hot, dry, dust/sand-laden sirocco wind blows primarily in March and April international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea Note: most of the population concentrated along the Senegal River in the southern part of the country @Mauritania, People Population: 2,192,777 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.16% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 47.65 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.09 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 85.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.06 years male: 45.23 years female: 51.01 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.99 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritanian(s) adjective: Mauritanian Ethnic divisions: mixed Maur/black 40%, Maur 30%, black 30% Religions: Muslim 100% Languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official) Literacy: age 10 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 34% male: 47% female: 21% Labor force: 465,000 (1981 est.); 45,000 wage earners (1980) by occupation: agriculture 47%, services 29%, industry and commerce 14%, government 10% note: 53% of population of working age (1985) @Mauritania, Government Names: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Mauritania conventional short form: Mauritania local long form: Al Jumhuriyah al Islamiyah al Muritaniyah local short form: Muritaniyah Digraph: MR Type: republic Capital: Nouakchott Administrative divisions: 12 regions (regions, singular - region); Adrar, Assaba, Brakna, Dakhlet Nouadhibou, Gorgol, Guidimaka, Hodh ech Chargui, Hodh el Gharbi, Inchiri, Tagant, Tiris Zemmour, Trarza note: there may be a new capital district of Nouakchott Independence: 28 November 1960 (from France) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 November (1960) Constitution: 12 July 1991 Legal system: three-tier system: Islamic (Shari'a) courts, special courts, state security courts (in the process of being eliminated) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA (since 12 December 1984); election last held January 1992 (next to be held January 1998); results - President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid 'Ahmed TAYA elected cabinet: Council of Ministers Legislative branch: bicameral legislature Senate (Majlis al-Shuyukh): elections last held 15 April 1994 (one-third of the seats up for re-election in 1996) National Assembly (Majlis al-Watani): elections last held 6 and 13 March 1992 (next to be held March 1997) Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme) Political parties and leaders: legalized by constitution passed 12 July 1991, however, politics continue to be tribally based; emerging parties include Democratic and Social Republican Party (PRDS), led by President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA; Union of Democratic Forces - New Era (UFD/NE), headed by Ahmed Ould DADDAH; Assembly for Democracy and Unity (RDU), Ahmed Ould SIDI BABA; Popular Social and Democratic Union (UPSD), Mohamed Mahmoud Ould MAH; Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR), Hameida BOUCHRAYA; National Avant-Garde Party (PAN), Khattry Ould JIDDOU; Mauritanian Party of the Democratic Center (PCDM), Bamba Ould SIDI BADI Other political or pressure groups: Mauritanian Workers Union (UTM) Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CAEU, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed Fall Ould AININA chancery: 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 232-5700 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Gordon S. BROWN embassy: address NA, Nouakchott mailing address: B. P. 222, Nouakchott telephone: [222] (2) 526-60 or 526-63 FAX: [222] (2) 515-92 Flag: green with a yellow five-pointed star above a yellow, horizontal crescent; the closed side of the crescent is down; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam @Mauritania, Economy Overview: A majority of the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though most of the nomads and many subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for almost 50% of total exports. The decline in world demand for this ore, however, has led to cutbacks in production. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In recent years, drought and economic mismanagement have resulted in a substantial buildup of foreign debt. The government has begun the second stage of an economic reform program in consultation with the World Bank, the IMF, and major donor countries. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.2 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: 3.3% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $1,050 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 11.5% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 20% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $280 million expenditures: $346 million, including capital expenditures of $61 million (1989 est.) Exports: $432 million (f.o.b., 1992 est) commodities: iron ore, fish and fish products partners: Japan 27%, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg Imports: $413 million (c.i.f., 1992 est) commodities: foodstuffs, consumer goods, petroleum products, capital goods partners: Algeria 15%, China 6%, US 3%, France, Germany, Spain, Italy External debt: $1.9 billion (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.4% (1988 est.); accounts for almost 30% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 190,000 kW production: 135 million kWh consumption per capita: 70 kWh (1991) Industries: fish processing, mining of iron ore and gypsum Agriculture: accounts for 25% of GDP (including fishing); largely subsistence farming and nomadic cattle and sheep herding except in Senegal river valley; crops - dates, millet, sorghum, root crops; fish products number-one export; large food deficit in years of drought Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $168 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.3 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $490 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $277 million; Arab Development Bank (1991), $20 million Currency: 1 ouguiya (UM) = 5 khoums Exchange rates: ouguiyas (UM) per US$1 - 124.480 (December 1993), 87.082 (1992), 81.946 (1991), 80.609 (1990), 83.051 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Mauritania, Communications Railroads: 690 km 1.435-meter (standard) gauge, single track, owned and operated by government mining company Highways: total: 7,525 km paved: 1,685 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, otherwise improved 1,040 km; unimproved earth 4,800 km (roads, trails, tracks) Inland waterways: mostly ferry traffic on the Senegal River Ports: Nouadhibou, Nouakchott Merchant marine: 1 cargo ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,290 GRT/1,840 DWT Airports: total: 28 usable: 28 with permanent-surface runways: 9 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 17 Telecommunications: poor system of cable and open-wire lines, minor microwave radio relay links, and radio communications stations (improvements being made); broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 1 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 ARABSAT, with six planned @Mauritania, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, National Gendarmerie, National Guard, National Police, Presidential Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 467,677; fit for military service 228,385 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $40 million, 4.2% of GDP (1989) @Mauritius, Geography Location: Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 900 km east of Madagascar Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,860 sq km land area: 1,850 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 10.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), and Rodrigues Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 177 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims UK-administered Chagos Archipelago, which includes the island of Diego Garcia in UK-administered British Indian Ocean Territory; claims French-administered Tromelin Island Climate: tropical modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May) Terrain: small coastal plain rising to discontinuous mountains encircling central plateau Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land: 54% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 31% other: 7% Irrigated land: 170 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: water pollution natural hazards: subject to cyclones (November to April); almost completely surrounded by reefs international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea @Mauritius, People Population: 1,116,923 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.92% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 19.28 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.41 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -3.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 18.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 70.54 years male: 66.62 years female: 74.63 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.22 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mauritian(s) adjective: Mauritian Ethnic divisions: Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2% Religions: Hindu 52%, Christian 28.3% (Roman Catholic 26%, Protestant 2.3%), Muslim 16.6%, other 3.1% Languages: English (official), Creole, French, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bojpoori Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 80% male: 85% female: 75% Labor force: 335,000 by occupation: government services 29%, agriculture and fishing 27%, manufacturing 22%, other 22% note: 43% of population of working age (1985) @Mauritius, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Mauritius conventional short form: Mauritius Digraph: MP Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Louis Administrative divisions: 9 districts and 3 dependencies*; Agalega Islands*, Black River, Cargados Carajos*, Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Riviere du Rempart, Rodrigues*, Savanne Independence: 12 March 1968 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 12 March (1968) Constitution: 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992 Legal system: based on French civil law system with elements of English common law in certain areas Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Cassam UTEEM (since 1 July 1992); Vice President Rabindranath GHURBURRON (since 1 July 1992) head of government: Prime Minister Sir Anerood JUGNAUTH (since 12 June 1982); Deputy Prime Minister Prem NABABSING (since 26 September 1990) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 15 September 1991 (next to be held by 15 September 1996); results - MSM/MMM 53%, MLP/PMSD 38%; seats - (70 total, 62 elected) MSM/MMM alliance 59 (MSM 29, MMM 26, OPR 2, MTD 2); MLP/PMSD 3 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: government coalition: Militant Socialist Movement (MSM), A. JUGNAUTH; Mauritian Militant Movement (MMM), Prem NABABSING (less 12 legislators under the leadership of Paul BERENGER, now voting with the opposition); Organization of the People of Rodrigues (OPR), Louis Serge CLAIR; Democratic Labor Movement (MTD), Anil BAICHOO opposition: Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), Navin RAMGOOLMAN; Socialist Workers Front, Sylvio MICHEL; Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD), X. DUVAL; MMM-Berenger Faction, Paul BERENGER Other political or pressure groups: various labor unions Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Anund NEEWOOR chancery: Suite 441, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 244-1491 or 1492 FAX: (202) 966-0983 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Leslie ALEXANDER embassy: 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis mailing address: use Embassy street address telephone: [230] 208-9763 through 208-9767 FAX: [230] 208-9534 Flag: four equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue, yellow, and green @Mauritius, Economy Overview: The economy is based on sugar, manufacturing (mainly textiles), and tourism. Sugarcane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 40% of export earnings. The government's development strategy centers on industrialization (with a view to exports), agricultural diversification, and tourism. Economic performance in 1992 was impressive, with 6% real growth and low unemployment. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.6 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 6.3% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $7,800 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.6% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 2.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $557 million expenditures: $607 million, including capital expenditures of $111 million (1990 est.) Exports: $1.32 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: textiles 44%, sugar 40%, light manufactures 10% partners: EC and US have preferential treatment, EU 77%, US 15% Imports: $1.63 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: manufactured goods 50%, capital equipment 17%, foodstuffs 13%, petroleum products 8%, chemicals 7% partners: EC, US, South Africa, Japan External debt: $991 million (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1990); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 235,000 kW production: 630 million kWh consumption per capita: 570 kWh (1992) Industries: food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, wearing apparel, chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP; about 90% of cultivated land in sugarcane; other products - tea, corn, potatoes, bananas, pulses, cattle, goats, fish; net food importer, especially rice and fish Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; heroin consumption and transshipment are growing problems Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $76 million; Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $709 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $54 million Currency: 1 Mauritian rupee (MauR) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Mauritian rupees (MauRs) per US$1 - 18.696 (January 1994), 17.648 (1993), 15.563 (1992), 15.652 (1991), 14.839 (1990), 15.250 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Mauritius, Communications Highways: total: 1,800 km paved: 1,640 km unpaved: earth 160 km Ports: Port Louis Merchant marine: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 162,387 GRT/260,552 DWT, bulk 6, cargo 7, liquefied gas 1 Airports: total: 5 usable: 4 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 0 Telecommunications: small system with good service utilizing primarily microwave radio relay; new microwave link to Reunion; high-frequency radio links to several countries; over 48,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, no FM, 4 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Mauritius, Defense Forces Branches: National Police Force, including the paramilitary Special Mobile Force (SMF), Special Support Units (SSU), and National Coast Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 316,975; fit for military service 161,634 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $5 million, 0.2% of GDP (FY89) @Mayotte Header Affiliation: (territorial collectivity of France) @Mayotte, Geography Location: Southern Africa, in the northern Mozambique Channel about halfway between Madagascar and Mozambique Map references: Africa Area: total area: 375 sq km land area: 375 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 185.2 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Comoros Climate: tropical; marine; hot, humid, rainy season during northeastern monsoon (November to May); dry season is cooler (May to November) Terrain: generally undulating with ancient volcanic peaks, deep ravines Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to cyclones during rainy season international agreements: NA Note: part of Comoro Archipelago @Mayotte, People Population: 93,468 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.8% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 48.84 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.84 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: 6.77 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mahorais (singular and plural) adjective: Mahoran Ethnic divisions: NA Religions: Muslim 99%, Christian (mostly Roman Catholic) Languages: Mahorian (a Swahili dialect), French Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA @Mayotte, Government Names: conventional long form: Territorial Collectivity of Mayotte conventional short form: Mayotte Digraph: MF Type: territorial collectivity of France Capital: Mamoutzou Administrative divisions: none (territorial collectivity of France) Independence: none (territorial collectivity of France) National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Prefect Jean-Jacques DERACQ (since NA); President of the General Council Younoussa BAMANA (since NA 1976) Legislative branch: unicameral General Council (Conseil General): elections last held March 1991 (next to be held March 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (17 total) MPM 12, RPR 5 French Senate: elections last held on 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) MPM 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held 1998); results - UDF-CDS 54.3%, RPR 44.3%; seats - (1 total) UDF-CDS 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Tribunal Superieur d'Appel) Political parties and leaders: Mahoran Popular Movement (MPM), Younoussa BAMANA; Party for the Mahoran Democratic Rally (PRDM), Daroueche MAOULIDA; Mahoran Rally for the Republic (RPR), Mansour KAMARDINE; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Maoulida AHMED; Center of Social Democrats (CDS), Member of: FZ Diplomatic representation in US: none (territorial collectivity of France) US diplomatic representation: none (territorial collectivity of France) Flag: the flag of France is used @Mayotte, Economy Overview: Economic activity is based primarily on the agricultural sector, including fishing and livestock raising. Mayotte is not self-sufficient and must import a large portion of its food requirements, mainly from France. The economy and future development of the island are heavily dependent on French financial assistance. Mayotte's remote location is an obstacle to the development of tourism. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $54 million (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $37.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.) Exports: $4 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: ylang-ylang, vanilla partners: France 79%, Comoros 10%, Reunion 9% Imports: $21.8 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: building materials, transportation equipment, rice, clothing, flour partners: France 57%, Kenya 16%, South Africa 11%, Pakistan 8% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: NA production: NA consumption per capita: NA Industries: newly created lobster and shrimp industry Agriculture: most important sector; provides all export earnings; crops - vanilla, ylang-ylang, coffee, copra; imports major share of food needs Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $402 million Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Mayotte, Communications Highways: total: 42 km paved: bituminous 18 km unpaved: 24 km Ports: Dzaoudzi 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: small system administered by French Department of Posts and Telecommunications; includes radio relay and high-frequency radio communications for links to Comoros and international communications; 450 telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV @Mayotte, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France @Mexico, Geography Location: Middle America, between Guatemala and the US Map references: North America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,972,550 sq km land area: 1,923,040 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Texas Land boundaries: total 4,538 km, Belize 250 km, Guatemala 962 km, US 3,326 km Coastline: 9,330 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or the natural prolongation of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims Clipperton Island (French possession) Climate: varies from tropical to desert Terrain: high, rugged mountains, low coastal plains, high plateaus, and desert Natural resources: petroleum, silver, copper, gold, lead, zinc, natural gas, timber Land use: arable land: 12% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 39% forest and woodland: 24% other: 24% Irrigated land: 51,500 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: natural water resources scarce and polluted in north, inaccessible and poor quality in center and extreme southeast; untreated sewage and industrial effluents polluting rivers in urban areas; deforestation; widespread erosion; desertification; serious air pollution in the national capital and urban centers along US-Mexico border natural hazards: subject to tsunamis along the Pacific coast, destructive earthquakes in the center and south, and hurricanes on the Gulf and Caribbean coasts international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling Note: strategic location on southern border of US @Mexico, People Population: 92,202,199 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.94% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 27.17 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.73 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -3.09 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 27.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.94 years male: 69.36 years female: 76.7 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.17 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mexican(s) adjective: Mexican Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Indian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, Caucasian or predominantly Caucasian 9%, other 1% Religions: nominally Roman Catholic 89%, Protestant 6% Languages: Spanish, various Mayan dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990) total population: 87% male: 90% female: 85% Labor force: 26.2 million (1990) by occupation: services 31.7%, agriculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing 28%, commerce 14.6%, manufacturing 11.1%, construction 8.4%, transportation 4.7%, mining and quarrying 1.5% @Mexico, Government Names: conventional long form: United Mexican States conventional short form: Mexico local long form: Estados Unidos Mexicanos local short form: Mexico Digraph: MX Type: federal republic operating under a centralized government Capital: Mexico Administrative divisions: 31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district* (distrito federal); Aguascalientes, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Colima, Distrito Federal*, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Yucatan, Zacatecas Independence: 16 September 1810 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1810) Constitution: 5 February 1917 Legal system: mixture of US constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory (but not enforced) Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (since 1 December 1988); election last held on 6 July 1988 (next to be held 21 August 1994); results - Carlos SALINAS de Gortari (PRI) 50.74%, Cuauhtemoc CARDENAS Solorzano (FDN) 31.06%, Manuel CLOUTHIER (PAN) 16.81%; other 1.39%; note - several of the smaller parties ran a common candidate under a coalition called the National Democratic Front (FDN) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: bicameral National Congress (Congreso de la Union) Senate (Camara de Senadores): elections last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held 21 August 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats in full Senate - (64 total; Senate will expand to 128 seats following next election) PRI 62, PRD 1, PAN 1 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held on 18 August 1991 (next to be held 21 August 1994); results - PRI 53%, PAN 20%, PFCRN 10%, PPS 6%, PARM 7%, PMS (now part of PRD) 4%; seats - (500 total) PRI 320, PAN 89, PRD 41, PFCRN 23, PARM 15, PPS 12 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Political parties and leaders: (recognized parties) Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), Ignacio Pichardo PAGAZA; National Action Party (PAN), Carlos CASTILLO; Popular Socialist Party (PPS), Indalecio SAYAGO Herrera; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Porfirio MUNOZ Ledo; Cardenist Front for the National Reconstruction Party (PFCRN), Rafael AGUILAR Talamantes; Authentic Party of the Mexican Revolution (PARM), Rosa Maria MARTINEZ Denagri; Democratic Forum Party (PFD), Pablo Emilio MADERO; Mexican Green Ecologist Party (PVEM), Jorge GONZALEZ Torres Other political or pressure groups: Roman Catholic Church; Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM); Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN); Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (CONCANACO); National Peasant Confederation (CNC); Revolutionary Workers Party (PRT); Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC); Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM); Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (COPARMEX); National Chamber of Transformation Industries (CANACINTRA); Coordinator for Foreign Trade Business Organizations (COECE); Federation of Unions Providing Goods and Services (FESEBES) Member of: AG (observer), BCIE, CARICOM (observer), CCC, CDB, CG, EBRD, ECLAC, FAO, G-3, G-6, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM (observer), OAS, OECD, ONUSAL, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTI, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jorge MONTANO Martinez chancery: 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 telephone: (202) 728-1600 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico) consulate(s): Albuquerque, Austin, Boston, Brownsville (Texas), Calexico (California), Corpus Christi, Del Rio (Texas), Detroit, Eagle Pass (Texas), Fresno (California), Loredo, Mc Allen (Texas), Midland (Texas), Nogales (Arizona), Oxnard (California), Philadelphia US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador James JONES embassy: Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, 06500 Mexico, D.F. mailing address: P. O. Box 3087, Laredo, TX 78044-3087 telephone: [52] (5) 211-0042 FAX: [52] (5) 511-9980, 208-3373 consulate(s) general: Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana consulate(s): Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Nuevo Laredo Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; the coat of arms (an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak) is centered in the white band @Mexico, Economy Overview: Mexico's economy, made up predominantly of private manufacturing and services and both large-scale and traditional agriculture, is beginning to rebound from the economic difficulties of the 1980s but still faces key challenges. During the 1980s, the accumulation of large external debts, falling world petroleum prices, rapid population growth, and mounting inflation and unemployment plagued the economy. In recent years, the government has responded by implementing sweeping economic reforms. Strict fiscal and monetary discipline have brought inflation under control, reduced the internal debt, and produced budgetary surpluses in 1992 and 1993. The tight money policies, however, have restricted growth: barely 0.4% in 1993 after a rise of 2.6% in 1992 and 3.6% in 1991. Another aspect of the reform has been the privatization of more than 80% of Mexico's businesses, including all of the commercial banks. Seeking out increased trade and investment opportunities, the government negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the United States and Canada, which entered into force on 1 January 1994. Within Latin America, Mexico has completed bilateral free trade agreements with Chile and Costa Rica, and is continuing negotiations with Colombia and Venezuela for a trilateral deal in addition to holding trade discussions with various other nations. In January of 1993, Mexico replaced its old peso at the rate of 1,000 old to 1 new peso. Despite its hard-won economic progress and the prospects of long-term gains under NAFTA, Mexico still faces difficult problems, including sluggish growth, unemployment, continuing social inequalities, serious pollution, and the prospect of increased competition with the opening of trade. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $740 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 0.4% (1993) National product per capita: $8,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 8% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 10.7% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $58.1 billion expenditures: $53 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.4 billion (1992 est.) Exports: $50.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: crude oil, oil products, coffee, silver, engines, motor vehicles, cotton, consumer electronics partners: US 74%, Japan 8%, EC 4% (1992 est.) Imports: $65.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.), includes in-bond industries commodities: metal-working machines, steel mill products, agricultural machinery, electrical equipment, car parts for assembly, repair parts for motor vehicles, aircraft, and aircraft parts partners: US 74%, Japan, 11%, EC 6% (1992) External debt: $125 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 2.8% (1992 est.); accounts for 28% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 27,000,000 kW production: 120.725 billion kWh consumption per capita: 1,300 kWh (1992) Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 9% of GDP and over 25% of work force; large number of small farms at subsistence level; major food crops - corn, wheat, rice, beans; cash crops - cotton, coffee, fruit, tomatoes Illicit drugs: illicit cultivation of opium poppy and cannabis continues in spite of active government eradication program; major supplier to the US market; continues as the primary transshipment country for US-bound cocaine and marijuana from South America Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.1 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.7 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $110 million Currency: 1 New Mexican peso (Mex$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: market rate of Mexican pesos (Mex$) per US$1 - 3.3556 (March 1994), 3,094.9 (1992), 3,018.4 (1991), 2,812.6 (1990), 2,461.3 (1989) note: the new peso replaced the old peso on 1 January 1993; 1 new peso = 1,000 old pesos Fiscal year: calendar year @Mexico, Communications Railroads: 24,500 km total Highways: total: 242,300 km paved: 84,800 km (including 3,166 km of expressways) unpaved: gravel and earth 157,500 km Inland waterways: 2,900 km navigable rivers and coastal canals Pipelines: crude oil 28,200 km; petroleum products 10,150 km; natural gas 13,254 km; petrochemical 1,400 km Ports: Acapulco, Altamira, Coatzacoalcos, Ensenada, Guaymas, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Progreso, Puerto Vallarta, Salina Cruz, Tampico, Tuxpan, Veracruz Merchant marine: 58 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 853,161 GRT/1,269,018 DWT, cargo 3, chemical tanker 4, container 4, liquefied gas 7, oil tanker 32, refrigerated cargo 2, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2, short-sea passenger 4 Airports: total: 1,993 usable: 1,585 with permanent-surface runways: 202 with runways over 3,659 m: 3 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 35 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 286 Telecommunications: highly developed system with extensive microwave radio relay links; privatized in December 1990; connected into Central America Microwave System; 6,410,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 679 AM, no FM, 238 TV, 22 shortwave; 120 domestic satellite terminals; earth stations - 4 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT; launched Solidarity I satellite in November 1993 @Mexico, Defense Forces Branches: National Defense (including Army and Air Force), Navy (including Marines) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 22,779,635; fit for military service 16,619,809; reach military age (18) annually 1,053,025 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Micronesia, Federated States of, Geography Location: Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and Indonesia Map references: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 702 sq km land area: 702 sq km comparative area: slightly less than four times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Pohnpei (Ponape), Truk (Chuuk), Yap, and Kosrae Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 6,112 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; heavy year-round rainfall, especially in the eastern islands; located on southern edge of the typhoon belt with occasional severe damage Terrain: islands vary geologically from high mountainous islands to low, coral atolls; volcanic outcroppings on Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Truk Natural resources: forests, marine products, deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (June to December) international agreements: party to - Climate Change, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity Note: four major island groups totaling 607 islands @Micronesia, Federated States of, People Population: 120,347 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.36% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 28.3 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 11.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 37.24 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.63 years male: 65.67 years female: 69.62 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.01 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Micronesian(s) adjective: Micronesian; Kosrae(s), Pohnpeian(s), Trukese, Yapese Ethnic divisions: nine ethnic Micronesian and Polynesian groups Religions: Christian (divided between Roman Catholic and Protestant; other churches include Assembly of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist, Latter-Day Saints, and the Baha'i Faith) Languages: English (official and common language), Trukese, Pohnpeian, Yapese, Kosrean Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 90% male: 90% female: 85% Labor force: NA by occupation: two-thirds are government employees note: 45,000 people are between the ages of 15 and 65 @Micronesia, Federated States of, Government Names: conventional long form: Federated States of Micronesia conventional short form: none former: Kosrae, Ponape, Truk, and Yap Districts (Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands) Abbreviation: FSM Digraph: FM Type: constitutional government in free association with the US; the Compact of Free Association entered into force 3 November 1986 Capital: Kolonia (on the island of Pohnpei) note: a new capital is being built about 10 km southwest in the Palikir valley Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk), Yap Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN Trusteeship) National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of Micronesia, 10 May (1979) Constitution: 10 May 1979 Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Bailey OLTER (since 21 May 1991); Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991); election last held ll May 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - President Bailey OLTER elected president; Vice-President Jacob NENA cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Congress: elections last held on 5 March 1991 (next to be held March 1993); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: no formal parties Member of: AsDB, ESCAP, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, IMF, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, WHO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jesse B. MAREHALAU chancery: 1725 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 223-4383 FAX: (202) 223-4391 consulate(s) general: Honolulu and Tamuning (Guam) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Aurelia E. BRAZEAL embassy: address NA, Kolonia mailing address: P. O. Box 1286, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia 96941 telephone: 691-320-2187 FAX: 691-320-2186 Flag: light blue with four white five-pointed stars centered; the stars are arranged in a diamond pattern @Micronesia, Federated States of, Economy Overview: Economic activity consists primarily of subsistence farming and fishing. The islands have few mineral deposits worth exploiting, except for high-grade phosphate. The potential for a tourist industry exists, but the remoteness of the location and a lack of adequate facilities hinder development. Financial assistance from the US is the primary source of revenue, with the US pledged to spend $1 billion in the islands in the l990s. Geographical isolation and a poorly developed infrastructure are major impediments to long-term growth. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $150 million (1989 est.) note: GNP numbers reflect US spending National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $1,500 (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 27% (1989) Budget: revenues: $165 million expenditures: $115 million, including capital expenditures of $20 million (1988 est.) Exports: $2.3 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: copra partners: NA Imports: $67.7 million (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: NA partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 18,000 kW production: 40 million kWh consumption per capita: 380 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, fish processing, craft items from shell, wood, and pearls Agriculture: mainly a subsistence economy; black pepper; tropical fruits and vegetables, coconuts, cassava, sweet potatoes, pigs, chickens Economic aid: recipient: under terms of the Compact of Free Association, the US will provide $1.3 billion in grant aid during the period 1986-2001 Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Micronesia, Federated States of, Communications Highways: total: 226 km paved: 39 km (on major islands) unpaved: stone, coral, laterite 187 km Ports: Colonia (Yap), Truk, Okat and Lelu (Kosrae) Airports: total: 6 usable: 5 with permanent-surface runways: 4 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 4 Telecommunications: telephone network - 960 telephone lines total at Kolonia and Truk; islands interconnected by shortwave radio (used mostly for government purposes); 16,000 radio receivers, 1,125 TV sets (est. 1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 1 FM, 6 TV, 1 shortwave; 4 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations @Micronesia, Federated States of, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Midway Islands Header Affiliation: (territory of the US) @Midway Islands, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 2,350 km west-northwest of Honolulu, about one-third of the way between Honolulu and Tokyo Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 5.2 sq km land area: 5.2 sq km comparative area: about 9 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC note: includes Eastern Island and Sand Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 15 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderated by prevailing easterly winds Terrain: low, nearly level Natural resources: fish, wildlife Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: a coral atoll; closed to the public @Midway Islands, People Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are 453 US military personnel @Midway Islands, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Midway Islands Digraph: MQ Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Navy, under Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific Division. This facility has been operationally closed since 10 September 1993 and is currently being transferred from Pacific Fleet to Naval Facilities Engineering Command via a Memorandum of Understanding. Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC Flag: the US flag is used @Midway Islands, Economy Overview: The economy is based on providing support services for US naval operations located on the islands. All food and manufactured goods must be imported. Electricity: supplied by US Military @Midway Islands, Communications Highways: total: 32 km paved: NA Pipelines: 7.8 km Ports: Sand Island Airports: total: 3 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 @Midway Islands, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Moldova, Geography Location: Eastern Europe, between Ukraine and Romania Map references: Asia, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 33,700 sq km land area: 33,700 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of Hawaii Land boundaries: total 1,389 km, Romania 450 km, Ukraine 939 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: no official territorial claims by either Moldova or Romania, but nationalists in Romania seek the merger of Moldova into Romania; potential future dispute by Moldova and Romania against Ukraine over former southern and northern Bessarabian areas and Northern Bukovina ceded to Ukraine upon Moldova's incorporation into USSR Climate: moderate winters, warm summers Terrain: rolling steppe, gradual slope south to Black Sea Natural resources: lignite, phosphorites, gypsum Land use: arable land: 50% permanent crops: 13% meadows and pastures: 9% forest and woodland: 0% other: 28% Irrigated land: 2,920 sq km (1990) Environment: current issues: heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater; extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods natural hazards: NA international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Note: landlocked @Moldova, People Population: 4,473,033 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.38% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.02 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.02 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -2.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 30.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.07 years male: 64.65 years female: 71.67 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.18 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Moldovan(s) adjective: Moldovan Ethnic divisions: Moldavian/Romanian 64.5%, Ukrainian 13.8%, Russian 13%, Gagauz 3.