East Germany (German Democratic Republic)

Germany

East Korea Strait (Eastern Channel or Tsushima Strait)

Pacific Ocean

East Pakistan

Bangladesh

East Siberian Sea

Arctic Ocean

East Timor (Portuguese Timor)

Indonesia

Edinburgh [US Consulate General]

United Kingdom

Elba

Italy

Ellef Ringnes Island

Canada

Ellesmere Island

Canada

Ellice Islands

Tuvalu

Elobey, Islas de

Equatorial Guinea

Enderbury Island

Kiribati

Enewetak Atoll (Eniwetok Atoll)

Marshall Islands

England

United Kingdom

English Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Eniwetok Atoll

Marshall Islands

Epirus, Northern

Albania; Greece

Essequibo [claimed by Venezuela]

Guyana

Etorofu

Russia [de facto]

F

Farquhar Group

Seychelles

Fernando de Noronha

Brazil

Fernando Po (Bioko)

Equatorial Guinea

Finland, Gulf of

Atlantic Ocean

Florence [US Consulate General]

Italy

Florida, Straits of

Atlantic Ocean

Formosa

Taiwan

Formosa Strait (Taiwan Strait)

Pacific Ocean

Fort-de-France [US Consulate General]

Martinique

Frankfurt am Main [US Consulate General]

Germany

Franz Josef Land

Russia

Freetown [US Embassy]

Sierra Leone

French Cameroon

Cameroon

French Indochina

Cambodia; Laos; Vietnam

French Guinea

Guinea

French Sudan

Mali

French Territory of the Afars and Issas (F.T.A.I.)

Djibouti

French Togo

Togo

Friendly Islands

Tonga

Frunze (Bishkek)

Kyrgyzstan

Fukuoka [US Consulate]

Japan

Funafuti

Tuvalu

Funchal [US Consular Agency]

Portugal

Fundy, Bay of

Atlantic Ocean

Futuna Islands (Hoorn Islands)

Wallis and Futuna

G

Gaborone [US Embassy]

Botswana

Galapagos Islands (Archipielago de Colon)

Ecuador

Galleons Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Gambier Islands (Iles Gambier)

French Polynesia

Gaspar Strait

Indian Ocean

Geneva [Branch Office of the US Embassy, US Mission to European Office of the

UN and Other International Organizations]

Switzerland

Genoa [US Consulate General]

Italy

George Town [US Consular Agency]

Cayman Islands

Georgetown [US Embassy]

Guyana

German Democratic Republic (East Germany)

Germany

German Federal Republic of (West Germany)

Germany

Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Gibraltar, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Gilbert Islands

Kiribati

Goa

India

Gold Coast

Ghana

Golan Heights

Syria

Good Hope, Cape of

South Africa

Goteborg

Sweden

Gotland

Sweden

Gough Island

Saint Helena

Grand Banks

Atlantic Ocean

Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands

Grand Turk [US Consular Agency]

Turks and Caicos Islands

Great Australian Bight

Indian Ocean

Great Belt (Store Baelt)

Atlantic Ocean

Great Britain

United Kingdom

Great Channel

Indian Ocean

Greater Sunda Islands

Brunei; Indonesia; Malaysia

Green Islands

Papua New Guinea

Greenland Sea

Arctic Ocean

Grenadines, Northern

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Grenadines, Southern

Grenada

Guadalajara [US Consulate General]

Mexico

Guadalcanal

Solomon Islands

Guadalupe, Isla de

Mexico

Guangzhou [US Consulate General]

China

Guantanamo [US Naval Base]

Cuba

Guatemala [US Embassy]

Guatemala

Gubal, Strait of

Indian Ocean

Guinea, Gulf of

Atlantic Ocean

Guayaquil [US Consulate General]

Ecuador

H

Ha'apai Group

Tonga

Habomai Islands

Russia [de facto]

Hague, The [US Embassy]

Netherlands

Haifa [US Consular Agency]

Israel

Hainan Dao

China

Halifax [US Consulate General]

Canada

Halmahera

Indonesia

Hamburg [US Consulate General]

Germany

Hamilton [US Consulate General]

Bermuda

Hanoi

Vietnam

Harare [US Embassy]

Zimbabwe

Hatay

Turkey

Havana [US post not maintained, representation by US Interests Section (USINT)

of the Swiss Embassy]

Cuba

Hawaii

United States

Heard Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Helsinki [US Embassy]

