last held 13 October 1991; results - UDF (and breakaway factions) 34%, BSP 33%, MRF 7.5%; seats - (240 total) UDF 110, BSP 106, Movement for Rights and Freedoms 24 note: the UDF split in March 1993 to form the New Union for Democracy (NUD) with 18 seats, and the Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) with 92 seats Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court 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, and about a dozen other groups; Movement for Rights and Freedoms (mainly ethnic Turkish party) (MRF), Ahmed DOGAN, chairman; Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), Zhan VIDENOV, chairman; New Union for Democracy (NUD), Dimitar LUDZHEV, 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 Member of: ACCT (observer), BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI (participating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, 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 William D. MONTGOMERY embassy: 1 Saborna Street, Sofia mailing address: Unit 25402, Sofia; APO AE 09213 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: The Bulgarian economy continued its painful adjustment in 1993 from the misdirected development undertaken during four decades of Communist rule. Many aspects of a market economy have been put in place and have begun to function, but much of the economy, especially the industrial sector, has yet to re-establish market links lost with the collapse of other centrally planned Eastern European economies. The prices of many imported industrial inputs, especially energy products, have risen markedly, and falling real wages have not sufficed to restore competitiveness. The trade deficit, exacerbated by UN trade sanctions against neighboring Serbia, grew in late 1993, accelerating the depreciation of the lev. These difficulties in adjusting to the challenges of a more open system, together with a severe drought, caused nonagricultural output to fall by perhaps 8% in 1993. The government plans more extensive privatization in 1994 to improve the management of state enterprises and to encourage foreign investment in ailing state firms. Bulgaria resumed payments on its $10 billion in commercial debt in 1993 following the negotiation of a 50% write-off. An IMF program and second agreement with official creditors on Bulgaria's smaller amount of official debt are required to close the debt deal. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $33.9 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -4% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $3,800 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 64% (1993) Unemployment rate: 16% (1993) Budget: revenues: $14 billion expenditures: $17.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $610 million (1993 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 (1993) Industrial production: growth rate -10% (1993 est.); accounts for about 37% of GDP (1990) Electricity: capacity: 11,500,000 kW production: 45 billion kWh consumption per capita: 5,070 kWh (1992) Industries: machine building and metal working, food processing, chemicals, textiles, building materials, ferrous and nonferrous metals Agriculture: 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: $NA Currency: 1 lev (Lv) = 100 stotinki Exchange rates: leva (Lv) per US$1 - 32.00 (January 1994), 24.56 (January 1993), 17.18 (January 1992), 16.13 (March 1991), 0.7446 (November 1990), 0.84 (1989); 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: total: 36,930 km paved: 33,902 km (including 276 km expressways) unpaved: earth 3,028 km (1991) 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: 111 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 1,225,996 GRT/1,829,642 DWT, bulk 48, cargo 30, chemical carrier 4, container 2, oil tanker 16, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 2 note: Bulgaria owns 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,717 DWT operating under Liberian registry Airports: total: 487 usable: 85 with permanent-surface runways: 32 with runways over 3659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 21 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 36 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: extensive but antiquated transmission system of coaxial cable and microwave 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 2,175,921; fit for military service 1,816,484; reach military age (19) annually 70,306 (1994 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 sq km land area: 273,800 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy; overgrazing; soil degradation; deforestation natural hazards: recurring droughts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Note: landlocked @Burkina, People Population: 10,134,661 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.81% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 48.42 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 18.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -2.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 118.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.03 years male: 46.18 years female: 47.9 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.94 children born/woman (1994 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 40%, Muslim 50%, 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 est.) total population: 18% male: 28% female: 9% Labor force: NA (most adults are employed in subsistance agriculture; 52% of population is 15 years of age or older) by occupation: agriculture 80%, industry 15%, commerce, services, and government 5% note: 20% of male labor force migrates annually to neighboring countries for seasonal employment (1984) @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) National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 4 August (1983) Constitution: 2 June 1991 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state: President Captain Blaise COMPAORE (since 15 October 1987); election last held December 1991 head of government: Prime Minister Roch KABORE (since March 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of People's Deputies: elections 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 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 Political parties and leaders: Organization for People's Democracy- Labor Movement (ODP-MT), ruling party, Simon COMPAORE, Secretary General; National Convention of Progressive Patriots-Social Democratic Party (CNPP-PSD), Moussa BOLY; African Democratic Rally (RDA), Gerard Kango OUEDRAOGO; Alliance for Democracy and Federation (ADF), Amadou Michel NANA Other political or pressure groups: committees for the defense of the revolution; watchdog/political action groups throughout the country in both organizations and communities 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); Charge d'Affaires Thomas Yara KAMBOU chancery: 2340 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 332-5577 or 6895 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald J. McCONNELL 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 - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0.7% (1992) National product per capita: $700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.8% (1992) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $483 million expenditures: $548 million, including capital expenditures of $189 million (1992) Exports: $300 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: cotton, gold, animal products partners: EC 42%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, Taiwan 15% Imports: $685 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: machinery, food products, petroleum partners: EC 49%, Africa 24%, Japan 6% External debt: $865 million (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6.7% (1992); accounts for about 15% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 120,000 kW production: 320 million kWh consumption per capita: 40 kWh (1991) Industries: cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, gold mining and extraction Agriculture: accounts for about 40% of GDP; cash crops - peanuts, shea nuts, sesame, cotton; food crops - sorghum, millet, corn, rice; livestock; not self-sufficient in food grains Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 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: total: 16,500 km paved: 1,300 km unpaved: improved earth 7,400 km; unimproved earth 7,800 km (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 2,013,763; fit for military service 1,029,960 Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Burma, Geography Location: Southeastern 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 sq km land area: 657,740 sq km 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: deforestation natural hazards: subject to destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September) international agreements: party to - Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes @Burma, People Population: 44,277,014 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.86% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 28.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.84 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 63.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 59.98 years male: 57.94 years female: 62.15 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.64 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 4 January (1948) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992) State Law and Order Restoration Council: military junta which assumed power 18 September 1988 Legislative branch: People's Assembly (Pyithu Hluttaw): last held 27 May 1990, but Assembly never convened; results - NLD 80%; seats - (485 total) NLD 396, the regime-favored NUP 10, other 79; 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 Political parties and leaders: Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), leader NA; National Unity Party (NUP; proregime), THA KYAW; National League for Democracy (NLD), U AUNG SHWE Other political or pressure groups: National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB), headed by the elected prime minister SEIN WIN (consists of individuals legitimately elected to Parliament but not recognized by the military regime; the group fled to a border area and joined with insurgents in December 1990 to form a parallel government; Kachin Independence Army (KIA); United Wa State Army (UWSA); Karen National Union (KNU); several Shan factions, including the Mong Tai Army (MTA); All Burma Student Democratic Front (ABSDF) Member of: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, 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 or 9045 consulate(s) 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: American Embassy, 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 has a mixed economy with about 70% private activity, mainly in agriculture, light industry, and transport, and with about 30% state-controlled activity, mainly in energy, heavy industry, and foreign trade. Government policy in the last five years, 1989-93, has aimed at revitalizing the economy after four decades of tight central planning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreign investment has been encouraged, so far with moderate success; and efforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises. Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because of the volume of black market trade. A major ongoing problem is the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Inflation has been running at 25% to 30% annually. Good weather helped boost GDP by perhaps 5% in 1993. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, its rich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-term increases in income, exports, and living standards. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $41 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $950 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $8.1 billion expenditures: $11.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $613.4 million (FY93) commodities: pulses and beans, teak, rice, hardwood partners: Singapore, China, Thailand, India, Hong Kong Imports: $1.02 billion (FY93) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, food products partners: Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia External debt: $4 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 4.9% (FY93 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 1,100,000 kW production: 2.8 billion kWh consumption per capita: 65 kWh (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 and 66% of employment (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 timber account for 55% of export revenues Illicit drugs: world's largest illicit producer of opium (2,575 metric tons in 1993) and minor producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; opium production has doubled since the collapse of Rangoon's antinarcotic programs Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 6.2301 (December 1993), 6.1570 (1993), 6.1045 (1992), 6.2837 (1991), 6.3386 (1990), 6.7049 (1989); 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: total: 27,000 km paved: bituminous 3,200 km unpaved: gravel, improved earth 17,700 km; unimproved earth 6,100 km 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: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 665,628 GRT/941,512 DWT, bulk 15, cargo 15, chemical 1, combination bulk 1, combination ore/oil 1, container 2, oil tanker 2, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 5, vehicle carrier 2 Airports: total: 83 usable: 78 with permanent-surface runways: 24 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 11,199,531; females age 15-49 11,273,643; males fit for military service 5,979,710; females fit for military service 6,034,810; males reach military age (18) annually 445,933 (1994 est.); females reach military age (18) annually 430,738 (1994 est.); both sexes liable for military service Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Burundi, Geography Location: Central Africa, between Tanzania and Zaire Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 27,830 sq km land area: 25,650 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil exhaustion and erosion; deforestation; habitat loss threatening wildlife populations natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Note: landlocked; straddles crest of the Nile-Congo watershed Population: 6,124,747 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.26% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 44.02 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 21.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 113.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 40.3 years male: 38.31 years female: 42.35 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.69 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 July (1962) Constitution: 13 March 1992; provides for establishment of a plural political system Legal system: based on German and Belgian civil codes and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: Interim President Sylvestre NTIBANTUNGANYA, Speaker of the National Assembly, succeeded deceased President NTARYAMIRA in early April 1994 with a mandate for at least 90 days; on 11 July 1994 the mandate was extended by the Constitutional Court for three more months at the request of 12 political parties locked in negotiations on a new broad-based government; elections will be held later in 1994 note: President Melchior NDADAYE died in the military coup of 21 October 1993 and was succeeded on 5 February 1994 by President Cyprien NTARYAMIRA, who was killed in a mysterious airplane explosion on 6 April 1994 head of government: Prime Minister Anatole KANYENKIKO (since 7 February 1994); chosen by the president cabinet: Council of Ministers ; appointed by prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 29 June 1993 (next to be held NA): results - FRODEBU 71%, UPRONA 21.4%; seats - (81 total) FRODIBU 65, UPRONA 16; other parties won too small shares of the vote to win seats in the assembly note: The National Unity Charter outlining the principles for constitutional government was adopted by a national referendum on 5 February 1991 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Unity for National Progress (UPRONA); Burundi Democratic Front (FRODEBU); Organization of the People of Burundi (RBP); Socialist Party of Burundi (PSB); People's Reconciliation Party (PRP) Other political or pressure groups: opposition parties legalized in March 1992; Burundi African Alliance for the Salvation (ABASA); Rally for Democracy and Economic and Social Development (RADDES) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEEAC, CEPGL, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jacques BACAMURWANKO, designated (January 1994) chancery: Suite 212, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: (202) 342-2574 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Leonard J. LANGE embassy: Avenue des Etats-Unis, Bujumbura mailing address: B. P. 34, 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 80% of foreign exchange earnings. 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 - purchasing power equivalent - $4.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -3.8% (1991) National product per capita: $700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.7% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $318 million expenditures: $326 million, including capital expenditures of $150 million (1991 est.) Exports: $40.8 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: coffee 81%, tea, cotton, hides, and skins partners: EC 57%, US 19%, Asia 1% Imports: $188 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: capital goods 31%, petroleum products 15%, foodstuffs, consumer goods partners: EC 45%, Asia 29%, US 2% External debt: $970 million (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 11% (1991 est.); accounts for about 15% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 55,000 kW production: 105 million kWh consumption per capita: 20 kWh (1991) Industries: light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes, soap; assembly of imported components; public works construction; food processing Agriculture: accounts for 50% 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: recipient: 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 Exchange rates: Burundi francs (FBu) per US$1 - 247.94 (November 1993), 208.30 (1992), 181.51 (1991), 171.26 (1990), 158.67 (1989), 140.40 (1988) Fiscal year: calendar year @Burundi, Communications Highways: total: 6,285 km paved: 1,099 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 2,500 km; improved, unimproved earth 2,686 km (1990) Inland waterways: Lake Tanganyika Ports: Bujumbura (lake port) connects to transportation systems of Tanzania and Zaire Airports: total: 5 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: 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 1,315,660; fit for military service 687,474; reach military age (16) annually 67,949 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $28 million, 3.7% of GDP (1989) @Cambodia, Geography Location: Southeastern 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 sq km land area: 176,520 sq km 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 sections of the boundary with Vietnam are in dispute; maritime boundary with Vietnam not defined; parts of border with Thailand in dispute; maritime boundary with Thailand not clearly 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation resulting in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries) natural hazards: monsoonal rains (June to November) international agreements: party to - Marine Life Conservation; signed, but not ratified - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping Note: a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap @Cambodia, People Population: 10,264,628 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.87% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 45.09 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 110.