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Bulgarian 2%, other 1.7% (1989 figures) note: internal disputes with ethnic Russians and Ukrainians in the Dniester region and Gagauz Turks in the south Religions: Eastern Orthodox 98.5%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist (only about 1,000 members) (1991) note: the large majority of churchgoers are ethnic Moldavian Languages: Moldovan (official; virtually the same as the Romanian language), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect) Literacy: age 9-49 can read and write (1970) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 99% Labor force: 2.05 million (1992) by occupation: agriculture 34.4%, industry 20.1%, other 45.5% (1985 figures) @Moldova, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Moldova conventional short form: Moldova local long form: Republica Moldoveneasca local short form: none former: Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; Moldavia Digraph: MD Type: republic Capital: Chisinau Administrative divisions: previously divided into 40 rayons; new districts possible under new constitution in 1994 Independence: 27 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, 27 August 1991 Constitution: old Soviet constitution (adopted NA 1979) is still in effect but has been heavily amended during the past few years; a new constitution is expected in 1994 Legal system: based on civil law system; no judicial review of legislative acts; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and CSCE documents Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Mircea SNEGUR (since 3 September 1990); election last held 8 December 1991 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Mircea SNEGUR ran unopposed and won 98.17% of vote; note - President SNEGUR was named executive president by the Supreme Soviet on 3 September 1990 and was confirmed by popular election on 8 December 1991 head of government: Prime Minister Andrei SANGHALI (since 1 July 1992; reappointed 5 April 1994 after elections for new legislature) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held 27 February 1994 (next to be held NA 1999); results - percent by party NA; seats - (104 total) Agrarian-Democratic Party 56, Socialist/Yedinstvo Bloc 28, Peasants and Intellectual Bloc 11, Christian Democratic Popular Front 9 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Popular Front (formerly Moldovan Popular Front), Iurie ROSCA, chairman; Yedinstvo Intermovement, V. YAKOVLEV, chairman; Social Democratic Party, Oazu NANTOI, chairman, two other chairmen; Agrarian-Democratic Party, Dumitru MOTPAN, chairman; Democratic Party, Gheorghe GHIMPU, chairman; Democratic Labor Party, Alexandru ARSENI, chairman; Reform Party, Anatol SELARU; Republican Party, Victor PUSCAS; Socialist Party, Valeriu SENIC, chairman; Communist Party, Vladimir VORONIN Other political or pressure groups: United Council of Labor Collectives (UCLC), Igor SMIRNOV, chairman; Congress of Intellectuals, Alexandru MOSANU; The Ecology Movement of Moldova (EMM), G. MALARCHUK, chairman; The Christian Democratic League of Women of Moldova (CDLWM), L. LARI, chairman; National Christian Party of Moldova (NCPM), D. TODIKE, M. BARAGA, V. NIKU, leaders; The Peoples Movement Gagauz Khalky (GKh), S. GULGAR, leader; The Democratic Party of Gagauzia (DPG), G. SAVOSTIN, chairman; The Alliance of Working People of Moldova (AWPM), G. POLOGOV, president; Christian Alliance for Greater Romania; Stefan the Great Movement; Liberal Convention of Moldova; Association of Victims of Repression; Christian Democratic Youth League Member of: BSEC, CE (guest), CIS, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, IBRD, ICAO, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, NACC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicolae TIU chancery: 1511 K Street NW, Room 329, Washington, DC telephone: (202) 783-3012 or -2807 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Mary C. PENDLETON embassy: Strada Alexei Mateevich #103, Chisinau mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: 373 (2) 23-37-72 or 23-34-76 FAX: 7-0422-23-30-44 Flag: same color scheme as Romania - 3 equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; emblem in center of flag is of a Roman eagle of gold outlined in black with a red beak and talons carrying a yellow cross in its beak and a green olive branch in its right talons and a yellow scepter in its left talons; on its breast is a shield divided horizontally red over blue with a stylized ox head, star, rose, and crescent all in black-outlined yellow @Moldova, Economy Overview: Moldova has pushed ahead boldly on economic reform since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It introduced a convertible currency - the leu - in late 1993 that has remained stable against the dollar, removed price controls on most products, eliminated licenses and quotas on most imports and exports, and freed interest rates. In 1994, Moldova aims to privatize at least one-third of state enterprises, lower inflation to 1% per month, and reduce the budget deficit to 3.5% of GDP. Moldova enjoys a favorable climate and good farmland but has no major mineral deposits. As a result, Moldova's economy is primarily based on agriculture, featuring fruits, vegetables, wine, and tobacco. Moldova, however, must import all of its supplies of oil, coal, and natural gas, and energy shortages have contributed to sharp production declines since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Activities by separatist groups in the Dniester region have held back economic development in that area. Foreign economic assistance has been a tangible plus for Moldova, whereas direct foreign investment has been lacking. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $16.3 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 Moldovan statistics, which are very uncertain because of major economic changes since 1990) National product real growth rate: -4% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $3,650 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 30% per month (1993) Unemployment rate: less than 1% (includes only officially registered unemployed; large numbers of underemployed workers) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA note: budget deficit for 1993 approximately 6% of GDP Exports: $108 million to outside the FSU countries (January-September 1993); over 70% of exports go to FSU countries commodities: foodstuffs, wine, tobacco, textiles and footwear, machinery, chemicals (1991) partners: Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Romania, Germany Imports: $145 million from outside the FSU countries (January-September 1993); over 70% of imports are from FSU countries commodities: oil, gas, coal, steel machinery, foodstuffs, automobiles, and other consumer durables partners: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Romania, Germany External debt: $325 million (end of 1993) Industrial production: growth rate -10% (1993) Electricity: capacity: 3,115,000 kW production: 11.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,491 kWh (1992) Industries: key products are canned food, agricultural machinery, foundry equipment, refrigerators and freezers, washing machines, hosiery, refined sugar, vegetable oil, shoes, textiles Agriculture: Moldova's principal economic activity; products are vegetables, fruits, wine, grain, sugar beets, sunflower seed, meat, milk, tobacco Illicit drugs: illicit cultivator of opium poppy and cannabis; mostly for CIS consumption; transshipment point for illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: recipient: Joint EC-US loan (1993), $127 million; IMF STF credit (1993), $64 million; IMF stand-by loan (1993), $72 million; US commitments (1992-93), $61 million in humanitarian aid, $11 million in technical assistance; World Bank loan (1993), $60 million; Russia (1993), 50 billion ruble credit; Romania (1993), 20 billion lei credit Currency: the leu (plural lei) was introduced in late 1993 Exchange rates: NA Fiscal year: calendar year @Moldova, Communications Railroads: 1,150 km; does not include industrial lines (1990) Highways: total: 20,000 km paved or gravelled: 13,900 km unpaved: earth 6,100 km (1990) Pipelines: natural gas 310 km (1992) Ports: none; landlocked Airports: total: 26 usable: 15 with permanent-surface runways: 6 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 8 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: The telecommunication system of Moldova is not well developed; number of telephone subscribers 577,000 (1991); number of subscribers per 1,000 persons 134 (1991); number of unsuccessful requests for telephone service 215,000 (1991); international connections to the other former Soviet republics by land line and microwave radio relay through Ukraine, and to other countries by leased connections to the Moscow international gateway switch; 2 satellite earth stations - 1 EUTELSAT and 1 INTELSAT; broadcast services NA @Moldova, Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Air and Air Defence Force, Security Forces (internal and border troops) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,098,156; fit for military service 869,866; reach military age (18) annually 35,814 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA% of GDP @Monaco, Geography Location: Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, in southern France near the border with Italy Map references: Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1.9 sq km land area: 1.9 sq km comparative area: about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: total 4.4 km, France 4.4 km Coastline: 4.1 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers Terrain: hilly, rugged, rocky Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: second smallest independent state in world (after Holy See); almost entirely urban @Monaco, People Population: 31,278 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.81% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 10.71 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.21 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 9.59 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.69 years male: 73.94 years female: 81.64 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.7 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Monacan(s) or Monegasque(s) adjective: Monacan or Monegasque Ethnic divisions: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21% Religions: Roman Catholic 95% Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA @Monaco, Government Names: conventional long form: Principality of Monaco conventional short form: Monaco local long form: Principaute de Monaco local short form: Monaco Digraph: MN Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Monaco Administrative divisions: 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Independence: 1419 (rule by the House of Grimaldi) National holiday: National Day, 19 November Constitution: 17 December 1962 Legal system: based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 25 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Prince RAINIER III (since NA November 1949); Heir Apparent Prince ALBERT Alexandre Louis Pierre (born 14 March 1958) head of government: Minister of State Jacques DUPONT (since NA 1991) cabinet: Council of Government; under the authority of the Prince Legislative branch: unicameral National Council (Conseil National): elections last held on 24 January 1988 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) UND 18 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal (Tribunal Supreme) Political parties and leaders: National and Democratic Union (UND); Democratic Union Movement (MUD); Monaco Action; Monegasque Socialist Party (PSM) Member of: ACCT, CSCE, ECE, IAEA, ICAO, IMF (observer), IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO Diplomatic representation in US: honorary consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico) honorary consulate(s): Dallas, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, and Washington US diplomatic representation: no mission in Monaco, but the US Consul General in Marseille, France, is accredited to Monaco Flag: two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red @Monaco, Economy Overview: Monaco, situated on the French Mediterranean coast, is a popular resort, attracting tourists to its casino and pleasant climate. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, nonpolluting industries. The state has no income tax and low business taxes and thrives as a tax haven both for individuals who have established residence and for foreign companies that have set up businesses and offices. About 50% of Monaco's annual revenue comes from value-added taxes on hotels, banks, and the industrial sector; about 25% of revenue comes from tourism. Living standards are high, that is, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan suburbs. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $475 million (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $16,000 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NEGL% Budget: revenues: $424 million expenditures: $376 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) Exports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France Imports: $NA; full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monacan trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 10,000 kW standby; power imported from France production: NA consumption per capita: NA (1992) Agriculture: none Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Monaco, Communications Railroads: 1.6 km 1.435-meter gauge Highways: none; city streets Ports: Monaco Merchant marine: 1 oil tanker (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,268 GRT/4,959 DWT Airports: 1 usable airfield with permanent-surface runways Telecommunications: served by cable into the French communications system; automatic telephone system; 38,200 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 4 FM, 5 TV; no communication satellite earth stations @Monaco, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of France @Mongolia, Geography Location: Northern Asia, between China and Russia Map references: Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1.565 million sq km land area: 1.565 million sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Alaska Land boundaries: total 8,114 km, China 4,673 km, Russia 3,441 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: none Climate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges) Terrain: vast semidesert and desert plains; mountains in west and southwest; Gobi Desert in southeast Natural resources: oil, coal, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, phosphates, tin, nickel, zinc, wolfram, fluorspar, gold Land use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 79% forest and woodland: 10% other: 10% Irrigated land: 770 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: limited water resources; policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment; the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air; deforestation, overgrazing, the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain; desertification natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and Russia @Mongolia, People Population: 2,429,762 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.61% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 33.04 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.99 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 43.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.16 years male: 63.9 years female: 68.52 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.33 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mongolian(s) adjective: Mongolian Ethnic divisions: Mongol 90%, Kazakh 4%, Chinese 2%, Russian 2%, other 2% Religions: predominantly Tibetan Buddhist, Muslim 4% note: previously limited religious activity because of Communist regime Languages: Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian, Chinese Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA by occupation: primarily herding/agricultural note: over half the adult population is in the labor force, including a large percentage of women; shortage of skilled labor @Mongolia, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Mongolia local long form: none local short form: Mongol Uls former: Outer Mongolia Digraph: MG Type: republic Capital: Ulaanbaatar Administrative divisions: 18 provinces (aymguud, singular - aymag) and 3 municipalities* (hotuud, singular - hot); Arhangay, Bayanhongor, Bayan-Olgiy, Bulgan, Darhan*, Dornod, Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Dzavhan, Erdenet*, Govi-Altay, Hentiy, Hovd, Hovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorhangay, Selenge, Suhbaatar, Tov, Ulaanbaatar*, Uvs Independence: 13 March 1921 (from China) National holiday: National Day, 11 July (1921) Constitution: adopted 13 January 1992 Legal system: blend of Russian, Chinese, and Turkish systems of law; no constitutional provision for judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (since 3 September 1990); election last held 6 June 1993 (next to be held NA 1997); results - Punsalmaagiyn OCHIRBAT (MNDP and MSDP) elected directly with 57.8% of the vote; other candidate Lodongiyn TUDEV (MPRP) head of government: Prime Minister Putsagiyn JASRAY (since 3 August 1992); Deputy Prime Ministers Lhamsuren ENEBISH and Choijilsurengiyn PUREVDORJ (since NA) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the Great Hural Legislative branch: unicameral State Great Hural: elections first time held 28 June 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (76 total) MPRP 71, United Party 4, MSDP 1 note: the People's Small Hural no longer exists Judicial branch: Supreme Court serves as appeals court for people's and provincial courts, but to date rarely overturns verdicts of lower courts Political parties and leaders: Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), Budragchagiin DASH-YONDON, secretary general; Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP), Erdenijiyn BAT-UUL, general coordinator; National Progress Party (NPP), S. BYAMBAA and Luusandambyn DASHNYAM, leaders; Social Democratic Party (SDP), BATBAYAR and Tsohiogyyn ADYASUREN, leaders; Mongolian Independence Party (MIP), D. ZORIGT, leader; United Party of Mongolia (made up of the MDP, SDP, and NPP); Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP), D. GANBOLD, chairman; Mongolian Social Democratic Party (MSDP), B. BATBAYAR, chairman; Mongolian Conservative Party, O. ZOYA; Mongolian Green Party (MGP), M. GANBAT note: opposition parties were legalized in May 1990 Member of: AsDB, CCC, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM (observer), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Luvsandorj DAWAGIV chancery: 2833 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: (202) 333-7117 FAX: (202) 298-9227 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Donald C. JOHNSON embassy: address NA, Ulaanbaatar mailing address: Ulaanbaatar, c/o American Embassy Beijing, Micro Region II, Big Ring Road; PSC 461, Box 300, FPO AP 96521-0002 telephone: [976] (1) 329095 through 329606 FAX: [976] (1) 320-776 Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), blue, and red, centered on the hoist-side red band in yellow is the national emblem ("soyombo" - a columnar arrangement of abstract and geometric representation for fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and the yin-yang symbol) @Mongolia, Economy Overview: Mongolia's severe climate, scattered population, and wide expanses of unproductive land have constrained economic development. Economic activity traditionally has been based on agriculture and the breeding of livestock - Mongolia has the highest number of livestock per person in the world. In past years extensive mineral resources had been developed with Soviet support; total Soviet assistance at its height amounted to 30% of GDP. The mining and processing of coal, copper, molybdenum, tin, tungsten, and gold account for a large part of industrial production. Timber and fishing are also important sectors. The Mongolian leadership is trying to make the transition from Soviet-style central planning to a market economy through privatization and price reform, and is soliciting support from international financial agencies and foreign investors. The economy, however, has still not recovered from the loss of Soviet aid, and the country continues to suffer substantial economic hardships. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.8 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -1.3% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $1,200 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 325% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) note: deficit of $67 million Exports: $355 million (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: copper, livestock, animal products, cashmere, wool, hides, fluorspar, other nonferrous metals partners: former CMEA countries 62%, China 17%, EC 8% (1992) Imports: $501 million (f.o.b., 1991 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, fuels, food products, industrial consumer goods, chemicals, building materials, sugar, tea partners: USSR 75%, Austria 5%, China 5% External debt: $16.8 billion (yearend 1990); 98.6% with USSR Industrial production: growth rate -15% (1992 est.); accounts for about 42% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 1,248,000 kW production: 3,740 kWh consumption per capita: 1,622 kWh (1992) Industries: copper, processing of animal products, building materials, food and beverage, mining (particularly coal) Agriculture: accounts for about 35% of GDP and provides livelihood for about 50% of the population; livestock raising predominates (primarily sheep and goats, but also cattle, camels, and horses); crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, forage Economic aid: NA Currency: 1 tughrik (Tug) = 100 mongos Exchange rates: tughriks (Tug) per US$1 - 150 (1 January 1993), 40 (1992), 7.1 (1991), 5.63 (1990), 3.00 (1989) note: the exchange rate 40 tughriks = 1US$ was introduced June 1991 and was in force to the end of 1992 Fiscal year: calendar year @Mongolia, Communications Railroads: 1,750 km 1.524-meter broad gauge (1988) Highways: total: 46,700 km paved: 1,000 km unpaved: 45,700 km (1988) Inland waterways: 397 km of principal routes (1988) Ports: none; landlocked Airports: total: 81 usable: 31 with permanent-surface runways: 11 with runways over 3,659 m: fewer than 5 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: fewer than 20 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 12 Telecommunications: 63,000 telephones (1989); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 1 FM, 1 TV (with 18 provincial repeaters); repeat of Russian TV; 120,000 TVs; 220,000 radios; at least 1 earth station @Mongolia, Defense Forces Branches: Mongolian People's Army (includes Internal Security Forces and Frontier Guards), Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 587,113; fit for military service 382,633; reach military age (18) annually 25,261 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $22.8 million of GDP, 1% of GDP (1992) @Montserrat Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) @Montserrat, Geography Location: Caribbean, in the eastern Caribbean Sea, about 400 km southeast of Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 100 sq km land area: 100 sq km comparative area: about 0.6 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 40 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; little daily or seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic islands, mostly mountainous, with small coastal lowland Natural resources: negligible Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 10% forest and woodland: 40% other: 30% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to severe hurricanes (June to November) international agreements: NA Note: located 400 km east southeast of Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea @Montserrat, People Population: 12,701 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.33% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 15.93 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.79 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -2.83 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 11.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.73 years male: 73.96 years female: 77.53 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.05 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Montserratian(s) adjective: Montserratian Ethnic divisions: black, Europeans Religions: Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Seventh-Day Adventist, other Christian denominations Languages: English Literacy: age 15 and over having ever attended school (1970) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 97% Labor force: 5,100 by occupation: community, social, and personal services 40.5%, construction 13.5%, trade, restaurants, and hotels 12.3%, manufacturing 10.5%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 8.8%, other 14.4% (1983 est.) @Montserrat, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Montserrat Digraph: MH Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Plymouth Administrative divisions: 3 parishes; Saint Anthony, Saint Georges, Saint Peter Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday of June) Constitution: present constitution came into force 19 December 1989 Legal system: English common law and statute law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Frank SAVAGE (since NA February 1993) head of government: Chief Minister Reuben T. MEADE (since October 1991) cabinet: Executive Council; consists of the governor, the chief minister, three other ministries, the attorney-general, and the finance secretary Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council: elections last held on 8 October 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 7 elected) NPP 4, NDP 1, PLM 1, independent 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: National Progressive Party (NPP) Reuben T. MEADE; People's Liberation Movement (PLM), Noel TUITT; National Development Party (NDP), Bertrand OSBORNE; Independent (IND), Ruby BRAMBLE Member of: CARICOM, CDB, ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), OECS, WCL 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 Montserratian coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms features a woman standing beside a yellow harp with her arm around a black cross @Montserrat, Economy Overview: The economy is small and open with economic activity centered on tourism and construction. Tourism is the most important sector and accounts for roughly one-fifth of GDP. Agriculture accounts for about 4% of GDP and industry 10%. The economy is heavily dependent on imports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices. Exports consist mainly of electronic parts sold to the US. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $53.7 million (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.3% (1992 est.) National product per capita: $4,300 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (1992) Unemployment rate: 3% (1987) Budget: revenues: $12.1 million expenditures: $14.3 million, including capital expenditures of $3.2 million (1988 est.) Exports: $2.8 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: electronic parts, plastic bags, apparel, hot peppers, live plants, cattle partners: NA Imports: $80.6 million (f.o.b.,1992) commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, foodstuffs, manufactured goods, fuels, lubricants, and related materials partners: NA External debt: $2.05 million (1987) Industrial production: growth rate 8.1% (1986); accounts for 10% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 5,271 kW production: 12 million kWh consumption per capita: 950 kWh (1992) Industries: tourism; light manufacturing - rum, textiles, electronic appliances Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP; small-scale farming; food crops - tomatoes, onions, peppers; not self-sufficient in food, especially livestock products Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $90 million Currency: 1 EC dollar (EC$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: East Caribbean dollars (EC$) per US$1 - 2.70 (fixed rate since 1976) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Montserrat, Communications Highways: total: 280 km paved: 200 km unpaved: gravel, earth 80 km Ports: Plymouth 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: 0 Telecommunications: 3,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 8 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV @Montserrat, Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK @Morocco, Geography Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 446,550 sq km land area: 446,300 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total 2,002 km, Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km Coastline: 1,835 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claims and administers Western Sahara, but sovereignty is unresolved; the UN is attempting to hold a referendum; the UN-administered cease-fire has been currently in effect since September 1991; Spain controls five places of sovereignty (plazas de soberania) on and off the coast of Morocco - the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which Morocco contests as well as the islands of Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Islas Chafarinas Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior Terrain: mostly mountains with rich coastal plains Natural resources: phosphates, iron ore, manganese, lead, zinc, fish, salt Land use: arable land: 18% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 28% forest and woodland: 12% other: 41% Irrigated land: 12,650 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation); water supplies contaminated by untreated sewage; siltation of reservoirs; oil pollution of coastal waters natural hazards: northern mountains geologically unstable and subject to earthquakes international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection Note: strategic location along Strait of Gibraltar @Morocco, People Population: 28,558,635 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.12% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 28.59 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.26 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.16 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 49.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.23 years male: 66.36 years female: 70.2 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.83 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Moroccan(s) adjective: Moroccan Ethnic divisions: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2% Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2% Languages: Arabic (official), Berber dialects, French often the language of business, government, and diplomacy Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 50% male: 61% female: 38% Labor force: 7.4 million by occupation: agriculture 50%, services 26%, industry 15%, other 9% (1985) @Morocco, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Morocco conventional short form: Morocco local long form: Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah local short form: Al Maghrib Digraph: MO Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Rabat Administrative divisions: 37 provinces and 5 municipalities* (wilayas, singular - wilaya); Agadir, Al Hoceima, Azilal, Beni Mellal, Ben Slimane, Boulemane, Casablanca*, Chaouen, El Jadida, El Kelaa des Srarhna, Er Rachidia, Essaouira, Fes, Fes*, Figuig, Guelmim, Ifrane, Kenitra, Khemisset, Khenifra, Khouribga, Laayoune, Larache, Marrakech, Marrakech*, Meknes, Meknes*, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Sale*, Safi, Settat, Sidi Kacem, Tanger, Tan-Tan, Taounate, Taroudannt, Tata, Taza, Tetouan, Tiznit Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France) National holiday: National Day, 3 March (1961) (anniversary of King Hassan II's accession to the throne) Constitution: 10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992 Legal system: based on Islamic law and French and Spanish civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Chamber of Supreme Court Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King HASSAN II (since 3 March 1961) head of government: Prime Minister Abdellatif FILALI (since 29 May 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the King Legislative branch: unicameral Chamber of Representatives (Majlis Nawab): elections last held 15 June 1993 (direct popular vote) and 17 September 1993 (indirect special interest vote); next to be held NA 1999; results - seats (333 total), direct popular vote (222 seats) USFP 48, IP 43, MP 33, RNI 28, UC 27, PND 14, MNP 14, PPS 6, PDI 3, SAP 2, PA 2, OADP 2; indirect special interest vote (111 seats) UC 27, MP 18, RNI 13, MNP 11, PND 10, IP 7, Party of Shura and Istiqlal 6, USFP 4, PPS 4, CDT 4, UTM 3, UGTM 2, SAP 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: opposition: Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), leader NA; Istiqlal Party (IP), M'Hamed BOUCETTA; Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Ali YATA; Organization of Democratic and Popular Action (OADP), leader NA pro-government: Constitutional Union (UC), Maati BOUABID; Popular Movement (MP), Mohamed LAENSER; National Democratic Party (PND), Mohamed Arsalane EL-JADIDI; National Popular Movement, Mahjoubi AHARDANE independents: National Rally of Independents (RNI), Ahmed OSMAN; Democracy and Istiqlal Party (PDI), leader NA; Action Party (PA), leader NA; Non-Obedience Candidates (SAP), leader NA labor unions and community organizations (indirect elections: Democratic Confederation of Labor (CDT), leader NA; General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), leader NA; Moroccan Union of Workers (UTM), leader NA; Party of Shura and Istiqlal, leader NA Member of: ABEDA, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AMU, CCC, EBRD, ECA, FAO, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, OAS (observer), NAM, OIC, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Mohamed BENAISSA chancery: 1601 21st Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone: (202) 462-7979 through 7982 FAX: (202) 265-0161 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Marc C. GINSBERG embassy: 2 Avenue de Marrakech, Rabat mailing address: PSC 74, Box 003 APO AE 09718 telephone: [212] (7) 76-22-65 FAX: [212] (7) 76-56-61 consulate(s) general: Casablanca Flag: red with a green pentacle (five-pointed, linear star) known as Solomon's seal in the center of the flag; green is the traditional color of Islam @Morocco, Economy Overview: Morocco faces the typical problems of developing countries--restraining government spending, reducing constraints on private activity and foreign trade, and keeping inflation within bounds. Since the early 1980s the government has pursued an economic program toward these objectives with the support of the IMF, the World Bank, and the Paris Club of creditors. The economy has substantial assets to draw on: the world's largest phosphate reserves, diverse agricultural and fishing resources, a sizable tourist industry, a growing manufacturing sector, and large remittances from Moroccans working abroad. However, a severe drought in 1992-93 has depressed economic activity and held down experts. Real GDP contracted by 2.9% in 1992, and growth for 1993 is estimated at only 2%. Despite these setbacks, initiatives to relax capital controls, strengthen the banking sector, and privatize state enterprises went forward in 1993. Servicing the large debt, high unemployment, and vulnerability to external economic forces remain long-term problems for Morocco. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $70.3 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 2% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 16% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $7.5 billion expenditures: $7.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.9 billion (1992 est.) Exports: $5.7 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: food and beverages 30%, semiprocessed goods 23%, consumer goods 21%, phosphates 17% partners: EC 64%, India 6%, Japan 4%, US 3% Imports: $8.4 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: capital goods 24%, semiprocessed goods 22%, raw materials 16%, fuel and lubricants 16%, food and beverages 13%, consumer goods 9% partners: EC 63%, US 6%, Saudi Arabia 4%, FSU 4%, Japan 1% External debt: $21.3 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 0.1% (year NA); accounts for 31% of GDP (1991) Electricity: capacity: 2,384,000 kW production: 8.864 billion kWh consumption per capita: 317 kWh (1992) Industries: phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, construction, tourism Agriculture: accounts for 14% of GDP, 50% of employment, and 30% of export value; not self-sufficient in food; cereal farming and livestock raising predominate; barley, wheat, citrus fruit, wine, vegetables, olives Illicit drugs: illicit producer of hashish; trafficking on the increase for both domestic and international drug markets; shipments of hashish mostly directed to Western Europe; occasional transit point for cocaine from South America destined for Western Europe. Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.3 billion; US commitments, including Ex-Im (1992), $123.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $7.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $4.8 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.5 billion note: $2.8 billion debt canceled by Saudi Arabia (1991); IMF standby agreement worth $13 million; World Bank, $450 million (1991) Currency: 1 Moroccan dirham (DH) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Moroccan dirhams (DH) per US$1 - 9.669 (January 1994), 9.299 (1993), 8.538 (1992), 8.707 (1991), 8.242 (1990), 8.488 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Morocco, Communications Railroads: 1,893 km 1.435-meter standard gauge (246 km double track, 974 km electrified) Highways: total: 59,198 km paved: 27,740 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth, unimproved earth 31,458 km Pipelines: crude oil 362 km; petroleum products (abandoned) 491 km; natural gas 241 km Ports: Agadir, Casablanca, El Jorf Lasfar, Kenitra, Mohammedia, Nador, Safi, Tangier; also Spanish-controlled Ceuta and Melilla Merchant marine: 47 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 226,369 GRT/335,089 DWT, cargo 9, chemical tanker 11, container 3, oil tanker 4, refrigerated cargo 12, roll-on/roll-off cargo 6, short-sea passenger 2 Airports: total: 73 usable: 64 with permanent-surface runways: 26 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 25 Telecommunications: good system composed of wire lines, cables, and microwave radio relay links; principal centers are Casablanca and Rabat; secondary centers are Fes, Marrakech, Oujda, Tangier, and Tetouan; 280,000 telephones (10.5 telephones per 1,000 persons); broadcast stations - 20 AM, 7 FM, 26 TV and 26 repeaters; 5 submarine cables; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 1 ARABSAT; microwave radio relay to Gibraltar, Spain, and Western Sahara; coaxial cable and microwave to Algeria; microwave radio relay network linking Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco @Morocco, Defense Forces Branches: Royal Moroccan Army, Royal Moroccan Navy, Royal Moroccan Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie, Auxiliary Forces Manpower availability: males age 15-49 7,076,261; fit for military service 4,494,641; reach military age (18) annually 317,093 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.1 billion, 3.8% of GDP (1993 budget) @Mozambique, Geography Location: Southern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel between South Africa and Tanzania opposite the island of Madagascar Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 801,590 sq km land area: 784,090 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total 4,571 km, Malawi 1,569 km, South Africa 491 km, Swaziland 105 km, Tanzania 756 km, Zambia 419 km, Zimbabwe 1,231 km Coastline: 2,470 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical to subtropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowlands, uplands in center, high plateaus in northwest, mountains in west Natural resources: coal, titanium Land use: arable land: 4% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 56% forest and woodland: 20% other: 20% Irrigated land: 1,150 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: civil strife in the hinterlands has resulted in increased migration to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences; desertification; pollution of surface and coastal waters natural hazards: severe drought and floods occur in central and southern provinces international agreements: party to - Endangered Species; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea @Mozambique, People Population: 17,346,280 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 5.87% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 44.97 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 16.33 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 30.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 128.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 48.49 years male: 46.63 years female: 50.41 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.25 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Mozambican(s) adjective: Mozambican Ethnic divisions: indigenous tribal groups, Europeans about 10,000, Euro-Africans 35,000, Indians 15,000 Religions: indigenous beliefs 60%, Christian 30%, Muslim 10% Languages: Portuguese (official), indigenous dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 33% male: 45% female: 21% Labor force: NA by occupation: 90% engaged in agriculture @Mozambique, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Mozambique conventional short form: Mozambique local long form: Republica Popular de Mocambique local short form: Mocambique Digraph: MZ Type: republic Capital: Maputo Administrative divisions: 10 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia); Cabo Delgado, Gaza, Inhambane, Manica, Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, Tete, Zambezia Independence: 25 June 1975 (from Portugal) National holiday: Independence Day, 25 June (1975) Constitution: 30 November 1990 Legal system: based on Portuguese civil law system and customary law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO (since 6 November 1986) head of government: Prime Minister Mario da Graca MACHUNGO (since 17 July 1986) cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica); draft electoral law provides for periodic, direct presidential and Assembly elections Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), Joaquim Alberto CHISSANO, chairman; formerly a Marxist organization with close ties to the USSR; FRELIMO was the only legal party before 30 November 1990, when the new Constitution went into effect establishing a multiparty system note: under the terms of the 1992 peace accords multiparty elections are scheduled for October 1994; 11 parties, including the Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO), Alfonso DHLAKAMA, president, are registered to participate Member of: ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INMARSAT, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hipolito Pereira Zozimo PATRICIO chancery: Suite 570, 1990 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 293-7146 FAX: (202) 835-0245 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Dennis JETT embassy: Avenida Kenneth Kuanda, 193 Maputo mailing address: P. O. Box 783, Maputo telephone: [258] (1) 49-27-97 FAX: [258] (1) 49-01-14 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centered in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book @Mozambique, Economy Overview: One of Africa's poorest countries, Mozambique has failed to exploit the economic potential of its sizable agricultural, hydropower, and transportation resources. Indeed, national output, consumption, and investment declined throughout the first half of the 1980s because of internal disorders, lack of government administrative control, and a growing foreign debt. A sharp increase in foreign aid, attracted by an economic reform policy, resulted in successive years of economic growth in the late 1980s, but aid has declined steadily since 1989. Agricultural output is at only 75% of its 1981 level, and grain has to be imported. Industry operates at only 20-40% of capacity. The economy depends heavily on foreign assistance to keep afloat. Peace accords signed in October 1992 improved chances of foreign investment, aided IMF-supported economic reforms, and supported continued economic recovery. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $9.8 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.1% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 40% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 50% (1989 est.) Budget: revenues: $252 million expenditures: $607 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $164.4 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: shrimp 48%, cashews 21%, sugar 10%, copra 3%, citrus 3% partners: US, Western Europe, Germany, Japan Imports: $1.03 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: food, clothing, farm equipment, petroleum partners: US, Western Europe, USSR External debt: $5 billion (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 5% (1989 est.) Electricity: capacity: 2,270,000 kW production: 1.745 billion kWh consumption per capita: 115 kWh (1991) Industries: food, beverages, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), petroleum products, textiles, nonmetallic mineral products (cement, glass, asbestos), tobacco Agriculture: accounts for 50% of GDP and about 90% of exports; cash crops - cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, shrimp; other crops - cassava, corn, rice, tropical fruits; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $350 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $37 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $890 million Currency: 1 metical (Mt) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: meticais (Mt) per US$1 - 4,941.3 (October 1993), 2,550.40 (1992), 1,763.99 (1991), 1,053.09 (1990), 844.34 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Mozambique, Communications Railroads: 3,288 km total; 3,140 km 1.067-meter gauge; 148 km 0.762-meter narrow gauge; Malawi-Nacala, Malawi-Beira, and Zimbabwe-Maputo lines are subject to closure because of insurgency Highways: total: 26,498 km paved: 4,593 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 829 km; unimproved earth 21,076 km Inland waterways: about 3,750 km of navigable routes Pipelines: crude oil (not operating) 306 km; petroleum products 289 km Ports: Maputo, Beira, Nacala Merchant marine: 4 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 5,686 GRT/9,742 DWT Airports: total: 194 usable: 134 with permanent-surface runways: 24 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 28 Telecommunications: fair system of troposcatter, open-wire lines, and radio relay; broadcast stations - 29 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 3 domestic Indian Ocean INTELSAT @Mozambique, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Naval Command, Air and Air Defense Forces, Militia note: as of early 1994, Mozambique was demobilizing and reorganizing its defence forces Manpower availability: males age 15-49 3,890,532; fit for military service 2,233,824 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $118 million, 8% of GDP (1993) @Namibia, Geography Location: Southern Africa, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean between Angola and South Africa Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 825,418 sq km land area: 825,418 sq km comparative area: slightly more than half the size of Alaska Land boundaries: total 3,824 km, Angola 1,376 km, Botswana 1,360 km, South Africa 855 km, Zambia 233 km Coastline: 1,572 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: short section of boundary with Botswana is indefinite; quadripoint with Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is in disagreement; dispute with South Africa over Walvis Bay and 12 offshore islands has been resolved and these territories were transferred to Namibian sovereignty on 1 March 1994 Climate: desert; hot, dry; rainfall sparse and erratic Terrain: mostly high plateau; Namib Desert along coast; Kalahari Desert in east Natural resources: diamonds, copper, uranium, gold, lead, tin, lithium, cadmium, zinc, salt, vanadium, natural gas, fish; suspected deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore Land use: arable land: 1% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 64% forest and woodland: 22% other: 13% Irrigated land: 40 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: very limited natural water resources; desertification natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change @Namibia, People Population: 1,595,567 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.45% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 43.4 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 61.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 61.65 years male: 58.97 years female: 64.4 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.4 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Namibian(s) adjective: Namibian Ethnic divisions: black 86%, white 6.6%, mixed 7.4% note: about 50% of the population belong to the Ovambo tribe and 9% to the Kavangos tribe Religions: Christian Languages: English 7% (official), Afrikaans common language of most of the population and about 60% of the white population, German 32%, indigenous languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1960) total population: 38% male: 45% female: 31% Labor force: 500,000 by occupation: agriculture 60%, industry and commerce 19%, services 8%, government 7%, mining 6% (1981 est.) @Namibia, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Namibia conventional short form: Namibia Digraph: WA Type: republic Capital: Windhoek Administrative divisions: 13 districts; Erango, Hardap, Karas, Khomas, Kunene, Liambezi, Ohanguena, Okarango, Omaheke, Omusat, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate) National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990) Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990 Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); election last held 16 February 1990 (next to be held March 1995); results - Sam NUJOMA was elected president by the Constituent Assembly (now the National Assembly) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from the National Assembly Legislative branch: bicameral legislature National Council: elections last held 30 November-3 December 1992 (next to be held by December 1998); seats - (26 total) SWAPO 19, DTA 6, UDF 1 National Assembly: elections last held on 7-11 November 1989 (next to be held by November 1994); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (72 total) SWAPO 41, DTA 21, UDF 4, ACN 3, NNF 1, FCN 1, NPF 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), Sam NUJOMA; DTA of Namibia (formerly Democratic Turnhalle Alliance) (DTA), Mishake MUYONGO; United Democratic Front (UDF), Justus GAROEB; Action Christian National (ACN), Kosie PRETORIUS; National Patriotic Front (NPF), Moses KATJIUONGUA; Federal Convention of Namibia (FCN), Hans DIERGAARDT; Namibia National Front (NNF), Vekuii RUKORO Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, FAO, FLS, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ITU, NAM, OAU, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Tuliameni KALOMOH chancery: 1605 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 986-0540 FAX: (202) 986-0443 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Howard F. JETER embassy: Ausplan Building, 14 Lossen St., Windhoek mailing address: P. O. Box 9890, Windhoek 9000 telephone: [264] (61) 221-601, 222-675, 222-680 FAX: [264] (61) 229-792 Flag: a large blue triangle with a yellow sunburst fills the upper left section, and an equal green triangle (solid) fills the lower right section; the triangles are separated by a red stripe that is contrasted by two narrow white-edge borders @Namibia, Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on the mining industry to extract and process minerals for export. Mining accounts for almost 25% of GDP. Namibia is the fourth-largest exporter of nonfuel minerals in Africa and the world's fifth-largest producer of uranium. Alluvial diamond deposits are among the richest in the world, making Namibia a primary source for gem-quality diamonds. Namibia also produces large quantities of lead, zinc, tin, silver, and tungsten. More than half the population depends on agriculture (largely subsistence agriculture) for its livelihood. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $3.85 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 3.5% (1992) National product per capita: $2,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 17.9% (1992) in urban area Unemployment rate: 30% (1992) Budget: revenues: $941 million expenditures: $1.05 billion, including capital expenditures of $157 million (FY93/94) Exports: $1.289 billion (f.o.b., 1992 est.) commodities: diamonds, copper, gold, zinc, lead, uranium, cattle, processed fish, karakul skins partners: Switzerland, South Africa, Germany, Japan Imports: $1.178 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: foodstuffs, petroleum products and fuel, machinery and equipment partners: South Africa, Germany, US, Switzerland External debt: about $220 million (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 4.9% (1991); accounts for 35% of GDP, including mining Electricity: capacity: 490,000 kW production: 1.29 billion kWh consumption per capita: 850 kWh (1991) Industries: meatpacking, fish processing, dairy products, mining (copper, lead, zinc, diamond, uranium) Agriculture: accounts for 15% of GDP; mostly subsistence farming; livestock raising major source of cash income; crops - millet, sorghum, peanuts; fish catch potential of over 1 million metric tons not being fulfilled, 1988 catch reaching only 384,000 metric tons; not self-sufficient in food Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-87), $47.2 million Currency: 1 South African rand (R) = 100 cents Exchange rates: South African rand (R) per US$1 - 3.4096 (January 1994), 3.2678 (1993), 2.8497 (1992), 2.7653 (1991), 2.5863 (1990), 2.6166 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Namibia, Communications Railroads: 2,341 km 1.067-meter gauge, single track Highways: total: 54,500 km paved: 4,080 km unpaved: gravel 2,540 km; earth 47,880 km (roads and tracks) Ports: Luderitz; Walvis Bay Airports: total: 136 usable: 109 with permanent-surface runways: 21 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 4 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 64 Telecommunications: good urban, fair rural services; radio relay connects major towns, wires extend to other population centers; 62,800 telephones; broadcast stations - 4 AM, 40 FM, 3 TV @Namibia, Defense Forces Branches: National Defense Force (Army), Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 336,145; fit for military service 199,337 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $66 million, 3.4% of GDP (FY92) @Nauru, Geography Location: Oceania, Micronesia, 500 km north-northeast of Papua New Guinea Map references: Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 21 sq km land area: 21 sq km comparative area: about one-tenth the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 30 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (November to February) Terrain: sandy beach rises to fertile ring around raised coral reefs with phosphate plateau in center Natural resources: phosphates Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: limited water resources, roof storage tanks collect rainwater; phosphate mining threatens limited remaining land resources natural hazards: rainfall is erratic international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Marine Dumping; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: Nauru is one of the three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean - the others are Banaba (Ocean Island) in Kiribati and Makatea in French Polynesia; only 53 km south of Equator @Nauru, People Population: 10,019 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.33% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 18.03 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.1 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.4 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 40.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 66.68 years male: 64.3 years female: 69.18 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.08 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nauruan(s) adjective: Nauruan Ethnic divisions: Nauruan 58%, other Pacific Islander 26%, Chinese 8%, European 8% Religions: Christian (two-thirds Protestant, one-third Roman Catholic) Languages: Nauruan (official; a distinct Pacific Island language), English widely understood, spoken, and used for most government and commercial purposes Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: by occupation: NA @Nauru, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Nauru conventional short form: Nauru former: Pleasant Island Digraph: NR Type: republic Capital: no official capital; government offices in Yaren District Administrative divisions: 14 districts; Aiwo, Anabar, Anetan, Anibare, Baiti, Boe, Buada, Denigomodu, Ewa, Ijuw, Meneng, Nibok, Uaboe, Yaren Independence: 31 January 1968 (from UN trusteeship under Australia, New Zealand, and UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 31 January (1968) Constitution: 29 January 1968 Legal system: own Acts of Parliament and British common law Suffrage: 20 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Bernard DOWIYOGO (since 12 December 1989); election last held 19 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - Bernard DOWIYOGO elected by Parliament cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president from the parliament Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament: elections last held on 14 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (18 total) independents 18 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: none Member of: AsDB, C (special), ESCAP, ICAO, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, ITU, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UPU Diplomatic representation in US: consulate(s): Agana (Guam) US diplomatic representation: the US Ambassador to Australia is accredited to Nauru Flag: blue with a narrow, horizontal, yellow stripe across the center and a large white 12-pointed star below the stripe on the hoist side; the star indicates the country's location in relation to the Equator (the yellow stripe) and the 12 points symbolize the 12 original tribes of Nauru @Nauru, Economy Overview: Revenues come from the export of phosphates, the reserves of which are expected to be exhausted by the year 2000. Phosphates have given Nauruans one of the highest per capita incomes in the Third World - $10,000 annually. Few other resources exist, so most necessities must be imported, including fresh water from Australia. The rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are serious long-term problems. Substantial amounts of phosphate income are invested in trust funds to help cushion the transition. National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $90 million (1989 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $10,000 (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 0% Budget: revenues: $69.7 million expenditures: $51.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.) Exports: $93 million (f.o.b., 1984) commodities: phosphates partners: Australia, NZ Imports: $73 million (c.i.f., 1984) commodities: food, fuel, manufactures, building materials, machinery partners: Australia, UK, NZ, Japan External debt: $33.3 million Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 14,000 kW production: 50 million kWh consumption per capita: 5,430 kWh (1990) Industries: phosphate mining, financial services, coconut products Agriculture: coconuts; other agricultural activity negligible; almost completely dependent on imports for food and water Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries (1970-89), $2 million Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2834 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Nauru, Communications Railroads: 3.9 km; used to haul phosphates from the center of the island to processing facilities on the southwest coast Highways: total: 27 km paved: 21 km unpaved: improved earth 6 km Ports: Nauru Merchant marine: 1 bulk ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,426 GRT/5,750 DWT 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: adequate local and international radio communications provided via Australian facilities; 1,600 telephones; 4,000 radios; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Nauru, Defense Forces Branches: Directorate of the Nauru Police Force note: no regular armed forces Defense expenditures: $NA - no formal defense structure @Navassa Island Header Affiliation: (territory of the US) @Navassa Island, Geography Location: Caribbean, in the Caribbean Sea, 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay (Cuba), between Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 5.2 sq km land area: 5.2 sq km comparative area: about nine times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 8 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: claimed by Haiti Climate: marine, tropical Terrain: raised coral and limestone plateau, flat to undulating; ringed by vertical white cliffs (9 to 15 meters high) Natural resources: guano Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 10% forest and woodland: 0% other: 90% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: strategic location 160 km south of the US Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; mostly exposed rock, but enough grassland to support goat herds; dense stands of fig-like trees, scattered cactus @Navassa Island, People Population: uninhabited; note - transient Haitian fishermen and others camp on the island @Navassa Island, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Navassa Island Digraph: BQ Type: unincorporated territory of the US administered by the US Coast Guard Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC @Navassa Island, Economy Overview: no economic activity @Navassa Island, Communications Ports: none; offshore anchorage only @Navassa Island, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Nepal, Geography Location: Southern Asia, in the Himalayas, between China and India Map references: Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 140,800 sq km land area: 136,800 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Arkansas Land boundaries: total 2,926 km, China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: none Climate: varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to subtropical summers and mild winters in south Terrain: Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central hill region, rugged Himalayas in north Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential, scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore Land use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 33% other: 37% Irrigated land: 9,430 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution (use of contaminated water presents human health risks) natural hazards: vulnerable to severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought, and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the summer monsoons international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation Note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks @Nepal, People Population: 21,041,527 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.44% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 37.63 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 13.28 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 83.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 52.53 years male: 52.35 years female: 52.73 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 5.24 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nepalese (singular and plural) adjective: Nepalese Ethnic divisions: Newars, Indians, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Bhotias, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas Religions: Hindu 90%, Buddhist 5%, Muslim 3%, other 2% (1981) note: only official Hindu state in world, although no sharp distinction between many Hindu and Buddhist groups Languages: Nepali (official), 20 languages divided into numerous dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 26% male: 38% female: 13% Labor force: 8.5 million (1991 est.) by occupation: agriculture 93%, services 5%, industry 2% note: severe lack of skilled labor @Nepal, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Nepal conventional short form: Nepal Digraph: NP Type: parliamentary democracy as of 12 May 1991 Capital: Kathmandu Administrative divisions: 14 zones (anchal, singular and plural); Bagmati, Bheri, Dhawalagiri, Gandaki, Janakpur, Karnali, Kosi, Lumbini, Mahakali, Mechi, Narayani, Rapti, Sagarmatha, Seti Independence: 1768 (unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah) National holiday: Birthday of His Majesty the King, 28 December (1945) Constitution: 9 November 1990 Legal system: based on Hindu legal concepts and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: head of government: Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA (since 29 May 1991) chief of state: King BIRENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev (since 31 January 1972, crowned King 24 February 1985); Heir Apparent Crown Prince DIPENDRA Bir Bikram Shah Dev, son of the King (born 21 June 1971) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the king on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament National Council: consists of a 60-member body, 50 appointed by House of Representatives and 10 by the King House of Representatives: elections last held on 12 May 1991 (next to be held May 1996); results - NCP 38%, CPN/UML 28%, NDP/Chand 6%, UPF 5%, NDP/Thapa 5%, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 4%, Rohit 2%, CPN (Democratic) 1%, independents 4%, other 7%; seats - (205 total) NCP 110, CPN/UML 69, UPF 9, Terai Rights Sadbhavana Party 6, NDP/Chand 3, Rohit 2, CPN (Democratic) 2, NDP/Thapa 1, independents 3; note - the new Constitution of 9 November 1990 gave Nepal a multiparty democracy system for the first time in 32 years Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Sarbochha Adalat) Political parties and leaders: Nepali Congress Party (NCP), president Krishna Prasad BHATTARAI, Prime Minister Girija Prasad KOIRALA, Supreme Leader Ganesh Man SINGH; The Conservative National Democratic Party (NDP/Thapa), Surya Bahadur THAPA; Communist Party of Nepal/United Marxist and Leninist (CPN/UML), Man Mohan ADHIKARI; Terai Rights Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Party, Gajendra Narayan SINGH; United People's Front (UPF), Lila Mani POKHREL; Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP), Narayan Man BIJUKCHHE; National Democratic Party/Chand (NDP/Chand), Lokendra Bahadur CHAND; Rohit Party, N. M. BIJUKCHHE; Communist Party of Nepal (Democratic-Manandhar), B. B. MANANDHAR Other political or pressure groups: numerous small, left-leaning student groups in the capital; several small, radical Nepalese antimonarchist groups Member of: AsDB, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant) chancery: 2131 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 667-4550 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Sandra VOGELGESANG embassy: Pani Pokhari, Kathmandu mailing address: use embassy street address telephone: [977] (1) 411179 or 412718, 411613, 413890 FAX: [977] (1) 419963 Flag: red with a blue border around the unique shape of two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a white stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun @Nepal, Economy Overview: Nepal is among the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, providing a livelihood for over 90% of the population and accounting for 60% of GDP. Industrial activity is limited, mainly involving the processing of agricultural produce (jute, sugarcane, tobacco, and grain). Production of textiles and carpets has expanded recently and accounted for 85% of foreign exchange earnings in FY94. Apart from agricultural land and forests, exploitable natural resources are mica, hydropower, and tourism. Agricultural production in the late 1980s grew by about 5%, as compared with annual population growth of 2.6%. More than 40% of the population is undernourished. Since May 1991, the government has been encouraging trade and foreign investment, e.g., by eliminating business licenses and registration requirements in order to simplify domestic and foreign investment. The government also has been cutting public expenditures by reducing subsidies, privatizing state industries, and laying off civil servants. Prospects for foreign trade and investment in the 1990s remain poor, however, because of the small size of the economy, its technological backwardness, its remoteness, and susceptibility to natural disaster. Nepal experienced severe flooding in August 1993 which caused at least $50 million in damage to the country's infrastructure. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $20.5 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 2.9% (FY93) National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9% (September 1993) Unemployment rate: 5%; underemployment estimated at 25%-40% (1987) Budget: revenues: $457 million expenditures: $725 million, including capital expenditures of $427 million (FY93 est.) Exports: $369 million (f.o.b., FY93) but does not include unrecorded border trade with India commodities: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods, grain partners: US, Germany, India, UK Imports: $789 million (c.i.f., FY93 est.) commodities: petroleum products 20%, fertilizer 11%, machinery 10% partners: India, Singapore, Japan, Germany External debt: $2 billion (FY93 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6% (FY91 est.); accounts for 16% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 300,000 kW production: 1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 50 kWh (1992) Industries: small rice, jute, sugar, and oilseed mills; cigarette, textile, carpet, cement, and brick production; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 60% of GDP and 93% of work force; farm products - rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops, milk, buffalo meat; not self-sufficient in food, particularly in drought years Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the domestic and international drug markets; transit point for heroin from Southeast Asia to the West Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $304 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $2.23 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $30 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $286 million Currency: 1 Nepalese rupee (NR) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Nepalese rupees (NRs) per US$1 - 49.240 (January 1994), 48.607 (1993), 42.742 (1992), 37.255 (1991), 29.370 (1990), 27.189 (1989) Fiscal year: 16 July - 15 July @Nepal, Communications Railroads: 52 km (1990), all 0.762-meter narrow gauge; all in Terai close to Indian border; 10 km from Raxaul to Birganj is government owned Highways: total: 7,080 km paved: 2,898 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 1,660 km; seasonally motorable tracks 2,522 km (1990) Airports: total: 37 usable: 37 with permanent-surface runways: 5 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 8 Telecommunications: poor telephone and telegraph service; fair radio communication and broadcast service; international radio communication service is poor; 50,000 telephones (1990); broadcast stations - 88 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Nepal, Defense Forces Branches: Royal Nepalese Army, Royal Nepalese Army Air Service, Nepalese Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 5,003,661; fit for military service 2,598,507; reach military age (17) annually 241,405 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $34 million, 2% of GDP (FY91/92) @Netherlands, @Netherlands, Geography Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany Map references: Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 37,330 sq km land area: 33,920 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey Land boundaries: total 1,027 km, Belgium 450 km, Germany 577 km Coastline: 451 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters Terrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast Natural resources: natural gas, petroleum, fertile soil Land use: arable land: 26% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 32% forest and woodland: 9% other: 32% Irrigated land: 5,500 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain natural hazards: the extensive system of dikes and dams, protects nearly one-half of the total area from being flooded international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, 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 - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea Note: located at mouths of three major European rivers (Rhine, Maas or Meuse, Schelde) @Netherlands, People Population: 15,367,928 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.58% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 12.62 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.5 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.75 years male: 74.69 years female: 80.97 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.58 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Dutchman(men), Dutchwoman(women) adjective: Dutch Ethnic divisions: Dutch 96%, Moroccans, Turks, and other 4% (1988) Religions: Roman Catholic 34%, Protestant 25%, Muslim 3%, other 2%, unaffiliated 36% (1991) Languages: Dutch Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1979 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 6.7 million (1991) by occupation: services 50.1%, manufacturing and construction 28.2%, government 15.9%, agriculture 5.8% (1986) @Netherlands, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of the Netherlands conventional short form: Netherlands local long form: Koninkrijk de Nederlanden local short form: Nederland Digraph: NL Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Amsterdam; The Hague is the seat of government Administrative divisions: 12 provinces (provincien, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland Dependent areas: Aruba, Netherlands Antilles Independence: 1579 (from Spain) National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Constitution: 17 February 1983 Legal system: civil law system incorporating French penal theory; judicial review in the Supreme Court of legislation of lower order rather than Acts of the States General; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980); Heir Apparent WILLEM-ALEXANDER, Prince of Orange, son of Queen Beatrix (born 27 April 1967) head of government: Prime Minister RUDOLPHUS (Ruud) F. M. LUBBERS (since 4 November 1982); Vice Prime Minister Willem (Wim) KOK (since 2 November 1989) - resigned after 3 May 1994 parliamentary elections; no new government has been formed to date cabinet: Ministry of General Affairs; appointed by the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral legislature (Staten Generaal) First Chamber (Eerste Kamer): elections last held on 9 June l991 (next to be held 9 June 1995); results - elected by the country's 12 provincial councils; seats - (75 total) percent of seats by party NA Second Chamber (Tweede Kamer): elections last held on 3 May 1994 (next to be held in May 1999); results - PvdA 24.3%, CDA 22.3%, VVD 20.4%, D'66 16.5%, other 16.5%; seats - (150 total) PvdA 37, CDA 34, VVD 31, D'66 24, other 24 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (De Hoge Raad) Political parties and leaders: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Elco BRINKMAN; Labor (PvdA), Wim KOK; Liberal (VVD), Frits BOLKESTEIN; Democrats '66 (D'66), Hans van MIERLO; a host of minor parties Other political or pressure groups: large multinational firms; Federation of Netherlands Trade Union Movement (comprising Socialist and Catholic trade unions) and a Protestant trade union; Federation of Catholic and Protestant Employers Associations; the nondenominational Federation of Netherlands Enterprises; and Interchurch Peace Council (IKV) Member of: AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, Benelux, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, G-10, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNOMUR, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adriaan Pieter Roetert JACOBOVITS DE SZEGED chancery: 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 244-5300 FAX: (202) 362-3430 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila (Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands), New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kirk Terry DORNBUSH embassy: Lange Voorhout 102, 2514 EJ The Hague mailing address: PSC 71, Box 1000, the Hague; APO AE 09715 telephone: [31] (70) 310-9209 FAX: [31] (70) 361-4688 consulate(s) general: Amsterdam Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer @Netherlands, Economy Overview: This highly developed and affluent economy is based on private enterprise. The government makes its presence felt, however, through many regulations, permit requirements, and welfare programs affecting most aspects of economic activity. The trade and financial services sector contributes over 50% of GDP. Industrial activity provides about 25% of GDP and is led by the food-processing, oil-refining, and metalworking industries. The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs only 5% of the labor force, but provides large surpluses for export and the domestic food-processing industry. Rising unemployment and a sizable budget deficit are currently the most serious economic problems. Many of the economic issues of the 1990s will reflect the course of European economic integration. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $262.8 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: -0.2% (1993) National product per capita: $17,200 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3.5% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 9.1% (March 1994) Budget: revenues: $109.9 billion expenditures: $122.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $139 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: metal products, chemicals, processed food and tobacco, agricultural products partners: EC 77% (Germany 27%, Belgium-Luxembourg 15%, UK 10%), US 4% (1991) Imports: $130.3 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: raw materials and semifinished products, consumer goods, transportation equipment, crude oil, food products partners: EC 64% (Germany 26%, Belgium-Luxembourg 14%, UK 8%), US 8% (1991) External debt: $0 Industrial production: growth rate -1.5% (1993 est.); accounts for 25% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 22,216,000 kW production: 63.5 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,200 kWh (1992) Industries: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, fishing, construction, microelectronics Agriculture: accounts for 4.6% of GDP; animal production predominates; crops - grains, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables; shortages of grain, fats, and oils Illicit drugs: gateway for cocaine, heroin, and hashish entering Europe; European producer of illicit amphetamines and other synthetic drugs Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $19.4 billion Currency: 1 Netherlands guilder, gulden, or florin (f.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Netherlands guilders, gulden, or florins (f.) per US$1 - 1.9508 (January 1994), 1.8573 (1993), 1.7585 (1992), 1.8697 (1991), 1.8209 (1990), 2.1207 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Netherlands, Communications Railroads: 2,828 km 1.435-meter standard gauge operated by Netherlands Railways (NS) (includes 1,957 km electrified and 1,800 km double track) Highways: total: 104,590 km paved: 92,525 km (including 2,185 km of expressway) unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 12,065 km (1990) Inland waterways: 6,340 km, of which 35% is usable by craft of 1,000 metric ton capacity or larger Pipelines: crude oil 418 km; petroleum products 965 km; natural gas 10,230 km Ports: coastal - Amsterdam, Delfzijl, Den Helder, Dordrecht, Eemshaven, Ijmuiden, Rotterdam, Scheveningen, Terneuzen, Vlissingen; inland - 29 ports Merchant marine: 324 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,507,112 GRT/3,208,838 DWT, bulk 3, cargo 180, chemical tanker 21, combination bulk 3, container 32, liquefied gas 12, livestock carrier 1, multifunction large-load carrier 4, oil tanker 27, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 20, roll-on/roll-off cargo 15, short-sea passenger 3, specialized tanker 2 note: many Dutch-owned ships are also registered on the captive Netherlands Antilles register Airports: total: 28 usable: 28 with permanent-surface runways: 19 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 7 Telecommunications: highly developed, well maintained, and integrated; extensive redundant system of multiconductor cables, supplemented by microwave radio relay microwave links; 9,418,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 (3 relays) AM, 12 (39 repeaters) FM, 8 (7 repeaters) TV; 5 submarine cables; 1 communication satellite earth station operating in INTELSAT (1 Indian Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean antenna) and EUTELSAT systems; nationwide mobile phone system @Netherlands, Defense Forces Branches: Royal Netherlands Army, Royal Netherlands Navy (including Naval Air Service and Marine Corps), Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Constabulary Manpower availability: males age 15-49 4,180,745; fit for military service 3,667,212; reach military age (20) annually 98,479 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $6.8 billion, 2.3% of GDP (1993) @Netherlands Antilles Header Affiliation: (part of the Dutch realm) @Netherlands Antilles, Geography Location: Caribbean, two island groups - Curacao and Bonaire in the southern Caribbean Sea are about 70 km north of Venezuela near Aruba and the rest of the country is about 800 km to the northeast about one-third of the way between Antigua and Barbuda and Puerto Rico Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 960 sq km land area: 960 sq km comparative area: slightly less than 5.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin) Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 364 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 12 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; ameliorated by northeast trade winds Terrain: generally hilly, volcanic interiors Natural resources: phosphates (Curacao only), salt (Bonaire only) Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 92% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: Curacao and Bonaire are south of Caribbean hurricane belt, so rarely threatened; Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are subject to hurricanes from July to October international agreements: party to - Whaling @Netherlands Antilles, People Population: 185,790 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.47% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.62 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.5 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -6.46 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 9.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.32 years male: 74.1 years female: 78.66 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.96 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Netherlands Antillean(s) adjective: Netherlands Antillean Ethnic divisions: mixed African 85%, Carib Indian, European, Latin, Oriental Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Seventh-Day Adventist Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect predominates, English widely spoken, Spanish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1981) total population: 94% male: 94% female: 93% Labor force: 89,000 by occupation: government 65%, industry and commerce 28% (1983) @Netherlands Antilles, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Netherlands Antilles local long form: none local short form: Nederlandse Antillen Digraph: NA Type: part of the Dutch realm; full autonomy in internal affairs granted in 1954 Capital: Willemstad Administrative divisions: none (part of the Dutch realm) Independence: none (part of the Dutch realm) National holiday: Queen's Day, 30 April (1938) Constitution: 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended Legal system: based on Dutch civil law system, with some English common law influence Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen BEATRIX Wilhelmina Armgard (since 30 April 1980), represented by Governor General Jaime SALEH (since NA October 1989) head of government: Prime Minister Miguel POURIER (since 25 February 1994) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed with the advice and approval of the unicameral legislature Legislative branch: unicameral Staten: elections last held on 25 February 1994 (next to be held March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (23 total) PAR 8, PNP 3, SPA 2, PDB 2, UPB 1, MAN 2, DP 1, WIPM 1, DP-St. E 1, DP-St. M 1, Nos Patria 1 note: the government of Miguel POURIER is a coalition of several parties Judicial branch: Joint High Court of Justice Political parties and leaders: political parties are indigenous to each island Bonaire: Patriotic Union of Bonaire (UPB), Rudy ELLIS; Democratic Party of Bonaire (PDB), Franklin CRESTIAN Curacao: Antillean Restructuring Party (PAR), Miguel POURIER; National People's Party (PNP), Maria LIBERIA-PETERS; New Antilles Movement (MAN), Domenico Felip Don MARTINA; Workers' Liberation Front (FOL), Wilson (Papa) GODETT; Socialist Independent (SI), George HUECK and Nelson MONTE; Democratic Party of Curacao (DP), Augustin DIAZ; Nos Patria, Chin BEHILIA Saba: Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM Saba), Will JOHNSON; Saba Democratic Labor Movement, Vernon HASSELL; Saba Unity Party, Carmen SIMMONDS Sint Eustatius: Democratic Party of Sint Eustatius (DP-St.E), K. Van PUTTEN; Windward Islands People's Movement (WIPM); St. Eustatius Alliance (SEA), Ralph BERKEL Sint Maarten: Democratic Party of Sint Maarten (DP-St.M), Claude WATHEY; Patriotic Movement of Sint Maarten (SPA), Vance JAMES Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL, IOC, UNESCO (associate), UPU, WMO, WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing part of the Netherlands) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Consul General Bernard J. WOERZ consulate general: Saint Anna Boulevard 19, Willemstad, Curacao mailing address: P. O. Box 158, Willemstad, Curacao telephone: [599] (9) 613066 FAX: [599] (9) 616489 Flag: white with a horizontal blue stripe in the center superimposed on a vertical red band also centered; five white five-pointed stars are arranged in an oval pattern in the center of the blue band; the five stars represent the five main islands of Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten @Netherlands Antilles, Economy Overview: Tourism, petroleum refining, and offshore finance are the mainstays of the economy. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Unlike many Latin American countries, the Netherlands Antilles has avoided large international debt. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported, with Venezuela and the US being the major suppliers. National product: GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.8 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 2% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $9,700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 16.4% (1991 est.) Budget: revenues: $209 million expenditures: $232 million, including capital expenditures of $8 million (1992 est.) Exports: $240 million (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: petroleum products 98% partners: US 39%, Brazil 9%, Colombia 6% Imports: $1.2 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: crude petroleum 64%, food, manufactures partners: Venezuela 26%, US 18%, Colombia 6%, Netherlands 6%, Japan 5% External debt: $701 million (December 1987) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 125,000 kW production: 365 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,980 kWh (1992) Industries: tourism (Curacao and Sint Maarten), petroleum refining (Curacao), petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire), light manufacturing (Curacao) Agriculture: hampered by poor soils and scarcity of water; chief products - aloes, sorghum, peanuts, fresh vegetables, tropical fruit; not self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: money-laundering center; transshipment point for South American cocaine and marijuana bound for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $513 million Currency: 1 Netherlands Antillean guilder, gulden, or florin (NAf.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders, gulden, or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.79 (fixed rate since 1989; 1.80 fixed rate 1971-88) Fiscal year: calendar year @Netherlands Antilles, Communications Highways: total: 950 km paved: 300 km unpaved: gravel, earth 650 km Ports: Willemstad, Philipsburg, Kralendijk Merchant marine: 113 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 966,797 GRT/1,251,871 DWT, bulk 1, cargo 43, chemical tanker 7, combination ore/oil 1, container 3, liquefied gas 5, multifunction large-load carrier 18, oil tanker 1, passenger 4, refrigerated cargo 23, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7 note: all but a few are foreign owned, mostly in the Netherlands Airports: total: 5 usable: 4 with permanent-surface runways: 4 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 3 Telecommunications: generally adequate facilities; extensive interisland microwave radio relay links; broadcast stations - 9 AM, 4 FM, 1 TV; 2 submarine cables; 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth stations @Netherlands Antilles, Defense Forces Branches: Royal Netherlands Navy, Marine Corps, Royal Netherlands Air Force, National Guard, Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 48,866; fit for military service 27,421; reach military age (20) annually 1,595 (1994 est.) Note: defense is responsibility of the Netherlands @New Caledonia Header Affiliation: (overseas territory of France) @New Caledonia, Geography Location: Oceania, Melanesia, in the South Pacific Ocean, 1,750 km east of Australia Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 19,060 sq km land area: 18,760 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New Jersey Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 2,254 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds; hot, humid Terrain: coastal plains with interior mountains Natural resources: nickel, chrome, iron, cobalt, manganese, silver, gold, lead, copper Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 14% forest and woodland: 51% other: 35% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: typhoons most frequent from November to March international agreements: NA @New Caledonia, People Population: 181,309 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.79% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 22.39 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.96 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.49 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: 73.62 years male: 70.32 years female: 77.09 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.62 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: New Caledonian(s) adjective: New Caledonian Ethnic divisions: Melanesian 42.5%, European 37.1%, Wallisian 8.4%, Polynesian 3.8%, Indonesian 3.6%, Vietnamese 1.6%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic 60%, Protestant 30%, other 10% Languages: French, 28 Melanesian-Polynesian dialects Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976) total population: 91% male: 91% female: 90% Labor force: 50,469 foreign workers for plantations and mines from Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia (1980 est.) by occupation: NA @New Caledonia, Government Names: conventional long form: Territory of New Caledonia and Dependencies conventional short form: New Caledonia local long form: Territoire des Nouvelle-Caledonie et Dependances local short form: Nouvelle-Caledonie Digraph: NC Type: overseas territory of France since 1956 Capital: Noumea Administrative divisions: none (overseas territory of France); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 provinces named Iles Loyaute, Nord, and Sud Independence: none (overseas territory of France; a referendum on independence will be held in 1998) National holiday: National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: the 1988 Matignon Accords grant substantial autonomy to the islands; formerly under French law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: High Commissioner and President of the Council of Government Alain CHRISTNACHT (since 15 January 1991; appointed by the French Ministry of the Interior); President of the Territorial Congress Simon LOUECKHOTE (since 26 June 1989) cabinet: Consultative Committee Legislative branch: unicameral Territorial Assembly: elections last held 11 June 1989 (next to be held 1993); results - RPCR 44.5%, FLNKS 28.5%, FN 7%, CD 5%, UO 4%, other 11%; seats - (54 total) RPCR 27, FLNKS 19, FN 3, other 5; note - election boycotted by FULK French Senate: elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held September 2001); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) RPCR 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 March 1993 (next to be held 21 and 28 March 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) RPCR 2 Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: white-dominated Rassemblement pour la Caledonie dans la Republique (RPCR), conservative, Jacques LAFLEUR - affiliated to France's Rassemblement pour la Republique (RPR); Melanesian proindependence Kanaka Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), Paul NEAOUTYINE; Melanesian moderate Kanak Socialist Liberation (LKS), Nidoish NAISSELINE; National Front (FN), extreme right, Guy GEORGE; Caledonie Demain (CD), right-wing, Bernard MARANT; Union Oceanienne (UO), conservative, Michel HEMA; Front Uni de Liberation Kanak (FULK), proindependence, Clarence UREGEI; Union Caledonian (UC), Francois BURCK Member of: ESCAP (associate), FZ, ICFTU, SPC, WFTU, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: none (overseas territory of France) US diplomatic representation: none (overseas territory of France) Flag: the flag of France is used @New Caledonia, Economy Overview: New Caledonia has more than 25% of the world's known nickel resources. In recent years the economy has suffered because of depressed international demand for nickel, the principal source of export earnings. Only a negligible amount of the land is suitable for cultivation, and food accounts for about 25% of imports. National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $1 billion (1991 est.) National product real growth rate: 2.4% (1988) National product per capita: $6,000 (1991 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.4% (1990) Unemployment rate: 16% (1989) Budget: revenues: $224 million expenditures: $211 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.) Exports: $671 million (f.o.b., 1989) commodities: nickel metal 87%, nickel ore partners: France 32%, Japan 23.5%, US 3.6% Imports: $764 million (c.i.f., 1989) commodities: foods, fuels, minerals, machines, electrical equipment partners: France 44.0%, US 10%, Australia 9% External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 400,000 kW production: 2.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 12,790 kWh (1990) Industries: nickel mining and smelting Agriculture: large areas devoted to cattle grazing; coffee, corn, wheat, vegetables; 60% self-sufficient in beef Illicit drugs: illicit cannabis cultivation is becoming a principal source of income for some families Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.185 billion Currency: 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais duPacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1 - 107.63 (January 1994), 102.96 (1993), 96.24 (1992), 102.57 (1991), 99.00 (1990), 115.99 (1989); note - linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: calendar year @New Caledonia, Communications Highways: total: 6,340 km paved: 634 km unpaved: 5,706 km (1987) Ports: Noumea, Nepoui, Poro, Thio Airports: total: 30 usable: 28 with permanent-surface runways: 4 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: 32,578 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 5 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station @New Caledonia, Defense Forces Branches: Gendarmerie, Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of France @New Zealand, Geography Location: Southwestern Oceania, southeast of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 268,680 sq km land area: 268,670 sq km comparative area: about the size of Colorado note: includes Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Chatham Islands, and Kermadec Islands Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 15,134 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Ross Dependency) Climate: temperate with sharp regional contrasts Terrain: predominately mountainous with some large coastal plains Natural resources: natural gas, iron ore, sand, coal, timber, hydropower, gold, limestone Land use: arable land: 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 53% forest and woodland: 38% other: 7% Irrigated land: 2,800 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; native flora and fauna hard-hit by species introduced from outside natural hazards: earthquakes are common, though usually not severe international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Note: about 80% of the population lives in cities @New Zealand, People Population: 3,388,737 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.57% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 15.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 8.06 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.78 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 8.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.38 years male: 72.76 years female: 80.18 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.03 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: New Zealander(s) adjective: New Zealand Ethnic divisions: European 88%, Maori 8.9%, Pacific Islander 2.9%, other 0.2% Religions: Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 9% (1986) Languages: English (official), Maori Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 1,603,500 (June 1991) by occupation: services 67.4%, manufacturing 19.8%, primary production 9.3% (1987) @New Zealand, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: New Zealand Abbreviation: NZ Digraph: NZ Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Wellington Administrative divisions: 93 counties, 9 districts*, and 3 town districts**; Akaroa, Amuri, Ashburton, Bay of Islands, Bruce, Buller, Chatham Islands, Cheviot, Clifton, Clutha, Cook, Dannevirke, Egmont, Eketahuna, Ellesmere, Eltham, Eyre, Featherston, Franklin, Golden Bay, Great Barrier Island, Grey, Hauraki Plains, Hawera*, Hawke's Bay, Heathcote, Hikurangi**, Hobson, Hokianga, Horowhenua, Hurunui, Hutt, Inangahua, Inglewood, Kaikoura, Kairanga, Kiwitea, Lake, Mackenzie, Malvern, Manaia**, Manawatu, Mangonui, Maniototo, Marlborough, Masterton, Matamata, Mount Herbert, Ohinemuri, Opotiki, Oroua, Otamatea, Otorohanga*, Oxford, Pahiatua, Paparua, Patea, Piako, Pohangina, Raglan, Rangiora*, Rangitikei, Rodney, Rotorua*, Runanga, Saint Kilda, Silverpeaks, Southland, Stewart Island, Stratford, Strathallan, Taranaki, Taumarunui, Taupo, Tauranga, Thames-Coromandel*, Tuapeka, Vincent, Waiapu, Waiheke, Waihemo, Waikato, Waikohu, Waimairi, Waimarino, Waimate, Waimate West, Waimea, Waipa, Waipawa*, Waipukurau*, Wairarapa South, Wairewa, Wairoa, Waitaki, Waitomo*, Waitotara, Wallace, Wanganui, Waverley**, Westland, Whakatane*, Whangarei, Whangaroa, Woodville Dependent areas: Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau Independence: 26 September 1907 (from UK) National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty) Constitution: no formal, written constitution; consists of various documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments; Constitution Act 1986 was to have come into force 1 January 1987, but has not been enacted Legal system: based on English law, with special land legislation and land courts for Maoris; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Dame Catherine TIZARD (since 12 December 1990) head of government: Prime Minister James BOLGER (since 29 October 1990); Deputy Prime Minister Donald McKINNON (since 2 November 1990) cabinet: Executive Council; appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives: (commonly called Parliament) elections last held on 6 November 1993 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - NP 35.2%, NZLP 34.7%, Alliance 18.3%, New Zealand First 8.3%; seats - (99 total) NP 50, NZLP 45, Alliance 2, New Zealand First Party 2 Judicial branch: High Court, Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: National Party (NP; government), James BOLGER; New Zealand Labor Party (NZLP; opposition), Helen CLARK; Alliance, Jim ANDERTON; Democratic Party, Dick RYAN; New Zealand Liberal Party, Hanmish MACINTYRE and Gilbert MYLES; Green Party, no official leader; Mana Motuhake, Martin RATA; Socialist Unity Party (SUP; pro-Soviet), Kenneth DOUGLAS; New Zealand First, Winston PETERS note: the New Labor, Democratic, and Mana Motuhake parties formed a coalition called the Alliance Party, Jim ANDERTON, president, in September 1991; the Green Party joined the coalition in May 1992 Member of: ANZUS (US suspended security obligations to NZ on 11 August 1986), APEC, AsDB, Australia Group, C, CCC, CP, COCOM (cooperating), EBRD, ESCAP, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest), OECD, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Lionel John WOOD chancery: 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 328-4800 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Josiah BEEMAN embassy: 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington mailing address: P. O. Box 1190, Wellington; PSC 467, Box 1, FPO AP 96531-1001 telephone: [64] (4) 472-2068 FAX: [64] (4) 472-3537 consulate(s) general: Auckland Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant with four red five-pointed stars edged in white centered in the outer half of the flag; the stars represent the Southern Cross constellation @New Zealand, Economy Overview: Since 1984 the government has been reorienting an agrarian economy dependent on a guaranteed British market to a more industrialized, open free market economy that can compete on the global scene. The government has hoped that dynamic growth would boost real incomes, broaden and deepen the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, reduce inflationary pressures, and permit the expansion of welfare benefits. The results have been mixed: inflation is down from double-digit levels, but growth was sluggish in 1988-91. In 1992-93, growth picked up to 3% annually, a sign that the new economic approach is beginning to pay off. Business confidence has strengthened, and the inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world. Unemployment, down from 11% in 1991, remains unacceptably high at 9%. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $53 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: 3% (1993) National product per capita: $15,700 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (1993) Unemployment rate: 9.1% (September 1993) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA note: deficit $345 million (October 1993) Exports: $10.3 billion (FY93) commodities: wool, lamb, mutton, beef, fruit, fish, cheese, manufactures, chemicals, forestry products partners: Australia 18.9%, Japan 15.1%, US 12.5%, South Korea 4.1% Imports: $9.4 billion (FY93) commodities: petroleum, consumer goods, motor vehicles, industrial equipment partners: Australia 21.1%, US 19.6%, Japan 14.7%, UK 6.3%, Germany 4.2% External debt: $35.3 billion (March 1993) Industrial production: growth rate 1.9% (1990); accounts for about 20% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 8,000,000 kW production: 31 billion kWh consumption per capita: 9,250 kWh (1992) Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining Agriculture: accounts for about 9% of GDP and about 10% of the work force; livestock predominates - wool, meat, dairy products all export earners; crops - wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; surplus producer of farm products; fish catch reached a record 503,000 metric tons in 1988 Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $526 million Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents 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), 1.6711 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @New Zealand, Communications Railroads: 4,716 km total; all 1.067-meter gauge; 274 km double track; 113 km electrified; over 99% government owned Highways: total: 92,648 km paved: 49,547 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 43,101 km Inland waterways: 1,609 km; of little importance to transportation Pipelines: petroleum products 160 km; natural gas 1,000 km; condensate (liquified petroleum gas - LPG) 150 km Ports: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, Tauranga Merchant marine: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 165,514 GRT/218,699 DWT, bulk 6, cargo 2, liquefied gas 1, oil tanker 3, railcar carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 5 Airports: total: 108 usable: 108 with permanent-surface runways: 39 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 39 Telecommunications: excellent international and domestic systems; 2,110,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 64 AM, 2 FM, 14 TV; submarine cables extend to Australia and Fiji; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations @New Zealand, Defense Forces Branches: New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal New Zealand Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 880,576; fit for military service 741,629; reach military age (20) annually 28,242 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $792 million, 2% of GDP (FY90/91) @Nicaragua, Geography Location: Middle America, between Costa Rica and Honduras Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America Area: total area: 129,494 sq km land area: 120,254 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New York State Land boundaries: total 1,231 km, Costa Rica 309 km, Honduras 922 km Coastline: 910 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 25-nm security zone (status of claim uncertain) continental shelf: not specified territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: territorial disputes with Colombia over the Archipelago de San Andres y Providencia and Quita Sueno Bank; International Court of Justice (ICJ) referred the maritime boundary question in the Golfo de Fonseca to an earlier agreement in this century and advised that some tripartite resolution among El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua likely would be required Climate: tropical in lowlands, cooler in highlands Terrain: extensive Atlantic coastal plains rising to central interior mountains; narrow Pacific coastal plain interrupted by volcanoes Natural resources: gold, silver, copper, tungsten, lead, zinc, timber, fish Land use: arable land: 9% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 43% forest and woodland: 35% other: 12% Irrigated land: 850 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution natural hazards: subject to destructive earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and occasionally severe hurricanes international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea @Nicaragua, People Population: 4,096,689 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.68% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 34.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.69 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.22 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 52.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 64.02 years male: 61.18 years female: 66.96 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.33 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nicaraguan(s) adjective: Nicaraguan Ethnic divisions: mestizo 69%, white 17%, black 9%, Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 95%, Protestant 5% Languages: Spanish (official) note: English- and Indian-speaking minorities on Atlantic coast Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1971) total population: 57% male: 57% female: 57% Labor force: 1.086 million by occupation: services 43%, agriculture 44%, industry 13% (1986) @Nicaragua, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Nicaragua conventional short form: Nicaragua local long form: Republica de Nicaragua local short form: Nicaragua Digraph: NU Type: republic Capital: Managua Administrative divisions: 17 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Boaco, Carazo, Chinandega, Chontales, Esteli, Granada, Jinotega, Leon, Madriz, Managua, Masaya, Matagalpa, North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAN), Nueva Segovia, Rio San Juan, Rivas, South Atlantic Coast Autonomous Zone (RAAS) Independence: 15 September 1821 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 15 September (1821) Constitution: 9 January 1987 Legal system: civil law system; Supreme Court may review administrative acts Suffrage: 16 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (since 25 April 1990); Vice President Virgilio GODOY Reyes (since 25 April 1990); election last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - Violeta Barrios de CHAMORRO (UNO) 54.7%, Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra (FSLN) 40.8%, other 4.5% cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections last held on 25 February 1990 (next to be held November 1996); results - UNO 53.9%, FSLN 40.8%, PSC 1.6%, MUR 1.0%; seats - (92 total) UNO 41, FSLN 39, "Centrist" (Dissident UNO) 12 Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Corte Suprema) Political parties and leaders: ruling coalition: National Opposition Union (UNO) is a 10-party alliance - moderate parties: National Conservative Party (PNC), Silviano MATAMOROS Lacayo, president; Liberal Constitutionalist Party (PLC), Jose Ernesto SOMARRIBA, Arnold ALEMAN; Christian Democratic Union (UDC), Luis Humberto GUZMAN, Agustin JARQUIN, Azucena FERREY, Roger MIRANDA, Francisco MAYORGA; National Democratic Movement (MDN), Roberto URROZ; National Action Party (PAN), Duilio BALTODANO; UNO - hardline parties: Independent Liberal Party (PLI), Wilfredo NAVARRO,Virgilio GODOY Reyes; Social Democratic Party (PSD), Guillermo POTOY, Alfredo CESAR Aguirre, secretary general; Conservative Popular Alliance Party (PAPC), Myriam ARGUELLO; Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN), Eli ALTIMIRANO Perez; Neo-Liberal Party (PALI), Adolfo GARCIA Esquivel opposition parties: Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), Daniel ORTEGA; Central American Unionist Party (PUCA), Blanca ROJAS; Democratic Conservative Party of Nicaragua (PCDN), Jose BRENES; Liberal Party of National Unity (PLUIN), Eduardo CORONADO; Movement of Revolutionary Unity (MUR), Francisco SAMPER; Social Christian Party (PSC), Erick RAMIREZ; Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT), Bonifacio MIRANDA; Social Conservative Party (PSOC), Fernando AGUERRO; Popular Action Movement - Marxist-Leninist (MAP-ML), Isidro TELLEZ; Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC), Mauricio DIAZ Other political or pressure groups: National Workers Front (FNT) is a Sandinista umbrella group of eight labor unions: Sandinista Workers' Central (CST); Farm Workers Association (ATC); Health Workers Federation (FETASALUD); National Union of Employees (UNE); National Association of Educators of Nicaragua (ANDEN); Union of Journalists of Nicaragua (UPN); Heroes and Martyrs Confederation of Professional Associations (CONAPRO); and the National Union of Farmers and Ranchers (UNAG); Permanent Congress of Workers (CPT) is an umbrella group of four non-Sandinista labor unions: Confederation of Labor Unification (CUS); Autonomous Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN-A); Independent General Confederation of Labor (CGT-I); and Labor Action and Unity Central (CAUS); Nicaraguan Workers' Central (CTN) is an independent labor union; Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) is a confederation of business groups Member of: BCIE, CACM, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Roberto MAYORGA Cortes chancery: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 939-6570 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John MAISTO embassy: Kilometer 4.5 Carretera Sur., Managua mailing address: APO AA 34021 telephone: [505] (2) 666010 or 666013, 666015 through 18, 666026, 666027, 666032 through 34 FAX: [505] (2) 666046 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of blue (top), white, and blue with the national coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a triangle encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE NICARAGUA on the top and AMERICA CENTRAL on the bottom; similar to the flag of El Salvador, which features a round emblem encircled by the words REPUBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMERICA CENTRAL centered in the white band; also similar to the flag of Honduras, which has five blue stars arranged in an X pattern centered in the white band @Nicaragua, Economy Overview: Since March 1991, when President CHAMORRO began an ambitious economic stabilization program, Nicaragua has had considerable success in reducing inflation and obtaining substantial economic aid from abroad. Annual inflation fell from more than 750% in 1991 to less than 5% in 1992. Inflation rose again to an estimated 20% in 1993, although this increase was due almost entirely to a large currency devaluation in January. As of early 1994, the government was close to finalizing an enhanced structural adjustment facility with the IMF, after the previous standby facility expired in early 1993. Despite these successes, achieving overall economic growth in an economy scarred by misguided economic values and civil war during the 1980s has proved elusive. Economic growth was flat in 1992 and slightly negative in 1993. Nicaragua's per capita foreign debt is one of the highest in the world; nonetheless, as of late 1993, Nicaragua was current on its post-1988 debt as well as on payments to the international financial institutions. Definition of property rights remains a problem; ownership disputes over large tracts of land, businesses, and homes confiscated by the previous government have yet to be resolved. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $6.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -0.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $1,600 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 13%; underemployment 50% (1991) Budget: revenues: $375 million (1992) expenditures: $410 million (1992), including capital expenditures of $115 million (1991 est.) Exports: $228 million (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: foodstuffs, cotton, coffee, chemicals partners: EC 26%, US 26%, Japan, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico (1992) Imports: $907 million (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: petroleum, food, chemicals, machinery, clothing partners: US 26%, Venezuela, Costa Rica, EC, Guatemala (1992) External debt: $10.5 billion ( 1992) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 20-25% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 434,000 kW production: 1.118 billion kWh consumption per capita: 290 kWh (1992) Industries: food processing, chemicals, metal products, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining and distribution, beverages, footwear Agriculture: crops account for about 15% of GDP; export crops - coffee, bananas, sugarcane, cotton; food crops - rice, corn, cassava, citrus fruit, beans; also produces a variety of animal products - beef, veal, pork, poultry, dairy products; normally self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: transshipment point for cocaine destined for the US Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-92), $620 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.381 billion Currency: 1 gold cordoba (C$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: gold cordobas (C$) per US$1 - 6 (10 January 1993), 5 (1992); note - gold cordoba replaced cordoba as Nicaragua's currency in 1991 (exchange rate of old cordoba had reached per US$1 - 25,000,000 by March 1992) Fiscal year: calendar year @Nicaragua, Communications Railroads: 373 km 1.067-meter narrow gauge, government owned; majority of system not operating; 3 km 1.435-meter gauge line at Puerto Cabezas (does not connect with mainline) Highways: total: 25,930 km paved: 4,000 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 2,170 km; graded earth 5,425 km; unimproved earth 14,335 km Pan-American highway: 368.5 km (not in total) Inland waterways: 2,220 km, including 2 large lakes Pipelines: crude oil 56 km Ports: Corinto, El Bluff, Puerto Cabezas, Puerto Sandino, Rama Merchant marine: 2 cargo ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,161 GRT/2,500 DWT Airports: total: 208 usable: 149 with permanent-surface runways: 11 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 13 Telecommunications: low-capacity radio relay and wire system being expanded; connection into Central American Microwave System; 60,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 45 AM, no FM, 7 TV, 3 shortwave; earth stations - 1 Intersputnik and 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT @Nicaragua, Defense Forces Branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 946,177; fit for military service 582,669; reach military age (18) annually 45,555 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $43.0 million, 1.6% of GDP (1992) @Niger, Geography Location: Western Africa, between Algeria and Nigeria Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1.267 million sq km land area: 1,266,700 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of Texas Land boundaries: total 5,697 km, Algeria 956 km, Benin 266 km, Burkina 628 km, Chad 1,175 km, Libya 354 km, Mali 821 km, Nigeria 1,497 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: Libya claims about 19,400 sq km in northern Niger; demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; Burkina and Mali are proceeding with boundary demarcation, including the tripoint with Niger Climate: desert; mostly hot, dry, dusty; tropical in extreme south Terrain: predominately desert plains and sand dunes; flat to rolling plains in south; hills in north Natural resources: uranium, coal, iron ore, tin, phosphates Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 7% forest and woodland: 2% other: 88% Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: overgrazing; soil erosion; deforestation; desertification; wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction natural hazards: recurrent droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: landlocked @Niger, People Population: 8,971,605 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.36% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 54.95 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 21.32 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: 44.61 years male: 43.01 years female: 46.26 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 7.35 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nigerien(s) adjective: Nigerien Ethnic divisions: Hausa 56%, Djerma 22%, Fula 8.5%, Tuareg 8%, Beri Beri (Kanouri) 4.3%, Arab, Toubou, and Gourmantche 1.2%, about 4,000 French expatriates Religions: Muslim 80%, remainder indigenous beliefs and Christians Languages: French (official), Hausa, Djerma Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 28% male: 40% female: 17% Labor force: 2.5 million wage earners (1982) by occupation: agriculture 90%, industry and commerce 6%, government 4% note: 51% of population of working age (1985) @Niger, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Niger conventional short form: Niger local long form: Republique du Niger local short form: Niger Digraph: NG Type: republic Capital: Niamey Administrative divisions: 7 departments (departements, singular - departement); Agadez, Diffa, Dosso, Maradi, Niamey, Tahoua, Zinder Independence: 3 August 1960 (from France) National holiday: Republic Day, 18 December (1958) Constitution: approved by national referendum 16 December 1992; promulgated January 1993 Legal system: based on French civil law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Mahamane OUSMANE (since 16 April 1993) head of government: Prime Minister Mahamadou ISSOUFOU (since 17 April 1993) cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly: elected by proportional representation for 5 year terms; elections last held 14 February 1993 (next election NA 1998); seats - (83 total) MNSD 29, CDS 22, PNDS 13, ANDP-Z 11, UPDP 2, PPN/RDA 2, UDFP 2, PSDN 1, UDPS 1 Judicial branch: State Court (Cour d'Etat), Court of Appeal (Cour d'Apel) Political parties and leaders: National Movement of the Development Society (MNSD-NASSARA), Kada LABO, General Secretary; Democratic and Social Convention - Rahama (CDS- Rahama), Mahamane OUSMANE; Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), Mahamadou ISSOUFOU; Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress - Zamanlahia (ANDP-Z), Moumouni Adamou DJERMAKOYE; Union of Patriots, Democrats, and Progressives (UPDP), Andre SALIFOU; Niger Progressive Party - African Democratic Rally (PPN-RDA), Harou KOUKA; Niger Social Democrat Party (PADN), Malam Adji WAZIRI; Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS), Akoli DAOUEL Member of: ACCT, ACP, AfDB, CCC, CEAO, ECA, ECOWAS, Entente, FAO, FZ, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WADB, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Adamou SEYDOU chancery: 2204 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 483-4224 through 4227 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John DAVISON embassy: Rue Des Ambassades, Niamey mailing address: B. P. 11201, Niamey telephone: [227] 72-26-61 through 64 FAX: [227] 73-31-67 Flag: three equal horizontal bands of orange (top), white, and green with a small orange disk (representing the sun) centered in the white band; similar to the flag of India, which has a blue spoked wheel centered in the white band @Niger, Economy Overview: Niger's economy is centered on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and re-export trade, and increasingly less on uranium, its major export throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Uranium revenues dropped by almost 50% between 1983 and 1990. Terms of trade with Nigeria, Niger's largest regional trade partner, have improved dramatically since the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994; this devaluation boosted exports of livestock, peas, onions, and the products of Niger's small cotton industry. The government relies on bilateral and multilateral aid for operating expenses and public investment, and is strongly induced to adhere to structural adjustment programs designed by the IMF and the World Bank. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $5.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1.9% (1991 est.) National product per capita: $650 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $193 million expenditures: $355 million, including capital expenditures of $106 million (1991 est.) Exports: $294 million (f.o.b., 1991) commodities: uranium ore 60%, livestock products 20%, cowpeas, onions partners: France 77%, Nigeria 8%, Cote d'Ivoire, Italy Imports: $346 million (c.i.f., 1991) commodities: primary materials, machinery, vehicles and parts, electronic equipment, cereals, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemical products, foodstuffs partners: Germany 26%, Cote d'Ivoire 11%, France 5%, Italy 4%, Nigeria 2% External debt: $1.2 billion (December 1991 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -2.7% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 105,000 kW production: 230 million kWh consumption per capita: 30 kWh (1991) Industries: cement, brick, textiles, food processing, chemicals, slaughterhouses, and a few other small light industries; uranium mining began in 1971 Agriculture: accounts for roughly 40% of GDP and 90% of labor force; cash crops - cowpeas, cotton, peanuts; food crops - millet, sorghum, cassava, rice; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats; self-sufficient in food except in drought years Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $380 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.165 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $504 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $61 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: the official rate is pegged to the French franc, and 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 October - 30 September @Niger, Communications Highways: total: 39,970 km paved: bituminous 3,170 km unpaved: gravel, laterite 10,330 km; earth 3,470 km; tracks 23,000 km Inland waterways: Niger River is navigable 300 km from Niamey to Gaya on the Benin frontier from mid-December through March Airports: total: 30 usable: 28 with permanent-surface runways: 9 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 14 Telecommunications: small system of wire, radiocommunications, and radio relay links concentrated in southwestern area; 14,260 telephones; broadcast stations - 15 AM, 5 FM, 18 TV; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, and 3 domestic, with 1 planned @Niger, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Air Force, Gendarmerie, National Police, Republican Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,845,374; fit for military service 994,683; reach military age (18) annually 91,595 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $27 million, 1.3% of GDP (1989) @Nigeria, Geography Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Benin and Cameroon Map references: Africa, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 923,770 sq km land area: 910,770 sq km comparative area: slightly more than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total 4,047 km, Benin 773 km, Cameroon 1,690 km, Chad 87 km, Niger 1,497 km Coastline: 853 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 30 nm International disputes: demarcation of international boundaries in Lake Chad, the lack of which has led to border incidents in the past, is completed and awaiting ratification by Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria; boundary commission, created with Cameroon to discuss unresolved land and maritime boundaries, has not yet convened, but a commission was formed January 1994 to study a flare-up of the dispute Climate: varies; equatorial in south, tropical in center, arid in north Terrain: southern lowlands merge into central hills and plateaus; mountains in southeast, plains in north Natural resources: petroleum, tin, columbite, iron ore, coal, limestone, lead, zinc, natural gas Land use: arable land: 31% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 23% forest and woodland: 15% other: 28% Irrigated land: 8,650 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil degradation; rapid deforestation; desertification; recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities natural hazards: periodic droughts international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change @Nigeria, People Population: 98,091,097 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.15% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 43.52 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.43 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 75 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 55.33 years male: 54.11 years female: 56.59 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.37 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Nigerian(s) adjective: Nigerian Ethnic divisions: north: Hausa and Fulani southwest: Yoruba southeast: Ibos non-Africans 27,000 note: Hausa and Fulani, Yoruba, and Ibos together make up 65% of population Religions: Muslim 50%, Christian 40%, indigenous beliefs 10% Languages: English (official), Hausa, Yoruba, Ibo, Fulani Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 51% male: 62% female: 40% Labor force: 42.844 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 15% note: 49% of population of working age (1985) @Nigeria, Government Names: conventional long form: Federal Republic of Nigeria conventional short form: Nigeria Digraph: NI Type: military government since 31 December 1983; plans to institute a constitutional conference to prepare for a new transition to civilian rule after plans for a transition in 1993 were negated by General BABANGIDA Capital: Abuja note: on 12 December 1991 the capital was officially moved from Lagos to Abuja; many government offices remain in Lagos pending completion of facilities in Abuja Administrative divisions: 30 states and 1 territory*; Abia, Abuja Capital Territory*, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe Independence: 1 October 1960 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 1 October (1960) Constitution: 1979 constitution still in force; plan for 1989 constitution to take effect in 1993 was not implemented Legal system: based on English common law, Islamic law, and tribal law Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander in Chief of Armed Forces and Defense Minister Gen. Sani ABACHA (since 17 November 1993); Vice-Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council Oladipo DIYA (since 17 November 1993) cabinet: Federal Executive Council Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly Senate: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993 House of Representatives: suspended after coup of 17 November 1993 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: note: two political party system suspended after the coup of 17 November 1993 Member of: ACP, AfDB, C, CCC, ECA, ECOWAS, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMO, IMF, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAU, OIC (observer), OPEC, PCA, UN, UNAVEM, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WHO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Zubair Mahmud KAZAURE chancery: 1333 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 986-8400 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Walter CARRINGTON embassy: 2 Eleke Crescent, Lagos mailing address: P. O. Box 554, Lagos telephone: [234] (1) 610050 FAX: [234] (1) 610257 consulate(s) general: Kaduna Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green @Nigeria, Economy Overview: The oil-rich Nigerian economy continues to be hobbled by poor macroeconomic management that has resulted in an average annual inflation rate of 60%, a growing foreign debt, and a worsening balance of payments. A deepening political crisis in 1993 has compounded the government's failure to reign in deficit spending, which prevents it from reaching an agreement with the IMF and its bilateral creditors on debt relief. Investment in both oil and non-oil sector industry has been undermined by corruption and squandered on white elephant projects that have failed to generate diversification or new employment. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $95.1 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.1% (1992) National product per capita: $1,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 60% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 28% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $9 billion expenditures: $10.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1992 est.) Exports: $11.9 billion (f.o.b., 1992) commodities: oil 95%, cocoa, rubber partners: US 54%, EC 23% Imports: $8.3 billion (c.i.f., 1992) commodities: machinery and equipment, manufactured goods, food and animals partners: EC 64%, US 10%, Japan 7% External debt: $29.5 billion (1992) Industrial production: growth rate 7.7% (1991); accounts for 43% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: capacity: 4,740,000 kW production: 8.3 billion kWh consumption per capita: 70 kWh (1991) Industries: crude oil and mining - coal, tin, columbite; primary processing industries - palm oil, peanut, cotton, rubber, wood, hides and skins; manufacturing industries - textiles, cement, building materials, food products, footwear, chemical, printing, ceramics, steel Agriculture: accounts for 35% of GDP and half of labor force; inefficient small-scale farming dominates; once a large net exporter of food and now an importer; cash crops - cocoa, peanuts, palm oil, rubber; food crops - corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams; livestock - cattle, sheep, goats, pigs; fishing and forestry resources extensively exploited Illicit drugs: passenger and cargo air hub for West Africa; facilitates movement of heroin en route from Southeast and Southwest Asia to Western Europe and North America; increasingly a transit route for cocaine from South America intended for West European, East Asian, and North American markets Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $705 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.2 billion Currency: 1 naira (N) = 100 kobo Exchange rates: naira (N) per US$1 - 21.886 (November 1993), 17.298 (1992), 9.909 (1991), 8.038 (1990), 7.3647 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Nigeria, Communications Railroads: 3,505 km 1.067-meter gauge Highways: total: 107,990 km paved: mostly bituminous-surface treatment 30,019 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, improved earth 25,411 km; unimproved earth 52,560 km Inland waterways: 8,575 km consisting of Niger and Benue Rivers and smaller rivers and creeks Pipelines: crude oil 2,042 km; petroleum products 3,000 km; natural gas 500 km Ports: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Onne, Sapele Merchant marine: 33 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 432,704 GRT/686,718 DWT, bulk 1, cargo 18, chemical tanker 3, liquified gas 1, oil tanker 9, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 Airports: total: 80 usable: 67 with permanent-surface runways: 34 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 15 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 21 Telecommunications: above-average system limited by poor maintenance; major expansion in progress; radio relay microwave and cable routes; broadcast stations - 35 AM, 17 FM, 28 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 20 domestic stations; 1 coaxial submarine cable @Nigeria, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, paramilitary Police Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 22,468,803; fit for military service 12,840,029; reach military age (18) annually 986,518 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $172 million, about 1% of GDP (1992) @Niue Header Affiliation: (free association with New Zealand) @Niue, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia, 460 km east of Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania 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: 64 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; modified by southeast trade winds Terrain: steep limestone cliffs along coast, central plateau Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land: 61% permanent crops: 4% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 19% other: 12% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: one of world's largest coral islands @Niue, People Population: 1,906 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.66% (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Niuean(s) adjective: Niuean Ethnic divisions: Polynesian (with some 200 Europeans, Samoans, and Tongans) Religions: Ekalesia Nieue (Niuean Church) 75% - a Protestant church closely related to the London Missionary Society, Morman 10%, other 15% (mostly Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventist) Languages: Polynesian closely related to Tongan and Samoan, English Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 1,000 (1981 est.) by occupation: most work on family plantations; paid work exists only in government service, small industry, and the Niue Development Board @Niue, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Niue Digraph: NE Type: self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand; Niue fully responsible for internal affairs; New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs Capital: Alofi Administrative divisions: none Independence: 19 October 1974 (became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand on 19 October 1974) National holiday: Waitangi Day, 6 February (1840) (Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty) Constitution: 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act) Legal system: English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by New Zealand Representative Kurt MEYER (since NA) head of government: Premier Frank F. LUI (since 12 March 1993; Acting Premier since December 1992) cabinet: Cabinet; consists of the premier and three other ministers Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held on 6 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (20 total, 6 elected) Judicial branch: Appeal Court of New Zealand, High Court Political parties and leaders: Niue Island Party (NIP), Young VIVIAN Member of: ESCAP (associate), INTELSAT (signatory user), SPARTECA, SPC, SPF Diplomatic representation in US: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) US diplomatic representation: none (self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand) Flag: yellow with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the flag of the UK bears five yellow five-pointed stars - a large one on a blue disk in the center and a smaller one on each arm of the bold red cross @Niue, Economy Overview: The economy is heavily dependent on aid from New Zealand. Government expenditures regularly exceed revenues, with the shortfall made up by grants from New Zealand - the grants are used to pay wages to public employees. The agricultural sector consists mainly of subsistence gardening, although some cash crops are grown for export. Industry consists primarily of small factories to process passion fruit, lime oil, honey, and coconut cream. The sale of postage stamps to foreign collectors is an important source of revenue. The island in recent years has suffered a serious loss of population because of migration of Niueans to New Zealand. National product: GNP - exchange rate conversion - $2.1 million (1989 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $1,000 (1989 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 9.6% (1984) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $5.5 million expenditures: $6.3 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1985 est.) Exports: $175,274 (f.o.b., 1985) commodities: canned coconut cream, copra, honey, passion fruit products, pawpaw, root crops, limes, footballs, stamps, handicrafts partners: NZ 89%, Fiji, Cook Islands, Australia Imports: $3.8 million (c.i.f., 1985) commodities: food, live animals, manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, drugs partners: NZ 59%, Fiji 20%, Japan 13%, Western Samoa, Australia, US External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 1,500 kW production: 3 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,490 kWh (1990) Industries: tourist, handicrafts, coconut products Agriculture: coconuts, passion fruit, honey, limes; subsistence crops - taro, yams, cassava (tapioca), sweet potatoes; pigs, poultry, beef cattle Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $62 million Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: New Zealand dollars (NZ$) per US$1 - 1.7771 (January 1994), 1.8495 (1993), 1.8584 (1992), 1.7265 (1991), 1.6750 (1990), 1.6711 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Niue, Communications Highways: total: 229 km unpaved: all-weather 123 km; plantation access 106 km Ports: none; offshore 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: single-line telephone system connects all villages on island; 383 telephones; 1,000 radio receivers (1987 est.); broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, no TV @Niue, Defense Forces Branches: Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of New Zealand @Norfolk Island Header Affiliation: (territory of Australia) @Norfolk Island, Geography Location: Southwestern Oceania, 1,575 km east of Australia in the South Pacific Ocean Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 34.6 sq km land area: 34.6 sq km comparative area: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 32 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: subtropical, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: volcanic formation with mostly rolling plains Natural resources: fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 25% forest and woodland: 0% other: 75% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (especially May to July) international agreements: NA @Norfolk Island, People Population: 2,710 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.7% (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Norfolk Islander(s) adjective: Norfolk Islander(s) Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers, Australian, New Zealander Religions: Anglican 39%, Roman Catholic 11.7%, Uniting Church in Australia 16.4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 4.4%, none 9.2%, unknown 16.9%, other 2.4% (1986) Languages: English (official), Norfolk a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA @Norfolk Island, Government Names: conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island conventional short form: Norfolk Island Digraph: NF Type: territory of Australia Capital: Kingston (administrative center); Burnt Pine (commercial center) Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia) Independence: none (territory of Australia) National holiday: Pitcairners Arrival Day Anniversary, 8 June (1856) Constitution: Norfolk Island Act of 1979 Legal system: wide legislative and executive responsibility under the Norfolk Island Act of 1979; Supreme Court Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Administrator A. G. KERR (since NA April 1992), who is appointed by the Governor General of Australia head of government: Assembly President David Ernest BUFFETT (since NA May 1992) cabinet: Executive Council Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Assembly: elections last held 1989 (held every three years); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) percent of seats by party NA 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: three vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band @Norfolk Island, Economy Overview: The primary economic activity is tourism, which has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific Islands. The number of visitors has increased steadily over the years and reached 29,000 in FY89. Revenues from tourism have given the island a favorable balance of trade and helped the agricultural sector to become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. National product: GDP $NA National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $4.2 million, including capital expenditures of $400,000 (1989 est.) Exports: $1.7 million (f.o.b., FY86) commodities: postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe Imports: $15.6 million (c.i.f., FY86) commodities: NA partners: Australia, Pacific Islands, NZ, Asia, Europe External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 7,000 kW production: 8 million kWh consumption per capita: 3,160 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism Agriculture: Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit, cattle, poultry Economic aid: none Currency: 1 Australian dollar ($A) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Australian dollars ($A) per US$1 - 1.4364 (January 1994), 1.4704 (1993), 1.3600 (1992), 1.2835 (1991), 1.2799 (1990), 1.2618 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Norfolk Island, Communications Highways: total: 80 km paved: 53 km unpaved: earth, coral 27 km Ports: none; loading jetties at Kingston and Cascade 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: 1,500 radio receivers (1982); radio link service with Sydney; 987 telephones (1983); broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV @Norfolk Island, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of Australia @Northern Mariana Islands Header Affiliation: (commonwealth in political union with the US) @Northern Mariana Islands, Geography Location: Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 5,635 km west-southwest of Honolulu, about three-quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 477 sq km land area: 477 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC note: includes 14 islands including Saipan, Rota, and Tinian Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 1,482 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October Terrain: southern islands are limestone with level terraces and fringing coral reefs; northern islands are volcanic; highest elevation is 471 meters (Mt. Okso' Takpochao on Saipan) Natural resources: arable land, fish Land use: arable land: 5% on Saipan permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: contamination of groundwater on Saipan by raw sewage contributes to disease natural hazards: active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan; subject to typhoons (especially August to November) international agreements: NA Note: strategic location in the North Pacific Ocean @Northern Mariana Islands, People Population: 49,799 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 3.04% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 35.05 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 37.96 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.43 years male: 65.53 years female: 69.48 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.69 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: NA adjective: NA Ethnic divisions: Chamorro, Carolinians and other Micronesians, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found) Languages: English, Chamorro, Carolinian note: 86% of population speaks a language other than English at home Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 97% male: 97% female: 96% Labor force: 7,476 total indigenous labor force, 2,699 unemployed; 21,188 foreign workers (1990) by occupation: NA @Northern Mariana Islands, Government Names: conventional long form: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands conventional short form: Northern Mariana Islands Digraph: CQ Type: commonwealth in political union with the US; self-governing with locally elected governor, lieutenant governor, and legislature; federal funds to the Commonwealth administered by the US Department of the Interior, Office of Territorial and International Affairs Capital: Saipan Administrative divisions: none Independence: none (commonwealth in political union with the US) National holiday: Commonwealth Day, 8 January (1978) Constitution: Covenant Agreement effective 3 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Legal system: based on US system except for customs, wages, immigration laws, and taxation Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO (since 9 January 1990); Lieutenant Governor Benjamin T. MANGLONA (since 9 January 1990); election last held in NA November 1989 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - Lorenzo I. DeLeon GUERRERO, Republican Party, was elected governor Legislative branch: bicameral Legislature Senate: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (9 total) Republicans 6, Democrats 3 House of Representatives: elections last held NA November 1991 (next to be held NA November 1993); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (18 total) Republicans 10, Democrats 6, Independent 2 US House of Representatives: the Commonwealth does not have a nonvoting delegate in Congress; instead, it has an elected official "resident representative" located in Washington, DC; seats - (1 total) Republican (Juan N. BABAUTA) Judicial branch: Commonwealth Supreme Court, Superior Court, Federal District Court Political parties and leaders: Republican Party, Governor Lorenzo GUERRERO; Democratic Party, Carlos SHODA, chairman Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC Flag: blue with a white five-pointed star superimposed on the gray silhouette of a latte stone (a traditional foundation stone used in building) in the center @Northern Mariana Islands, Economy Overview: The economy benefits substantially from financial assistance from the US. The rate of funding has declined as locally generated government revenues have grown. An agreement for the years 1986 to 1992 entitled the islands to $228 million for capital development, government operations, and special programs. A rapidly growing major source of income is the tourist industry, which now employs about 50% of the work force. Japanese tourists predominate. The agricultural sector is made up of cattle ranches and small farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Industry is small scale, mostly handicrafts and light manufacturing. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $541 million (1992) note: GNP numbers reflect US spending National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $11,500 (1992) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6.5-7.5% (1991 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $147 million expenditures: $127.7 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1991 est.) Exports: $263.4 million (f.o.b. 1991 est.) commodities: manufactured goods, garments, bread, pastries, concrete blocks, light iron work partners: NA Imports: $392.4 million (c.i.f. 1991 est.) commodities: food, construction, equipment, materials partners: NA External debt: $0 Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 25,000 kW production: 35 million kWh consumption per capita: 740 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism, construction, light industry, handicrafts Agriculture: coconuts, fruits, cattle, vegetables Economic aid: none Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Northern Mariana Islands, Communications Railroads: none Highways: total: 381.5 km paved: NA unpaved: NA undifferentiated: primary 134.5 km; secondary 55 km; local 192 km (1991) Inland waterways: none Ports: Saipan, Tinian Airports: total: 6 usable: 5 with permanent-surface runways: 3 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 2 AM, 1 FM (1984), 1 TV, 2 cable TV stations; 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth stations @Northern Mariana Islands, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Norway, Geography Location: Nordic State, Northern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Sweden Map references: Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 324,220 sq km land area: 307,860 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than New Mexico Land boundaries: total 2,515 km, Finland 729 km, Sweden 1,619 km, Russia 167 km Coastline: 21,925 km (includes mainland 3,419 km, large islands 2,413 km, long fjords, numerous small islands, and minor indentations 16,093 km) Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 10 nm continental shelf: to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 4 nm International disputes: territorial claim in Antarctica (Queen Maud Land); dispute between Denmark and Norway over maritime boundary in Arctic Ocean between Greenland and Jan Mayen has been settled by the International Court of Justice; maritime boundary dispute with Russia over portion of Barents Sea Climate: temperate along coast, modified by North Atlantic Current; colder interior; rainy year-round on west coast Terrain: glaciated; mostly high plateaus and rugged mountains broken by fertile valleys; small, scattered plains; coastline deeply indented by fjords; arctic tundra in north Natural resources: petroleum, copper, natural gas, pyrites, nickel, iron ore, zinc, lead, fish, timber, hydropower Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 27% other: 70% Irrigated land: 950 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: water pollution; acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks; air pollution from vehicle emissions natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea Note: about two-thirds mountains; some 50,000 islands off its much indented coastline; strategic location adjacent to sea lanes and air routes in North Atlantic; one of most rugged and longest coastlines in world; Norway and Turkey only NATO members having a land boundary with Russia @Norway, People Population: 4,314,604 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.39% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.32 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.44 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.01 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 6.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 77.38 years male: 74.02 years female: 80.94 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.81 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Norwegian(s) adjective: Norwegian Ethnic divisions: Germanic (Nordic, Alpine, Baltic), Lapps (Sami) 20,000 Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 87.8% (state church), other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3.8%, none 3.2%, unknown 5.2% (1980) Languages: Norwegian (official) note: small Lapp- and Finnish-speaking minorities Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1976 est.) total population: 99% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 2.004 million (1992) by occupation: services 39.1%, commerce 17.6%, mining, oil, and manufacturing 16.0%, banking and financial services 7.6%, transportation and communications 7.8%, construction 6.1%, agriculture, forestry, and fishing 5.5% (1989) @Norway, Government Names: conventional long form: Kingdom of Norway conventional short form: Norway local long form: Kongeriket Norge local short form: Norge Digraph: NO Type: constitutional monarchy Capital: Oslo Administrative divisions: 19 provinces (fylker, singular - fylke); Akershus, Aust-Agder, Buskerud, Finnmark, Hedmark, Hordaland, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Nord-Trondelag, Oppland, Oslo, Ostfold, Rogaland, Sogn og Fjordane, Sor-Trondelag, Telemark, Troms, Vest-Agder, Vestfold Dependent areas: Bouvet Island, Jan Mayen, Svalbard Independence: 26 October 1905 (from Sweden) National holiday: Constitution Day, 17 May (1814) Constitution: 17 May 1814, modified in 1884 Legal system: mixture of customary law, civil law system, and common law traditions; Supreme Court renders advisory opinions to legislature when asked; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: King HARALD V (since 17 January 1991); Heir Apparent Crown Prince HAAKON MAGNUS (born 20 July 1973) head of government: Prime Minister Gro Harlem BRUNDTLAND (since 3 November 1990) cabinet: State Council; appointed by the king in accordance with the will of the Storting Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament (Storting) Storting: elections last held on 13 September 1993 (next to be held September 1997); results - Labor 37.1%, Center Party 18.5%, Conservatives 15.6%, Christian Peoples' 8.4%, Socialist Left 7.9%, Progress 6%, Left Party 3.6%, Red Electoral Alliance 1.2%; seats - (165 total) Labor 67, Center Party 32, Consevatives 18, Christian Peoples' 13, Socialist Left 13, Progress 10, Left Party 1, Red Electoral Alliance 1, unawarded 10 Lagting: Storting elects one-fourth of its member to upper house Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Hoyesterett) Political parties and leaders: Labor Party, Thorbjorn JAGLUND; Conservative Party, Jan PETERSEN; Center Party, Anne ENGER LAHNSTEIN; Christian People's Party, Kjell Magne BONDEVIK; Socialist Left, Eric SOLHEIM; Norwegian Communist, Ingre IVERSEN; Progress Party, Carl I. HAGEN; Liberal, Odd Einar DORUM; Finnmark List, leader NA; Left Party; Red Electoral Alliance Member of: AfDB, AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OECD, ONUSAL, PCA, UN, UNAVEM II, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UNTSO, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Kjeld VIBE chancery: 2720 34th Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 333-6000 FAX: (202) 337-0870 consulate(s) general: Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and San Francisco consulate(s): Miami US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Thomas A. LOFTUS embassy: Drammensveien 18, 0244 Oslo 2 mailing address: PSC 69, Box 1000, APO AE 09707 telephone: [47] 22-44-85-50 FAX: [47] 22-43-07-77 Flag: red with a blue cross outlined in white that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) @Norway, Economy Overview: Norway has a mixed economy involving a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises) and extensively subsidizes agriculture, fishing, and areas with sparse resources. Norway also maintains an extensive welfare system that helps propel public sector expenditures to slightly more than 50% of the GDP and results in one of the highest average tax burdens in the world (54%). A small country with a high dependence on international trade, Norway is basically an exporter of raw materials and semiprocessed goods, with an abundance of small- and medium-sized firms, and is ranked among the major shipping nations. The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil sector to keep its economy afloat. Although one of the government's main priorities is to reduce this dependency, this situation is not likely to improve for years to come. The government also hopes to reduce unemployment and strengthen and diversify the economy through tax reform and a series of expansionary budgets. The budget deficit is expected to hit a record 8% of GDP because of welfare spending and bail-outs of the banking system. Unemployment continues at record levels of over 10% - including those in job programs - because of the weakness of the economy outside the oil sector. Economic growth was only 1.6% in 1993, while inflation was a moderate 2.3%. Oslo, a member of the European Free Trade Area, has applied for membership in the European Union and continues to deregulate and harmonize with EU regulations. Membership is expected in early 1995. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $89.5 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: 1.6% (1993) National product per capita: $20,800 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.3% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 5.5% (excluding people in job-training programs; 1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $45.3 billion expenditures: $51.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $NA (1993) Exports: $32.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: petroleum and petroleum products 40%, metals and products 10.6%, fish and fish products 6.9%, chemicals 6.4%, natural gas 6.0%, ships 5.4% partners: EC 66.3%, Nordic countries 16.3%, developing countries 8.4%, US 6.0%, Japan 1.8% (1993) Imports: $24.8 billion (c.i.f., 1993) commodities: machinery and equipment 38.9%, chemicals and other industrial inputs 26.6%, manufactured consumer goods 17.8%, foodstuffs 6.4% partners: EC 48.6%, Nordic countries 25.1%, developing countries 9.6%, US 8.1%, Japan 8.0% (1993) External debt: $6.5 billion (1992 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 6.2% (1992); accounts for 14% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 26,900,000 kW production: 111 billion kWh consumption per capita: 25,850 kWh (1992) Industries: petroleum and gas, food processing, shipbuilding, pulp and paper products, metals, chemicals, timber, mining, textiles, fishing Agriculture: accounts for 3% of GDP and about 6% of labor force; among world's top 10 fishing nations; livestock output exceeds value of crops; over half of food needs imported; fish catch of 1.76 million metric tons in 1989 Illicit drugs: transshipment point for drugs shipped via the CIS and Baltic states for the European market Economic aid: donor: ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $4.4 billion Currency: 1 Norwegian krone (NKr) = 100 oere Exchange rates: Norwegian kroner (NKr) per US$1 - 7.4840 (January 1994), 7.0941 (1993), 6.2145 (1992), 6.4829 (1991), 6.2597 (1990), 6.9045 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Norway, Communications Railroads: 4,223 km 1.435-meter standard gauge; Norwegian State Railways (NSB) operates 4,219 km (2,450 km electrified and 96 km double track); 4 km other Highways: total: 88,800 km paved: 38,580 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, earth 50,220 km Inland waterways: 1,577 km along west coast; 2.4 m draft vessels maximum Pipelines: refined products 53 km Ports: Oslo, Bergen, Fredrikstad, Kristiansand, Stavanger, Trondheim Merchant marine: 764 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 20,793,968 GRT/35,409,472 DWT, bulk 159, cargo 92, chemical tanker 85, combination bulk 8, combination ore/oil 28, container 17, liquefied gas 81, oil tanker 162, passenger 13, passenger-cargo 2, railcar carrier 1, refrigerated cargo 13, roll-on/roll-off cargo 54, short-sea passenger 21, vehicle carrier 28 note: the government has created a captive register, the Norwegian International Ship Register (NIS), as a subset of the Norwegian register; ships on the NIS enjoy many benefits of flags of convenience and do not have to be crewed by Norwegians; the majority of ships (761) under the Norwegian flag are now registered with the NIS Airports: total: 103 usable: 102 with permanent-surface runways: 65 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 13 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 15 Telecommunications: high-quality domestic and international telephone, telegraph, and telex services; 2 buried coaxial cable systems; 3,102,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 46 AM, 350 private and 143 government FM, 54 (2,100 repeaters) TV; 4 coaxial submarine cables; 3 communications satellite earth stations operating in the EUTELSAT, INTELSAT (1 Atlantic Ocean), MARISAT, and domestic systems @Norway, Defense Forces Branches: Norwegian Army, Royal Norwegian Navy, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Home Guard Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,119,405; fit for military service 932,438; reach military age (20) annually 30,557 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.1 billion, 3.2% of GDP (1993) @Oman, Geography Location: Middle East, along the Arabian Sea, between Yemen and the United Arab Emirates Map references: Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 212,460 sq km land area: 212,460 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Kansas Land boundaries: total 1,374 km, Saudi Arabia 676 km, UAE 410 km, Yemen 288 km Coastline: 2,092 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: to be defined exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: no defined boundary with most of UAE; Administrative Line with UAE in far north; a treaty with Yemen defining the Omani-Yemeni boundary was ratified in December 1992 Climate: dry desert; hot, humid along coast; hot, dry interior; strong southwest summer monsoon (May to September) in far south Terrain: vast central desert plain, rugged mountains in north and south Natural resources: petroleum, copper, asbestos, some marble, limestone, chromium, gypsum, natural gas Land use: arable land: less than 2% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 0% other: 93% Irrigated land: 410 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: rising soil salinity; beach pollution from oil spills; sparse natural freshwater resources natural hazards: summer winds often raise large sandstorms and dust storms in interior international agreements: party to - Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change Note: strategic location with small foothold on Musandam Peninsula controlling Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil @Oman, People Population: 1,701,470 (July 1994 est.) note: Oman's first census was concluded in December 1993; preliminary figures give a population of 2,000,000, of whom about 500,000 are expatriate workers; final evaluative figures are not yet available Population growth rate: 3.46% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 40.38 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 5.77 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 36.7 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 67.79 years male: 65.9 years female: 69.77 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.53 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Omani(s) adjective: Omani Ethnic divisions: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi) Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 430,000 (est.) by occupation: agriculture 40% (est.) @Oman, Government Names: conventional long form: Sultanate of Oman conventional short form: Oman local long form: Saltanat Uman local short form: Uman Digraph: MU Type: monarchy Capital: Muscat Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 3 governorates (muhafazah, singular - muhafazat); Masqat, Musandam, Zufar Independence: 1650 (expulsion of the Portuguese) National holiday: National Day, 18 November (1940) Constitution: none Legal system: based on English common law and Islamic law; ultimate appeal to the sultan; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Sultan and Prime Minister QABOOS bin Said Al Said (since 23 July 1970) cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: unicameral Consultative Council Judicial branch: none; traditional Islamic judges and a nascent civil court system Political parties and leaders: none Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OIC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Ahmad bin Muhammad al-RASBI chancery: 2342 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 387-1980 through 1982 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador David J. DUNFORD embassy: address NA, Muscat mailing address: P. O. Box 202 Code No. 115, Muscat telephone: [968] 698-989 FAX: [968] 604-316 Flag: three horizontal bands of white (top, double width), red, and green (double width) with a broad, vertical, red band on the hoist side; the national emblem (a khanjar dagger in its sheath superimposed on two crossed swords in scabbards) in white is centered at the top of the vertical band @Oman, Economy Overview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry, including trends in international oil prices and the ability of OPEC producers to agree on output quotas. Petroleum accounts for more than 85% of export earnings, about 80% of government revenues, and roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels, equivalent to about 20 years' supply at the current rate of extraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and the general population depends on imported food. The government is encouraging private investment, both domestic and foreign, as a prime force for further economic development. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $16.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 6.1% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $10,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $4.4 billion expenditures: $5.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $1 billion (1994 est.) Exports: $5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum 87%, re-exports, fish, processed copper, textiles partners: UAE 30%, Japan 27%, South Korea 10%, Singapore 5% (1991) Imports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b, 1993 est.) commodities: machinery, transportation equipment, manufactured goods, food, livestock, lubricants partners: Japan 20%, UAE 14%, UK 19%, US 7% (1991) External debt: $3 billion (1993) Industrial production: growth rate 8.6% (1991); accounts for almost 60% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: capacity: 1,142,400 kW production: 5.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,200 kWh (1992) Industries: crude oil production and refining, natural gas production, construction, cement, copper Agriculture: accounts for 4% of GDP and 40% of the labor force (including fishing); less than 2% of land cultivated; largely subsistence farming (dates, limes, bananas, alfalfa, vegetables, camels, cattle); not self-sufficient in food; annual fish catch averages 100,000 metric tons Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $137 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $148 million; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $797 million Currency: 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1,000 baiza Exchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1 - 0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year @Oman, Communications Highways: total: 26,000 km paved: 6,000 km unpaved: motorable track 20,000 km Pipelines: crude oil 1,300 km; natural gas 1,030 km Ports: Mina' Qabus, Mina' Raysut, Mina' al Fahl Merchant marine: 1 passenger ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 4,442 GRT/1,320 DWT Airports: total: 138 usable: 130 with permanent-surface runways: 6 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 74 Telecommunications: modern system consisting of open-wire, microwave, and radio communications stations; limited coaxial cable; 50,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 7 TV; satellite earth stations - 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT, and 8 domestic @Oman, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Royal Oman Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 382,793; fit for military service 217,755; reach military age (14) annually 22,118 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $1.6 billion, 16% of GDP (1993 est.) @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the Header Affiliation: (UN trusteeship administered by the US) @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Geography Location: Oceania, Micronesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 850 km southeast of the Philippines Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 458 sq km land area: 458 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 1,519 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: wet season May to November; hot and humid Terrain: about 200 islands varying geologically from the high, mountainous main island of Babelthuap to low, coral islands usually fringed by large barrier reefs Natural resources: forests, minerals (especially gold), marine products, deep-seabed minerals Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (June to December) international agreements: NA Note: includes World War II battleground of Peleliu and world-famous rock islands; archipelago of six island groups totaling over 200 islands in the Caroline chain @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, People Population: 16,366 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.81% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 22.54 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.61 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 2.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 25.07 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.01 years male: 69.14 years female: 73.02 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.91 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Palauan(s) adjective: Palauan Ethnic divisions: Palauans are a composite of Polynesian, Malayan, and Melanesian races Religions: Christian (Catholics, Seventh-Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Assembly of God, the Liebenzell Mission, and Latter-Day Saints), Modekngei religion (one-third of the population observes this religion which is indigenous to Palau) Languages: English (official in all of Palau's 16 states), Sonsorolese (official in the state of Sonsoral), Angaur and Japanese (in the state of Anguar), Tobi (in the state of Tobi), Palauan (in the other 13 states) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 92% male: 93% female: 91% Labor force: NA by occupation: NA @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Government Names: conventional long form: Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands conventional short form: none note: may change to Republic of Palau after independence; the native form of Palau is Belau and is sometimes used incorrectly in English and other languages Digraph: PS Type: UN trusteeship administered by the US note: constitutional government signed a Compact of Free Association with the US on 10 January 1986, which was never approved in a series of UN-observed plebiscites; until the UN trusteeship is terminated with entry into force of the Compact, Palau remains under US administration as the Palau District of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; administrative authority resides in the Department of the Interior and is exercised by the Assistant Secretary for Territorial and International Affairs through the Palau Office, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, J. Victor HOBSON Jr., Director (since 16 December 1990) Capital: Koror note: a new capital is being built about 20 km northeast in eastern Babelthuap Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 16 states: Aimeliik, Airai, Angaur, Kayangel, Koror, Melekeok, Ngaraard, Ngardmau, Ngaremlengui, Ngatpang, Ngchesar, Ngerchelong, Ngiwal, Peleliu, Sonsorol, Tobi Independence: the last polity remaining under the US-administered UN trusteeship following the departure of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas from the trusteeship; administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of Interior National holiday: Constitution Day, 9 July (1979) Constitution: 1 January 1981 Legal system: based on Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Kuniwo NAKAMURA (since 1 January 1993), Vice-President Tommy E. REMENGESAU Jr. (since 1 January 1993); election last held on 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - Kuniwo NAKAMURA 50.7%, Johnson TORIBIONG 49.3% Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Olbiil Era Kelulau or OEK) Senate: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (14 total); number of seats by party NA House of Delegates: elections last held 4 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (16 total); number of seats by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court, National Court, Court of Common Pleas Member of: ESCAP (associate), SPC, SPF (observer) Diplomatic representation in US: trust territory of the UN administered by the US: Administrative Officer Charles UONG, Palau Liaison Office, 444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 308, Washington, DC 20001 US diplomatic representation: director: US Liaison Officer Lloyd W. MOSS liaison office: US Liaison Office at Top Side, Neeriyas, Koror mailing address: P.O. Box 6028, Koror, PW 96940 telephone: (680) 488-2920; (680) 488-2911 Flag: light blue with a large yellow disk (representing the moon) shifted slightly to the hoist side @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Economy Overview: The economy consists primarily of subsistence agriculture and fishing. Tourism provides some foreign exchange, although the remote location of Palau and a shortage of suitable facilities has hindered development. The government is the major employer of the work force, relying heavily on financial assistance from the US. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $31.6 million (1986) note: GDP numbers reflect US spending National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $2,260 (1986) Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: 20% (1986) Budget: revenues: $6 million expenditures: $NA, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.) Exports: $500,000 (f.o.b., 1986) commodities: trochus (type of shellfish), tuna, copra, handicrafts partners: US, Japan Imports: $27.2 million (c.i.f., 1986) commodities: NA partners: US External debt: about $100 million (1989) Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 16,000 kW production: 22 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,540 kWh (1990) Industries: tourism, craft items (shell, wood, pearl), some commercial fishing and agriculture Agriculture: subsistence-level production of coconut, copra, cassava, sweet potatoes Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $2.56 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $92 million Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 October - 30 September @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Communications Highways: total: 61 km paved: 36 km unpaved: gravel 25 km Ports: Koror Airports: total: 3 usable: 3 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 3 Telecommunications: broadcast stations - 1 AM, 1 FM, 2 TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Pacific Islands (Palau), Trust Territory of the, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US and that will not change when the UN trusteeship terminates if the Compact of Free Association with the US goes into effect @Pacific Ocean, Geography Location: body of water between the Western Hemisphere, Asia, and Australia Map references: Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 165.384 million sq km comparative area: about 18 times the size of the US; the largest ocean (followed by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean); covers about one-third of the global surface; larger than the total land area of the world note: includes Bali Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, Bering Sea, Bering Strait, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Gulf of Tonkin, Java Sea, Philippine Sea, Ross Sea, Savu Sea, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk, South China Sea, Tasman Sea, Timor Sea, and other tributary water bodies Coastline: 135,663 km International disputes: some maritime disputes (see littoral states) Climate: the western Pacific is monsoonal - a rainy season occurs during the summer months, when moisture-laden winds blow from the ocean over the land, and a dry season during the winter months, when dry winds blow from the Asian land mass back to the ocean Terrain: surface currents in the northern Pacific are dominated by a clockwise, warm-water gyre (broad circular system of currents) and in the southern Pacific by a counterclockwise, cool-water gyre; in the northern Pacific sea ice forms in the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk in winter; in the southern Pacific sea ice from Antarctica reaches its northernmost extent in October; the ocean floor in the eastern Pacific is dominated by the East Pacific Rise, while the western Pacific is dissected by deep trenches, including the world's deepest, the 10,924 meter Marianas Trench Natural resources: oil and gas fields, polymetallic nodules, sand and gravel aggregates, placer deposits, fish Environment: current issues: endangered marine species include the dugong, sea lion, sea otter, seals, turtles, and whales; oil pollution in Philippine Sea and South China Sea natural hazards: surrounded by a zone of violent volcanic and earthquake activity sometimes referred to as the Pacific Ring of Fire; subject to tropical cyclones (typhoons) in southeast and east Asia from May to December (most frequent from July to October); tropical cyclones (hurricanes) may form south of Mexico and strike Central America and Mexico from June to October (most common in August and September); southern shipping lanes subject to icebergs from Antarctica; occasional El Nino phenomenon occurs off the coast of Peru when the trade winds slacken and the warm Equatorial Countercurrent moves south, killing the plankton that is the primary food source for anchovies; consequently, the anchovies move to better feeding grounds, causing resident marine birds to starve by the thousands because of their lost food source international agreements: NA Note: the major choke points are the Bering Strait, Panama Canal, Luzon Strait, and the Singapore Strait; the Equator divides the Pacific Ocean into the North Pacific Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean; ships subject to superstructure icing in extreme north from October to May and in extreme south from May to October; persistent fog in the northern Pacific from June to December is a hazard to shipping; dotted with low coral islands and rugged volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean @Pacific Ocean, Government Digraph: ZN @Pacific Ocean, Economy Overview: The Pacific Ocean is a major contributor to the world economy and particularly to those nations its waters directly touch. It provides low-cost sea transportation between East and West, extensive fishing grounds, offshore oil and gas fields, minerals, and sand and gravel for the construction industry. In 1985 over half (54%) of the world's fish catch came from the Pacific Ocean, which is the only ocean where the fish catch has increased every year since 1978. Exploitation of offshore oil and gas reserves is playing an ever-increasing role in the energy supplies of Australia, NZ, China, US, and Peru. The high cost of recovering offshore oil and gas, combined with the wide swings in world prices for oil since 1985, has slowed but not stopped new drillings. Industries: fishing, oil and gas production @Pacific Ocean, Communications Ports: Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Los Angeles (US), Manila (Philippines), Pusan (South Korea), San Francisco (US), Seattle (US), Shanghai (China), Singapore, Sydney (Australia), Vladivostok (Russia), Wellington (NZ), Yokohama (Japan) Telecommunications: several submarine cables with network nodal points on Guam and Hawaii @Pakistan, Geography Location: Southern Asia, along the Arabian Sea, between India and Afghanistan Map references: Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 803,940 sq km land area: 778,720 sq km comparative area: slightly less than twice the size of California Land boundaries: total 6,774 km, Afghanistan 2,430 km, China 523 km, India 2,912 km, Iran 909 km Coastline: 1,046 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or the edge of continental margin exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: status of Kashmir with India; border question with Afghanistan (Durand Line); water-sharing problems (Wular Barrage) over the Indus with upstream riparian India Climate: mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north Terrain: flat Indus plain in east; mountains in north and northwest; Balochistan plateau in west Natural resources: land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, limestone Land use: arable land: 26% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 4% other: 64% Irrigated land: 162,200 sq km (1989) Environment: current issues: water pollution from untreated sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff; water scarcity; a majority of the population does not have access to safe drinking water; deforestation; soil erosion; desertification natural hazards: frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe especially in north and west; flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August) international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Nuclear Test Ban, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Note: controls Khyber Pass and Bolan Pass, traditional invasion routes between Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent @Pakistan, People Population: 128,855,965 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.86% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 42.22 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 12.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.21 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 101.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 57.41 years male: 56.79 years female: 58.06 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.43 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Pakistani(s) adjective: Pakistani Ethnic divisions: Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun (Pathan), Baloch, Muhajir (immigrants from India and their descendents) Religions: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), Christian, Hindu, and other 3% Languages: Urdu (official), English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Punjabi 64%, Sindhi 12%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu 7%, Balochi and other 9% Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 35% male: 47% female: 21% Labor force: 28.9 million by occupation: agriculture 54%, mining and manufacturing 13%, services 33%, extensive export of labor (1987 est.) @Pakistan, Government Names: conventional long form: Islamic Republic of Pakistan conventional short form: Pakistan former: West Pakistan Digraph: PK Type: republic Capital: Islamabad Administrative divisions: 4 provinces, 1 territory*, and 1 capital territory**; Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas*, Islamabad Capital Territory**, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh note: the Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK) National holiday: Pakistan Day, 23 March (1956) (proclamation of the republic) Constitution: 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977 restored with amendments, 30 December 1985 Legal system: based on English common law with provisions to accommodate Pakistan's stature as an Islamic state; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal; separate electorates and reserved parliamentary seats for non-Muslims Executive branch: chief of state: President Sardar Farooq LEGHARI election last held on 13 November 1993 (next to be held no later than 14 October 1998); results - LEGHARI was elected by Parliament and the four provincial assemblies head of government: Prime Minister Benazir BHUTTO cabinet: Cabinet Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora) Senate: elections last held NA March 1994 (next to be held NA March 1997); results - seats (87 total) Pakistan People's Party (PPP) 22, Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction (PML/N) 17; Tribal Area Representatives (nonparty) 8, Awami National Party (ANP) 6, Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction (PML/J) 5, Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) 5, Mohajir Quami Movement, Altaf faction (MQM/A) 5, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Fazlur Rehman group (JUI/F) 2, Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) 2, Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) 2, National People's Party (NPP) 2, Balochistan National Movement, Hayee Group (BNM/H) 1, Balochistan National Movement, Mengal Group (BNM/M) 1, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Niazi faction (JUP/NI) 1, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Noorani faction (JUP/NO) 1, Jamiat-al-Hadith (JAH) 1, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-Haq faction (JUI/S) 1, Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group (PML/F) 1, Pakistan National Party (PNP) 1, independents 2, vacant 1 National Assembly: elections last held 6 October 1993 (next to be held by October 1998); results - seats (217 total); Pakistan People's Party (PPP) 92; Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction (PML/N) 75; Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction (PML/J) 6; Islami-Jamhoori-Mahaz (IJM-Islamic Democratic Front) 4; Awami National Party (ANP) 3; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) 4; Pakistan Islamic Front (PIF) 3; Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) 2; Mutaheda Deeni Mahaz (MDM) 2; Balochistan National Movement, Hayee Group (BNM/H) 1; Balochistan National Movement, Mengal Group (BNM/M) 1; National Democratic Alliance (NDA) 1; National People's Party (NPP) 1; Pakhtun Quami Party (PKQP) 1; Religious minorities 10 reserved seats; independents, 9; results pending, 2 Judicial branch: Supreme Court, Federal Islamic (Shari'at) Court Political parties and leaders: government: Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Benazir BHUTTO; Pakistan Muslim League, Junejo faction (PML/J), Hamid Nasir CHATTHA; National People's Party (NPP), Ghulam Mustapha JATOI; Pakhtun Khwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), Mahmood Khan ACHAKZAI; Balochistan National Movement, Hayee Group (BNM/H), Dr. HAYEE Baluch; National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Maulana Kausar NIAZI; Pakhtun Quami Party (PKQP), Mohammed AFZAL Khan; Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP), Akbar Khan BUGTI opposition: Pakistan Muslim League, Nawaz Sharif faction (PML/N), Nawaz SHARIF; Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Abdul WALI KHAN; Pakistan Islamic Front (PIF), Qazi Hussain AHMED; Balochistan National Movement, Mengal Group (BNM/M), Sardar Akhtar MENGAL; Mohajir Quami Movement, Altaf faction (MQM/A); Jamaat-i-Islami (JI); Jamiat-al-Hadith (JAH) frequently shifting: Mutaheda Deeni Mahaz (MDM), Maulana Sami-ul-HAQ, the MDM includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Niazi faction (JUP/NI) and Anjuman Sepah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (ASSP); Islami-Jamhoori-Mahaz (IJM-Islamic Democratic Party), the IJM includes Jamiat Ulema-i-Islami, Fazlur Rehman group (JUI/F); Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan, Noorani faction (JUP/NO); Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Sami-ul-Haq faction (JUI/S); Pakistan Muslim League, Functional Group (PML/F); Pakistan National Party (PNP) note: most Pakistani political groups are motivated primarily by opportunism and political alliances can shift frequently Other political or pressure groups: military remains important political force; ulema (clergy), landowners, industrialists, and small merchants also influential Member of: AsDB, C, CCC, CP, ECO, ESCAP, FAO, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NAM, OAS (observer), OIC, PCA, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Maleeha LODHI chancery: 2315 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 939-6205 FAX: (202) 387-0484 consulate(s) general: Los Angeles and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John MONJO embassy: Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad mailing address: P. O. Box 1048, PSC 1212, Box 2000, Unit 6220,Islamabad or APO AE 09812-2000 telephone: [92] (51) 826161 through 79 FAX: [92] (51) 214222 consulate(s) general: Karachi, Lahore consulate(s): Peshawar Flag: green with a vertical white band (symbolizing the role of religious minorities) on the hoist side; a large white crescent and star are centered in the green field; the crescent, star, and color green are traditional symbols of Islam @Pakistan, Economy Overview: Pakistan is a poor Third World country faced with the usual problems of rapidly increasing population, sizable government deficits, and heavy dependence on foreign aid. In addition, the economy must support a large military establishment. Rapid economic growth, averaging 5%-6% over the past decade has helped Pakistan cope with these problems. However, growth slumped to 3% in FY93 because of severe flooding, which damaged the key export crop, cotton. Almost all agriculture and small-scale industry is in private hands. In 1990, Pakistan embarked on a sweeping economic liberalization program to boost foreign and domestic private investment and lower foreign aid dependence. The SHARIF government denationalized several state-owned firms and attracted some foreign investment. Pakistan likely will have difficulty raising living standards because of its rapidly expanding population. At the current rate of growth, population would double in 25 years. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $239 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 3% (FY93 est.) National product per capita: $1,900 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 12.7% (FY91) Unemployment rate: 10% (FY91 est.) Budget: revenues: $9.4 billion expenditures: $10.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $3.1 billion (1993 est.) Exports: $6.8 billion (f.o.b., FY92) commodities: cotton, textiles, clothing, rice, leather, carpets partners: US, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, UK Imports: $9.1 billion (f.o.b., FY92) commodities: petroleum, petroleum products, machinery, transportation equipment, vegetable oils, animal fats, chemicals partners: Japan, US, Germany, UK, Saudi Arabia External debt: $24 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7.3% (FY92); accounts for 23% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 10,000,000 kW production: 43 billion kWh consumption per capita: 350 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles, food processing, beverages, construction materials, clothing, paper products, shrimp Agriculture: 22% of GDP, over 50% of labor force; world's largest contiguous irrigation system; major crops - cotton, wheat, rice, sugarcane, fruits, vegetables; livestock products - milk, beef, mutton, eggs; self-sufficient in food grain Illicit drugs: major illicit producer of opium and hashish for the international drug trade; despite some success in reducing cultivation, remains world's fourth largest opium producer (140 metric tons in 1993) Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $4.5 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89), $91 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $2.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $3.2 billion note: including Bangladesh prior to 1972 Currency: 1 Pakistani rupee (PRe) = 100 paisa Exchange rates: Pakistani rupees (PRs) per US$1 - 30.214 (January 1994), 28.107 (1993), 25.083 (1992), 23.801 (1991), 21.707 (1990), 20.541 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Pakistan, Communications Railroads: 8,773 km total; 7,718 km broad gauge, 445 km 1-meter gauge, and 610 km less than 1-meter gauge; 1,037 km broad-gauge double track; 286 km electrified; all government owned (1985) Highways: total: 110,677 km paved: 58,677 km unpaved: gravel 23,000 km; improved earth 29,000 km (1988) Pipelines: crude oil 250 km; petroleum products 885 km; natural gas 4,044 km (1987) Ports: Gwadar, Karachi, Port Muhammad bin Qasim Merchant marine: 30 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 352,189 GRT/532,782 DWT, bulk 1, cargo 25, oil tanker 1, passenger-cargo 3 Airports: total: 110 usable: 104 with permanent-surface runways: 75 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 30 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 43 Telecommunications: the domestic telephone system is poor, adequate only for government and business use; about 7 telephones per 1,000 persons; the system for international traffic is better and employs both microwave radio relay and satellites; satellite ground stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Indian Ocean INTELSAT; broadcast stations - 19 AM, 8 FM, 29 TV @Pakistan, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Armed Forces, National Guard, paramilitary/security forces Manpower availability: males age 15-49 29,548,746; fit for military service 18,134,013; reach military age (17) annually 1,391,258 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $3.0 billion, 5.7% of GNP (FY93/94) @Palmyra Atoll Header Affiliation: (territory of the US) @Palmyra Atoll, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia, in the North Pacific Ocean, 1,600 km south-southwest of Honolulu, almost halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 11.9 sq km land area: 11.9 sq km comparative area: about 20 times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 14.5 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 12 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: equatorial, hot, and very rainy Terrain: low, with maximum elevations of about 2 meters Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 100% other: 0% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: about 50 islets covered with dense vegetation, coconut trees, and balsa-like trees up to 30 meters tall @Palmyra Atoll, People Population: uninhabited @Palmyra Atoll, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Palmyra Atoll Digraph: LQ Type: incorporated territory of the US; privately owned, but administered by the Office of Territorial and International Affairs, US Department of the Interior Capital: none; administered from Washington, DC @Palmyra Atoll, Economy Overview: no economic activity @Palmyra Atoll, Communications Ports: the main harbor is West Lagoon, which is entered by a channel on the southwest side of the atoll; both the channel and harbor will accommodate vessels drawing 6 meters of water; much of the road and many causeways built during the war are unserviceable and overgrown Airports: total: 1 usable: 1 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 @Palmyra Atoll, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Panama, Geography Location: Middle America, between Colombia and Costa Rica Map references: Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 78,200 sq km land area: 75,990 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than South Carolina Land boundaries: total 555 km, Colombia 225 km, Costa Rica 330 km Coastline: 2,490 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May) Terrain: interior mostly steep, rugged mountains and dissected, upland plains; coastal areas largely plains and rolling hills Natural resources: copper, mahogany forests, shrimp Land use: arable land: 6% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 15% forest and woodland: 54% other: 23% Irrigated land: 320 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources; deforestation of tropical rain forest; land degradation natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation Note: strategic location on eastern end of isthmus forming land bridge connecting North and South America; controls Panama Canal that links North Atlantic Ocean via Caribbean Sea with North Pacific Ocean @Panama, People Population: 2.63 million (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.94% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 24.61 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.37 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 16.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.88 years male: 72.28 years female: 77.62 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.85 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Panamanian(s) adjective: Panamanian Ethnic divisions: mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 70%, West Indian 14%, white 10%, Indian 6% Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% Languages: Spanish (official), English 14% note: many Panamanians bilingual Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 88% male: 88% female: 88% Labor force: 921,000 (1992 est.) by occupation: government and community services 31.8%, agriculture, hunting, and fishing 26.8%, commerce, restaurants, and hotels 16.4%, manufacturing and mining 9.4%, construction 3.2%, transportation and communications 6.2%, finance, insurance, and real estate 4.3% note: shortage of skilled labor, but an oversupply of unskilled labor @Panama, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Panama conventional short form: Panama local long form: Republica de Panama local short form: Panama Digraph: PM Type: constitutional republic Capital: Panama Administrative divisions: 9 provinces (provincias, singular - provincia) and 1 territory* (comarca); Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui, Cocle, Colon, Darien, Herrera, Los Santos, Panama, San Blas*, Veraguas Independence: 3 November 1903 (from Colombia; became independent from Spain 28 November 1821) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 November (1903) Constitution: 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted April 1983 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Guillermo ENDARA (since 20 December 1989, elected 7 May 1989); First Vice President Guillermo FORD Boyd (since 24 December 1992); Second Vice President (vacant); election last held on 7 May 1989, annulled but later upheld; results - anti-NORIEGA coalition believed to have won about 75% of the total votes cast note: a presidential election was held 8 May 1994 (next election to held on 9 May 1999) with inauguration of the successful candidates to take place on 1 September 1994; results - President Ernesto PEREZ BALLADARES Gonzales, First Vice President Tomas Altamirano DUQUE, and Second Vice President Felipe VIRZI were elected; percent of vote for president - BALLADARES 33%, DE GRUBER 29%, BLADES 17% cabinet: Cabinet; appointed by the president Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Asamblea Nacional): elections held on 27 January 1991; results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (67 total) progovernment parties: PDC 28, MOLIRENA 15, PA 8, PLA 4 opposition parties: PRD 10, PALA 1, PL 1; note - the PDC went into opposition after President Guillermo ENDARA ousted the PDC from the coalition government in April 1991; an election of members of the National Assembly was held on 8 May 1994 (next election to be held on 9 May 1999) and they will take their seats on 1 September 1994; results - percent of vote and seats won by party NA Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia), 5 superior courts, 3 courts of appeal Political parties and leaders: government alliance: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCALONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya MOSCOSO DE GRUBER other parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Raul OSSA; Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Agrarian Labor Party (PALA), Nestor Tomas GUERRA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Doctrinaire Panamenista Party (PPD), Jose Salvador MUNOZ; Papa Egoro Movement, Ruben BLADES; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), Tomas HERRERA; National Integration Movement (MINA), Arrigo GUARDIA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES; Solidarity Party (CPS), Samuel LEWIS GALINDO note: following the elections of 8 May 1994 the following realignment of political parties took place governing coalition: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Gerardo GONZALEZ; Liberal Republican Party (PLR), Rodolfo CHIARI; Labor Party (PALA), Carlos Lopez GUEVARA; Solidarity Party (PS),Samuel LEWIS GALINDO other parties: Nationalist Republican Liberal Movement (MOLIRENA), Alfredo RAMIREZ; Authentic Liberal Party (PLA), Arnulfo ESCOLONA; Arnulfista Party (PA), Mireya Moscoso DE GRUBER; Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Raul OSSA; Liberal Party (PL), Roberto ALEMAN Zubieta; Papa Egoro Movement, Ruben BLADES; Civic Renewal Party (PRC), Tomas HERRERA; National Unity Mission Party (MUN), Jose Manuel PAREDES Other political or pressure groups: National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO); National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP); Panamanian Association of Business Executives (APEDE); National Civic Crusade; Chamber of Commerce; Panamanian Industrialists Society (SIP); Workers Confederation of the Republic of Panama (CTRP) Member of: AG (associate), CG, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA (observer), LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jaime FORD Boyd (to be replaced by Ambassador Ricardo Alberto ARIAS on 1 September 1994) chancery: 2862 McGill Terrace NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 483-1407 consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), Tampa, US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant) embassy: Avenida Balboa and Calle 38, Apartado 6959, Panama City 5 mailing address: American Embassy Panama, Unit 0945; APO AA 34002 telephone: (507) 27-1777 FAX: (507) 27-1964 Flag: divided into four, equal rectangles; the top quadrants are white (hoist side) with a blue five-pointed star in the center and plain red, the bottom quadrants are plain blue (hoist side) and white with a red five-pointed star in the center @Panama, Economy Overview: GDP expanded by roughly 5.9% in 1993, following growth of 8% in 1992; banking and financial services led the way in 1993. The economy thus continues to recover from the crisis that preceded the ouster of Manuel NORIEGA, even though the government's structural adjustment program has been hampered by a lack of popular support and a passive administration. Public investment has been limited as the administration has kept the fiscal deficit below 2% of GDP. Unemployment and economic reform are the two major issues the new government must face in 1994-95. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $11.6 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 5.9% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $4,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 12.5% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.8 billion expenditures: $1.9 billion, including capital expenditures of $200 million (1992 est.) Exports: $545 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: bananas 43%, shrimp 11%, sugar 4%, clothing 5%, coffee 2% partners: US 38%, EC, Central America and Caribbean Imports: $2.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: capital goods 21%, crude oil 11%, foodstuffs 9%, consumer goods, chemicals partners: US 35%, EC, Central America and Caribbean, Japan External debt: $6.1 billion (year-end 1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1993 est.); accounts for about 9% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 1,584,000 kW production: 4.36 trillion kWh consumption per capita: 720 kWh (1992) Industries: manufacturing and construction activities, petroleum refining, brewing, cement and other construction material, sugar milling Agriculture: accounts for 10% of GDP (1992 est.), 27% of labor force (1992); crops - bananas, rice, corn, coffee, sugarcane; livestock; fishing; importer of food grain, vegetables Illicit drugs: major cocaine transshipment point and drug money laundering center Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $516 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $582 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $4 million Currency: 1 balboa (B) = 100 centesimos Exchange rates: balboas (B) per US$1 - 1.000 (fixed rate) Fiscal year: calendar year @Panama, Communications Railroads: 238 km total; 78 km 1.524-meter gauge, 160 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: total: 8,530 km paved: 2,745 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone 3,270 km; improved, unimproved earth 2,515 km Inland waterways: 800 km navigable by shallow draft vessels; 82 km Panama Canal Pipelines: crude oil 130 km Ports: Cristobal, Balboa, Colon Merchant marine: 3,405 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 56,011,824 GRT/89,516,566 DWT, barge carrier 1, bulk 717, cargo 1,110, chemical tanker 181, combination bulk 31, combination ore/oil 24, container 215, liquefied gas 127, livestock carrier 9, multifunction large-load carrier 5, oil tanker 437, passenger 22, passenger-cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 287, roll-on/roll-off cargo 67, short-sea passenger 30, specialized tanker 10, vehicle carrier 129 note: all but 30 are foreign owned and operated; the top 4 foreign owners are Japan 34%, Greece 8%, Hong Kong 7%, and Taiwan 5%; other foreign owners include China at least 144 ships, Vietnam 3, Croatia 6, Cuba 4, Cyprus 4, and Russia 41 Airports: total: 118 usable: 109 with permanent-surface runways: 38 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 2 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 15 Telecommunications: domestic and international facilities well developed; connection into Central American Microwave System; 220,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 91 AM, no FM, 23 TV; 1 coaxial submarine cable; satellite ground stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT @Panama, Defense Forces Branches: Panamanian Public Forces (PPF) includes the National Police, Maritime Service, National Air Service, Institutional Protective Service; Judicial Technical Police operate under the control of Panama's judicial branch Manpower availability: males age 15-49 686,479; fit for military service 471,780 Defense expenditures: expenditures for the Panamanian security forces amounted to $138.5 million, 1.0% of GDP (1993 est.) @Papua New Guinea, Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, just north of Australia, between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands Map references: Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 461,690 sq km land area: 451,710 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than California Land boundaries: total 820 km, Indonesia 820 km Coastline: 5,152 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical; northwest monsoon (December to March), southeast monsoon (May to October); slight seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal lowlands and rolling foothills Natural resources: gold, copper, silver, natural gas, timber, oil potential Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 71% other: 28% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: deforestation; pollution from mining projects natural hazards: some active volcanoes; frequent earthquakes international agreements: party to - Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Law of the Sea Note: shares island of New Guinea with Indonesia; one of world's largest swamps along southwest coast @Papua New Guinea, People Population: 4,196,806 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.31% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 33.5 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.38 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 63.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 56.43 years male: 55.6 years female: 57.31 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.65 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Papua New Guinean(s) adjective: Papua New Guinean Ethnic divisions: Melanesian, Papuan, Negrito, Micronesian, Polynesian Religions: Roman Catholic 22%, Lutheran 16%, Presbyterian/Methodist/London Missionary Society 8%, Anglican 5%, Evangelical Alliance 4%, Seventh-Day Adventist 1%, other Protestant sects 10%, indigenous beliefs 34% Languages: English spoken by 1-2%, pidgin English widespread, Motu spoken in Papua region note: 715 indigenous languages Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 52% male: 65% female: 38% Labor force: NA @Papua New Guinea, Government Names: conventional long form: Independent State of Papua New Guinea conventional short form: Papua New Guinea Digraph: PP Type: parliamentary democracy Capital: Port Moresby Administrative divisions: 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain Independence: 16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration) National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975) Constitution: 16 September 1975 Legal system: based on English common law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991) head of government: Prime Minister Paias WINGTI (since 17 July 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since July 1992) cabinet: National Executive Council; appointed by the governor on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral National Parliament: (sometimes referred to as the House of Assembly) elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18 (association with political parties is fluid) Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Jack GENIA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS Member of: ACP, APEC, AsDB, ASEAN (observer), C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LORCS, NAM, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador-designate Kepas WATANGIA chancery: 3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 745-3680 FAX: (202) 745-3679 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Richard TEARE embassy: Armit Street, Port Moresby mailing address: P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553 telephone: [675] 211-455 or 594, 654 FAX: [675] 213-423 Flag: divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered @Papua New Guinea, Economy Overview: Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources, but exploitation has been hampered by the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing an infrastructure. Agriculture provides a subsistence livelihood for 85% of the population. Mining of numerous deposits, including copper and gold, accounts for about 60% of export earnings. Budgetary support from Australia and development aid under World Bank auspices have helped sustain the economy. Robust growth in 1991-92 was led by the mining sector; the opening of a large new gold mine helped the advance. The economy remained strong in 1993, primarily because of continued growth in the mining and oil sectors. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.2 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1.2% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 4.5% (1992-93) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $1.33 billion expenditures: $1.49 billion, including capital expenditures of $225 million (1993 est.) Exports: $1.3 billion (f.o.b., 1990) commodities: gold, copper ore, oil, logs, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, lobster partners: Australia, Japan, South Korea, UK, US Imports: $1.6 billion (c.i.f., 1990) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, fuels, chemicals partners: Australia, Japan, US, Singapore, New Zealand, UK External debt: $2.2 billion (April 1991) Industrial production: growth rate 21% (1992); accounts for 31% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 400,000 kW production: 1.6 billion kWh consumption per capita: 400 kWh (1992) Industries: copra crushing, palm oil processing, plywood production, wood chip production, mining of gold, silver, and copper, construction, tourism Agriculture: Accounts for 28% of GDP; livelihood for 85% of population; fertile soils and favorable climate permits cultivating a wide variety of crops; cash crops - coffee, cocoa, coconuts, palm kernels; other products - tea, rubber, sweet potatoes, fruit, vegetables, poultry, pork; net importer of food for urban centers Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $40.6 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $6.5 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $17 million Currency: 1 kina (K) = 100 toea Exchange rates: kina (K) per US$1 - 1.0281 (January 1994), 1.0221 (1993), 1.0367 (1992), 1.0504 (1991), 1.0467 (1990), 1.1685 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Papua New Guinea, Communications Railroads: none Highways: total: 19,200 km paved: 640 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 10,960 km; unimproved earth 7,600 km Inland waterways: 10,940 km Ports: Anewa Bay, Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul Merchant marine: 11 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 21,337 GRT/25,669 DWT, bulk 2, cargo 3, combination ore/oil 5, container 1 Airports: total: 504 usable: 462 with permanent-surface runways: 18 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 39 Telecommunications: services are adequate and being improved; facilities provide radiobroadcast, radiotelephone and telegraph, coastal radio, aeronautical radio, and international radiocommunication services; submarine cables extend to Australia and Guam; more than 70,000 telephones (1987); broadcast stations - 31 AM, 2 FM, 2 TV (1987); 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Papua New Guinea, Defense Forces Branches: Papua New Guinea Defense Force (including Army, Navy, Air Force) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,080,316; fit for military service 601,369 Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $55 million, 1.8% of GDP (1993 est.) @Paracel Islands, Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, 400 km east of Vietnam in the South China Sea, about one-third of the way between Vietnam and the Philippines Map references: Asia Area: total area: NA sq km land area: NA sq km comparative area: NA Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 518 km Maritime claims: NA International disputes: occupied by China, but claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam Climate: tropical Terrain: NA Natural resources: none Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 0% other: 100% Irrigated land: 0 sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons international agreements: NA @Paracel Islands, People Population: no indigenous inhabitants; note - there are scattered Chinese garrisons @Paracel Islands, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Paracel Islands Digraph: PF @Paracel Islands, Economy Overview: no economic activity @Paracel Islands, Communications Ports: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island currently under expansion Airports: 1 on Woody Island @Paracel Islands, Defense Forces Note: occupied by China @Paraguay, Geography Location: Central South America, between Argentina and Brazil Map references: South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 406,750 sq km land area: 397,300 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than California Land boundaries: total 3,920 km, Argentina 1,880 km, Bolivia 750 km, Brazil 1,290 km Coastline: 0 km (landlocked) Maritime claims: none; landlocked International disputes: short section of the boundary with Brazil, just west of Salto del Guaira (Guaira Falls) on the Rio Parana, has not been determined Climate: varies from temperate in east to semiarid in far west Terrain: grassy plains and wooded hills east of Rio Paraguay; Gran Chaco region west of Rio Paraguay mostly low, marshy plain near the river, and dry forest and thorny scrub elsewhere Natural resources: hydropower, timber, iron ore, manganese, limestone Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 39% forest and woodland: 35% other: 5% Irrigated land: 670 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; water pollution; inadequate means for waste disposal present health hazards for many urban residents natural hazards: local flooding in southeast (early September to June); poorly drained plains may become boggy (early October to June) international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea; signed, but not ratified - Nuclear Test Ban Note: landlocked; buffer between Argentina and Brazil @Paraguay, People Population: 5,213,772 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.76% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 32.03 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.48 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 25.