Finland

Hermosillo [US Consulate]

Mexico

Hispaniola

Dominican Republic; Haiti

Hokkaido

Japan

Hong Kong [US Consulate General]

Hong Kong

Honiara [US Consulate]

Solomon Islands

Honshu

Japan

Hormuz, Strait of

Indian Ocean

Horn, Cape (Cabo de Hornos)

Chile

Horne, Iles de

Wallis and Futuna

Horn of Africa

Ethiopia; Somalia

Hudson Bay

Arctic Ocean

Hudson Strait

Arctic Ocean

I

Inaccessible Island

Saint Helena

Indochina

Cambodia; Laos; Vietnam

Inner Mongolia (Nei Mongol)

China

Ionian Islands

Greece

Ionian Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Irian Jaya

Indonesia

Irish Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Islamabad [US Embassy]

Pakistan

Islas Malvinas

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Istanbul [US Consulate General]

Turkey

Italian Somaliland

Somalia

Ivory Coast

Cote d'Ivoire

Iwo Jima

Japan

Izmir [US Consulate General]

Turkey

J

Jakarta [US Embassy]

Indonesia

Jamestown

Saint Helena

Japan, Sea of

Pacific Ocean

Java

Indonesia

Java Sea

Indian Ocean

Jeddah [US Consulate General]

Saudi Arabia

Jerusalem [US Consulate General]

Israel; West Bank

Johannesburg [US Consulate General]

South Africa

Juan de Fuca, Strait of

Pacific Ocean

Juan Fernandez, Isla de

Chile

Juventud, Isla de la (Isle of Youth)

Cuba

K

Kabul [US Embassy now closed]

Afghanistan

Kaduna [US Consulate General]

Nigeria

Kalimantan

Indonesia

Kamchatka Peninsula (Poluostrov Kamchatka)

Russia

Kampala [US Embassy]

Uganda

Kampuchea

Cambodia

Karachi [US Consulate General]

Pakistan

Kara Sea

Arctic Ocean

Karimata Strait

Indian Ocean

Kathmandu [US Embassy]

Nepal

Kattegat

Atlantic Ocean

Kauai Channel

Pacific Ocean

Keeling Islands

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Kerguelen, Iles

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Kermadec Islands

New Zealand

Khabarovsk

Russia

Khartoum [US Embassy]

Sudan

Khmer Republic

Cambodia

Khuriya Muriya Islands (Kuria Muria Islands)

Oman

Khyber Pass

Pakistan

Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee Kanal)

Atlantic Ocean

Kiev [US Embassy]

Ukraine

Kigali [US Embassy]

Rwanda

Kingston [US Embassy]

Jamaica

Kingston

Norfolk Island

Kingston

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Kinshasa [US Embassy]

Zaire

Kirghiziya

Kyrgyzstan

Kiritimati (Christmas Island)

Kiribati

Kishinev (Chisinau)

Moldova

Kithira Strait

Atlantic Ocean

Kodiak Island

United States

Kola Peninsula (Kol'skiy Poluostrov)

Russia

Kolonia [US Embassy]

Micronesia, Federated States of

Korea Bay

Pacific Ocean

Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Korea, North

Korea, Republic of

Korea, South

Korea Strait

Pacific Ocean

Koror [US Liaison Office]

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of

Kosovo

Serbia and Montenegro

Kowloon

Hong Kong

Krakow [US Consulate General]

Poland

Kuala Lumpur [US Embassy]

Malaysia

Kunashiri (Kunashir)

Russia [de facto]

Kuril Islands

Russia [de facto]

Kuwait [US Embassy]

Kuwait

Kwajalein Atoll

Marshall Islands

Kyushu

Japan

Kyyiv (Kiev)

Ukraine

L

Labrador

Canada

Laccadive Islands

India

Laccadive Sea

Indian Ocean

La Coruna [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Lagos [US Embassy]

Nigeria

Lahore [US Consulate General]

Pakistan

Lakshadweep

India

La Paz [US Embassy]

Bolivia

La Perouse Strait

Pacific Ocean

Laptev Sea

Arctic Ocean

Las Palmas [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Lau Group

Fiji

Leipzig [US Consulate General]

Germany

Leningrad (see Saint Petersburg)

Russia

Lesser Sunda Islands

Indonesia

Leyte

Philippines

Liancourt Rocks [claimed by Japan]