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.26 years male: 47.8 years female: 50.8 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.81 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) total population: 35% male: 48% female: 22% Labor force: 2.5 million to 3 million by occupation: agriculture 80% (1988 est.) @Cambodia, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Cambodia conventional short form: Cambodia local long form: Reacheanachak Kampuchea local short form: Kampuchea Digraph: CB Type: multiparty liberal democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 9 November 1949 Constitution: promulgated September 1993 Legal system: currently being defined Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King Norodom SIHANOUK (reinstated NA September 1993) head of government: power shared between First Prime Minister Prince Norodom RANARIDDH and Second Prime Minister HUN SEN cabinet: Council of Ministers; elected by the National Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral; a 120-member constituent assembly based on proportional representation within each province was establised following the UN-supervised election in May 1993; the constituent assembly was transformed into a legislature in September 1993 after delegates promulgated the constitution Judicial branch: Supreme Court established under the constitution has not yet been established and the future judicial system is yet to be defined by law Political parties and leaders: National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) under Prince NORODOM RANARIDDH; Cambodian Pracheachon Party or Cambodian People's Party (CPP) under CHEA SIM; Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party under SON SANN; Democratic Kampuchea (DK, also known as the Khmer Rouge) under KHIEU SAMPHAN Member of: ACCT (observer), AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU, LORCS, NAM, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: Ambassador SISOWATH SIRIRATH represents Cambodia at the United Nations US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Charles H. TWINING embassy: 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: horizontal band of red separates two equal horizontal bands of blue with a white three-towered temple representing Angkor Wat in the center @Cambodia, Economy Overview: The Cambodian economy - virtually destroyed by decades of war - is slowly recovering. Government leaders are moving toward restoring fiscal and monetary discipline and have established good working relations with international financial institutions. Despite such positive developments, the reconstruction effort faces many tough challenges. Rural Cambodia, where 90% of almost ten million Khmer live, remains mired in poverty. The almost total lack of basic infrastructure in the countryside will hinder development and will contribute to a growing imbalance in growth between urban and rural areas over the near term. Moreover, the new government's lack of experience in administering economic and technical assistance programs, and rampant corruption among officials, will slow the growth of critical public sector investment. Inflation for 1993 as a whole was 60%, less than a quarter of the 1992 rate, and was declining during the year. The government hoped the rate would fall to 10% in early 1994. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 7.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $350 million expenditures: $350 million, including capital expenditures of $133 million (1994 est.) Exports: $70 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: natural rubber, rice, pepper, raw timber partners: Thailand, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Vietnam Imports: $360 million (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: international food aid; fuels, consumer goods, machinery partners: Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam External debt: total outstanding bilateral official debt to OECD members $248 million (yearend 1991), plus 840 million ruble debt to former CEMA countries Industrial production: growth rate 15.6% (year NA); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 35,000 kW production: 70 million kWh consumption per capita: 9 kWh (1990) Industries: rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP; mainly subsistence farming except for rubber plantations; main crops - rice, rubber, corn; food shortages - rice, meat, vegetables, dairy products, sugar, flour Illicit drugs: secondary transshipment country for heroin produced in the Golden Triangle Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $725 million; Western (non-US countries) (1970-89), $300 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $1.8 billion; donor countries and multilateral institutions pledged $880 million in assistance in 1992 Currency: 1 new riel (CR) = 100 sen Exchange rates: riels (CR) per US$1 - 2,390 (December 1993), 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: total: 13,351 km (some roads in serious disrepair) paved: bituminous 2,622 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel, or improved earth 7,105 km; unimproved earth 3,624 km 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: 20 usable: 13 with permanent-surface runways: 6 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 8 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: Khmer Royal Armed Forces (KRAF): created in 1993 by the merger of the Cambodian People's Armed Forces and the two non-Communist resistance armies; note - the KRAF is also known as the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) Resistance forces: National Army of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,182,912; fit for military service 1,217,357; reach military age (18) annually 67,463 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $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 sq km land area: 469,440 sq km 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 in the vicinity of the Bakasi Peninsula, has not yet convened, but a commission was formed in January 1994 to study a flare-up of the dispute 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: water-borne diseases are prevalent; deforestation; overgrazing; desertification; poaching natural hazards: recent volcanic activity with release of poisonous gases international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban Note: sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa @Cameroon, People Population: 13,132,191 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.91% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.53 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 11.41 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 77.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.07 years male: 55.03 years female: 59.17 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.84 children born/woman (1994 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: 55% male: 66% female: 45% 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) National holiday: National Day, 20 May (1972) Constitution: 20 May 1972 Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982); election 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 head of government: Prime Minister Simon ACHIDI ACHU (since 9 April 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 1 March 1992 (next scheduled for March 1997); results - (180 seats) CPDM 88, UNDP 68, UPC 18, MDR 6 Judicial branch: Supreme Court 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); Social Democratic Front (SDF); Cameroonian Democratic Union (UDC); Union of Cameroonian Populations (UPC) Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-19, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, 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 Jerome MENDOUGA 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] 23-40-14 and 23-05-12 FAX: [237] 23-07-53 consulate(s): none (Douala closed July 1993) 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 and favorable agricultural conditions, Cameroon has one of the best-endowed, most diversified primary commodity economies in sub-Saharan 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 1990-93, with support from the IMF and World Bank, the government began to introduce reforms designed to spur business investment, increase efficiency in agriculture, and recapitalize the nation's banks. Political instability following suspect elections in 1992 brought IMF/WB structural adjustment to a halt. Although the 50% devaluation of the currency in January 1994 improves the potential for export growth, mismanagement remains and is the main barrier to economic improvement. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.1 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA National product per capita: $1,500 (1993 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: capacity: 755,000 kW production: 2.19 billion kWh consumption per capita: 190 kWh (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: recipient: 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 Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 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: total: 65,000 km paved: 2,682 km unpaved: gravel, improved earth 32,318 km; unimproved earth 30,000 km 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: 61 usable: 49 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: 21 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 2,939,761; fit for military service 1,481,750; reach military age (18) annually 137,020 (1994 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 sq km land area: 9,220,970 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: acid rain severely affecting lakes and damaging forests; metal smelting, coal-burning utilities, and vehicle emissions impacting on agricultural and forest productivity; ocean waters becoming contaminated due to agricultural, industrial, mining, and forestry activities natural hazards: continuous permafrost in north is a serious obstacle to development international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea Note: second-largest country in world (after Russia); strategic location between Russia and US via north polar route; nearly 90% of the population is concentrated in the region near the US/Canada border @Canada, People Population: 28,113,997 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.18% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 14.1 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.39 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 5.11 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 78.13 years male: 74.73 years female: 81.71 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1994 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 (1986) total population: 97% 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) National holiday: Canada Day, 1 July (1867) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: 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 Jean CHRETIEN (since 4 November 1993) was elected on 25 October 1993, replacing Kim CAMBELL; Deputy Prime Minister Sheila COPPS cabinet: Federal Ministry; chosen by the prime minister from members of his own party sitting in Parliament Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Parlement) Senate (Senat): consisting of a body whose members are appointed to serve until 75 years of age by the governor general and selected on the advice of the prime minister; its normal limit 104 senators House of Commons (Chambre des Communes): elections last held 25 October 1993 (next to be held by NA October 1998); results - number of votes by percent NA; seats - (295 total) Liberal Party 178, Bloc Quebecois 54, Reform Party 52, New Democratic Party 8, Progressive Conservative Party 2, independents 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party, Jean CHRETIEN; Bloc Quebecois, Lucien BOUCHARD; Reform Party, Preston MANNING; New Democratic Party, Audrey McLAUGHLIN; Progressive Conservative Party, Jean CHAREST Member of: ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, C, CCC, CDB (non-regional), COCOM, 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, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WIPO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raymond CHRETIEN chancery: 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001 telephone: (202) 682-1740 FAX: (202) 682-7726 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle consulate(s): Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburg, Princeton, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James Johnston BLANCHARD embassy: 100 Wellington Street, K1P 5T1, Ottawa mailing address: P. O. Box 5000, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-0430 telephone: (613) 238-5335 or 4470 FAX: (613) 238-5720 consulate(s) 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, although the country still faces high unemployment and a growing debt. Moreover, the continuing constitutional impasse between English- and French-speaking areas has observers discussing a possible split in the confederation; foreign investors have become edgy. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $617.7 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1993) National product per capita: $22,200 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.9% (1993) Unemployment rate: 11% (December 1993) Budget: revenues: $92.34 billion (Federal) expenditures: $123.04 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (FY93 est.) Exports: $133.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) 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: $125.3 billion (c.i.f., 1993) 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: $435 billion (1993) Industrial production: growth rate 3.5% (1993) Electricity: capacity: 109,340,000 kW production: 493 billion kWh consumption per capita: 17,900 kWh (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 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 - 1.3174 (January 1994), 1.2901 (1993), 1.2087 (1992), 1.1457 (1991), 1.1668 (1990), 1.1840 (1989) 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: total: 884,272 km paved: 250,023 km unpaved: gravel 462,913 km; earth 171,336 km 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: 59 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 448,357 GRT/639,319 DWT, bulk 9, cargo 8, chemical tanker 4, container 1, oil tanker 22, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 1, railcar carrier 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 note: does not include ships used exclusively in the Great Lakes Airports: total: 1,356 usable: 1,107 with permanent-surface runways: 458 with runways over 3,659 m: 4 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 29 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 326 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 7,508,590; fit for military service 6,482,267; reach military age (17) annually 191,850 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $10.3 billion, 1.9% of GDP (FY93/94) @Cape Verde, Geography Location: Western Africa, 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 sq km land area: 4,030 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; overgrazing; desertification natural hazards: subject to prolonged droughts; harmattan wind can obscure visibility; volcanically and seismically active international agreements: party to - Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change 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: 423,120 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.01% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.23 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -7.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 57.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 62.59 years male: 60.7 years female: 64.58 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.32 children born/woman (1994 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 5 July (1975) Constitution: new constitution came into force 25 September 1992 Legal system: NA Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Antonio MASCARENHAS Monteiro (since 22 March 1991) election last held 17 February 1991 (next to be held February 1996); results - Antonio Monteiro MASCARENHAS (independent) received 72.6% of vote head of government: Prime Minister Carlos Alberto Wahnon de Carvalho VEIGA (since 13 January 1991); cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by prime minister from members of the Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral People's National Assembly (Assembleia Nacional Popular): elections 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justia) 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 Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, 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 FAX: (202) 965-1207 consulate(s) general: Boston US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Joseph M. 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: three horozontal bands of light blue (top, double width), white (with a horozontal red stripe in the middle third), and light blue; a circle of 10 yellow five pointed stars is centered on the hoist end of the red stripe and extends into the upper and lower blue bands @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 20%; 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 - $415 million (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 3.3% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $1,070 (1991) 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: $6 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: fish, bananas, hides and skins partners: Portugal 40%, Algeria 31%, Angola, Netherlands (1990 est.) Imports: $145 million (c.i.f., 1990) 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 7% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 15,000 kW production: 15 million kWh consumption per capita: 40 kWh (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: recipient: 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 Currency: 1 Cape Verdean escudo (CVEsc) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Cape Verdean escudos (CVEsc) per US$1 - 85.992 (December 1993), 80.574 (1993), 68.018 (1992), 71.408 (1991), 70.031 (1990), 77.978 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Cape Verde, Communications Highways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA 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 78,153; fit for military service 45,804 Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Cayman Islands Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) @Cayman Islands, Geography Location: Caribbean, in the northwestern Caribbean Sea, nearly halfway between Cuba and Honduras Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 260 sq km land area: 260 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to hurricanes international agreements: NA Note: important location between Cuba and Central America @Cayman Islands, People Population: 31,790 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 4.33% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 15.06 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 33.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.1 years male: 75.37 years female: 78.81 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.46 children born/woman (1994 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) National holiday: Constitution Day (first Monday in July) Constitution: 1959, revised 1972 and 1992 Legal system: British common law and local statutes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Governor and President of the Executive Council Michael GORE (since 15 September 1992) cabinet: Executive Council; 3 members are appointed by the governor, 4 members elected by the Legislative Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: election last held November 1992 (next to be held November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (15 total, 12 elected) Judicial branch: Grand Court, Cayman Islands Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: no formal political parties Member of: CARICOM (observer), CDB, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC 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 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 foreign currency 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): 1.5% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 7% (1992) Budget: revenues: $141.5 million expenditures: $160.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991) Exports: $2.6 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: turtle products, manufactured consumer goods partners: mostly US Imports: $262.2 million (c.i.f., 1991 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: capacity: 74,000 kW production: 256 million kWh consumption per capita: 8,780 kWh (1992) Industries: tourism, banking, insurance and finance, construction, building materials, furniture making Agriculture: minor production of vegetables, fruit, livestock; turtle farming Illicit drugs: a major money-laundering center for illicit drug profits; transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 0.85 (22 November 1993) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Cayman Islands, Communications Highways: total: 160 km (main roads) paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: George Town, Cayman Brac Merchant marine: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 368,037 GRT/581,060 DWT, bulk 9, cargo 8, chemical tanker 2, oil tanker 3, passenger-cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7 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 sq km land area: 622,980 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: poaching has diminished reputation as one of last great wildlife refuges; desertification natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: landlocked; almost the precise center of Africa Population: 3,142,182 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.16% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 42.3 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 20.69 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 137.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 42.54 years male: 41.07 years female: 44.