Korea, South

Libreville [US Embassy]

Gabon

Ligurian Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Lilongwe [US Embassy]

Malawi

Lima [US Embassy]

Peru

Lincoln Sea

Arctic Ocean

Line Islands

Kiribati; Palmyra Atoll

Lisbon [US Embassy]

Portugal

Ljubljana [US Embassy]

Slovenia

Lobamba

Swaziland

Lombok Strait

Indian Ocean

Lome [US Embassy]

Togo

London [US Embassy]

United Kingdom

Longyearbyen

Svalbard

Lord Howe Island

Australia

Louisiade Archipelago

Papua New Guinea

Loyalty Islands (Iles Loyaute)

New Caledonia

Luanda [US Liaison Office]

Angola

Lubumbashi [US Consulate General closed since October 1991]

Zaire

Lusaka [US Embassy]

Zambia

Luxembourg [US Embassy]

Luxembourg

Luzon

Philippines

Luzon Strait

Pacific Ocean

Lyon [US Consulate General]

France

M

Macao

Macau

Macedonia

Bulgaria

Macquarie Island

Australia

Madeira Islands

Portugal

Madras [US Consulate General]

India

Madrid [US Embassy]

Spain

Magellan, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Maghreb

Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia

Mahe Island

Seychelles

Maiz, Islas del (Corn Islands)

Nicaragua

Majorca (Mallorca)

Spain

Majuro [US Embassy]

Marshall Islands

Makassar Strait

Pacific Ocean

Malabo [US Embassy]

Equatorial Guinea

Malacca, Strait of

Indian Ocean

Malaga [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Malagasy Republic

Madagascar

Male [US post not maintained, representation from Colombo, Sri Lanka]

Maldives

Mallorca (Majorca)

Spain

Malpelo, Isla de

Colombia

Malta Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Malvinas, Islas

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Mamoutzou

Mayotte

Managua [US Embassy]

Nicaragua

Manama [US Embassy]

Bahrain

Manaus [US Consular Agency]

Brazil

Manchukuo

China

Manchuria

China

Manila [US Embassy]

Philippines

Manipa Strait

Pacific Ocean

Mannar, Gulf of

Indian Ocean

Manua Islands

American Samoa

Maputo [US Embassy]

Mozambique

Maracaibo [US Consulate]

Venezuela

Marcus Island (Minami-tori-shima)

Japan

Mariana Islands

Guam; Northern Mariana Islands

Marion Island

South Africa

Marmara, Sea of

Atlantic Ocean

Marquesas Islands (Iles Marquises)

French Polynesia

Marseille [US Consulate General]

France

Martin Vaz, Ilhas

Brazil

Mas a Tierra (Robinson Crusoe Island)

Chile

Mascarene Islands

Mauritius; Reunion

Maseru [US Embassy]

Lesotho

Matamoros [US Consulate]

Mexico

Mata Utu

Wallis and Futuna

Mazatlan [US Consulate]

Mexico

Mbabane [US Embassy]

Swaziland

McDonald Islands

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Medan [US Consulate]

Indonesia

Mediterranean Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Melbourne [US Consulate General]

Australia

Melilla

Spain

Mensk (Minsk)

Belarus

Merida [US Consulate]

Mexico

Messina, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Mexico [US Embassy]

Mexico

Mexico, Gulf of

Atlantic Ocean

Milan [US Consulate General]

Italy

Minami-tori-shima

Japan

Mindanao

Philippines

Mindoro Strait

Pacific Ocean

Minicoy Island

India

Minsk [US Embassy]

Belarus

Mogadishu [US Liaison Office]

Somalia

Moldovia

Moldova

Mombasa [US Consulate]

Kenya

Monaco

Monaco

Mona Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Monrovia [US Embassy]

Liberia

Montego Bay [US Consular Agency]

Jamaica

Montenegro

Serbia and Montenegro

Monterrey [US Consulate General]

Mexico

Montevideo [US Embassy]

Uruguay

Montreal

[US Consulate General,

US Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)]

Canada

Moravian Gate

Czech Republic

Moroni [US Embassy]

Comoros

Mortlock Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Moscow [US Embassy]

Russia

Mozambique Channel

Indian Ocean

Mulege [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Munich [US Consulate General]

Germany

Musandam Peninsula

Oman; United Arab Emirates

Muscat [US Embassy]