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.42 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: National Day, 1 December (1958) (proclamation of the republic) Constitution: 21 November 1986 Legal system: based on French law Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Felix (Ange) PATASSE (since 22 October 1993) election last held 19 September 1993; PATASSE received 52.45% of the votes and Abel GOUMBA received 45.62%; next election schelduled for 1998 head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Jean-Luc MANDABA (since 25 October 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 19 September 1993; results - percentage vote by party NA; seats - (85 total) MLPC 33, RDC 14, PLD 7, ADP 6, PSD 3, others 22 note: the National Assembly is advised by the Economic and Regional Council (Conseil Economique et Regional); when they sit together they are called the Congress (Congres) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), the party of the new president, Ange Felix PATASSE; Central African Democratic Party (RDC), 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; Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), Felix (Ange) PATASSE Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CCC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, 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 Henri KOBA 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, remains the backbone of the CAR economy, with more than 70% of the population living in the countryside. In 1990 the agricultural sector generated about 42% of GDP. Timber accounted for about 26% of export earnings and the diamond industry for 54%. 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 - purchasing power equivalent - $2.5 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -3% (1990 est.) National product per capita: $800 (1993 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: $123.5 million (f.o.b.1992) commodities: diamonds, cotton, coffee, timber, tobacco partners: France, Belgium, Italy, Japan, US Imports: $165.1 million (f.o.b.1992) 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: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 95 million kWh consumption per capita: 30 kWh (1991) Industries: diamond mining, sawmills, breweries, textiles, footwear, assembly of bicycles and motorcycles Agriculture: accounts for 42% 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: recipient: 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 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year @Central African Republic, Communications Highways: total: 22,000 km paved: bituminous 458 km unpaved: improved earth 10,542 km; unimproved earth 11,000 km Inland waterways: 800 km; traditional trade carried on by means of shallow-draft dugouts; Oubangui is the most important river Airports: total: 65 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 15-49 701,728; fit for military service 367,264 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 sq km land area: 1,259,200 sq km 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: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in February 1994 that the 100,000 sq km Aozou Strip between Chad and Libya belongs to Chad, and that Libya must withdraw from it by 31 May 1994; Libya had withdrawn its forces in response to the ICJ ruling, but as of June 1994 still maintained an airfield in the disputed area; 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: desertification natural hazards: hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds occur in north; periodic droughts; subject to locust plagues international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping Note: landlocked; Lake Chad is the most significant water body in the Sahel @Chad, People Population: 5,466,771 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.15% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 42.12 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 20.59 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 131.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 40.79 years male: 39.7 years female: 41.94 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.33 children born/woman (1994 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 50%, Christian 25%, indigenous beliefs, animism 25% 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day 11 August (1960) Constitution: 22 December 1989, suspended 3 December 1990; Provisional National Charter 1 March 1991; constitutional commission drafting new constitution to submit to transitional parliament for ratification in April 1994 Legal system: based on French civil law system and Chadian customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: universal at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: President Col. Idriss DEBY, since 4 December 1990 (after seizing power on 3 December 1990 - transitional government's mandate expires April 1995) head of government: Prime Minister Kassire Delwa KOUMAKOYE (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Council of State; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Consultative Council (Conceil National Consultatif): elections last held 8 July 1990; disbanded 3 December 1990 and replaced by the Provisional Council of the Republic having 30 members appointed by President DEBY on 8 March 1991; this, in turn, was replaced by a 57-member Higher Transitional Council (Conseil Superieur de Transition) elected by a specially convened Sovereign National Conference on 6 April 1993 Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS; former dissident group), Idriss DEBY, chairman note: President DEBY, who promised political pluralism, a new constitution, and free elections by April 1994, has postponed these initiatives for another year; there are numerous dissident groups and 26 opposition political parties Other political or pressure groups: NA 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: (vacant); Ambassador KOUMBARIA Laoumaye Mekonyo died on 16 May 1994 chancery: 2002 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 462-4009 FAX: (202) 265-1937 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Lawrence POPE embassy: Avenue Felix Eboue, N'Djamena mailing address: B. P. 413, N'Djamena telephone: [235] (51) 62-18, 40-09, or 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 Overview: Climate, geographic remoteness, poor resource endowment, and lack of infrastructure make Chad one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Its economy is hobbled by political turmoil, conflict with Libya, drought, and food shortages. Consequently the economy has shown little progress in recent years in overcoming a severe setback brought on by civil war in the late 1980s. Over 80% of the work force is involved in subsistence farming and fishing. Cotton is the major cash crop, accounting for at least half of exports. Chad is highly dependent on foreign aid, especially food credits, given chronic shortages in several regions. The government hopes that discovery of several oil deposits near Lake Chad will lead to economic revival and a windfall in government revenues by 2000. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 8.4% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $500 (1993 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: capacity: 40,000 kW production: 70 million kWh consumption per capita: 15 kWh (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: recipient: 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 Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine Francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994 the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year @Chad, Communications Highways: total: 31,322 km paved: bituminous 32 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 7,300 km; earth 23,990 km Inland waterways: 2,000 km navigable Airports: total: 68 usable: 58 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: 27 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 1,276,167; fit for military service 663,326; reach military age (20) annually 54,027 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $58 million, 5.6% of GDP (1989) @Chile, Geography Location: Southern 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 sq km land area: 748,800 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution from untreated sewage; deforestation contributing to loss of biodiversity; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: subject to severe earthquakes; active volcanism; tsunamis international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: strategic location relative to sea lanes between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage); Atacama Desert one of world's driest regions @Chile, People Population: 13,950,557 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.51% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 20.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.49 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 15.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.51 years male: 71.52 years female: 77.65 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.5 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 18 September (1810) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (since 11 March 1994) election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1999); results - Eduardo FREI Ruiz-Tagle (PDC) 58%, Arturo ALESSANDRI 24.4%, other 17.6% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Senate (Senado): election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (46 total, 38 elected) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 21 (PDC 13, PS 4, PPD 3, PR 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 15 (RN 11, UDI 3, UCC 1), right-wing independents 10 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): election last held 11 December 1993 (next to be held December 1997); results - Concertation of Parties for Democracy 53.95% (PDC 27.16%, PS 12.01%, PPD 11.82%, PR 2.96%,); Union for the Progress of Chile 30.57% (RN 15.25%, UDI 12.13%, UCC 3.19%); seats - (120 total) Concertation of Parties for Democracy 70 (PDC 37, PPD 15, PR 2, PS 15, left-wing independent 1), Union for the Progress of Chile 47 (RN 30, UDI 15, UCC 2), right-wing independents 3 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Political parties and leaders: Concertation of Parties for Democracy consists mainly of four parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Gutenberg MARTINEZ; Socialist Party (PS), Camilo ESCALONA; Party for Democracy (PPD), Victor Manuel REBOLLEDO; Radical Party (PR), Carlos GONZALEZ Marquez; Union for the Progress of Chile consists mainly of three parties: National Renewal (RN), Andres ALLAMAND; Independent Democratic Union (UDI), Jovino NOVOA; Center Center Union (UCC), Francisco Javier ERRAZURIZ Other political or pressure groups: revitalized university student federations at all major universities; labor - United Labor Central (CUT) includes trade unionists from the country's five largest labor confederations; Roman Catholic Church 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, NAM, OAS, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMOGIP, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador John BIEHL del Rio chancery: 1732 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 785-1746 FAX: (202) 887-5579 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Curtis W. KAMMAN embassy: Codina Building, 1343 Agustinas, Santiago mailing address: Unit 4127, Santiago; 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: Chile has a prosperous, essentially free market economy, with the degree of government intervention varying according to the philosophy of the different regimes. Under the center-left government of President AYLWIN, which took power in March 1990, spending on social welfare has risen steadily. At the same time business investment, exports and consumer spending have also grown substantially. The new president, FREI, who takes office in March 1994, is expected to emphasize social spending even more. Growth in 1991-93 has averaged 8% annually, with an estimated one million Chileans having moved out of poverty in the last four years. Copper remains vital to the health of the economy; Chile is the world's largest producer and exporter of copper. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $96 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5.8% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $7,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.3% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.1% (1993 est.) 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 29%, Japan 17%, US 16%, Argentina 5%, Brazil 5% (1992) 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: EC 24%, US 21%, Brazil 10%, Japan 10% (1992) External debt: $19.7 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 9.3% (1992 est.); accounts for 34% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 5,769,000 kW production: 22.01 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,630 kWh (1992) Industries: copper, other minerals, foodstuffs, fish processing, iron and steel, wood and wood products, transport equipment, cement, textiles Agriculture: accounts for about 7% 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 Illicit drugs: a minor transshipment country for cocaine destined for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: 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), $386 million Currency: 1 Chilean peso (Ch$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Chilean pesos (Ch$) per US$1 - 430.57 (January 1994), 404.35 (1993), 362.59 (1992), 349.37 (1991), 305.06 (1990), 267.16 (1989) 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: total: 79,993 km paved: 10,984 km unpaved: gravel or earth 68,615 km (1990) 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 449,253 GRT/755,821 DWT, bulk 10, cargo 7, chemical tanker 3, combination ore/oil 3, liquefied gas tanker 3, oil tanker 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3 note: in addition, 1 naval tanker and 1 military transport are sometimes used commercially Airports: total: 392 usable: 349 with permanent-surface runways: 47 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 58 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 3,705,321; fit for military service 2,759,130; reach military age (19) annually 120,512 (1994 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: Eastern Asia, between India and Mongolia Map references: Asia, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 9,596,960 sq km land area: 9,326,410 sq km 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 in 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 (Senkaku Islands/Diaoyu Tai), as does Taiwan 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, hydropower potential (world's largest) Land use: arable land: 10% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 31% forest and woodland: 14% other: 45% Irrigated land: 478,220 sq km (1991 - Chinese statistic) Environment: current issues: air pollution from the overwhelming use of coal as a fuel, produces acid rain which is damaging forests; water pollution from industrial effluents; many people do not have access to safe drinking water; less than 10% of sewage receives treatment; deforestation; estimated loss of one-third of agricultural land since 1957 to soil erosion and economic development; desertification natural hazards: frequent typhoons (about five per year along southern and eastern coasts); damaging floods; tsunamis; earthquakes international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea Note: world's third-largest country (after Russia and Canada) @China, People Population: 1,190,431,106 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.08% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 18.1 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.35 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 52.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.91 years male: 66.93 years female: 68.99 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1994 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 or Mandarin (Putonghua, 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: 78% male: female: NA Total fertility rate: NA 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) National holiday: NA Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958 Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator M. J. GRIMES (since NA) cabinet: Advisory Council Legislative branch: none Judicial branch: none Political parties and leaders: none 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. 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: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 11,000 kW production: 30 million kWh consumption per capita: 17,800 kWh (1990) Industries: phosphate extraction (near depletion) Agriculture: NA Economic aid: none Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704, (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Christmas Island, Communications Highways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: Flying Fish Cove 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 Telecommunications: broadcast 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: Middle America, in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,120 km southwest of Mexico Map references: World Area: total area: 7 sq km land area: 7 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: 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: Southeastern Asia, 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 sq km land area: 14 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: two coral atolls thickly covered with coconut palms and other vegetation @Cocos (Keeling) Islands, People Population: 598 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.98% (1994 est.) 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) National holiday: NA Constitution: Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 Legal system: based upon the laws of Australia and local laws Suffrage: NA Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) head of government: Administrator B. CUNNINGHAM (since NA) cabinet: Islands Council; Chairman of the Islands Council Haji WAHIN bin Bynie (since NA) Legislative branch: unicameral Islands Council Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: 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: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 1,000 kW production: 2 million kWh consumption per capita: 2,980 kWh (1990) Industries: copra products Agriculture: gardens provide vegetables, bananas, pawpaws, coconuts Economic aid: none Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2836 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Communications Highways: total: NA paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: none; lagoon anchorage only 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 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 sq km land area: 1,038,700 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil damage from overuse of pesticides natural hazards: highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping Note: only South American country with coastlines on both North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea @Colombia, People Population: 35,577,556 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.77% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 22.64 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.75 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 28.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.1 years male: 69.33 years female: 74.95 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.47 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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: 32 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 capital district* (distrito capital); 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 Independence: 20 July 1810 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 20 July (1810) Constitution: 5 July 1991 Legal system: based on Spanish law; a new criminal code modeled after US procedures was enacted in 1992-93; judicial review of executive and legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (since 7 August 1990); President-designate Juan Manuel SANTOS (since NA 1993); election last held 27 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Cesar GAVIRIA Trujillo (Liberal Party) 47%, Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado (National Salvation Movement) 24%, Antonio NAVARRO Wolff (AD/M-19) 13%, Rodrigo LLOREDA (Conservative Party) 12% note: a new government will be inaugurated on 7 August 1994; the presidential election of 29 May 1994 resulted in no candidate receiving more than 50% of the total vote and a run-off election to select a president from the two leading candidates was held on 19 June 1994; results - Ernesto SAMPER Pizano (Liberal Party) 50.4%, Andres PASTRANA Arango (Conservative Party) 48.6%, blank votes 1%; Humberto de la CALLE was elected vice president; electing a vice president is a new proceedure that replaces the traditional appointment of president-designates by newly elected presidents cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) Senate (Senado): elections last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1998); preliminary results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (102 total) Liberal Party 59, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 31, other 12 House of Representatives (Camara de Representantes): elections last held 13 March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1998); preliminary results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (161 total) Liberal Party 89, conservatives (includes PC, MSN, and NDF) 53, AD/M-19 2, other 17 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justical), Constitutional Court, Council of State Political parties and leaders: Liberal Party (PL), Ernesto SAMPER Pizano, president; Conservative Party (PC), Misael PASTRANA Borrero; National Salvation Movement (MSN), Alvaro GOMEZ Hurtado; New Democratic Force (NDF), Andres PASTRANA Arango; Democratic Alliance M-19 (AD/M-19) is a 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; Francisco CARABALLO was captured by the government in June 1994 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, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Gabriel SILVA chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 387-8338 FAX: (202) 232-8643 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Washington consulate(s): Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Tampa US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Morris D. BUSBY embassy: Calle 38, No. 8-61, Bogota mailing address: Apartado Aereo 3831, Bogota or APO AA 34038 telephone: [57] (1) 320-1300 FAX: [57] (1) 288-5687 consulate(s): 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: Colombia's economic growth has recovered steadily since 1991 as President GAVIRIA'S sweeping economic reform measures have taken hold. Market reforms have included trade and investment liberalization, labor and tax overhauls and bureaucratic streamlining, among other things. Furthermore, conservative fiscal and monetary policies have helped to steadily reduce inflation to 23% and unemployment to about 7% in 1993. The rapid development of oil, coal, and other nontraditional industries has helped offset the decline in coffee prices. A major oil find in 1993 in eastern Colombia may provide an extra $3 billion annually to the economy by 1997. Increased foreign investment and even greater domestic activity have been hampered, however, by a troublesome rural insurgency, a decrepit energy and transportation infrastructure, and drug-related violence. Agriculture also has encountered problems in adjusting to fewer subsidies, greater competition, and the collapse of the international coffee agreement, which has kept world coffee prices at near-record lows in 1991-93. Business construction was a leading sector in 1993. The substantial trade deficit in 1993 was the result of a strong peso that inhibited exports and a liberalized government policy that spurred imports. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $192 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5.1% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $5,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 22.6% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 7.9% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $11 billion expenditures: $12 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.2 billion (1993 est.) Exports: $6.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: petroleum, coffee, coal, bananas, fresh cut flowers partners: US 39%, EC 25.7%, Japan 2.9%, Venezuela 8.5% (1992) Imports: $6.7 billion (c.i.f., 1992 est.) commodities: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products partners: US 36%, EC 18%, Brazil 4%, Venezuela 6.5%, Japan 8.7% (1992) External debt: $17 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 2% (1993 est.); accounts for 21% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 10,193,000 kW production: 36 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,050 kWh (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 2.7% (1993 est.) accounts for 21% 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 Illicit drugs: illicit producer of coca, opium, and cannabis; about 37,100 hectares of coca under cultivation; the world's largest processor of coca derivatives into cocaine in 1992; supplier of cocaine to the US and other international drug markets Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 921.20 (January 1994), 863.06 (1993), 759.28 (1992), 633.05 (1991), 502.26 (1990), 382.57 (1989) 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: total: 128,717 km (1989) paved: 10,330 km unpaved: gravel/earth 118,387 km 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 211,777 GRT/335,763 DWT, bulk 7, cargo 11, container 6, oil tanker 3 Airports: total: 1,369 usable: 1,156 with permanent-surface runways: 73 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-2,659 m: 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 205 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 9,639,080; fit for military service 6,507,935; reach military age (18) annually 354,944 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.2 billion (1992 est.) @Comoros, Geography Location: Southeastern Africa, 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 sq km land area: 2,170 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: soil degradation and erosion; deforestation natural hazards: cyclones possible during rainy season international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: important location at northern end of Mozambique Channel @Comoros, People Population: 530,136 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.55% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.95 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 79.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.81 years male: 55.63 years female: 60.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.79 children born/woman (1994 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; Grand Comore (Njazidja), Anjouan (Nzwani), and Moheli (Mwali) note: there are also four municipalities named Domoni, Fomboni, Moroni, and Mutsamudu Independence: 6 July 1975 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 6 July (1975) Constitution: 7 June 1992 Legal system: French and Muslim law in a new consolidated code Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state:: President Said Mohamed DJOHAR (since 11 March 1990); election last held 11 March 1990 (next to be held March 1996); results - Said Mohamed DJOHAR (UDZIMA) 55%, Mohamed TAKI Abdulkarim (UNDC) 45% head of government:: Prime Minister Mohamed Abdou MADI (since 6 January 1994) appointed by President DJOHAR 6 January 1994 (DJOHAR has appointed 14 prime ministers in the last three years) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral Federal Assembly (Assemblee Federale): elections last held 12-20 December 1993 (next to be held by NA January 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (42 total) Ruling Coalition: RDR 15, UNDC 5, MWANGAZA 2; Opposition: UDZIMA 8, other smaller parties 10; 2 seats remained unfilled note: opposition is boycotting the National Assembly until the government promises to investigate fraud in the last election Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) 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; Rally for Democracy and Renewal (RDR); Comoran Popular Front (FPC), Mohamed HASSANALI, Mohamed El Arif OUKACHA, Abdou MOUSTAKIM (Secretary General) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), 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 FAX: (212) 983-4712 US diplomatic representation: none; post closed in September 1993 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 1982-86 the industrial sector grew at an annual average rate of 5.3%, but its contribution to GDP is small. 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. Estimates for 1992 show a moderate increase in the growth rate based on increased exports, tourism, and government investment outlays. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $360 million (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: over 15.9% (1989) Budget: revenues: $96 million expenditures: $88 million, including capital expenditures of $33 million (1991 est.) Exports: $21 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: vanilla, cloves, perfume oil, copra, ylang-ylang partners: US 53%, France 41%, Africa 4%, FRG 2% (1988) Imports: $60 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: rice and other foodstuffs, cement, petroleum products, consumer goods partners: Europe 62% (France 22%), Africa 5%, Pakistan, China (1988) External debt: $160 million (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -6.5% (1989 est.); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 16,000 kW production: 25 million kWh consumption per capita: 50 kWh (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 Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 444.03 (January 1994), 254.57 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the Comoran franc was devalued to 75 per French franc from 50 per French franc at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year @Comoros, Communications Highways: total: 750 km paved: bituminous 210 km unpaved: crushed stone, gravel 540 km 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 15-49 112,918; fit for military service 67,522 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 sq km land area: 341,500 sq km 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 segment of boundary 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: air pollution from vehicle emissions; water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage; deforestation natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection Note: about 70% of the population lives in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire, or along the railroad between them @Congo, People Population: 2,446,902 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.38% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.49 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 47.56 years male: 45.76 years female: 49.41 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.3 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Congolese National Day, 15 August (1960) Constitution: new constitution approved by referendum March 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Pascal LISSOUBA (since August 1992); election last held 2-16 August 1992 (next to be held August 1997); results - President Pascal LISSOUBA won with 61% of the vote head of government: Prime Minister Jacques Joachim YHOMBI-OPANGO (since 23 June 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; named by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): election last held 3 October 1993; results - percentage vote by party NA; seats - (125 total) UPADS 64, URD/PCT 58, others 3 Senate: election last held 26 July 1992 (next to be held July 1998); results - percentage vote by party NA; seats - (60 total) UPADS 23, MCDDI 14, RDD 8, RDPS 5, PCT 2, others 8 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Congolese Labor Party (PCT), Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO, president; Pan-African Union for Social Development (UPADS), Pascal LISSOUBA, leader; Association for Democracy and Development (RDD) - Joachim Yhombi OPANGO, president; Congolese Movement for Democracy and Integral Development (MCDDI), Bernard KOLELAS, leader; Association for Democracy and Social Progress (RDPS), Jean-Pierre Thystere TCHICAYA, president; Union of Democratic Forces (UFD), David Charles GANAO, leader; Union for Development and Social Progress (UDPS), Jean-Michael BOKAMBA-YANGOUMA, leader note: Congo has many political parties of which these are among the most important 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) 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, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Pierre Damien BOUSSOUKOU-BOUMBA chancery: 4891 Colorado Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: (202) 726-5500 or 5501 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador William RAMSEY embassy: Avenue Amilcar Cabral, Brazzaville mailing address: B. P. 1015, Brazzaville 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, an industrial sector based largely on oil, support 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. Subsequently, growth has slowed to an average of roughly 1.5% annually, only half the population growth rate. Political turmoil and misguided government investment have derailed economic reform programs sponsored by the IMF and World Bank. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA National product per capita: $2,900 (1993 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, Germany, Italy, Spain, other EC countries, US, Japan, Brazil External debt: $4.1 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (1989); accounts for 33% of GDP; includes petroleum Electricity: capacity: 140,000 kW production: 315 million kWh consumption per capita: 135 kWh (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: recipient: 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 Currency: 1 CFA franc (CFAF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (CFAF) per US$1 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: calendar year @Congo, Communications Railroads: 797 km, 1.067-meter gauge, single track (includes 285 km that are privately owned) Highways: total: 11,960 km paved: 560 km unpaved: gravel or crushed stone 850 km; improved earth 5,350 km; unimproved earth 5,200 km 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: 41 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: 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 15-49 551,151; fit for military service 280,372; reach military age (20) annually 24,441 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Cook Islands Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand) @Cook Islands, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 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 sq km land area: 240 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (November to March) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea @Cook Islands, People Population: 19,124 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.15% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 23.22 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -6.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 24.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.14 years male: 69.2 years female: 73.1 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.3 children born/woman (1994 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) National holiday: Constitution Day, 4 August Constitution: 4 August 1965 Legal system: NA Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Representative of the Queen Apenera SHORT (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 1 February 1989) cabinet: Cabinet; collectively responsible to the Parliament Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 24 March 1994 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (25 total) Cook Islands Party 20, Democratic Party 3, Alliance Party 2 note: the House of Arikis (chiefs) advises on traditional matters, but has no legislative powers Judicial branch: High Court Political parties and leaders: Cook Islands Party, Geoffrey HENRY; Democratic Party, Sir Thomas DAVIS; Cook Islands Labor Party, Rena JONASSEN; Cook Islands People's Party, Sadaraka SADARAKA; Alliance, Norman GEORGE Member of: AsDB, ESCAP (associate), ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UNESCO, WHO Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing in free association with New Zealand) 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, largely from New Zealand. Current economic development plans call for exploiting the tourism potential and expanding the fishing industry. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $57 million (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $3,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.2% (1990) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $38 million expenditures: $34.4 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.) Exports: $3.4 million (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: copra, fresh and canned fruit, clothing partners: NZ 80%, Japan Imports: $50 million (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: foodstuffs, textiles, fuels, timber partners: NZ 49%, Japan, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 14,000 kW production: 21 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,170 kWh (1990) Industries: fruit processing, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 12% of GDP, export crops - copra, citrus fruits, pineapples, tomatoes, bananas; subsistence crops - yams, taro Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6708 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Cook Islands, Communications Highways: total: 187 km paved: 35 km unpaved: gravel 35 km; improved earth 84 km; unimproved earth 33 km (1980) 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: Southwestern Oceania, just off the northeast coast of Australia in the Coral Sea Map references: Oceania Area: total area: less than 3 sq km land area: less than 3 sq km comparative area: NA note: includes numerous small islands and reefs scattered over a sea area of about 1 million sq km, 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 sq km Environment: current issues: no permanent fresh water resources natural hazards: subject to occasional tropical cyclones international agreements: NA Note: 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 Environment, Sport, 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: Middle America, between Nicaragua and Panama Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America Area: total area: 51,100 sq km land area: 50,660 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation, largely a result of land clearing for cattle ranching; soil erosion natural hazards: subject to occasional earthquakes, hurricanes along Atlantic coast; frequent flooding of lowlands at onset of rainy season; active volcanoes international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Life Conservation @Costa Rica, People Population: 3,342,154 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.31% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.48 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 3.52 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.14 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 11 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.8 years male: 75.88 years female: 79.81 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.06 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Jose Maria FIGUERES Olsen (since 8 May 1994); First Vice President Rodrigo OREAMUNO Blanco (since 8 May 1994); Second Vice President Rebeca GRYNSPAN Mayufis (since 8 May 1994); election last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998); results - President FIGUERES (PLN party) 49.7%, Miquel Angel RODRIGUEZ (PUSC party) 47.5% cabinet: Cabinet; selected by the president Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): elections last held 6 February 1994 (next to be held February 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (61 total) PLN 28, PUSC 29, minority parties 4 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Political parties and leaders: National Liberation Party (PLN), Manuel AGUILAR Bonilla; 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) 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: 2114 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 234-2945 FAX: (202) 265-4795 consulate(s) general: Albuquerque, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Austin and Raleigh US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d' Affaires Joseph BECELIA 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 1993 the economy grew at an estimated 6.5%, compared with 7.7% in 1992 and 2.1% in 1991. Increases in agricultural production (coffee and bananas), nontraditional exports, and tourism are responsible for much of the growth. Inflation in 1993 dropped to 9% from 17% in 1992 and 25% in 1991, an indication of basic financial stability. Unemployment is officially reported at 4.0%, but much underemployment remains. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $19.3 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 6.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $5,900 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 4% (1993); much underemployment Budget: revenues: $1.1 billion expenditures: $1.34 billion, including capital expenditures of $110 million (1991 est.) Exports: $1.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: coffee, bananas, textiles, sugar partners: US, Germany, Italy, Guatemala, El Salvador, Netherlands, UK, France Imports: $2.9 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: raw materials, consumer goods, capital equipment, petroleum partners: US, Japan, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Germany External debt: $3.2 billion (1991) Industrial production: growth rate 10.5% (1992); accounts for 22% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 927,000 kW production: 3.612 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,130 kWh (1992) Industries: food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products Agriculture: accounts for 19% 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: transshipment country for cocaine and heroin from South America; illicit production of cannabis on small scattered plots Economic aid: recipient: 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 Exchange rates: Costa Rican colones (C) per US$1 - 150.67 (December 1993), 142.17 (1993), 134.51 (1992), 122.43 (1991), 91.58 (1990), 81.504 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Costa Rica, Communications Railroads: 950 km total, all 1.067-meter gauge; 260 km electrified Highways: total: 35,536 km paved: 5,600 km unpaved: gravel and earth 29,936 km (1991) 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: 184 usable: 165 with permanent-surface runways: 27 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 9 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 15-49 873,987; fit for military service 588,223; reach military age (18) annually 32,308 (1994 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 sq km land area: 318,000 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents natural hazards: coast has heavy surf and no natural harbors international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Tropical Timber @Cote d'Ivoire, People Population: 14,295,501 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.44% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 46.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 15.01 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 2.86 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 95 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.92 years male: 46.75 years female: 51.16 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.67 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Ivorian(s) adjective: Ivorian Ethnic divisions: Baoule 23%, Bete 18%, Senoufou 15%, Malinke 11%, Agni, foreign Africans (mostly Burkinabe and Malians, about 3 million), non-Africans 130,000 to 330,000 (French 30,000 and Lebanese 100,000 to 300,000) Religions: indigenous 25%, Muslim 60%, Christian 12% Languages: French (official), 60 native dialects Dioula is the most widely spoken Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) 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, Abidjan remains the administrative center; foreign governments, including the United States, maintain presence in Abidjan Administrative divisions: 50 departments (departements, singular - departement); Abengourou, Abidjan, Aboisso, Adzope, Agboville, Agnibilckrou, 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) National holiday: National Day, 7 December Constitution: 3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time November 1990 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 Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Henri Konan BEDIE (since 7 December 1993) constitutional successor who will serve during the remainder of the term of former President Felix HOUPHOUET-BOIGNY who died in office after continuous service from November 1960 (next election October 1995) head of government: Prime Minister Kablan Daniel DUNCAN (since 10 December 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party of the Cote d'Ivoire (PDCI), Henri Konan BEDIE; Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Laurent GBAGBO; Ivorian Worker's Party (PIT), Francis WODIE; Ivorian Socialist Party (PSI), Morifere BAMBA; over 20 smaller parties 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, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jean-Marie KACOU-GERVAIS 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 has yet to fully recover. Continuing weak prices for commodity exports, a bloated public-sector wage bill, and a large foreign debt will continue to constrain economic development, this despite the 50% currency devaluation in January 1994 designed to restore international price competitiveness. A large, non-competitive import-substitution sector continues to thrive under steep tariff and import quota barriers. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA National product per capita: $1,500 (1993 est.) 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: $17.3 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (1990); accounts for 11% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 1,210,000 kW production: 1.97 billion kWh consumption per capita: 150 kWh (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 and Southeast Asian heroin to Europe and occasionally to the US Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 592.05 (January 1994), 283.16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 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: total: 46,600 km paved: 3,600 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 32,000 km; unimproved earth 11,000 km Inland waterways: 980 km navigable rivers, canals, and numerous coastal lagoons Ports: Abidjan, San-Pedro Merchant marine: 8 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 92,828 GRT/ 134,606 DWT, bulk 1, chemical tanker 1, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 3 Airports: total: 41 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 3,224,673; fit for military service 1,674,127; reach military age (18) annually 149,991 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $200 million, 2.3% of GDP (1988) @Croatia, Geography Location: Balkan State, 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 sq km land area: 56,410 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than West Virginia Land boundaries: total 2,028 km, Bosnia and Herzegovina 932 km, Hungary 329 km, Serbia and Montenegro 266 km (241 km with Serbia; 25 km with Montenego), Slovenia 501 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: Serbs have occupied UN protected areas 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 sq km Environment: current issues: air pollution from metallurgical plants is damaging the forests; coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste; widespread casualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affected by civil strife natural hazards: subject to frequent and destructive earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Note: controls most land routes from Western Europe to Aegean Sea and Turkish Straits @Croatia, People Population: 4,697,614 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.07% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 11.27 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.54 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.6 years male: 70.14 years female: 77.26 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.65 children born/woman (1994 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 0.4%, others and unknown 10.8% 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: 21 counties (zupanijas, zupanija - singular): Bjelovar-Bilogora, City of Zagreb, Dubrovnik-Neretva, Istra, Karlovac, Koprivnica-Krizevci, Krapina-Zagorje, Lika-Senj, Medimurje, Osijek-Baranja, Pozega-Slavonija, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Sibenik, Sisak-Moslavina, Slavonski Brod-Posavina, Split-Dalmatia, Varazdin, Virovitica-Podravina, Vukovar-Srijem, Zadar-Knin, Zagreb Independence: NA June 1991 (from Yugoslavia) National holiday: Statehood Day, 30 May (1990) Constitution: adopted on 2 December 1990 Legal system: based on civil law system Suffrage: 16 years of age, if employed; 18 years of age, universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Franjo TUDJMAN (since 30 May 1990); election last held 4 August 1992 (next to be held NA 1995); Franjo TUDJMAN reelected with about 56% of the vote; his opponent Dobroslav PARAGA got 5% of the vote head of government: Prime Minister Nikica VALENTIC (since 3 April 1993); Deputy Prime Ministers Mato GRANIC (since 8 September 1992), Ivica KOSTOVIC (since NA), Vladimir SEKS (since September 1992), Borislav SKEGRO (since NA) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral parliament Assembly (Sabor) House of Districts (Zupanije Dom): elections last held 7 and 21 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 1997); seats - (68 total; 63 elected, 5 presidentially appointed) HDZ 37, HSLS 16, HSS 5, Istrian Democratic Assembly 3, SPH-SDP 1, HNS 1 House of Representatives (Predstavnicke Dom): elections last held 2 August 1992 (next to be held NA August 1996); seats - (138 total) HDZ 85, HSLS 14, SPH-SDP 11, HNS 6, Dalmatian Action/Istrian Democratic Assembly/ Rijeka Democratic Alliance coalition 6, HSP 5, HSS 3, SNS 3, independents 5 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Stjepan MESIC, chairman of the executive council; Croatian People's Party (HNS), Savka DABCEVIC-KUCAR, president; Serbian People's Party (SNS), Milan DUKIC; Croatian Party of Rights (HSP), leader NA; Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), Drazen BUDISA, president; Croatian Peasant Party (HSS), leader NA; Dalmatian Action/Istrian Democratic Assembly/Rijecka Democratic Alliance coalition; Social Democratic Party of Croatia-Party of Democratic Changes (SPH-SDP), Ivica RACAN Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: CE (guest), CEI, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Petr A. SARCEVIC chancery: (temporary) 236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002 telephone: (202) 543-5580 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter W. GALBRAITH embassy: Andrije Hebranga 2, Zagreb mailing address: US Embassy, Zagreb, Unit 1345, APO AE 09213-1345 telephone: [385] (41) 444-800 FAX: [385] (41) 45 85 85 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. At present, 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 economic problems stemming from: the legacy of longtime Communist mismanagement of the economy; large foreign debt; damage during the fighting to bridges, factories, power lines, 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; only then will recent government moves toward a "market-friendly" economy reverse the sharp drop in output. As of May 1994, fighting continues among Croats, Serbs, and Muslims, and national boundaries and final political arrangements are still in doubt. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $21.8 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: -19% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $4,500 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 26% monthly average (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 21% (December 1993) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA Exports: $3.9 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: machinery and transport equipment 30%, other manufacturers 37%, chemicals 11%, food and live animals 9%, raw materials 6.5%, fuels and lubricants 5% (1990) partners: EC countries, Slovenia Imports: $4.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993) 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% (1990) partners: EC countries, Slovenia, FSU countries External debt: $2.6 billion (December 1993) Industrial production: growth rate -5.9% (1993 est.) Electricity: capacity: 3,570,000 kW production: 11.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,400 kWh (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 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; a new currency, the kuna, replaced the dinar on 30 May 1994 Exchange rates: Croatian dinar per US $1 - 6,544 (January 1994), 3,637 (15 July 1993), 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: total: 32,071 km paved: 23,305 km unpaved: gravel 8,439 km; earth 327 km (1990) 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 - Omisalj (oil), Ploce, Rijeka, Split; inland - Osijek, Slavonski Samac, Vukovar, Zupanja Merchant marine: 28 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 108,194 GRT/131,880 DWT, cargo 18, container 1, oil tanker 1, passenger 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 3 note: also controlled by Croatian shipowners are 151 ships (1,000 GRT or over) under flags of convenience - primarily Malta and St. Vincent - totaling 2,221,931 GRT/3,488,263 DWT; includes cargo 60, roll-on/ roll-off 8, refrigerated cargo 4, container 12, multifunction large load carriers 3, bulk 45, oil tanker 9, liquified gas 1, chemical tanker 4, service vessel 5 Airports: total: 75 usable: 70 with permanent-surface runways: 16 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7 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; satellite ground stations - none @Croatia, Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Naval Forces, Air and Air Defense Forces Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,182,767; fit for military service 946,010; reach military age (19) annually 33,166 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: 337 billion-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: Caribbean, 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 sq km land area: 110,860 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Pennsylvania Land boundaries: total 29 km, US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay 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 Bay 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: overhunting threatens wildlife populations; deforestation natural hazards: averages one hurricane every other year international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Marine Life Conservation Note: largest country in Caribbean @Cuba, People Population: 11,064,344 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.95% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.52 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.54 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.89 years male: 74.72 years female: 79.18 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.83 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Rebellion Day, 26 July (1953) 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 Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: 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) cabinet: Council of Ministers; proposed by the president of the Council of State, appointed by the National Assembly Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly of People's Power: (Asamblea Nacional del Poder Popular) elections last held February 1993; seats - 589 total, indirectly elected from slates approved by special candidacy commissions Judicial branch: People's Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo Popular) Political parties and leaders: only party - Cuban Communist Party (PCC), Fidel CASTRO Ruz, first secretary Member of: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, ICAO, IFAD, ILO, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), 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) represented by the Cuban Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Washington, DC 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 Joseph SULLIVAN US Interests Section: USINT, Swiss Embassy, Calzada Entre L y M, Vedado Seccion, Havana mailing address: use street address telephone: 33-3351 or 33-3543 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: Cuba's heavily statist economy remains in a severe depression as a result of the loss of massive amounts of economic aid from the former Soviet Bloc. In 1989-93, GDP declined by about 40% and import capability fell by about 80%. Reduced imports of fuel, spare parts, and chemicals combined with rainy weather to cut the production of sugar - the country's top export - from 7 million tons in 1992 to 4.3 million tons in 1993, causing a loss of more than $400 million in export revenue. The government implemented several measures designed to stem the economic decline, e.g., legalizing the use of foreign currency by Cuban citizens in August 1993 in an attempt to increase remittances of foreign exchange from abroad. Authorities in September 1993 began permitting self-employment in over 100 mostly service occupations. Also in September the government broke up many state farms into smaller, more autonomous cooperative units in an attempt to increase worker incentives and boost depressed food production levels. Fuel shortages persisted throughout 1993; draft animals and bicycles continued to replace motor-driven vehicles, and the use of electricity by households and factories was cut from already low levels. With the help of foreign investment, tourism has been one bright spot in the economy, with arrivals and earnings reaching record highs in 1993. Government officials have expressed guarded optimism for 1994, as the country struggles to achieve sustainable economic growth at a much-reduced standard of living. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $13.7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -10% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $1,250 (1993 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: $1.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: sugar, nickel, shellfish, tobacco, medical products, citrus, coffee partners: Russia 28%, Canada 9%, China 5%, Ukraine 5%, Japan 4%, Spain 4% (1993 est.) Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum, food, machinery, chemicals partners: Venezuela 20%, China 9%, Spain 9%, Mexico 7%, Italy 4%, Canada 7%, France 8% (1993 est.) External debt: $6.8 billion (convertible currency, July 1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 3,889,000 kW production: 16.248 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,500 kWh (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 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 Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine bound for the US Economic aid: recipient: 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 (non-convertible, official rate, linked to the US dollar) Fiscal year: calendar year @Cuba, Communications Railroads: 12,795 km total; Cuban National Railways operates 5,053 km of 1.435-meter gauge track, including 151.7 km electrified; in addition, sugar plantation lines consist of 7,742 km of 0.914-meter and 1.435-meter gauge track Highways: total: 26,477 km paved: 14,477 km unpaved: gravel or earth 12,000 km (1989) Inland waterways: 240 km Ports: Cienfuegos, La Habana, Mariel, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba; 7 secondary, 35 minor Merchant marine: 64 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 444,038 GRT/627,741 DWT, bulk 2, cargo 36, chemical tanker 1, liquefied gas 4, oil tanker 10, passenger cargo 1, refrigerated cargo 10 note: Cuba beneficially owns an additional 34 ships (1,000 GRT and over) totaling 529,090 DWT under the registry of Panama, Cyprus, and Malta Airports: total: 187 usable: 167 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: among the world's least developed telephone systems; 229,000 telephones; telephone density - 20.7 per 1,000 persons; broadcast stations - 150 AM, 5 FM, 58 TV; 1,530,000 TVs; 2,140,000 radios; 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), Territorial Militia Troops (MTT), Youth Labor Army (EJT), and Interior Ministry Border Guard Troops Manpower availability: males age 15-49 3,064,898; females age 15-49 3,088,810; males fit for military service 1,907,396; females fit for military service 1,927,306; males reach military age (17) annually 81,536 (1994 est.); females reach military age (17) annually 78,612 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - approx. $600 million, 4% of GSP (gross social product) in 1993 was for defense Note: Moscow, for decades the key military supporter and supplier of Cuba, cut off military aid by 1993 @Cyprus, Geography Location: Middle East, 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 sq km land area: 9,240 sq km 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: water resource problems (no natural reservoir catchments, seasonal disparity in rainfall, and most potable resources concentrated in the Turkish Cypriot area); water pollution from sewage and industrial wastes; coastal degradation; loss of wildlife habitats from urbanization natural hazards: moderate earthquake activity international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change @Cyprus, People Population: 730,084 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.91% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.69 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.22 years male: 73.97 years female: 78.58 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.32 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) total population: 94% male: 98% female: 91% Labor force: Greek area: 285,500 by occupation: services 57%, industry 29%, agriculture 14% (1992) Turkish area: 75,000 by occupation: services 52%, industry 22%, agriculture 26% (1992) @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) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (15 November (1983) is celebrated as Independence Day in the Turkish area) 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 5 May 1985 Legal system: based on common law, with civil law modifications Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Glafkos CLERIDES (since 28 February 1993); election last held 14 February 1993 (next to be held February 1998); results - Glafkos CLERIDES 50.3%, George VASSILIOU 49.7% cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed jointly by the president and vice-president note: Rauf R. DENKTASH has been president of the Turkish area since 13 February 1975; Hakki ATUN has been prime minister of the Turkish area since 1 January 1994; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in the Turkish area Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives (Vouli Antiprosopon): elections last held 19 May 1991 (next to be held NA); 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: Assembly of the Republic (Cumhuriyet Meclisi): elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (50 total) UBP (conservative) 17, DP 15, CTP 13, TKP 5 Judicial branch: Supreme Court; note - there is also a Supreme Court in the Turkish area Political parties and leaders: Greek Cypriot: Progressive Party of the Working People (AKEL, Communist Party), Dimitrios CHRISTOFIAS; Democratic Rally (DISY), John MATSIS; 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; National Struggle Party (MSP), Zorlu TORE; Unity and Sovereignty Party (USP), Arif Salih KIRDAG; Democratic Party (DP), Hakki ATUN; Fatherland Party (VP), Orhan UCOK note: 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 by-election of 13 October 1991, in which 12 seats were at stake; the DMP was dissolved after the 1990 election 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) 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 Andreas JACOVIDES chancery: 2211 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 462-5772 consulate(s) 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 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard BOUCHER embassy: corner of Metochiou and Ploutarchou Streets, Nicosia mailing address: APO AE 09836 telephone: [357] (2) 476100 FAX: [357] (2) 465944 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% to GDP and employs 29% of the labor force, while the service sector contributes 60% to GDP and employs 57% of the labor force. An average 6.8% rise in real GDP between 1986 and 1990 was temporarily checked in 1991, because of the adverse effects of the Gulf War on tourism. Economic growth surged again in 1992, bolstered by strong foreign and domestic demand. As the economy gained momentum, however, it began to overheat; inflation reached 6.5%. The economy has likely recorded a sharp drop in growth in 1993, due to the recession in Western Europe, Cyprus' main trading partner, but probably will pick up again in 1994. The Turkish Cypriot economy has less than one-third the per capita GDP in the south. Because it is recognized only by Turkey, it has had much difficulty arranging foreign financing, and foreign firms have hesitated to invest there. The economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, which employs more than one-quarter of the workforce. Moreover, because the Turkish lira is legal tender, the Turkish Cypriot economy has suffered the same high inflation as mainland Turkey. To compensate for the economy's weakness, Turkey provides direct and indirect aid to nearly every sector; financial support has reached about one-third of Turkish Cypriot GDP. National product: Greek area: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6.7 billion (1992) Turkish area: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $550 million (1992) National product real growth rate: Greek area: 8.2% (1992) Turkish area: 7.3% (1992) National product per capita: Greek area: $11,390 (1992) Turkish area: $3,130 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): Greek area: 6.5% (1992) Turkish area: 63.4% (1992) Unemployment rate: Greek area: 1.8% (1992) Turkish area: 1.2% (1992) Budget: revenues: Greek area - $1.7 billion Turkish area - $273 million expenditures: Greek area - $2.