Oman

Muscat and Oman

Oman

Myanma, Myanmar

Burma

N

Naha [US Consulate General]

Japan

Nairobi [US Embassy]

Kenya

Nampo-shoto

Japan

Naples [US Consulate General]

Italy

Nassau [US Embassy]

Bahamas, The

Natuna Besar Islands

Indonesia

N'Djamena [US Embassy]

Chad

Netherlands East Indies

Indonesia

Netherlands Guiana

Suriname

Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

New Delhi [US Embassy]

India

Newfoundland

Canada

New Guinea

Indonesia; Papua New Guinea

New Hebrides

Vanuatu

New Siberian Islands

Russia

New Territories

Hong Kong

New York, New York [US Mission to the United Nations (USUN)]

United States

Niamey [US Embassy]

Niger

Nice [US Consular Agency]

France

Nicobar Islands

India

Nicosia [US Embassy]

Cyprus

Nightingale Island

Saint Helena

North Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

North Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Northeast Providence Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Northern Epirus

Albania; Greece

Northern Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Northern Ireland

United Kingdom

Northern Rhodesia

Zambia

North Island

New Zealand

North Korea

Korea, North

North Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

North Sea

Atlantic Ocean

North Vietnam

Vietnam

Northwest Passages

Arctic Ocean

North Yemen (Yemen Arab Republic)

Yemen

Norwegian Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Nouakchott [US Embassy]

Mauritania

Noumea

New Caledonia

Nuku' alofa

Tonga

Novaya Zemlya

Russia

Nuevo Laredo [US Consulate]

Mexico

Nuuk (Godthab)

Greenland

Nyasaland

Malawi

O

Oahu

United States

Oaxaca [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Ocean Island (Banaba)

Kiribati

Ocean Island (Kure Island)

United States

Ogaden

Ethiopia; Somalia

Oil Islands (Chagos Archipelago)

British Indian Ocean Territory

Okhotsk, Sea of

Pacific Ocean

Okinawa

Japan

Oman, Gulf of

Indian Ocean

Ombai Strait

Pacific Ocean

Oporto [US Consulate]

Portugal

Oran [US Consulate]

Algeria

Oranjestad

Aruba

Oresund (The Sound)

Atlantic Ocean

Orkney Islands

United Kingdom

Osaka-Kobe [US Consulate General]

Japan

Oslo [US Embassy]

Norway

Otranto, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Ottawa [US Embassy]

Canada

Ouagadougou [US Embassy]

Burkina

Outer Mongolia

Mongolia

P

Pagan

Northern Mariana Islands

Pago Pago

American Samoa

Palau

Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the

Palawan

Philippines

Palermo [US Consulate General]

Italy

Palk Strait

Indian Ocean

Palma de Mallorca [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Pamirs

China; Tajikistan

Panama [US Embassy]

Panama

Panama Canal

Panama

Panama, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Papeete

French Polynesia

Paramaribo [US Embassy]

Suriname

Parece Vela

Japan

Paris

[US Embassy, US Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and

Development (OECD), US Observer Mission at the UN Educational, Scientific,

and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)]

France

Pascua, Isla de (Easter Island)

Chile

Passion, Ile de la

Clipperton Island

Pashtunistan

Afghanistan; Pakistan

Peking (Beijing)

China

Pemba Island

Tanzania

Pentland Firth

Atlantic Ocean

Perim

Yemen

Perouse Strait, La

Pacific Ocean

Persian Gulf

Indian Ocean

Perth [US Consulate General]

Australia

Pescadores

Taiwan

Peshawar [US Consulate]

Pakistan

Peter I Island

Antarctica

Philip Island

Norfolk Island

Philippine Sea

Pacific Ocean

Phnom Penh [US Embassy]

Cambodia

Phoenix Islands

Kiribati

Pines, Isle of (Isla de la Juventud)

Cuba

Piura [US Consular Agency]

Peru

Pleasant Island

Nauru

Plymouth

Montserrat

Ponape (Pohnpei)

Micronesia

Ponta Delgada [US Consulate]

Portugal

Port-au-Prince [US Embassy]

Haiti

Port Louis [US Embassy]

Mauritius

Port Moresby [US Embassy]

Papua New Guinea

Porto Alegre [US Consulate]

Brazil

Port-of-Spain [US Embassy]

Trinidad and Tobago

Porto-Novo

Benin

Port Said [US Consular Agency]