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $350 million Turkish area - $360 million, including capital expenditures of $78 million (1994) Exports: $1.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: citrus, potatoes, grapes, wine, cement, clothing and shoes partners: UK 19%, Greece 8%, Lebanon 2%, Egypt 7% Imports: $3.3 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: consumer goods, petroleum and lubricants, food and feed grains, machinery partners: UK 11%, Japan 11%, Italy 10%, Germany 9%, US 8% External debt: $1.6 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 4% (1993 est.); accounts for 16.0% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 620,000 kW production: 1.77 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,530 kWh (1991) Industries: food, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metal products, tourism, wood products Agriculture: contributes 7% to GDP and employs 26% 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: recipient: 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: Cypriot pounds per $US1 - 0.5148 (December 1993), 0.4970 (1993), 0.4502 (1992), 0.4615 (1991), 0.4572 (1990), 0.4933 (1989); Turkish liras (TL) per US$1 - 15,196.1 (January 1994), 10,983.3 (1993), 6,872.4 (1992), 4,171.8 (1991), 2,608.6 (1990), 2,121.7 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Cyprus, Communications Highways: total: 10,780 km paved: 5,170 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 5,610 km Ports: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos Merchant marine: 1,399 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,743,484 GRT/39,874,985 DWT, bulk 469, cargo 496, chemical tanker 27, combination bulk 48, combination ore/oil 32, container 82, liquefied gas 3, multifunction large load carrier 4, oil tanker 122, passenger 4, passenger-cargo 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 67, roll-on/roll-off cargo 24, short-sea passenger 12, specialized tanker 3, vehicle carrier 3 note: a flag of convenience registry; Cuba owns 26 of these ships, Russia owns 61, Latvia owns 7, Croatia owns 2, and Romania owns 4 Airports: total: 14 usable: 14 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: 2 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 15-49 186,807; fit for military service 128,444; reach military age (18) annually 5,233 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $407 million, 6.5% of GDP (1993) @Czech Republic, Geography Location: Central Europe, between Germany and Slovakia Map references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 78,703 sq km land area: 78,645 sq km 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 l,606 square miles of Czech territory confiscated from its royal family in 1918; Sudeten German claims for restitution of property confiscated in connection with their expulsion after World War II versus the Czech Republic claims that restitution does not proceed before February 1948 when the Communists seized power; unresolved property issues with Slovakia over redistribution of property of the former Czechoslovak federal government 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, soft 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 sq km Environment: current issues: air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia centered around Zeplica and in northern Moravia around Ostrava presents health hazards; acid rain damaging forests natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol 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: 10,408,280 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.21% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.23 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 11.14 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 9.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.08 years male: 69.38 years female: 76.99 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.84 children born/woman (1994 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: Czech Republic local long form: Ceska Republika local short form: Cechy Digraph: EZ Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Prague Administrative divisions: 8 regions (kraje, kraj - singular); Jihocesky, Jihomoravsky, Praha, Severocesky, Severomoravsky, Stredocesky, Vychodocesky, Zapadocesky Independence: 1 January 1993 (from Czechoslovakia) National holiday: National Liberation Day, 9 May; Founding of the Republic, 28 October 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Vaclav HAVEL (since 26 January 1993); election last held 26 January 1993 (next to be held NA January 1998); results - Vaclav HAVEL elected by the National Council head of government: Prime Minister Vaclav KLAUS (since NA June 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers Ivan KOCARNIK, Josef LUX, Jan KALVODA (since NA June 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral National Council (Narodni rada) Senate: elections not yet held; seats (81 total) Chamber of Deputies: elections 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, Czech Social Democratic Party 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Vaclav KLAUS, chairman; Christian Democratic Union-Czech People's Party (KDU-CSL), Josef LUX, chairman; Civic Democratic Alliance (ODA), Jan KALVODA, chairman; Christian Democratic Party (KDS), Ivan PILIP, chairman; Czech Social Democratic Party, Milos ZEMAN, chairman; Czech-Moravian Center Party, Jan KYCER, chairman; Liberal Social Union (LSU), Frantisek TRNKA; Communist Party of Bohemia/Moravia (KSCM), Miroslav GREBENICEK, chairman; Association for the Republic - Republican Party, Miroslav SLADEK, chairman; Left Bloc, Marie STIBOROVA, chairman Other political or pressure groups: Left Bloc; Liberal Party; Czech-Moravian Chamber of Trade Unions Member of: BIS, CCC, CE (guest), CEI, CERN, COCOM (cooperating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IFCTU, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NSG, PCA, UN (as of 8 January 1993), UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMIG, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WFTU, 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 FAX: (202) 966-8540 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Adrian A. BASORA embassy: Trziste 15, 11801, Prague 1 mailing address: Unit 25402; APO AE 09213 telephone: [42] (2) 251-0847 FAX: [42] (2) 531-193 Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side (almost identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia) @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, 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 the Czech lands, inflation dropped to an estimated 12.5% and GDP was down a more moderate 5%. In 1993, Czech aggregate output remained unchanged, prices rose about 19%, and unemployment hovered above 3%; exports to Slovakia fell roughly 30%. An estimated 40% of the economy was privately owned. In 1994, Prague expects 2% to 3% growth in GDP, roughly 9% inflation, and 5% unemployment. Economic growth in 1994 is less important than continued economic restructuring; a mere 1% growth would be noteworthy if restructuring is accompanied by rising unemployment and enterprise bankruptcies. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $75 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $7,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 19% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 3.3% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $11.9 billion expenditures: $11.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.) Exports: $12.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, minerals, and metals partners: Germany, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Italy, France, US, UK, CIS republics Imports: $12.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) 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: $8.6 billion (October 1993) Industrial production: growth rate -5.5% (December 1993 over December 1992) Electricity: capacity: 16,500,000 kW production: 62.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,030 kWh (1992) 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: transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine to Western Europe Economic aid: donor: 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 - 30.122 (January 1994), 29.153 (1993), 28.26 (1992), 29.53 (1991), 17.95 (1990), 15.05 (1989) note: values before 1993 reflect Czechoslovak exchange rates Fiscal year: calendar year @Czech Republic, Communications Railroads: 9,434 km total (1988) Highways: total: 55,890 km (1988) paved: NA unpaved: NA 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: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 225,934 GRT/350,330 DWT, bulk 7, cargo 11 Airports: total: 155 usable: 123 with permanent-surface runways: 27 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 17 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 52 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: NA @Czech Republic, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air and Air Defense Forces, Civil Defense, Railroad Units Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,747,126; fit for military service 2,091,532; reach military age (18) annually 93,342 (1994 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: Nordic State, Northern 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 sq km land area: 42,370 sq km 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 has been settled by 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: air pollution; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea Note: controls Danish Straits linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in Copenhagen @Denmark, People Population: 5,187,821 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.23% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 12.45 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 11.28 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.81 years male: 72.93 years female: 78.86 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.68 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940) Constitution: 5 June 1953 Legal system: civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: 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) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the monarch Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Folketing): elections 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party, Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN; Conservative Party, Torben RECHENDORFF; Liberal Party, Uffe ELLEMANN-JENSEN; Socialist People's Party, Holger K. NIELSEN; Progress Party, Johannes SORENSEN; 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 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, UNOMIG, UNMOGIP, UNPROFOR, UNTSO, UPU, WEU, WFTU, 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 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Edward E. ELSON 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 the criteria for European integration by 1999; although Copenhagen has won from the European Union (EU) the right to opt out of the European Monetary Union (EMU) if a national referendum rejects it. Denmark is, in fact, one of the few EU countries likely to fit into the EMU on time. Denmark is weathering the current worldwide slump better than many West European countries. As the EU's single market (formally established on 1 January 1993) gets underway, Danish economic growth is expected to pickup to around 2% in 1994. Danish approval of the Maastricht treaty on EU political and economic union in May 1993 has reversed 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 2% in 1994 - improve export competitiveness. Although unemployment is high, it remains stable compared to most European countries. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $95.6 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: 0.5% (1993) National product per capita: $18,500 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.8% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 11.8% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $48 billion expenditures: $55.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993) Exports: $36.7 billion (f.o.b., 1993) 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: $29.7 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) 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 -2.5% (1993 est.) Electricity: capacity: 11,215,000 kW production: 34.17 billion kWh consumption per capita: 6,610 kWh (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 oere Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.771 (January 1994), 6.484 (1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396 (1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989) 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: total: 66,482 km paved: concrete, asphalt, stone block 64,551 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 1,931 km 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: 347 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,974,494 GRT/6,820,067 DWT, bulk 15, cargo 110, chemical tanker 24, combination bulk 1, container 51, liquefied gas 36, livestock carrier 4, oil tanker 33, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 21, roll-on/roll-off cargo 39, short-sea passenger 12 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, 308 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 1,360,050; fit for military service 1,168,940; reach military age (20) annually 36,800 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.6 billion, 2% of GDP (1993) @Djibouti, Geography Location: Eastern Africa, at the entrance to the Red Sea between Eritrea and Somalia Map references: Africa, Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 22,000 sq km land area: 21,980 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Massachusetts Land boundaries: total 508 km, Eritrea 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: none 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 sq km Environment: current issues: desertification natural hazards: prone to earthquakes, droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Note: strategic location near world's busiest shipping lanes and close to Arabian oilfields; terminus of rail traffic into Ethiopia; a vast wasteland @Djibouti, People Population: 412,599 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.71% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 42.94 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 15.8 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 49.23 years male: 47.42 years female: 51.1 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.21 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 June (1977) Constitution: multiparty constitution approved in referendum 4 September 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: President HASSAN GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977); election last held 7 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1999); results - President Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected head of government: Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978) cabinet: Council of Ministers; responsible to the president Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes): elections last held 18 December 1992; results - RPP is the only party; seats - (65 total) RPP 65 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) 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) Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO, UNCTAD, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roble OLHAYE chancery: Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 telephone: (202) 331-0270 FAX: (202) 331-0302 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Martin CHESES 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 (an important supplement to GDP) 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, civil war, and a high population growth rate (including immigrants and refugees). National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $500 million (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -1% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% (1992) Unemployment rate: over 30% (1989) Budget: revenues: $170 million expenditures: $203 million, including capital expenditures of $70 million (1991 est.) Exports: $158 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: hides and skins, coffee (in transit) partners: Africa 47%, Middle East 40%, Western Europe 12% Imports: $334 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: foods, beverages, transport equipment, chemicals, petroleum products partners: Western Europe 48%, Asia 25%, Africa 8% External debt: $355 million (December 1990) Industrial production: growth rate 3% (1991 est.); manufacturing accounts for 12% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 115,000 kW production: 200 million kWh consumption per capita: 580 kWh (1991) Industries: limited to a few small-scale enterprises, such as dairy products and mineral-water bottling Agriculture: accounts for only 2% 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: recipient: 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) Fiscal year: calendar year @Djibouti, Communications Railroads: the Ethiopian-Djibouti railroad extends for 97 km through Djibouti Highways: total: 2,900 km paved: 280 km unpaved: improved, unimproved earth 2,620 km (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: 4 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 99,811; fit for military service 58,346 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $26 million, NA% of GDP (1989) @Dominica, Geography Location: Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, 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 sq km land area: 750 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: flash floods are a constant threat; occasional hurricanes international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection @Dominica, People Population: 87,696 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.32% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 20.46 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.98 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -2.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 10.