Egypt

Portuguese Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Portuguese Timor (East Timor)

Indonesia

Port-Vila

Vanuatu

Poznan [US Consulate General]

Poland

Prague [US Embassy]

Czech Republic

Praia [US Embassy]

Cape Verde

Pretoria [US Embassy]

South Africa

Pribilof Islands

United States

Prince Edward Island

Canada

Prince Edward Islands

South Africa

Prince Patrick Island

Canada

Principe

Sao Tome and Principe

Puerto Plata [US Consular Agency]

Dominican Republic

Puerto Vallarta [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Pusan [US Consulate]

Korea, South

P'yongyang

Korea, North

Q

Quebec [US Consulate General]

Canada

Queen Charlotte Islands

Canada

Queen Elizabeth Islands

Canada

Queen Maud Land [claimed by Norway]

Antarctica

Quito [US Embassy]

Ecuador

R

Rabat [US Embassy]

Morocco

Ralik Chain

Marshall Islands

Rangoon [US Embassy]

Burma

Ratak Chain

Marshall Islands

Recife [US Consulate]

Brazil

Redonda

Antigua and Barbuda

Red Sea

Indian Ocean

Revillagigedo Island

United States

Revillagigedo Islands

Mexico

Reykjavik [US Embassy]

Iceland

Rhodes

Greece

Rhodesia

Zimbabwe

Rhodesia, Northern

Zambia

Rhodesia, Southern

Zimbabwe

Riga [US Embassy]

Latvia

Rio de Janeiro [US Consulate General]

Brazil

Rio de Oro

Western Sahara

Rio Muni

Equatorial Guinea

Riyadh [US Embassy]

Saudi Arabia

Road Town

British Virgin Islands

Robinson Crusoe Island (Mas a Tierra)

Chile

Rocas, Atol das

Brazil

Rockall [disputed]

United Kingdom

Rodrigues

Mauritius

Rome

[US Embassy, US Mission to the UN Agencies for Food and Agriculture (FODAG)]

Italy

Roncador Cay

Colombia

Roosevelt Island

Antarctica

Roseau

Dominica

Ross Dependency [claimed by New Zealand]

Antarctica

Ross Island

Antarctica

Ross Sea

Antarctica

Rota

Northern Mariana Islands

Rotuma

Fiji

Ryukyu Islands

Japan

S

Saba

Netherlands Antilles

Sabah

Malaysia

Sable Island

Canada

Sahel

Burkina, Cape Verde, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger,

Senegal

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Vietnam

Saint Brandon

Mauritius

Saint Christopher and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint-Denis

Reunion

Saint George's [US Embassy]

Grenada

Saint George's Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Saint Heliar

Jersey

Saint John's [US Embassy]

Antigua and Barbuda

Saint Lawrence, Gulf of

Atlantic Ocean

Saint Lawrence Island

United States

Saint Lawrence Seaway

Atlantic Ocean

Saint Martin

Guadeloupe

Saint Martin (Sint Maarten)

Netherlands Antilles

Saint Paul Island

Canada

Saint Paul Island

United States

Saint Paul Island (Ile Saint-Paul)

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks (Penedos de Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo)

Brazil

Saint Peter Port

Guernsey

Saint Petersburg [US Consulate]

Russia

Saint-Pierre

Saint Pierre and Miguelon

Saint Vincent Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Saipan

Northern Mariana Islands

Sakhalin Island (Ostrov Sakhalin)

Russia

Sala y Gomez, Isla

Chile

Salisbury (Harare)

Zimbabwe

Salvador de Bahia [US Consular Agency]

Brazil

Salzburg [US Consulate General]

Austria

Sanaa [US Embassy]

Yemen

San Ambrosio

Chile

San Andres y Providencia, Archipielago

Colombia

San Bernardino Strait

Pacific Ocean

San Felix, Isla

Chile

San Jose [US Embassy]

Costa Rica

San Juan

Puerto Rico

San Luis Potosi [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

San Marino

San Marino

San Miguel Allende [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

San Salvador [US Embassy]

El Salvador

Santa Cruz [US Consular Agency]

Bolivia

Santa Cruz Islands

Solomon Islands

Santiago [US Embassy]

Chile

Santo Domingo [US Embassy]

Dominican Republic

Sao Luis [US Consular Agency]

Brazil

Sao Paulo [US Consulate General]

Brazil

Sao Pedro e Sao Paulo, Penedos de

Brazil

Sao Tome

Sao Tome and Principe

Sapporo [US Consulate General]

Japan

Sapudi Strait

Indian Ocean

Sarajevo

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarawak

Malaysia

Sardinia

Italy

Sargasso Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Sark

Guernsey

Scotia Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Scotland

United Kingdom

Scott Island

Antarctica

Senyavin Islands

Micronesia, Federated States of

Seoul [US Embassy]

Korea, South

Serbia

Serbia and Montenegro

Serrana Bank

Colombia

Serranilla Bank

Colombia

Settlement, The

Christmas Island

Severnaya Zemlya (Northland)

Russia

Seville [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Shag Island

Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Shag Rocks

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Shanghai [US Consulate General]

China

Shenyang [US Consulate General]

China

Shetland Islands

United Kingdom

Shikoku

Japan

Shikotan (Shikotan-to)

Japan

Siam

Thailand

Sibutu Passage

Pacific Ocean

Sicily

Italy

Sicily, Strait of

Atlantic Ocean

Sikkim

India

Sinai

Egypt

Singapore [US Embassy]

Singapore

Singapore Strait

Pacific Ocean

Sinkiang (Xinjiang)

China

Sint Eustatius

Netherlands Antilles

Sint Maarten (Saint Martin)

Netherlands Antilles

Skagerrak

Atlantic Ocean

Skopje

Macedonia

Society Islands (Iles de la Societe)

French Polynesia

Socotra

Yemen

Sofia [US Embassy]

Bulgaria

Solomon Islands, northern

Papua New Guinea

Solomon Islands, southern

Solomon Islands

Soloman Sea

Pacific Ocean

Songkhla [US Consulate]

Thailand

Sound, The (Oresund)

Atlantic Ocean

South Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

South China Sea

Pacific Ocean

Southern Grenadines

Grenada

Southern Rhodesia

Zimbabwe

South Georgia

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Island

New Zealand

South Korea

Korea, South

South Orkney Islands

Antarctica

South Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

South Sandwich Islands

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

South Shetland Islands

Antarctica

South Tyrol

Italy

South Vietnam

Vietnam

South-West Africa

Namibia

South Yemen (People's Democratic Republic of Yemen)

Yemen

Soviet Union

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,

Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Spanish Guinea

Equatorial Guinea

Spanish Sahara

Western Sahara

Spitsbergen

Svalbard

Stanley

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Stockholm [US Embassy]

Sweden

Strasbourg [US Consulate General]

France

Stuttgart [US Consulate General]

Germany

Suez, Gulf of

Indian Ocean

Sulu Archipelago

Philippines

Sulu Sea

Pacific Ocean

Sumatra

Indonesia

Sumba

Indonesia

Sunda Islands (Soenda Isles)

Indonesia; Malaysia

Sunda Strait

Indian Ocean

Surabaya [US Consulate]

Indonesia

Surigao Strait

Pacific Ocean

Surinam

Suriname

Suva [US Embassy]

Fiji

Swains Island

American Samoa

Swan Islands

Honduras

Sydney [US Consulate General] Australia

T

Tahiti

French Polynesia

Taipei

Taiwan

Taiwan Strait

Pacific Ocean

Tallin [US Embassy]

Estonia

Tampico [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Tanganyika

Tanzania

Tangier

Morocco

Tarawa

Kiribati

Tartar Strait

Pacific Ocean

Tashkent [US Embassy]

Uzbekistan

Tasmania

Australia

Tasman Sea

Pacific Ocean

Taymyr Peninsula (Poluostrov Taymyra)

Russia

Tegucigalpa [US Embassy]

Honduras

Tehran [US post not maintained, representation by Swiss Embassy]

Iran

Tel Aviv [US Embassy]

Israel

Terre Adelie (Adelie Land) [claimed by France]

Antarctica

Thailand, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Thessaloniki [US Consulate General]

Greece

Thimphu

Bhutan

Thurston Island

Antarctica

Tibet (Xizang)

China

Tibilisi (Tbilisi) [US Embassy]

Georgia

Tierra del Fuego

Argentina; Chile

Tijuana [US Consulate General]

Mexico

Timor

Indonesia

Timor Sea

Indian Ocean

Tinian

Northern Mariana Islands

Tiran, Strait of

Indian Ocean

Tirane [US Embassy]

Albania

Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago

Tokyo [US Embassy]