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.96 years male: 74.12 years female: 79.95 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.99 children born/woman (1994 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1978) Constitution: 3 November 1978 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO (since 25 October 1993) election last held 4 October 1993 (next to be held NA October 1998); results - President Crispin Anselm SORHAINDO was elected by the House of Assembly to a five year term head of government: Prime Minister (Mary) Eugenia CHARLES (since 21 July 1980, elected for a third term 28 May 1990) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral House of Assembly: elections 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 Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), Brian ALLEYNE; 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 Member of: ACCT, ACP, C, CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: Dominica has no chancery in the US consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: no official presence since the Ambassador resides in Bridgetown (Barbados), but travels frequently to Dominica 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. Development of the tourist industry remains difficult because of the rugged coastline and the lack of an international airport. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $185 million (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: 2.6% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $2,100 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 5.2% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $70 million expenditures: $84 million, including capital expenditures of $26 million (FY91 est.) Exports: $54.6 million (1992) commodities: bananas, soap, bay oil, vegetables, grapefruit, oranges partners: UK 50%, CARICOM countries, Italy, US Imports: $97.5 million (1992) commodities: manufactured goods, machinery and equipment, food, chemicals partners: US 25%, CARICOM, UK, Canada External debt: $92.8 million (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 4.2% (1992); accounts for 7% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 16 million kWh consumption per capita: 185 kWh (1992) Industries: soap, coconut oil, tourism, copra, furniture, cement blocks, shoes Agriculture: accounts for 30% of GDP; principal crops - bananas, citrus, mangoes, root crops, coconuts; bananas provide the bulk of export earnings; forestry and fisheries potential not exploited Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: 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: total: 750 km paved: 370 km unpaved: gravel or earth 380 km 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 Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Dominican Republic, Geography Location: Caribbean, 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 sq km land area: 48,380 sq km 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; seasonal variation in rainfall 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: water shortages; soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs; deforestation natural hazards: subject to occasional hurricanes (July to October) international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: shares island of Hispaniola with Haiti (eastern two-thirds is the Dominican Republic, western one-third is Haiti) @Dominican Republic, People Population: 7,826,075 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.8% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 24.87 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.2 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 51.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.35 years male: 66.22 years female: 70.6 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.8 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Dominican(s) adjective: Dominican Ethnic divisions: white 16%, black 11%, mixed 73% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: Spanish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 83% male: 85% female: 82% Labor force: 2.3 million to 2.6 million 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 February (1844) Constitution: 28 November 1966 Legal system: based on French civil codes Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory or married persons regardless of age note: members of the armed forces and police cannot vote Executive branch: 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); election last held 16 May 1990 (next to be held May 1994); results - Joaquin BALAGUER (PRSC) 35.7%, Juan BOSCH Gavino (PLD) 34.4%, Jose Francisco PENA Gomez (PRD) 22.9% cabinet: Cabinet; nominated by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional) Senate (Senado): elections 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 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) 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 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, 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 FAX: (202) 265-8057 consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mayaguez (Puerto Rico), Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): 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: Unit 5500, Santo Domingo; 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: Rapid growth of free trade zones has led to a substantial expansion of manufacturing for export, especially of 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. Growth fell to a moderate 3% in 1993 because of power shortages in industry and political uncertainty which slowed down foreign investment. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $23 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 3% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $3,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 30% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.4 billion expenditures: $1.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993 est.) Exports: $769 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: ferronickel, sugar, gold, coffee, cocoa partners: US 56%, EC 22%, Puerto Rico 8% (1991) Imports: $2.2 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum, cotton and fabrics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals partners: US 50% External debt: $4.7 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -0.1% (1991); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 2,283,000 kW production: 5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 660 kWh (1992) Industries: tourism, sugar processing, ferronickel and gold mining, textiles, cement, tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 18% 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 and Europe Economic aid: recipient: 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 Exchange rates: Dominican pesos (RD$) per US$1 - 12.841 (January 1994), 12.679 (1993), 12.774 (1992), 12.692 (1991), 8.525 (1990), 6.340 (1989) 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: total: 12,000 km paved: 5,800 km unpaved: gravel or improved earth 5,600 km; unimproved earth 600 km 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: 31 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 2,114,606; fit for military service 1,333,049; reach military age (18) annually 81,919 (1994 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 sq km land area: 276,840 sq km 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution natural hazards: subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands Note: Cotopaxi in Andes is highest active volcano in world @Ecuador, People Population: 10,677,067 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.01% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.82 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.67 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 39.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.98 years male: 67.46 years female: 72.62 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.08 children born/woman (1994 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: 88% male: 90% female: 86% 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 10 August (1809) (independence of Quito) Constitution: 10 August 1979 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal, compulsory for literate persons ages 18-65, optional for other eligible voters Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Sixto DURAN BALLEN Cordovez (since 10 August 1992); Vice President Alberto DAHIK Garzoni (since 10 August 1992); election 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 cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Congress (Congreso Nacional): elections last held 17 May 1992 (next to be held 1 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 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) 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 (PC), 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 (5,000 members); Communist Party of Ecuador/Marxist-Leninist (PCMLE, Maoist), leader NA (3,000 members) 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 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Diego, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Peter F. ROMERO embassy: Avenida 12 de Octubre y Avenida Patria, Quito mailing address: P. O. Box 538, Unit 5309, Quito, or APO AA 34039-3420 telephone: [593] (2) 562-890, 561-623 or 624 FAX: [593] (2) 502-052 consulate(s) 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 import quotas of the European Union 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. In 1993, the DURAN-BALLEN administration adopted a rigorous austerity program that resulted in economic stabilization, with inflation cut in half and international reserves boosted to a record $1.3 billion. Growth in 1993 was perhaps only 2% due to falling export prices, notably oil, and slow progress on privatization. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $41.8 billion National product real growth rate: 2% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $4,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 31% (1993) Unemployment rate: 8% (1992) Budget: revenues: $1.9 billion expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $3 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: petroleum 42%, bananas, shrimp, cocoa, coffee partners: US 53.4%, Latin America, Caribbean, EC countries Imports: $2.5 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 30% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: capacity: 2,921,000 kW production: 7.676 billion kWh consumption per capita: 700 kWh (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: significant transit country for derivatives of coca originating in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru; minor illicit producer of coca; importer of precursor chemicals used in production of illicit narcotics; important money-laundering hub Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 1,947.1 (October 1993), 1,534.0 (1992), 1,046.25 (1991), 767.8 (1990), 767.78 (1990), 526.35 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Ecuador, Communications Railroads: 965 km total; all 1.067-meter-gauge single track Highways: total: 28,000 km paved: 3,600 km unpaved: gravel or improved earth 17,400 km; unimproved earth 7,000 km Inland waterways: 1,500 km Pipelines: crude oil 800 km; petroleum products 1,358 km Ports: Guayaquil, Manta, Puerto Bolivar, Esmeraldas Merchant marine: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 263,752 GRT/378,675 DWT, bulk 1, cargo 3, container 2, liquefied gas 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 3, refrigerated cargo 15, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 Airports: total: 211 usable: 208 with permanent-surface runways: 56 with runway over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 7 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 21 Telecommunications: domestic facilities generally adequate; 318,000 telephones; telephone density - 30 per 1,000 persons; 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 2,734,988; fit for military service 1,850,989; reach military age (20) annually 111,707 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $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 sq km land area: 995,450 sq km 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 sq km; the dispute over this area escalated in 1993, this area continues to be in dispute 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands; increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam; desertification; oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats; other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents; water scarcity away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source; rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources natural hazards: periods of drought; subject to frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity; hot, driving windstorm called khamsin occurs in spring international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change 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: 60,765,028 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.95% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 28.69 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.35 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 76.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 60.79 years male: 58.91 years female: 62.76 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.77 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Egyptian(s) adjective: Egyptian Ethnic divisions: Eastern Hamitic stock (Egyptians, Bedouins, and Berbers) 99%, Greek, Nubian, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 1% 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 est.) total population: 48% male: 63% female: 34% Labor force: 15 million (1992 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 (1993 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) National holiday: Anniversary of the Revolution, 23 July (1952) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: 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); national referendum held 4 October 1993 validated Mubarak's nomination by the People's Assembly to a third 6-year presidential term head of government: Prime Minister Atef Mohammed Najib SEDKY (since 12 November 1986) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral People's Assembly (Majlis al-Cha'b): elections last held 29 November 1990 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - NDP 86.3%, NPUG 1.3%, independents 12.4%; seats - (454 total, 444 elected, 10 appointed by the president) NDP 383, NPUG 6, independents 55; note - most opposition parties boycotted; NDP figures include NDP members who ran as independents and other NDP-affiliated independents Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): functions only in a consultative role; elections last held 8 June 1989 (next to be held NA June 1995); results - NDP 100%; seats - (258 total, 172 elected, 86 appointed by the president) NDP 172 Judicial branch: Supreme Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: National Democratic Party (NDP), President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK, leader, is the dominant party; legal opposition parties are; New Wafd Party (NWP), Fu'ad SIRAJ AL-DIN; Socialist Labor Party, Ibrahim SHUKRI; National Progressive Unionist Grouping (NPUG), Khalid MUHYI-AL-DIN; Socialist Liberal Party (SLP), Mustafa Kamal MURAD; Democratic Unionist Party, Mohammed 'Abd-al-Mun'im TURK; Umma Party, Ahmad al-SABAHI; Misr al-Fatah Party (Young Egypt Party), Ali al-Din SALIH; Nasserist Arab Democratic Party, Dia' al-din DAWUD; Democratic Peoples' Party, Anwar AFIFI; The Greens Party, Kamal KIRAH note: formation of political parties must be approved by government Other political or pressure groups: the constitution bans religious-based political parties; nonetheless, the government tolerates limited political activity by the technically illegal Muslim Brotherhood, which constitutes Mubarak's chief political opposition; trade unions and professional associations are officially sanctioned 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, UNTAC, 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 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Edward WALKER embassy: (North Gate) 8, Kamel El-Din Saleh Street, Garden City, Cairo mailing address: APO AE 09839-4900 telephone: [20] (2) 355-7371 FAX: [20] (2) 357-3200 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 1991-93 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. Egypt probably will continue making uneven progress in implementing the successor programs with the IMF and World Bank it signed onto in late 1993. In 1992-93 tourism 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 - purchasing power equivalent - $139 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0.3% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,400 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $16.8 billion expenditures: $19.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.4 billion (FY94 est.) Exports: $3.5 billion (f.o.b., FY93 est.) commodities: crude oil and petroleum products, cotton yarn, raw cotton, textiles, metal products, chemicals partners: EC, Eastern Europe, US, Japan Imports: $10.5 billion (c.i.f., FY93 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, foods, fertilizers, wood products, durable consumer goods, capital goods partners: EC, US, Japan, Eastern Europe External debt: $32 billion (March 1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -0.4% (FY92 est.); accounts for 18% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 14,175,000 kW production: 47 billion kWh consumption per capita: 830 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals, petroleum, construction, cement, metals 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 from Lebanon and Syria Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 3.369 (November 1993), 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: total: 45,500 km paved: 18,300 km unpaved: gravel 12,503 km; earth 14,697 km 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: 171 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,08,208 GRT/1,617,890 DWT, bulk 16, cargo 88, container 1, oil tanker 14, passenger 27, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 15, short-sea passenger 7 Airports: total: 92 usable: 82 with permanent-surface runways: 66 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 45 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 23 Telecommunications: large system by Third World standards but inadequate for present requirements and undergoing extensive upgrading; 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 15,335,889; fit for military service 9,961,128; reach military age (20) annually 625,748 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.05 billion, 6% of GDP (FY92/93) @El Salvador, Geography Location: Middle 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 sq km land area: 20,720 sq km 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 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes natural hazards: known as the Land of Volcanoes, subject to frequent and sometimes very destructive earthquakes and volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: smallest Central American country and only one without a coastline on Caribbean Sea @El Salvador, People Population: 5,752,511 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.04% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 32.81 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.36 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -6.08 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 40.