Japan

Tonkin, Gulf of

Pacific Ocean

Toronto [US Consulate General]

Canada

Torres Strait

Pacific Ocean

Torshavn

Faroe Islands

Toshkent (Tashkent)

Uzbekistan

Transjordan

Jordan

Transkei

South Africa

Transylvania

Romania

Trieste [US Consular Agency]

Italy

Trindade, Ilha de

Brazil

Tripoli [US post not maintained, representation by Belgian Embassy]

Libya

Tristan da Cunha Group

Saint Helena

Trobriand Islands

Papua New Guinea

Trucial States

United Arab Emirates

Truk Islands

Micronesia

Tsugaru Strait

Pacific Ocean

Tuamotu Islands (Iles Tuamotu)

French Polynesia

Tubuai Islands (Iles Tubuai)

French Polynesia

Tunis [US Embassy]

Tunisia

Turin

Italy

Turkish Straits

Atlantic Ocean

Turkmeniya

Turkmenistan

Turks Island Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Tyrol, South

Italy

Tyrrhenian Sea

Atlantic Ocean

U

Udorn [US Consulate]

Thailand

Ulaanbaatar [US Embassy]

Mongolia

Ullung-do

Korea, South

Unimak Pass [strait]

Pacific Ocean

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,

Ukraine, Uzbekistan

United Arab Republic

Egypt; Syria

Upper Volta

Burkina

USSR

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan,

Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,

Ukraine, Uzbekistan

V

Vaduz [US post not maintained, representation from Zurich,

Switzerland]

Liechtenstein

Vakhan Corridor (Wakhan)

Afghanistan

Valencia [US Consular Agency]

Spain

Valletta [US Embassy]

Malta

Valley, The

Anguilla

Vancouver [US Consulate General]

Canada

Vancouver Island

Canada

Van Diemen Strait

Pacific Ocean

Vatican City [US Embassy]

Holy See

Velez de la Gomera, Penon de

Spain

Venda

South Africa

Veracruz [US Consular Agency]

Mexico

Verde Island Passage

Pacific Ocean

Victoria [US Embassy]

Seychelles

Vienna [US Embassy, US Mission to International Organizations in Vienna

(UNVIE)]

Austria

Vientiane [US Embassy]

Laos

Vilnius [US Embassy]

Lithuania

Vladivostok [US Consulate]

Russia

Volcano Islands

Japan

Vostok Island

Kiribati

Vrangelya, Ostrov (Wrangel Island)

Russia

W

Wakhan Corridor (now Vakhan Corridor)

Afghanistan

Wales

United Kingdom

Walvis Bay

South Africa

Warsaw [US Embassy]

Poland

Washington, DC [The Permanent Mission of the USA to the Organization of

American States (OAS)]

United States

Weddell Sea

Atlantic Ocean

Wellington [US Embassy]

New Zealand

Western Channel (West Korea Strait)

Pacific Ocean

West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany)

Germany

West Island

Cocos (Keeling) Islands

West Korea Strait (Western Channel)

Pacific Ocean

West Pakistan

Pakistan

Wetar Strait

Pacific Ocean

White Sea

Arctic Ocean

Willemstad

Netherlands Antilles

Windhoek [US Embassy]

Namibia

Windward Passage

Atlantic Ocean

Winnipeg [US Consular Agency]

Canada

Wrangel Island (Ostrov Vrangelya)

Russia [de facto]

Y

Yamoussoukro

Cote d'Ivoire

Yaounde [US Embassy]

Cameroon

Yap Islands

Micronesia

Yellow Sea

Pacific Ocean

Yemen (Aden) [People's Democratic Republic of Yemen]

Yemen

Yemen Arab Republic

Yemen

Yemen, North [Yemen Arab Republic]

Yemen

Yemen (Sanaa) [Yemen Arab Republic]

Yemen

Yemen, People's Democratic Republic of

Yemen

Yemen, South [People's Democratic Republic of Yemen]

Yemen

Yerevan [US Embassy]

Armenia

Youth, Isle of (Isla de la Juventud)

Cuba

Yucatan Channel

Atlantic Ocean

Yugoslavia

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia

Z

Zagreb [US Embassy]

Croatia

Zanzibar

Tanzania

Zurich [US Consulate General]

Switzerland

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The Project Gutenberg eBook of The 1993 CIA World Factbook, by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

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