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.99 years male: 64.41 years female: 69.71 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.78 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) 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 Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Armando CALDERON SOL (since 1 June 1994); Vice President Enrique BORGO Bustamante (since 1 June 1994) election last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held March 1999); results - Armando CALDERON SOL (ARENA) 49.03%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 24.09%, Fidel CHAVEZ Mena (PDC) 16.39%, other 10.49%; because no candidate received a majority, run off election was held 24 April 1994; results - Armando CALDERON SOL (ARENA) 68.35%, Ruben ZAMORA Rivas (CD/FMLN/MNR) 31.65% cabinet: Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa): elections last held 20 March 1994 (next to be held March 1997); results - ARENA 46.4%, FMLN 25.0%, PDC 21.4%, PCN 4.8%, other 2.4%; seats - (84 total) ARENA 39, FMLN 21, PDC 18, PCN 4, other 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Political parties and leaders: National Republican Alliance (ARENA); Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) has five factions - Popular Liberation Forces (FPL), Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN), Popular Expression of Renewal (ERP), Salvadoran Communist Party (PCES), and Central American Workers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC); Christian Democratic Party (PDC); National Conciliation Party (PCN); Democratic Convergence (CD), a coalition of three parties - the Social Democratic Party (PSD), Democratic Nationalist Union (UDN), and the Popular Social Christian Movement (MPSC); Authentic Christian Movement (MAC) note: new party leaders not yet designated at time of publication Other political or pressure groups: labor organizations: Salvadoran Communal Union (UCS), peasant association; General Confederation of Workers (CGT), moderate; United Workers Front (FUT) business organizations: Productive Alliance (AP), conservative; National Federation of Salvadoran Small Businessmen (FENAPES), conservative 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 Ana Cristina SOL chancery: 2308 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 265-9671 or 9672 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Alan H. FLANIGAN embassy: Final Boulevard, Station Antigua Cuscatlan, San Salvador mailing address: Unit 3116, San Salvador; 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 19% of GDP and 15% of employment. In 1992-93 the government made substantial progress toward privatization and deregulation of the economy. Growth in national output in 1990-93 exceeded growth in population for the first time since 1987, and inflation in 1993 of 12% was down from 17% in 1992 National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $14.2 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 6.7% (1993) Budget: revenues: $846 million expenditures: $890 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $730 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: coffee, sugarcane, shrimp partners: US, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Germany Imports: $1.9 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: raw materials, consumer goods, capital goods partners: US, Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Germany External debt: $2.6 billion (December 1992) Industrial production: growth rate 7.6% (1993) Electricity: capacity: 713,800 kW production: 2.19 billion kWh consumption per capita: 390 kWh (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; marijuana produced for local consumption Economic aid: recipient: 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 Exchange rates: Salvadoran colones (C) per US$1 - 8.720 (January 1994), 8.670 (1993), 8.4500 (1992), 8.080 (1991), 8.0300 (1990), fixed rate of 5.000 (1986-1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @El Salvador, Communications Railroads: 602 km 0.914-meter gauge, single track; some sections abandoned, unusable, or operating at reduced capacity Highways: total: 10,000 km paved: 1,500 km unpaved: gravel 4,100 km; improved, unimproved earth 4,400 km Inland waterways: Rio Lempa partially navigable Ports: Acajutla, Cutuco Airports: total: 107 usable: 76 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: 6 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 1,351,641; fit for military service 866,010; reach military age (18) annually 74,181 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $104 million, 1.1% of GDP (1994 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 sq km land area: 28,050 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: desertification natural hazards: subject to violent windstorms international agreements: party to - Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: insular and continental regions rather widely separated @Equatorial Guinea, People Population: 409,550 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.59% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.65 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 14.73 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 102.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.09 years male: 49.97 years female: 54.27 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.28 children born/woman (1994 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 est.) 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) National holiday: Independence Day, 12 October (1968) Constitution: new constitution 17 November 1991 Legal system: partly based on Spanish civil law and tribal custom Suffrage: universal adult at age NA Executive branch: chief of state: President Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO (since 3 August 1979) election 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 head of government: Prime Minister Silvestre SIALE BILEKA (since 17 January 1992); Vice Prime Minister Anatolio NDONG MBA (since November 1993); cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral House of People's Representatives: (Camara de Representantes del Pueblo) elections last held 21 November 1993; seats - (82 total) PDGE 72, various opposition parties 10 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal Political parties and leaders: ruling - Democratic Party for Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, party leader; Progressive Democratic Alliance (ADP), Antonio-Ebang Mbele Abang, president; Popular Action of Equatorial Guinea (APGE),Casiano Masi Edu, leader; Liberal Democratic Convention (CLD), Alfonso Nsue MOKUY, president; Convergence for Social Democracy (CPDS),Santiago Obama Ndong, president; Social Democratic and Popular Convergence (CSDP), Secundino Oyono Agueng Ada, general secretary; Party of the Social Democratic Coalition (PCSD), Buenaventura Moswi M'Asumu, general coordinater; Liberal Party (PL), leaders unknown; Party of Progress (PP), Severo MOTO Nsa, president; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Benjamin-Gabriel Balingha Balinga Alene, general secretary; Socialist Party of Equatorial Guinea (PSGE), Tomas MICHEBE Fernandez, general secretary; National Democratic Union (UDENA), Jose MECHEBA Ikaka, president; Democratic Social Union (UDS), Jesus Nze Obama Avomo, general secretary; Popular Union (UP), Juan Bitui, president Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, BDEAC, CEEAC, ECA, FAO, FZ, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), 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) 738-9584 or 667-6913 FAX: (914) 667-6838 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, 2406, 2507 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: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing account for about half of GDP and nearly all exports. Subsistence farming predominates. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the deterioration of the rural economy under successive brutal regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth. A number of AID programs sponsored by the World Bank and the international donor community have failed to revitalize export agriculture. There is little industry; businesses for the most part are owned by government officials and their family members. 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 fields will provide a greater share of exports by 1995. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $280 million (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA National product per capita: $700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.6% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $32.5 million expenditures: $35.9 million, including capital expenditures of $3 million (1992 est.) Exports: $52.8 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: coffee, timber, cocoa beans partners: Spain 55.2%, Nigeria 11.4%, Cameroon 9.1% (1992) Imports: $63.6 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: petroleum, food, beverages, clothing, machinery partners: Cameroon 23.1%, Spain 21.8%, France 14.1%, US 4.3% External debt: $260 million (1992 est) Industrial production: growth rate -6.5% (1992 est.); accounts for 5% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 23,000 kW production: 60 million kWh consumption per capita: 160 kWh (1991) Industries: fishing, sawmilling Agriculture: accounts for almost 50% of GDP, cash crops - timber and coffee from Rio Muni, cocoa from Bioko; food crops - rice, yams, cassava, bananas, oil palm nuts, manioc, livestock Economic aid: recipient: 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 - 592.05 (January 1994), 273,16 (1993), 264.69 (1992), 282.11 (1991), 272.26 (1990), 319.01 (1989) note: beginning 12 January 1994, the CFA franc was devalued to CFAF 100 per French franc from CFAF 50 at which it had been fixed since 1948 Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Equatorial Guinea, Communications Highways: total: 2,760 km (2,460 km on Rio Muni and 300 km on Bioko) paved: NA unpaved: NA Ports: Malabo, Bata Merchant marine: 2 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 6,412 GRT/6,699 DWT, cargo 1, passenger-cargo 1 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 86,957; fit for military service 44,174 Defense expenditures: $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 sq km land area: 121,320 sq km 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 sq km Environment: current issues: famine; deforestation; soil erosion; overgrazing; loss of infrastructure from civil warfare natural hazards: frequent droughts international agreements: NA 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: 3,782,543 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.41% (1994 est.) 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: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA @Eritrea, Government Names: conventional long form: State of Eritrea 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: 7 provinces; Akale Guzay, Baraka, Denakil, Hamasen, Samhar, Seraye, Sahil (1993) Independence: 27 May 1993 (from Ethiopia; formerly the Eritrea Autonomous Region) National holiday: National Day (independence from Ethiopia), 24 May (1993) Constitution: transitional "constitution" decreed 19 May 1993 Legal system: NA Suffrage: NA Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President ISSAIAS Afeworke (since 22 May 1993) cabinet: State Council; the collective executive authority note: election to be held before 20 May 1997 Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: EPLF Central Committee serves as the country's legislative body until multinational elections are held (before 20 May 1997) Judicial branch: Judiciary Political parties and leaders: Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) (Christian Muslim), ISSAIAS Aferworke, PETROS Solomon; Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) (Muslim), ABDULLAH Muhammed; Eritrean Liberation Front - United Organization (ELF-UO), Mohammed Said NAWUD; Eritrean Liberation Front - Revolutionary Council (ELF-RC), Ahmed NASSER Other political or pressure groups: Eritrean Islamic Jihad (EIJ); Islamic Militant Group Member of: OAU, ACP, AfDB, ECA, ILO, IMO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), ITU, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Hagos GEBREHIWOT chancery: Suite 400, 910 17th Street NW, Washington DC 20006 telephone: (202) 429-1991 FAX: (202) 429-9004 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Robert G. HOUDEK embassy: 34 Zera Yacob St., Asmara mailing address: P.O. Box 211, Asmara telephone: [291] (1) 123-720 FAX: [291] (1) 127-584 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 development of offshore oil, offshore fishing and tourism. For the time being, Ethiopia will be largely dependent on Eritrean ports for its foreign trade. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $500 (1993 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: capacity: NA kW production: NA kWh consumption per capita: NA kWh Industries: food processing, beverages, clothing and textiles Agriculture: products - sorghum, livestock (including goats), fish, lentils, vegetables, maize, cotton, tobacco, coffee, sisal (for making rope) Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 birr (Br) = 100 cents; at present, Ethiopian currency used Exchange rates: 1 birr (Br) per US$1 - 5.000 (fixed rate since 1992) 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 Asmara (formerly Asmera) with the port of Massawa (formerly Mits'iwa; 1993 est.) Highways: total: 3,845 km paved: 807 km unpaved: gravel 840 km; improved earth 402 km; unimproved earth 1,796 km Ports: Assab (formerly Aseb), Massawa (formerly Mits'iwa) Merchant marine: none 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) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Estonia, Geography Location: Eastern 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 sq km land area: 43,200 sq km 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: none Climate: maritime, wet, moderate winters, cool summers 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 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast; contamination of soil and ground water with petroleum products, chemicals at military bases natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Hazardous Wastes, Ship Pollution; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Population: 1,616,882 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.52% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.98 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.04 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 3.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 69.96 years male: 64.98 years female: 75.19 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Estonian(s) adjective: Estonian Ethnic divisions: Estonian 61.5%, Russian 30.3%, Ukrainian 3.17%, Byelorussian 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 (1989) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% Labor force: 750,000 (1992) 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: 15 counties (maakonnad, singular - maakond) and 6 municipalities*: Harju maakond (Tallinn), Hiiu maakond (Kardla), Ida-Viru maakond (Johvi), Jarva maakond (Paide), Jogeva maakond (Jogeva), Kohtla-Jarve*, Laane maakond (Haapsalu), Laane-Viru maakond (Rakvere), Narva*, Parnu*, Parnu maakond (Parnu), Polva maakond (Polva), Rapla maakond (Rapla), Saare maakond (Kuessaare), Sillamae*, Tallinn*, Tartu*, Tartu maakond (Tartu), Valga maakond (Valga), Viljandi maakond (Viljandi), Voru maakond (Voru) note: county centers are in parentheses Independence: 6 September 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 24 February (1918) Constitution: adopted 28 June 1992 Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Lennart MERI (since 21 October 1992); election last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA 1997); results - no candidate received majority; newly elected Parliament elected Lennart MERI (21 October 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Mart LAAR (since 21 October 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister, authorized by the legislature Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Riigikogu): elections last held 20 September 1992; (next to be held NA); results - Fatherland 21%, Safe Haven 14%, Popular Front 13%, M 10%, ENIP 8%, ERP 7%, ERL 7%, EP 2%, other 18%; seats - (101 total) Fatherland 29, Safe Haven 18, Popular Front 15, M 12, ENIP 10, ERP 8, ERL 8, EP 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: National Coalition Party 'Pro Patria' (Isamaa of Fatherland), Mart LAAR, president, made up of 4 parties: Christian Democratic Party (KDE), Aivar KALA, chairman; Christian Democratic Union (KDL), Illar HALLASTE, chairman; Conservative People's Party (KR), Enn TARTO, chairman; Republican Coalition Party (VK), Leo STARKOV, chairman; Moderates (M), made up of two parties: Estonian Social Democratic Party (ESDB), Marju LAURISTIN, chairman; Estonian Rural Center Pary (EMK), Ivar RAIG, chairman; Estonian National Independence Party (ENIP), Tunne KELAM, chairman; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Paul-Eerik RUMMO, chairman; Safe Haven, made up of three parties: Estonian Coalition Party (EK), Tiit VAHI, chairman; Estonian Rural Union (EM), Arvo SIRENDI, chairman; Estonian Democratic Justice Union/Estonian Pensioners' League (EDO/EPU), Harri KARTNER, chairman; Estonian Centrist Party (EK), Edgar SAVISAAR, chairman; Estonian Democratic Labor Party (EDT), Vaino VALJAS, chairman; Estonian Green Party (ERL), Tonu OJA; Estonian Royalist Party (ERP), Kalle KULBOK, chairman; Entrepreneurs' Party (EP), Tiit MADE; Estonian Citizen (EKL), Juri TOOMEPUU, chairman Member of: BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Toomas Hendrik ILVES chancery: 1030 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, Suite 1000 telephone: (202) 789-0320 FAX: (202) 789-0471 consulate(s) 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-[372] (6) 312-021 through 024 FAX: [372] (6) 312-025 Flag: pre-1940 flag restored by Supreme Soviet in May 1990 - three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), black, and white @Estonia, Economy Overview: Bolstered by a widespread national desire to reintegrate into Western Europe, the Estonian government has pursued a program of market reforms and rough stabilization measures, which is rapidly transforming the economy. Two years after independence - and one year after the introduction of the kroon - Estonians are beginning to reap tangible benefits; inflation is low; production declines appear to have bottomed out; and living standards are rising. Economic restructuring is clearly underway with the once-dominant energy-intensive heavy industrial sectors giving way to labor-intensive light industry and the underdeveloped service sector. The private sector is growing rapidly; the share of the state enterprises in retail trade has steadily declined and by June 1993 accounted for only 12.5% of total turnover, and 70,000 new jobs have reportedly been created as a result of new business start-ups. Estonia's foreign trade has shifted rapidly from East to West with the Western industrialized countries now accounting for two-thirds of foreign trade. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.8 billion (1993 estimate from the UN International Comparison Program, as extended to 1991 and published in the World Bank's World Development Report 1993; and as extrapolated to 1993 using official Estonian statistics, which are very uncertain because of major economic changes since 1990) National product real growth rate: -5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $5,480 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.6% per month (1993 average) Unemployment rate: 3.5% (May 1993); but large number of underemployed workers Budget: revenues: $223 million expenditures: $142 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992) Exports: $765 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: textile 14%, food products 11%, vehicles 11%, metals 11% (1993) partners: Russia, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Ukraine Imports: $865 million (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery 18%, fuels 15%, vehicles 14%, textiles 10% (1993) partners: Finland, Russia, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands External debt: $650 million (end of 1991) Industrial production: growth rate -27% (1993) Electricity: capacity: 3,700,000 kW production: 22.9 billion kWh consumption per capita: 14,245 kWh (1992) Industries: accounts for 42% 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 by Soviet standards; 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 and Latin America to Western Europe; limited illicit opium producer; mostly for domestic consumption Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $10 million Currency: 1 Estonian kroon (EEK) = 100 cents (introduced in August 1992) Exchange rates: kroons (EEK) per US$1 - 13.9 (January 1994), 13.2 (1993); note - kroons are tied to the German Deutschmark at a fixed rate of 8 to 1 Fiscal year: calendar year @Estonia, Communications Railroads: 1,030 km; does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: total: 30,300 km paved or gravelled: 29,200 km unpaved: earth 1,100 km (1990) Inland waterways: 500 km perennially navigable Pipelines: natural gas 420 km (1992) Ports: coastal - Tallinn, Novotallin, Parnu; inland - Narva Merchant marine: 69 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 406,405 GRT/537,016 DWT, bulk 6, cargo 50, container 2, oil tanker 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 4 Airports: total: 29 usable: 18 with permanent-surface runways: 11 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 10 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 8 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: Estonia's telephone system is antiquated and supports about 400,000 domestic telephone circuits, i.e. 25 telephones for each 100 persons; improvements are being made piecemeal, with emphasis on business needs and international connections; there are still about 150,000 unfulfilled requests for telephone service; broadcast stations - 3 TV (provide Estonian programs as well Moscow Ostenkino's first and second programs); international traffic is carried to the other former USSR republics by land line or microwave and to other countries partly by leased connection to the Moscow international gateway switch, and partly by a new Tallinn-Helsinki fiber optic submarine cable which gives Estonia access to international circuits everywhere; substantial investment has been made in cellular systems which are operational throughout Estonia and also Latvia and which have access to the international packet switched digital network via Helsinki @Estonia, Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Maritime Border Guard, National Guard (Kaitseliit), Security Forces (internal and border troops), Coast Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 392,135; fit for military service 308,951; reach military age (18) annually 11,789 (1994 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 sq km land area: 1,119,683 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total 5,311 km, Djibouti 337 km, Eritrea 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; territorial dispute with Somalia over the Ogaden Climate: tropical monsoon with wide topographic-induced variation 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 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: |