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.28 years male: 71.74 years female: 74.9 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 4.29 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Paraguayan(s) adjective: Paraguayan Ethnic divisions: mestizo (Spanish and Indian) 95%, white and Indian 5% Religions: Roman Catholic 90%, Mennonite and other Protestant denominations Languages: Spanish (official), Guarani Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 90% male: 92% female: 88% Labor force: 1.692 million (1993 est.) by occupation: agriculture, industry and commerce, services, government (1986) @Paraguay, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Paraguay conventional short form: Paraguay local long form: Republica del Paraguay local short form: Paraguay Digraph: PA Type: republic Capital: Asuncion Administrative divisions: 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Alto Paraguay, Alto Parana, Amambay, Boqueron, Caaguazu, Caazapa, Canindeyu, Central, Chaco, Concepcion, Cordillera, Guaira, Itapua, Misiones, Neembucu, Nueva Asuncion, Paraguari, Presidente Hayes, San Pedro Independence: 14 May 1811 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Days, 14-15 May (1811) Constitution: 25 August 1967; Constituent Assembly rewrote the Constitution that was promulgated on 20 June 1992 Legal system: based on Argentine codes, Roman law, and French codes; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court of Justice; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal and compulsory up to age 60 Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Juan Carlos WASMOSY (since 15 August 1993); Vice President Roberto Angel SEIFART (since 15 August 1993); election last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held May 1998); results - Juan Carlos WASMOSY 40.09%, Domingo LAINO 32.06%, Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS 23.04% cabinet: Council of Ministers; nominated by the president Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Congreso) Chamber of Senators (Camara de Senadores): elections last held 9 May 1993 (next to be held May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (45 total) Colorado Party 20, PLRA 17, EN 8 Chamber of Deputies (Camara de Diputados): elections last held on 9 May 1993 (next to be held by May 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (80 total) Colorado Party 38, PLRA 33, EN 9 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Political parties and leaders: Colorado Party, Eugenio SANABRIA CANTERO, president; Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), Domingo LAINO; National Encounter (EN), Guillermo CABALLERO VARGAS (the EN party includes the following minor parties: Christian Democratic Party (PDC), Jose Angel BURRO; Febrerista Revolutionary Party (PRF), Euclides ACEVEDO; Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Hugo RICHER) Other political or pressure groups: Confederation of Workers (CUT); Roman Catholic Church Member of: AG (observer), CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, MERCOSUR, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Juan Esteban AGUIRRE Martinez chancery: 2400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 483-6960 through 6962 FAX: (202) 234-4508 consulate(s) general: New Orleans and New York consulate(s): Miami US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge D'Affaires Gerald McCOLLOCH embassy: 1776 Avenida Mariscal Lopez, Asuncion mailing address: C. P. 402, Asuncion, or APO AA 34036-0001 telephone: [595] (21) 213-715 FAX: [595] (21) 213-728 Flag: three equal, horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue with an emblem centered in the white band; unusual flag in that the emblem is different on each side; the obverse (hoist side at the left) bears the national coat of arms (a yellow five-pointed star within a green wreath capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles); the reverse (hoist side at the right) bears the seal of the treasury (a yellow lion below a red Cap of Liberty and the words Paz y Justicia (Peace and Justice) capped by the words REPUBLICA DEL PARAGUAY, all within two circles) @Paraguay, Economy Overview: Agriculture, including forestry, accounts for about 25% of GDP, employs about 45% of the labor force, and provides the bulk of exports, led by soybeans and cotton. Paraguay lacks substantial mineral or petroleum resources but possesses a large hydropower potential. Since 1981 economic performance has declined compared with the boom period of 1976-81, when real GDP grew at an average annual rate of nearly 11%. During the period 1982-86 real GDP fell in three of five years, inflation jumped to an annual rate of 32%, and foreign debt rose. Factors responsible for the erratic behavior of the economy were the completion of the Itaipu hydroelectric dam, bad weather for crops, and weak export prices for agricultural commodities. In 1987 the economy experienced a minor recovery because of improved weather conditions and stronger international prices for key agricultural exports. The recovery continued through 1990, on the strength of bumper crops in 1988-89. In a major step to increase its economic activity in the region, Paraguay in March 1991 joined the Southern Cone Common Market (MERCOSUR), which includes Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In 1992, the government, through an unorthodox approach, reduced external debt with both commercial and official creditors by purchasing a sizable amount of the delinquent commercial debt in the secondary market at a substantial discount. The government had paid 100% of remaining official debt arrears to the US, Germany, France, and Spain. All commercial debt arrears have been rescheduled. For the long run, the government must press forward with general, market-oriented economic reforms. Growth of 3.5% in 1993 was spurred by higher-than-expected agricultural output and rising international commodity prices. Inflation picked up steam in fourth quarter 1993 because of rises in public sector salaries and utility rates. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $15.2 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 3.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $3,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 20.4% (1993 ) Unemployment rate: 11% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $1.2 billion expenditures: $1.4 billion, including capital expenditures of $487 million (1992 est.) Exports: $728 million (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: cotton, soybean, timber, vegetable oils, meat products, coffee, tung oil partners: EC 37%, Brazil 25%, Argentina 10%, Chile 6%, US 6% Imports: $1.38 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: capital goods, foodstuffs, consumer goods, raw materials, fuels partners: Brazil 30%, EC 20%, US 18%, Argentina 8%, Japan 7% External debt: $1.2 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 2.2% (1991 est.); accounts for 20% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 5,257,000 kW production: 16.2 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,280 kWh (1992) Industries: meat packing, oilseed crushing, milling, brewing, textiles, other light consumer goods, cement, construction Agriculture: accounts for 26% of GDP and 44% of labor force; cash crops - cotton, sugarcane, soybeans; other crops - corn, wheat, tobacco, cassava, fruits, vegetables; animal products - beef, pork, eggs, milk; surplus producer of timber; self-sufficient in most foods Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; important transshipment point for Bolivian cocaine headed for the US and Europe Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $172 million; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.1 billion Currency: 1 guarani (G) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: guaranies (G) per US$ - 1,861.3 (January 1994), 1,744.3 (1993), 1,500.3 (1992), 447.5 (March 1992), 1,325.2 (1991), 1,229.8 (1990), 1,056.2 (1989), 550.00 (fixed rate 1986-February 1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Paraguay, Communications Railroads: 970 km total; 440 km 1.435-meter standard gauge, 60 km 1.000-meter gauge, 470 km various narrow gauge (privately owned) Highways: total: 28,300 km paved: 2,600 km unpaved: gravel 500 km; earth 25,200 km Inland waterways: 3,100 km Ports: Asuncion, Villeta, Ciudad del Este Merchant marine: 13 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 16,747 GRT/19,513 DWT, cargo 11, oil tanker 2 note: 1 naval cargo ship is sometimes used commercially Airports: total: 969 usable: 827 with permanent-surface runways: 7 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 5 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 93 Telecommunications: meager telephone service; principal switching center in Asuncion; fair intercity microwave net; 78,300 telephones; telephone density - 16 telephones per 1,000 persons; broadcast stations - 40 AM, no FM, 5 TV, 7 shortwave; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Paraguay, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Naval Air and Marines), Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 1,249,470; fit for military service 907,533; reach military age (17) annually 53,126 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $100 million, 1.6% of GDP (1994 est.) @Peru, Geography Location: Western South America, bordering the South Pacific Ocean between Chile and Ecuador Map references: South America, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 1,285,220 sq km land area: 1.28 million sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Alaska Land boundaries: total 6,940 km, Bolivia 900 km, Brazil 1,560 km, Chile 160 km, Colombia 2,900 km, Ecuador 1,420 km Coastline: 2,414 km Maritime claims: territorial sea: 200 nm International disputes: three sections of the boundary with Ecuador are in dispute Climate: varies from tropical in east to dry desert in west Terrain: western coastal plain (costa), high and rugged Andes in center (sierra), eastern lowland jungle of Amazon Basin (selva) Natural resources: copper, silver, gold, petroleum, timber, fish, iron ore, coal, phosphate, potash Land use: arable land: 3% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 21% forest and woodland: 55% other: 21% Irrigated land: 12,500 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; overgrazing; soil erosion; desertification; air pollution in Lima natural hazards: subject to earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, mild volcanic activity international agreements: party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Tropical Timber Note: shares control of Lago Titicaca, world's highest navigable lake, with Bolivia @Peru, People Population: 23,650,671 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.86% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.55 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 54.2 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.62 years male: 63.44 years female: 67.9 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.11 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Peruvian(s) adjective: Peruvian Ethnic divisions: Indian 45%, mestizo (mixed Indian and European ancestry) 37%, white 15%, black, Japanese, Chinese, and other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 85% male: 92% female: 29% Labor force: 8 million (1992) by occupation: government and other services 44%, agriculture 37%, industry 19% (1988 est.) @Peru, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Peru conventional short form: Peru local long form: Republica del Peru local short form: Peru Digraph: PE Type: republic Capital: Lima Administrative divisions: 24 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento) and 1 constitutional province* (provincia constitucional); Amazonas, Ancash, Apurimac, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Callao*, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Ica, Junin, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martin, Tacna, Tumbes, Ucayali note: the 1979 Constitution and legislation enacted from 1987 to 1990 mandate the creation of regions (regiones, singular - region) intended to function eventually as autonomous economic and administrative entities; so far, 12 regions have been constituted from 23 existing departments - Amazonas (from Loreto), Andres Avelino Caceres (from Huanuco, Pasco, Junin), Arequipa (from Arequipa), Chavin (from Ancash), Grau (from Tumbes, Piura), Inca (from Cusco, Madre de Dios, Apurimac), La Libertad (from La Libertad), Los Libertadores-Huari (from Ica, Ayacucho, Huancavelica), Mariategui (from Moquegua, Tacna, Puno), Nor Oriental del Maranon (from Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas), San Martin (from San Martin), Ucayali (from Ucayali); formation of another region has been delayed by the reluctance of the constitutional province of Callao to merge with the department of Lima. Because of inadequate funding from the central government and organizational and political difficulties, the regions have yet to assume major responsibilities. The 1993 Constitution maintains the regionalization process with some modifications that will limit the powers of the regional governments. The new constitution also reaffirms the roles of departmental and municipal governments. Independence: 28 July 1821 (from Spain) National holiday: Independence Day, 28 July (1821) Constitution: 31 December 1993 Legal system: based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Alberto Kenyo FUJIMORI Fujimori (since 28 July 1990); election last held on 10 June 1990 (next to be held NA April 1995); results - Alberto FUJIMORI 56.53%, Mario VARGAS Llosa 33.92%, other 9.55% cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president note: Prime Minister Efrain GOLDENBERG Schreiber (since February 1994) does not exercise executive power; this power is in the hands of the president Legislative branch: unicameral Democratic Constituent Congress (CCD): elections last held 25 November 1992 (next to be held April 1995); seats - (80 total) New Majority/Change 90 44, Popular Christian Party 8, Independent Moralization Front 7, Renewal 6, Movement of the Democratic Left 4, Democratic Coordinator 4, others 7; note - several major parties (American Popular Revolutionary Alliance, Popular Action) did not participate; with the next election the congress will be expanded to 100 seats Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) Political parties and leaders: note: Peru's political party system has become fragmented in recent years with independent movements proliferating; key parties are listed New Majority/Change 90 (Cambio 90), Alberto FUJIMORI; Popular Christian Party (PPC), Luis BEDOYA Reyes; Popular Action Party (AP), Raul DIEZ CANSECO; American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA), Armando VILLANUEVA del CAMPO; Independent Moralizing Front (FIM), Fernando OLIVERA Vega; National Renewal, Rafael REY Rey; Democratic Coordinator, Jose BARBA Caballero; Democratic Left Movement, Henry PEASE; Solidarity and Democracy (SODE), Manuel MOREYRA; National Front of Workers and Peasants (FRENATRACA), Roger CACARES Other political or pressure groups: leftist guerrilla groups include Shining Path, Abimael GUZMAN Reynoso (imprisoned); Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, Nestor SERPA and Victor POLAY (imprisoned) Member of: AG, CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO (correspondent), ITU, LAES, LAIA, LORCS, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, PCA, RG (suspended), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Ricardo LUNA Mendoza chancery: 1700 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 833-9860 through 9869 FAX: (202) 659-8124 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paterson (New Jersey), and San Francisco US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Alvin P. ADAMS, Jr. embassy: corner of Avenida Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Avenida Espana, Lima mailing address: P. O. Box 1991, Lima 1, Unit 3822, or APO AA 34031 telephone: [51] (14) 33-8000 FAX: [51] (14) 31-6682 Flag: three equal, vertical bands of red (hoist side), white, and red with the coat of arms centered in the white band; the coat of arms features a shield bearing a llama, cinchona tree (the source of quinine), and a yellow cornucopia spilling out gold coins, all framed by a green wreath @Peru, Economy Overview: The Peruvian economy is becoming increasingly market oriented, with major privatizations scheduled for 1994 in the mining and telecommunications industries. In the 1980s the economy suffered from hyperinflation, declining per capita output, and mounting external debt. Peru was shut off from IMF and World Bank support in the mid-1980s because of its huge debt arrears. An austerity program implemented shortly after the FUJIMORI government took office in July 1990 contributed to a third consecutive yearly contraction of economic activity, but the slide halted late that year, and output rose 2.4% in 1991. After a burst of inflation as the austerity program eliminated government price subsidies, monthly price increases eased to the single-digit level and by December 1991 dropped to the lowest increase since mid-1987. Lima obtained a financial rescue package from multilateral lenders in September 1991, although it faced $14 billion in arrears on its external debt. By working with the IMF and World Bank on new financial conditions and arrangements, the government succeeded in ending its arrears by March 1993. In 1992, GDP fell by 2.8%, in part because a warmer-than-usual El Nino current resulted in a 30% drop in the fish catch. In 1993 the economy rebounded as strong foreign investment helped push growth to 6%. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $70 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 6% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $3,000 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 39% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 15%; underemployment 70% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $2 billion expenditures: $1.7 billion, including capital expenditures of $300 million (1992 est.) Exports: $3.7 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: copper, zinc, fishmeal, crude petroleum and byproducts, lead, refined silver, coffee, cotton partners: US 25%, Japan 9%, Italy, Germany Imports: $4.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum, iron and steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals partners: US 30%, Colombia, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Brazil External debt: $22 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate -5% (1992 est.); accounts for 32% of GDP, including petroleum Electricity: capacity: 5,042,000 kW production: 17.434 billion kWh consumption per capita: 760 kWh (1992) Industries: mining of metals, petroleum, fishing, textiles, clothing, food processing, cement, auto assembly, steel, shipbuilding, metal fabrication Agriculture: accounts for 13% of GDP, about 35% of labor force; commercial crops - coffee, cotton, sugarcane; other crops - rice, wheat, potatoes, plantains, coca; animal products - poultry, red meats, dairy, wool; not self-sufficient in grain or vegetable oil; fish catch of 6.9 million metric tons (1990) Illicit drugs: world's largest coca leaf producer with about 108,800 hectares under cultivation in 1993; source of supply for most of the world's coca paste and cocaine base; at least 85% of coca cultivation is for illicit production; most of cocaine base is shipped to Colombian drug dealers for processing into cocaine for the international drug market Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.7 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $4.3 billion; Communist countries (1970-89), $577 million Currency: 1 nuevo sol (S/.) = 100 centimos Exchange rates: nuevo sol (S/.) per US$1 - 2.180 (January 1994), 1.988 (1993), 1.245 (1992), 0.772 (1991), 0.187 (1990), 0.0027 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Peru, Communications Railroads: 1,801 km total; 1,501 km 1.435-meter gauge, 300 km 0.914-meter gauge Highways: total: 69,942 km paved: 7,459 km unpaved: improved earth 13,538 km; unimproved earth 48,945 km Inland waterways: 8,600 km of navigable tributaries of Amazon system and 208 km Lago Titicaca Pipelines: crude oil 800 km; natural gas and natural gas liquids 64 km Ports: Callao, Ilo, Iquitos, Matarani, Talara Merchant marine: 17 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 142,425 GRT/229,746 DWT, bulk 3, cargo 10, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1 note: in addition, 6 naval tankers and 1 naval cargo are sometimes used commercially Airports: total: 252 usable: 222 with permanent-surface runways: 37 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 24 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 54 Telecommunications: fairly adequate for most requirements; nationwide microwave system; 544,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 273 AM, no FM, 140 TV, 144 shortwave; satellite earth stations - 2 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 12 domestic @Peru, Defense Forces Branches: Army (Ejercito Peruano), Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru), Air Force (Fuerza Aerea del Peru), National Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 6,199,785; fit for military service 4,188,706; reach military age (20) annually 246,427 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $500 million, about 2% of GDP (1991) @Philippines, Geography Location: Southeastern Asia, between Indonesia and China Map references: Asia, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 300,000 sq km land area: 298,170 sq km comparative area: slightly larger than Arizona Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 36,289 km Maritime claims: measured from claimed archipelagic baselines continental shelf: to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth International disputes: involved in a complex dispute over the Spratly Islands with China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and possibly Brunei; claims Malaysian state of Sabah Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October) Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands Natural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper Land use: arable land: 26% permanent crops: 11% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 40% other: 19% Irrigated land: 16,200 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution; air pollution in Manila natural hazards: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; subject to landslides, active volcanoes, destructive earthquakes, tsunamis international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Climate Change, Tropical Timber @Philippines, People Population: 69,808,930 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 1.92% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 27.34 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 6.94 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -1.18 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 50.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 65.39 years male: 62.88 years female: 68.02 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.35 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Filipino(s) adjective: Philippine Ethnic divisions: Christian Malay 91.5%, Muslim Malay 4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 3% Religions: Roman Catholic 83%, Protestant 9%, Muslim 5%, Buddhist and other 3% Languages: Pilipino (official; based on Tagalog), English (official) Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 90% male: 90% female: 90% Labor force: 24.12 million by occupation: agriculture 46%, industry and commerce 16%, services 18.5%, government 10%, other 9.5% (1989) @Philippines, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of the Philippines conventional short form: Philippines local long form: Republika ng Pilipinas local short form: Pilipinas Digraph: RP Type: republic Capital: Manila Administrative divisions: 72 provinces and 61 chartered cities*; Abra, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Aklan, Albay, Angeles*, Antique, Aurora, Bacolod*, Bago*, Baguio*, Bais*, Basilan, Basilan City*, Bataan, Batanes, Batangas, Batangas City*, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Butuan*, Cabanatuan*, Cadiz*, Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro*, Calbayog*, Caloocan*, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Camiguin, Canlaon*, Capiz, Catanduanes, Cavite, Cavite City*, Cebu, Cebu City*, Cotabato*, Dagupan*, Danao*, Dapitan*, Davao City* Davao, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Dipolog*, Dumaguete*, Eastern Samar, General Santos*, Gingoog*, Ifugao, Iligan*, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Iloilo City*, Iriga*, Isabela, Kalinga-Apayao, La Carlota*, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Laoag*, Lapu-Lapu*, La Union, Legaspi*, Leyte, Lipa*, Lucena*, Maguindanao, Mandaue*, Manila*, Marawi*, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Mountain, Naga*, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Olongapo*, Ormoc*, Oroquieta*, Ozamis*, Pagadian*, Palawan, Palayan*, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Pasay*, Puerto Princesa*, Quezon, Quezon City*, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Roxas*, Samar, San Carlos* (in Negros Occidental), San Carlos* (in Pangasinan), San Jose*, San Pablo*, Silay*, Siquijor, Sorsogon, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao*, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Tacloban*, Tagaytay*, Tagbilaran*, Tangub*, Tarlac, Tawitawi, Toledo*, Trece Martires*, Zambales, Zamboanga*, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur Independence: 4 July 1946 (from US) National holiday: Independence Day, 12 June (1898) (from Spain) Constitution: 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987 Legal system: based on Spanish and Anglo-American law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 15 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: President Fidel Valdes RAMOS (since 30 June 1992); Vice President Joseph Ejercito ESTRADA (since 30 June 1992); election last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1998); results - Fidel Valdes RAMOS won 23.6% of votes, a narrow plurality cabinet: Executive Secretary; appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments Legislative branch: bicameral Congress (Kongreso) Senate (Senado): elections last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP 66%, NPC 20%, Lakas-NUCD 8%, Liberal 6%; seats - (24 total) LDP 15, NPC 5, Lakas-NUCD 2, Liberal 1, Independent 1 House of Representatives (Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan): elections last held 11 May 1992 (next election to be held NA May 1995); results - LDP 43.5%; Lakas-NUCD 25%, NPC 23.5%, Liberal 5%, KBL 3%; seats - (200 total) LDP 87, NPC 45, Lakas-NUCD 41, Liberal 15, NP 6, KBL 3, Independent 3 Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: Democratic Filipino Struggle (Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipinas, Laban), Edgardo ESPIRITU; People Power-National Union of Christian Democrats (Lakas ng Edsa, NUCD and Partido Lakas Tao, Lakas/NUCD); Fidel V. RAMOS, President of the Republic, Raul MANGLAPUS, Jose de VENECIA, secretary general; Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC), Eduardo COJUANGCO; Liberal Party, Jovito SALONGA; People's Reform Party (PRP), Miriam DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO; New Society Movement (Kilusan Bagong Lipunan; KBL), Imelda MARCOS; Nacionalista Party (NP), Salvador H. LAUREL, president Member of: APEC, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Raul Chaves RABE chancery: 1617 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: (202) 483-1414 FAX: (202) 328-7614 consulate(s) general: Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle consulate(s): San Diego and San Jose (Saipan) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John D. NEGROPONTE embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita Manila 1000 mailing address: APO AP 96440 telephone: [632] 521-7116 FAX: [632] 522-4361 consulate(s) general: Cebu Flag: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side; in the center of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primary rays (each containing three individual rays) and in each corner of the triangle is a small yellow five-pointed star @Philippines, Economy Overview: Domestic output in this primarily agricultural economy failed to grow in 1992 and rose only slightly in 1993. Drought and power supply problems hampered production, while inadequate revenues prevented government pump priming. Worker remittances helped to supplement GDP. A marked increase in capital goods imports, particularly power generating equipment, telecommunications equipment, and electronic data processors, contributed to 20% import growth in both 1992 and 1993. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $171 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1.4% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $2,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7.6% (1993) Unemployment rate: 9.2% (1993) Budget: revenues: $11.5 billion expenditures: $13 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.7 billion (1994 est.) Exports: $11.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: electronics, textiles, coconut products, cooper, fish partners: US 39%, Japan 18%, Germany 5%, UK 5%, Hong Kong 5% (1992) Imports: $17.1 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: raw materials 40%, capital goods 25%, petroleum products 10% partners: Japan 21%, US 18%, Taiwan 7%, Saudi Arabia 6%, Hong Kong 5%, South Korea 5% (1992) External debt: $34.1 billion (September 1993) Industrial production: growth rate -1% (1992 est.); accounts for 34% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 7,850,000 kW production: 28 billion kWh consumption per capita: 420 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, electronics assembly, petroleum refining, fishing Agriculture: accounts for about 20% of GDP and about 45% of labor force; major crops - rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangos; animal products - pork, eggs, beef; net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 2 million metric tons annually Illicit drugs: illicit producer of cannabis for the international drug trade; growers are producing more and better quality cannabis despite government eradication efforts; transit point for Southwest Asian heroin bound for the US Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $3.6 billion; Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-88), $7.9 billion; OPEC bilateral aid (1979-89), $5 million; Communist countries (1975-89), $123 million Currency: 1 Philippine peso (P) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Philippine pesos (P) per US$1 - 27.725 (January 1994), 22.120 (1993), 25.512 (1992), 27.479 (1991), 24.311 (1990), 21.737 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Philippines, Communications Railroads: 378 km operable on Luzon, 34% government owned (1982) Highways: total: 157,450 km paved: 22,400 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 85,050 km; unimproved earth 50,000 km (1988) Inland waterways: 3,219 km; limited to shallow-draft (less than 1.5 m) vessels Pipelines: petroleum products 357 km Ports: Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Guimaras, Iloilo, Legaspi, Manila, Subic Bay Merchant marine: 553 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 8,451,047 GRT/13,934,255 DWT, bulk 241, cargo 145, chemical tanker 1, combination bulk 10, combination ore/oil 1, container 8, liquefied gas 3, livestock carrier 9, oil tanker 33, passenger 1, passenger-cargo 13, refrigerated cargo 27, roll-on/roll-off cargo 14, short-sea passenger 12, vehicle carrier 35 note: many Philippine flag ships are foreign owned and are on the register for the purpose of long-term bare-boat charter back to their original owners who are principally in Japan and Germany Airports: total: 270 usable: 238 with permanent-surface runways: 74 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 9 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 57 Telecommunications: good international radio and submarine cable services; domestic and interisland service adequate; 872,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 267 AM (including 6 US), 55 FM, 33 TV (including 4 US); submarine cables extended to Hong Kong, Guam, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan; satellite earth stations - 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT, and 11 domestic @Philippines, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Coast Guard and Marine Corps), Air Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 17,668,781; fit for military service 12,479,312; reach military age (20) annually 733,880 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $731 million, 1.4% of GNP (1992) @Pitcairn Islands Header Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK) @Pitcairn Islands, Geography Location: Oceania, Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Peru and New Zealand Map references: Oceania Area: total area: 47 sq km land area: 47 sq km comparative area: about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 51 km Maritime claims: exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 3 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, hot, humid, modified by southeast trade winds; rainy season (November to March) Terrain: rugged volcanic formation; rocky coastline with cliffs Natural resources: miro trees (used for handicrafts), fish Land use: arable land: NA% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: subject to typhoons (especially November to March) international agreements: NA @Pitcairn Islands, People Population: 71 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.93% (1994 est.) Birth rate: NA Death rate: NA Net migration rate: NA Infant mortality rate: NA Life expectancy at birth: NA Total fertility rate: NA Nationality: noun: Pitcairn Islander(s) adjective: Pitcairn Islander Ethnic divisions: descendants of the Bounty mutineers Religions: Seventh-Day Adventist 100% Languages: English (official), Tahitian/English dialect Literacy: total population: NA% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: NA by occupation: no business community in the usual sense; some public works; subsistence farming and fishing @Pitcairn Islands, Government Names: conventional long form: Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands conventional short form: Pitcairn Islands Digraph: PC Type: dependent territory of the UK Capital: Adamstown Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK) Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK) National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June) Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964 Legal system: local island by-laws Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal with three years residency Executive branch: chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (non-resident) of the Pitcairn Islands David Joseph MOSS (since NA September 1990); Commissioner (non-resident) G.D. HARRAWAY (since NA; is the liason person between the governor and the Island Council) head of government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island Council Jay WARREN (since NA) Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council: elections last held NA (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) number of seats by party NA Judicial branch: Island Court Political parties and leaders: NA Other political or pressure groups: NA Member of: SPC Diplomatic representation in US: none (dependent territory of the UK) US diplomatic representation: none (dependent territory of the UK) Flag: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor @Pitcairn Islands, Economy Overview: The inhabitants exist on fishing and subsistence farming. The fertile soil of the valleys produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including citrus, sugar cane, watermelons, bananas, yams, and beans. Bartering is an important part of the economy. The major sources of revenue are the sale of postage stamps to collectors and the sale of handicrafts to passing ships. National product: GDP $NA National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $NA Inflation rate (consumer prices): NA% Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $430,000 expenditures: $429,000, including capital expenditures of $NA (1987 est.) Exports: $NA commodities: fruits, vegetables, curios partners: NA Imports: $NA commodities: fuel oil, machinery, building materials, flour, sugar, other foodstuffs partners: NA External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA% Electricity: capacity: 110 kW production: 300,000 kWh consumption per capita: 5,360 kWh (1990) Industries: postage stamp sales, handicrafts Agriculture: based on subsistence fishing and farming; wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown; must import grain products Economic aid: recipient: ODA bilateral commitments (1992-93), $84,000 Currency: 1 New Zealand dollar (NZ$) = 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), 1.6711 (1989) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Pitcairn Islands, Communications Railroads: none Highways: total: 6.4 km unpaved: earth 6.4 km Ports: Bounty Bay Airports: none Telecommunications: 24 telephones; party line telephone service on the island; broadcast stations - 1 AM, no FM, no TV; diesel generator provides electricity @Pitcairn Islands, Defense Forces Note: defense is the responsibility of the UK @Poland, Geography Location: Central Europe, between Germany and Belarus Map references: Asia, Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 312,680 sq km land area: 304,510 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than New Mexico Land boundaries: total 3,114 km, Belarus 605 km, Czech Republic 658 km, Germany 456 km, Lithuania 91 km, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Slovakia 444 km, Ukraine 428 km Coastline: 491 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers Terrain: mostly flat plain; mountains along southern border Natural resources: coal, sulfur, copper, natural gas, silver, lead, salt Land use: arable land: 46% permanent crops: 1% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 28% other: 12% Irrigated land: 1,000 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: forest damage due to air pollution; improper means for disposal of large amounts of hazardous and industrial waste; severe water pollution from industrial and municipal sources; severe air pollution results from emissions of sulfur dioxide from coal-fired power plants natural hazards: NA international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: historically, an area of conflict because of flat terrain and the lack of natural barriers on the North European Plain @Poland, People Population: 38,654,561 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.35% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.44 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.4 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -0.52 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.1 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.66 years male: 68.64 years female: 76.91 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.94 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Pole(s) adjective: Polish Ethnic divisions: Polish 97.6%, German 1.3%, Ukrainian 0.6%, Byelorussian 0.5% (1990 est.) Religions: Roman Catholic 95% (about 75% practicing), Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and other 5% Languages: Polish Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1978) total population: 98% male: 99% female: 98% Labor force: 17.329 million by occupation: industry and construction 32.0%, agriculture 27.6%, trade, transport, and communications 14.7%, government and other 24.6% (1992) @Poland, Government Names: conventional long form: Republic of Poland conventional short form: Poland local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska local short form: Polska Digraph: PL Type: democratic state Capital: Warsaw Administrative divisions: 49 provinces (wojewodztwa, singular - wojewodztwo); Biala Podlaska, Bialystok, Bielsko Biala, Bydgoszcz, Chelm, Ciechanow, Czestochowa, Elblag, Gdansk, Gorzow, Jelenia Gora, Kalisz, Katowice, Kielce, Konin, Koszalin, Krakow, Krosno, Legnica, Leszno, Lodz, Lomza, Lublin, Nowy Sacz, Olsztyn, Opole, Ostroleka, Pila, Piotrkow, Plock, Poznan, Przemysl, Radom, Rzeszow, Siedlce, Sieradz, Skierniewice, Slupsk, Suwalki, Szczecin, Tarnobrzeg, Tarnow, Torun, Walbrzych, Warszawa, Wloclawek, Wroclaw, Zamosc, Zielona Gora Independence: 11 November 1918 (independent republic proclaimed) National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1791) Constitution: interim "small constitution" came into effect in December 1992 replacing the Communist-imposed Constitution of 22 July 1952; new democratic Constitution being drafted Legal system: mixture of Continental (Napoleonic) civil law and holdover Communist legal theory; changes being gradually introduced as part of broader democratization process; limited judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Lech WALESA (since 22 December 1990); election first round held 25 November 1990, second round held 9 December 1990 (next to be held NA November 1995); results - second round Lech WALESA 74.7%, Stanislaw TYMINSKI 25.3% head of government: Prime Minister Waldemar PAWLAK (since 26 October 1993) cabinet: Council of Ministers; responsible to the president and the Sejm Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Zgromadzenie Narodowe) Senate (Senat): elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later than NA October 1997); seats - (100 total) post-Solidarity bloc: UW 6, NSZZ 12, BBWR 2 non-Communist, non-Solidarity: independents 7, unaffiliated 1, vacant 1 (to be filled in a 19 June election) Communist origin or linked: PSL 34, SLD 37 Diet (Sejm): elections last held 19 September 1993 (next to be held no later than NA October 1997); seats - (460 total) post-Solidarity bloc: UW 74, UP 41, BBWR 16 non-Communist, non-Solidarity: KPN 22 Communist origin or linked: SLD 171, PSL 132 note: 4 seats were won by ethnic Germans Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: post-Solidarity parties: Freedom Union (WD; UD and Liberal Democratic Congress merged to form Freedom Union), Tadeusz MAZOWIECKI; Christian-National Union (ZCHN), Wieslaw CHRZANOWSKI; Centrum (PC), Jaroslaw KACZYNSKI; Peasant Alliance (PL), Gabriel JANOWSKI; Solidarity Trade Union (NSZZ), Marian KRZAKLEWSKI; Union of Labor (UP), Ryszard BUGAJ; Christian-Democratic Party (PCHD), Pawel LACZKOWSKI; Conservative Party, Alexander HALL; Nonparty Bloc for the Support of the Reforms (BBWR) non-Communist, non-Solidarity: Confederation for an Independent Poland (KPN), Leszek MOCZULSKI; Polish Economic Program (PPG), Janusz REWINSKI; Christian Democrats (CHD), Andrzej OWSINSKI; German Minority (MN), Henryk KROL; Union of Real Politics (UPR), Janusz KORWIN-MIKKE; Democratic Party (SD), Antoni MACKIEWICZ; Party X, Stanislaw Tyminski Communist origin or linked: Social Democracy (SDRP, party of Poland), Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI; Polish Peasants' Party (PSL), Waldemar PAWLAK; Democratic Left Alliance, Aleksander KWASNIEWSKI Other political or pressure groups: powerful Roman Catholic Church; Solidarity (trade union); All Poland Trade Union Alliance (OPZZ), populist program Member of: BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CCC, CE, CEI, CERN, COCOM (cooperating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT (nonsignatory user), INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNDOF, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOMIG, UNPROFOR, UNTAC, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Jerzy KOZMINSKI chancery: 2640 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 telephone: (202) 234-3800 through 3802 FAX: (202) 328-6271 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Nicholas A. REY embassy: Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31, Warsaw mailing address: American Embassy Warsaw, Unit 1340, or APO AE 09213-1340 telephone: [48] (2) 628-3041 FAX: [48] (2) 628-8298 consulate(s) general: Krakow, Poznan Flag: two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red; similar to the flags of Indonesia and Monaco which are red (top) and white @Poland, Economy Overview: Poland is continuing the difficult transition to a market economy that began on 1 January 1990, when the new democratic government instituted "shock therapy" by decontrolling prices, slashing subsidies, and drastically reducing import barriers. The economy contracted sharply in 1990 and 1991, but in 1992 real GDP grew 1% despite a severe drought. Real GDP expanded about 4% in 1993, the highest rate in Europe except for Albania. About half of GDP now comes from the private sector even though privatization of the large state-owned enterprises is proceeding slowly and most industry remains in state hands. The pattern of industrial production is changing rapidly; output of textiles and construction materials is well above 1990 levels, while output of basic metals remains depressed. Inflation, which had exceeded 50% monthly in late 1989, was down to about 37% for all of 1993, as the government held the budget deficit below 3% of GDP. Unemployment has risen steadily, however, to about 16%. The trade deficit is also a problem, in part due to recession in Western Europe, Poland's main customer. The new government elected in September 1993 is politically to the left of its predecessor but is continuing the reform process. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $180.4 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 4.1% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $4,680 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 37% (1993) Unemployment rate: 15.7% (December 1993) Budget: revenues: $24.3 billion expenditures: $27.1 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.5 billion (1993 est.) Exports: $13.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery 24%, metals 17%, chemicals 12%, fuels and power 11%, food 10% (1992) partners: Germany 31.4%, Netherlands 6.0%, Italy 5.6%, Russia 5.5% (1992) Imports: $15.6 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: fuels and power 17%, machinery 36%, chemicals 17%, food 8% (1992) partners: Germany 23.9%, Russia 8.5%, Italy 6.9%, UK 6.7% (1992) External debt: $47 billion (1993); note - Poland's Western government creditors promised in 1991 to forgive 30% of Warsaw's $35 billion official debt immediately and to forgive another 20% in 1994; foreign banks agreed in early 1994 to forgive 45% of their $12 billion debt claim Industrial production: growth rate 7% (1993) Electricity: capacity: 31,530,000 kW production: 137 billion kWh consumption per capita: 3,570 kWh (1992) Industries: machine building, iron and steel, extractive industries, chemicals, shipbuilding, food processing, glass, beverages, textiles Agriculture: accounts for 7% of GDP and a much larger share of labor force; 75% of output from private farms, 25% from state farms; productivity remains low by European standards; leading European producer of rye, rapeseed, and potatoes; wide variety of other crops and livestock; major exporter of pork products; normally self-sufficient in food Illicit drugs: illicit producers of opium for domestic consumption and amphetamines for the international market; transshipment point for Asian and Latin American illicit drugs to Western Europe Economic aid: donor: bilateral aid to non-Communist less developed countries (1954-89), $2.2 billion recipient: Western governments and institutions have pledged $8 billion in grants and loans since 1989, but most of the money has not been disbursed Currency: 1 zloty (Zl) = 100 groszy Exchange rates: zlotych (Zl) per US$1 - 21,080 (January 1994), 18,115 (1993), 13,626 (1992), 10,576 (1991), 9,500 (1990), 1,439.18 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Poland, Communications Railroads: 26,250 km total; 23,857 km 1.435-meter gauge, 397 km 1.520-meter gauge, 1,996 km narrow gauge; 8,987 km double track; 11,510 km electrified; government owned (1991) Highways: total: 360,629 km (excluding farm, factory and forest roads) paved: 220,000 km (220 km of which are limited access expressways) unpaved: 140,629 km (1988) Inland waterways: 3,997 km navigable rivers and canals (1991) Pipelines: crude oil 1,986 km; petroleum products 360 km; natural gas 4,600 km (1992) Ports: Gdansk, Gdynia, Szczecin, Swinoujscie; principal inland ports are Gliwice on Kanal Gliwicki, Wrocaw on the Oder, and Warsaw on the Vistula Merchant marine: 173 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,327,855 GRT/3,458,445 DWT, bulk 89, cargo 57, chemical tanker 4, container 8, oil tanker 1, passenger 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 8, short-sea passenger 5 note: Poland owns 3 ships operating under Liberian registry Airports: total: 209 usable: 167 with permanent-surface runways: 70 with runway over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 47 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 78 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: severely underdeveloped and outmoded system; cable, open wire and microwave; phone density is 10.5 phones per 100 residents (October 1990); 3.6 million telephone subscribers; exchanges are 86% automatic (1991); broadcast stations - 27 AM, 27 FM, 40 (5 Soviet repeaters) TV; 9.6 million TVs; 1 satellite earth station using INTELSAT, EUTELSAT, INMARSAT and Intersputnik @Poland, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Force Manpower availability: males age 15-49 10,046,993; fit for military service 7,856,680; reach military age (19) annually 316,339 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: 30.8 trillion zlotych, 1.8% of GNP (1993 est.); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results @Portugal, Geography Location: Southwestern Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean west of Spain Map references: Africa, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 92,080 sq km land area: 91,640 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Indiana note: includes Azores and Madeira Islands Land boundaries: total 1,214 km, Spain 1,214 km Coastline: 1,793 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: sovereignty over Timor Timur (East Timor Province) disputed with Indonesia Climate: maritime temperate; cool and rainy in north, warmer and drier in south Terrain: mountainous north of the Tagus, rolling plains in south Natural resources: fish, forests (cork), tungsten, iron ore, uranium ore, marble Land use: arable land: 32% permanent crops: 6% meadows and pastures: 6% forest and woodland: 40% other: 16% Irrigated land: 6,340 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion; air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions; water pollution, especially in coastal areas natural hazards: Azores subject to severe earthquakes international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Environmental Modification, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban Note: Azores and Madeira Islands occupy strategic locations along western sea approaches to Strait of Gibraltar @Portugal, People Population: 10,524,210 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.36% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 11.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 9.7 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 1.67 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 9.5 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 75.2 years male: 71.77 years female: 78.86 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.46 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Portuguese (singular and plural) adjective: Portuguese Ethnic divisions: homogeneous Mediterranean stock in mainland, Azores, Madeira Islands; citizens of black African descent who immigrated to mainland during decolonization number less than 100,000 Religions: Roman Catholic 97%, Protestant denominations 1%, other 2% Languages: Portuguese Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1990 est.) total population: 85% male: 89% female: 82% Labor force: 4,605,700 by occupation: services 45%, industry 35%, agriculture 20% (1988) @Portugal, Government Names: conventional long form: Portuguese Republic conventional short form: Portugal local long form: Republica Portuguesa local short form: Portugal Digraph: PO Type: republic Capital: Lisbon Administrative divisions: 18 districts (distritos, singular - distrito) and 2 autonomous regions* (regioes autonomas, singular - regiao autonoma); Aveiro, Acores (Azores)*, Beja, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisboa, Madeira*, Portalegre, Porto, Santarem, Setubal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Viseu Dependent areas: Macau (scheduled to become a Special Administrative Region of China on 20 December 1999) Independence: 1140 (independent republic proclaimed 5 October 1910) National holiday: Day of Portugal, 10 June (1580) Constitution: 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982 and 1 June 1989 Legal system: civil law system; the Constitutional Tribunal reviews the constitutionality of legislation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Dr. Mario Alberto Nobre Lopes SOARES (since 9 March 1986); election last held 13 February 1991 (next to be held NA February 1996); results - Dr. Mario Lopes SOARES 70%, Basilio HORTA 14%, Carlos CARVALHAS 13%, Carlos MARQUES 3% head of government: Prime Minister Anibal CAVACO SILVA (since 6 November 1985) Council of State: acts as a consultative body to the president cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president on recommendation of the prime minister Legislative branch: unicameral Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da Republica): elections last held 6 October 1991 (next to be held NA October 1995); results - PSD 50.4%, PS 29.3%, CDU 8.8%, Center Democrats 4.4%, National Solidarity Party 1.7%, PRD 0.6%, other 4.8%; seats - (230 total) PSD 136, PS 71, CDU 17, Center Democrats 5, National Solidarity Party 1 Judicial branch: Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justica) Political parties and leaders: Social Democratic Party (PSD), Anibal CAVACO Silva; Portuguese Socialist Party (PS), Antonio GUTERRES; Party of Democratic Renewal (PRD), Pedro CANAVARRO; Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Carlos CARVALHAS; Social Democratic Center (CDS), Manuel MONTEIRO; National Solidarity Party (PSN), Manuel SERGIO; Center Democratic Party (CDS); United Democratic Coalition (CDU; Communists) Member of: AfDB, Australian Group, BIS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECE, ECLAC, EIB, FAO, GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAIA (observer), LORCS, MTCR, NACC, NAM (guest), NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOMOZ, UNPROFOR, UPU, WCL, WEU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador Francisco Jose Laco Treichler KNOPFLI chancery: 2125 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 328-8610 FAX: (202) 462-3726 consulate(s) general: Boston, New York, Newark (New Jersey), and San Francisco consulate(s): Los Angeles, New Bedford (Massachusetts), and Providence (Rhode Island) US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Sharon P. WILKINSON embassy: Avenida das Forcas Armadas, 1600 Lisbon mailing address: PSC 83, Lisbon; APO AE 09726 telephone: [351] (1) 726-6600 or 6659, 8670, 8880 FAX: [351] (1) 726-9109 consulate(s): Ponta Delgada (Azores) Flag: two vertical bands of green (hoist side, two-fifths) and red (three-fifths) with the Portuguese coat of arms centered on the dividing line @Portugal, Economy Overview: Portugal's economy registered only 1.1% growth in 1992 and contracted by 0.4% in 1993, in contrast to the 4.5% average of the fast-paced 1986-90 period. Recession in the European Union, which accounts for 75% of Portugal's international trade, is the key factor in the downturn. The government's long-run economic goal is the modernization of Portuguese markets, industry, infrastructure, and workforce in order to catch up with productivity and income levels of the more advanced EU countries. Per capita income now equals only 55% of the EU average. The government's medium-term economic objective is to be in the first tier of EU countries eligible to join the economic and monetary union (EMU) as early as 1997. Economic policy in 1993 focused on reducing inflationary pressures by lowering the fiscal deficit, maintaining a stable escudo, moderating wage increases, and encouraging increased competition. Resumption of growth in the short run depends on the revival of growth in Europe as a whole, not a likely prospect in the immediate future. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $91.5 billion (1993) National product real growth rate: -0.4% (1993) National product per capita: $8,700 (1993) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 7% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: 7% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $27.3 billion expenditures: $33.2 billion, including capital expenditures of $4.5 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $17.5 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: cotton textiles, cork and paper products, canned fish, wine, timber and timber products, resin, machinery, appliances partners: EC 75.4%, other developed countries 12.4%, US 3.8% (1992) Imports: $28 billion (c.i.f., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and transport equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum, textiles partners: EC 72%, other developed countries 10.9% less developed countries 12.9%, US 3.4% External debt: $20 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate 9.1% (1990); accounts for 40% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 6,624,000 kW production: 26.4 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,520 kWh (1992) Industries: textiles and footwear; wood pulp, paper, and cork; metalworking; oil refining; chemicals; fish canning; wine; tourism Agriculture: accounts for 6.1% of GDP and 20% of labor force; small, inefficient farms; imports more than half of food needs; major crops - grain, potatoes, olives, grapes; livestock sector - sheep, cattle, goats, poultry, meat, dairy products Illicit drugs: increasingly important gateway country for Latin American cocaine entering the European market; transshipment point for hashish from North Africa to Europe Economic aid: recipient: US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $1.8 billion Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $1.2 billion Currency: 1 Portuguese escudo (Esc) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Portuguese escudos (Esc) per US$1 - 176.16 (January 1994), 160.80 (1993), 135.00 (1992), 144.48 (1991), 142.55 (1990), 157.46 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Portugal, Communications Railroads: 3,625 km total; state-owned Portuguese Railroad Co. (CP) operates 2,858 km 1.665-meter gauge (434 km electrified and 426 km double track), 755 km 1.000-meter gauge; 12 km (1.435-meter gauge) electrified, double track, privately owned Highways: total: 73,661 km paved and gravel: 61,599 km (including 453 km of expressways) unpaved: earth 12,062 km Inland waterways: 820 km navigable; relatively unimportant to national economy, used by shallow-draft craft limited to 300-metric-ton cargo capacity Pipelines: crude oil 22 km; petroleum products 58 km Ports: Leixoes, Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada (Azores), Velas (Azores), Setubal, Sines Merchant marine: 61 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 962,293 GRT/1,779,855 DWT, bulk 3, cargo 25, chemical tanker 4, container 3, liquified gas 2, oil tanker 18, refrigerated cargo 3, roll-on/roll-off cargo 1, short-sea passenger 2 note: Portugal has created a captive register on Madeira (MAR) for Portuguese-owned ships that will have the taxation and crewing benefits of a flag of convenience; although only one ship currently is known to fly the Portuguese flag on the MAR register, it is likely that a majority of Portuguese flag ships will transfer to this subregister in a few years Airports: total: 65 usable: 63 with permanent-surface runways: 37 with runways over 3,659 m: 2 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 10 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 11 Telecommunications: generally adequate integrated network of coaxial cables, open wire and microwave radio relay; 2,690,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 57 AM, 66 (22 repeaters) FM, 66 (23 repeaters) TV; 6 submarine cables; 3 INTELSAT earth stations (2 Atlantic Ocean, 1 Indian Ocean), EUTELSAT, domestic satellite systems (mainland and Azores); tropospheric link to Azores @Portugal, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy (including Marines), Air Force, National Republican Guard, Fiscal Guard, Public Security Police Manpower availability: males age 15-49 2,723,987; fit for military service 2,207,637; reach military age (20) annually 89,380 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: exchange rate conversion - $2.1 billion, 2.9% of GDP (1993) @Puerto Rico Header Affiliation: (commonwealth associated with the US) @Puerto Rico, Geography Location: Caribbean, in the North Caribbean Sea, between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands group Map references: Central America and the Caribbean Area: total area: 9,104 sq km land area: 8,959 sq km comparative area: slightly less than three times the size of Rhode Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 501 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical marine, mild, little seasonal temperature variation Terrain: mostly mountains with coastal plain belt in north; mountains precipitous to sea on west coast; sandy beaches along most coastal areas Natural resources: some copper and nickel, potential for onshore and offshore crude oil Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: 9% meadows and pastures: 41% forest and woodland: 20% other: 22% Irrigated land: 390 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: NA international agreements: NA Note: important location along the Mona Passage - a key shipping lane to the Panama Canal; San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean; many small rivers and high central mountains ensure land is well watered; south coast relatively dry; fertile coastal plain belt in north @Puerto Rico, People Population: 3,801,977 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.13% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 16.5 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 7.93 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -7.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.95 years male: 70.42 years female: 77.65 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Puerto Rican(s) adjective: Puerto Rican Ethnic divisions: Hispanic Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant denominations and other 15% Languages: Spanish (official), English widely understood Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1980) total population: 89% male: 90% female: 88% Labor force: 1.17 million (1992) by occupation: government 20%, manufacturing 14%, trade 17%, construction 5%, communications and transportation 5%, other 39% (1992) @Puerto Rico, Government Names: conventional long form: Commonwealth of Puerto Rico conventional short form: Puerto Rico Digraph: RQ Type: commonwealth associated with the US Capital: San Juan Administrative divisions: none (commonwealth associated with the US), note: there are 78 municipalities Independence: none (commonwealth associated with the US) National holiday: US Independence Day, 4 July (1776) Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952 Legal system: based on Spanish civil code Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; indigenous inhabitants are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections Executive branch: chief of state: President William Jefferson CLINTON (since 20 January 1993); Vice President Albert GORE, Jr. (since 20 January 1993) head of government: Governor Pedro ROSSELLO (since NA January 1993); election last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - Pedro ROSSELLO (PND) 50%, Victoria MUNOZ (PPD) 46%, Fernando MARTIN (PIP) 4% Legislative branch: bicameral Legislative Assembly Senate: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (27 total) seats by party NA House of Representatives: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (53 total) seats by party NA US House of Representatives: elections last held 3 November 1992 (next to be held NA November 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) seats by party NA; note - Puerto Rico elects one representative to the US House of Representatives, Carlos Romero BARCELO Judicial branch: Supreme Court Political parties and leaders: National Republican Party of Puerto Rico, Freddy VALENTIN; Popular Democratic Party (PPD), Rafael HERNANDEZ Colon; New Progressive Party (PNP), Carlos ROMERO Barcelo; Puerto Rican Socialist Party (PSP), Juan MARI Bras and Carlos GALLISA; Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP), Ruben BERRIOS Martinez; Puerto Rican Communist Party (PCP), leader(s) unknown Other political or pressure groups: all have engaged in terrorist activities - Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros); Armed Forces of Popular Resistance Member of: CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (subbureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate) Diplomatic representation in US: none (commonwealth associated with the US) US diplomatic representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US) Flag: five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the US flag @Puerto Rico, Economy Overview: Puerto Rico has one of the most dynamic economies in the Caribbean region. Industry has surpassed agriculture as the primary sector of economic activity and income. Encouraged by duty free access to the US and by tax incentives, US firms have invested heavily in Puerto Rico since the 1950s. US minimum wage laws apply. Important industries include pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, and processed foods. Sugar production has lost out to dairy production and other livestock products as the main source of income in the agricultural sector. Tourism has traditionally been an important source of income for the island, with estimated arrivals of nearly 3 million tourists in 1989. Unemployment remains a severe problem at 18%. National product: GNP - purchasing power equivalent - $26.8 billion (1992 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $7,100 (1992 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.1% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 18% (1993 est.) Budget: revenues: $5.8 billion expenditures: $5.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $258 million (1989 est.) Exports: $21.8 billion (1992) commodities: pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates, medical equipment, instruments partners: US 88.3% (1990) Imports: $14.8 billion (1992) commodities: chemicals, clothing, food, fish, petroleum products partners: US 68.8% (1990) External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate 1.2% (FY92) Electricity: capacity: 5,040,000 kW production: 16.1 billion kWh consumption per capita: 4,260 kWh (1992) Industries: manufacturing accounts for 55.5% of GDP: manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, electronics, apparel, food products, instruments; tourism Agriculture: accounts for only 3% of labor force and less than 2% of GDP: crops - sugarcane, coffee, pineapples, plantains, bananas; livestock - cattle, chickens; imports a large share of food needs (1992) Economic aid: none Currency: 1 United States dollar (US$) = 100 cents Exchange rates: US currency is used Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June @Puerto Rico, Communications Railroads: 96 km rural narrow-gauge system for hauling sugarcane; no passenger railroads Highways: total: 13,762 km paved: 13,762 km (1982) Ports: San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Arecibo Airports: total: 30 usable: 23 with permanent-surface runways: 19 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 3 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 5 Telecommunications: modern system, integrated with that of the US by high capacity submarine cable and INTELSAT with high-speed data capability; digital telephone system with about 1 million lines; cellular telephone service; broadcast stations - 50 AM, 63 FM, 9 TV; cable television available with US programs (1990) @Puerto Rico, Defense Forces Branches: paramilitary National Guard, Police Force Note: defense is the responsibility of the US @Qatar, Geography Location: Middle East, peninsula jutting into the central Persian Gulf, between Iran and Saudi Arabia Map references: Middle East, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 11,000 sq km land area: 11,000 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut Land boundaries: total 60 km, Saudi Arabia 60 km Coastline: 563 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: not specified exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: territorial dispute with Bahrain over the Hawar Islands; maritime boundary with Bahrain Climate: desert; hot, dry; humid and sultry in summer Terrain: mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, fish Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 5% forest and woodland: 0% other: 95% Irrigated land: NA sq km Environment: current issues: limited freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scale desalination facilities natural hazards: haze, dust storms, sandstorms common international agreements: signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity, Law of the Sea Note: strategic location in central Persian Gulf near major petroleum deposits @Qatar, People Population: 512,779 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.56% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 18.83 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 3.53 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 10.31 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 21.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.64 years male: 70.08 years female: 75.09 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 3.74 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Qatari(s) adjective: Qatari Ethnic divisions: Arab 40%, Pakistani 18%, Indian 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14% Religions: Muslim 95% Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1986) total population: 76% male: 77% female: 72% Labor force: 104,000 (85% non-Qatari in private sector) (1983) @Qatar, Government Names: conventional long form: State of Qatar conventional short form: Qatar local long form: Dawlat Qatar local short form: Qatar Digraph: QA Type: traditional monarchy Capital: Doha Administrative divisions: there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Jarayan al Batnah, Umm Salal Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK) National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971) Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970 Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters Suffrage: none Executive branch: chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani (since 22 February 1972); Crown Prince HAMAD bin Khalifa Al Thani (appointed 31 May 1977; son of Amir and Minister of Defense) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the amir Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held; seats - (30 total) Judicial branch: Court of Appeal Political parties and leaders: none Member of: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, CCC, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDB, IFAD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: Ambassador ABD AL-RAHMAN bin Saud bin Faud Al Thani chancery: Suite 1180, 600 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 telephone: (202) 338-0111 US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador Kenton W. KEITH embassy: 149 Ali Bin Ahmed St., Farig Bin Omran (opposite the television station), Doha mailing address: P. O. Box 2399, Doha telephone: (0974) 864701 through 864703 FAX: (0974) 861669 Flag: maroon with a broad white serrated band (nine white points) on the hoist side @Qatar, Economy Overview: Oil is the backbone of the economy and accounts for roughly 85% of export earnings and 75% of government revenues. Proved oil reserves of 3.3 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for about 25 years. Oil has given Qatar a per capita GDP comparable to the leading industrial countries. Production and export of natural gas are becoming increasingly important. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $8.8 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: -0.5% (1993 est.) National product per capita: $17,500 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 3% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $2.5 billion expenditures: $3 billion, including capital expenditures of $440 million (1992 est.) Exports: $3.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: petroleum products 85%, steel, fertilizers partners: Japan 61%, Brazil 6%, South Korea 5%, UAE 4%, Singapore 3% (1991) Imports: $1.8 billion (f.o.b., 1993 est.) commodities: machinery and equipment, consumer goods, food, chemicals partners: Japan 14%, UK 12%, US 12%, Germany 9%, France 5% (1991) External debt: $1.5 billion (1993 est.) Industrial production: growth rate NA%; accounts for 64% of GDP, including oil Electricity: capacity: 1,596,000 kW production: 4.818 billion kWh consumption per capita: 9,655 kWh (1992) Industries: crude oil production and refining, fertilizers, petrochemicals, steel (rolls reinforcing bars for concrete construction), cement Agriculture: farming and grazing on small scale, less than 2% of GDP; agricultural area is small and government-owned; commercial fishing increasing in importance; most food imported Economic aid: donor: pledged in ODA to less developed countries (1979-88), $2.7 billion Currency: 1 Qatari riyal (QR) = 100 dirhams Exchange rates: Qatari riyals (QR) per US$1 - 3.6400 riyals (fixed rate) Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March @Qatar, Communications Highways: total: 1,500 km paved: 1,000 km unpaved: gravel, natural surface 500 km (est.) Pipelines: crude oil 235 km; natural gas 400 km Ports: Doha, Umm Sa'id, Halul Island Merchant marine: 18 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 373,491 GRT/567,294 DWT, container 4, cargo 11, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1 Airports: total: 5 usable: 4 with permanent-surface runways: 1 with runways over 3,659 m: 1 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 0 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 2 Telecommunications: modern system centered in Doha; 110,000 telephones; tropospheric scatter to Bahrain; microwave radio relay to Saudi Arabia and UAE; submarine cable to Bahrain and UAE; satellite earth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT, 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT, 1 ARABSAT; broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, 3 TV @Qatar, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Security Manpower availability: males age 15-49 217,538; fit for military service 114,468; reach military age (18) annually 3,737 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: $NA, NA%, of GDP @Reunion Header Affiliation: (overseas department of France) @Reunion, Geography Location: Southern Africa, in the western Indian Ocean, 750 km east of Madagascar Map references: World Area: total area: 2,510 sq km land area: 2,500 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island Land boundaries: 0 km Coastline: 201 km Maritime claims: exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: none Climate: tropical, but moderates with elevation; cool and dry from May to November, hot and rainy from November to April Terrain: mostly rugged and mountainous; fertile lowlands along coast Natural resources: fish, arable land Land use: arable land: 20% permanent crops: 2% meadows and pastures: 4% forest and woodland: 35% other: 39% Irrigated land: 60 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: periodic, devastating cyclones international agreements: NA @Reunion, People Population: 652,857 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 2.03% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 25.14 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 4.87 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 7.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 74.07 years male: 71 years female: 77.29 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.78 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Reunionese (singular and plural) adjective: Reunionese Ethnic divisions: French, African, Malagasy, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian Religions: Roman Catholic 94% Languages: French (official), Creole widely used Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1982) total population: 69% male: 67% female: 74% Labor force: NA by occupation: agriculture 30%, industry 21%, services 49% (1981) note: 63% of population of working age (1983) @Reunion, Government Names: conventional long form: Department of Reunion conventional short form: Reunion local long form: none local short form: Ile de la Reunion Digraph: RE Type: overseas department of France Capital: Saint-Denis Administrative divisions: none (overseas department of France) Independence: none (overseas department of France) National holiday: Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789) Constitution: 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) Legal system: French law Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981) head of government: Prefect of Reunion Island Hubert FOURNIER (since NA) cabinet: Council of Ministers Legislative branch: unicameral General Council and unicameral Regional Council General Council: elections last held 22 March 1991 (next to be held March 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (44 total) seats by party NA Regional Council: elections last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held by NA March 1998); results - UPF 25.6%, PCR 17.9%, PS 10.5%, Independent 33.4%, other 12.6%; seats - (45 total) Sudre 17, UPF 14, PCR 9, PS 5 French Senate: elections last held 24 September 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (3 total) RPR 1, FRA 1, independent 1 French National Assembly: elections last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (5 total) PS 1, PCR 1, UPF 1, RPR 1, UDF-CDS 1; note - 5 members to the French National Assembly who are voting members Judicial branch: Court of Appeals (Cour d'Appel) Political parties and leaders: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Francois MAS; Union for French Democracy (UDF), Gilbert GERARD; Communist Party of Reunion (PCR), Elie HOARAU;; France-Reunion Future (FRA), Andre THIEN AH KOON; Reunion Communist Party (PCR); Socialist Party (PS), Jean-Claude FRUTEAU; Social Democrats (CDS); other small parties Member of: FZ, WFTU Diplomatic representation in US: none (overseas department of France) US diplomatic representation: none (overseas department of France) Flag: the flag of France is used @Reunion, Economy Overview: The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 85% of exports. The government has been pushing the development of a tourist industry to relieve high unemployment, which recently amounted to one-third of the labor force. The gap in Reunion between the well-off and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than other segments of the population, often approaching European standards, whereas indigenous groups suffer the poverty and unemployment typical of the poorer nations of the African continent. The outbreak of severe rioting in February 1991 illustrates the seriousness of socioeconomic tensions. The economic well-being of Reunion depends heavily on continued financial assistance from France. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $2.5 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: NA% National product per capita: $3,900 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 1.3% (1988) Unemployment rate: 35% (February 1991) Budget: revenues: $358 million expenditures: $914 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1986 est.) Exports: $166 million (f.o.b., 1988) commodities: sugar 75%, rum and molasses 4%, perfume essences 4%, lobster 3%, vanilla and tea 1% partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy Imports: $1.7 billion (c.i.f., 1988) commodities: manufactured goods, food, beverages, tobacco, machinery and transportation equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products partners: France, Mauritius, Bahrain, South Africa, Italy External debt: $NA Industrial production: growth rate NA%; about 25% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 245,000 kW production: 750 million kWh consumption per capita: 1,230 kWh (1991) Industries: sugar, rum, cigarettes, several small shops producing handicraft items Agriculture: accounts for 30% of labor force; dominant sector of economy; cash crops - sugarcane, vanilla, tobacco; food crops - tropical fruits, vegetables, corn; imports large share of food needs Economic aid: recipient: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $14.8 billion Currency: 1 French franc (F) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.9205 (January 1994), 5.6632 (1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421 (1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Reunion, Communications Highways: total: 2,800 km paved: 2,200 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 600 km Ports: Pointe des Galets Airports: total: 2 usable: 2 with permanent-surface runways: 2 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 1 with runways 1,220-2,439 m: 1 Telecommunications: adequate system; modern open-wire and microwave network; principal center Saint-Denis; radiocommunication to Comoros, France, Madagascar; new microwave route to Mauritius; 85,900 telephones; broadcast stations - 3 AM, 13 FM, 1 (18 repeaters) TV; 1 Indian Ocean INTELSAT earth station @Reunion, Defense Forces Branches: French Forces (including Army, Navy, Air Force, Gendarmerie) Manpower availability: males age 15-49 170,810; fit for military service 88,108; reach military age (18) annually 5,867 (1994 est.) Note: defense is the responsibility of France @Romania, Geography Location: Balkan State, Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea between Bulgaria and Ukraine Map references: Ethnic Groups in Eastern Europe, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 237,500 sq km land area: 230,340 sq km comparative area: slightly smaller than Oregon Land boundaries: total 2,508 km, Bulgaria 608 km, Hungary 443 km, Moldova 450 km, Serbia and Montenegro 476 km (all with Serbia), Ukraine (north) 362 km, Ukraine (south) 169 km Coastline: 225 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 nm continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: no official territorial claim by either Moldova or Romania, but nationalists in Romania seek the merger of Moldova with Romania; potential future dispute by Moldova and Romania against Ukraine over former southern and northern Bessarabian areas Climate: temperate; cold, cloudy winters with frequent snow and fog; sunny summers with frequent showers and thunderstorms Terrain: central Transylvanian Basin is separated from the Plain of Moldavia on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps Natural resources: petroleum (reserves declining), timber, natural gas, coal, iron ore, salt Land use: arable land: 43% permanent crops: 3% meadows and pastures: 19% forest and woodland: 28% other: 7% Irrigated land: 34,500 sq km (1989 est.) Environment: current issues: soil erosion and degradation; water pollution; air pollution in south from industrial effluents; contamination of Danube delta wetlands natural hazards: earthquakes most severe in south and southwest; geologic structure and climate promote landslides international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Law of the Sea Note: controls most easily traversable land route between the Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine @Romania, People Population: 23,181,415 (July 1994 est.) note: the Romanian census of January 1992 gives the population for that date as 22.749 million; the government estimates that population declined in 1993 by 0.3% Population growth rate: 0.06% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 13.66 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 10.02 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: -3.07 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 19.9 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.74 years male: 68.81 years female: 74.84 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.82 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Romanian(s) adjective: Romanian Ethnic divisions: Romanian 89.1%, Hungarian 8.9%, German 0.4%, Ukrainian, Serb, Croat, Russian, Turk, and Gypsy 1.6% Religions: Romanian Orthodox 70%, Roman Catholic 6% (of which 3% are Uniate), Protestant 6%, unaffiliated 18% Languages: Romanian, Hungarian, German Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1978 est.) total population: 98% male: NA% female: NA% Labor force: 10,945,700 by occupation: industry 38%, agriculture 28%, other 34% (1989) @Romania, Government Names: conventional long form: none conventional short form: Romania local long form: none local short form: Romania Digraph: RO Type: republic Capital: Bucharest Administrative divisions: 40 counties (judete, singular - judet) and 1 municipality* (municipiu); Alba, Arad, Arges, Bacau, Bihor, Bistrita-Nasaud, Botosani, Braila, Brasov, Bucuresti*, Buzau, Calarasi, Caras-Severin, Cluj, Constanta, Covasna, Dimbovita, Dolj, Galati, Gorj, Giurgiu, Harghita, Hunedoara, Ialomita, Iasi, Maramures, Mehedinti, Mures, Neamt, Olt, Prahova, Salaj, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Suceava, Teleorman, Timis, Tulcea, Vaslui, Vilcea, Vrancea Independence: 1881 (from Turkey; republic proclaimed 30 December 1947) National holiday: National Day of Romania, 1 December (1990) Constitution: 8 December 1991 Legal system: former mixture of civil law system and Communist legal theory is being revised to conform with European norms Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Ion ILIESCU (since 20 June 1990, previously President of Provisional Council of National Unity since 23 December 1989); election last held 27 September 1992 - with runoff between top two candidates on 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - Ion ILIESCU 61.4%, Emil CONSTANTINESCU 38.6% head of government: Prime Minister Nicolae VACAROIU (since November 1992) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the prime minister Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament Senate (Senat): elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - PDSR 27.5%, CDR 22.5%, PP-(FSN) 11%, others 39%; seats - (143 total) PDSR 49, CDR 34, PP-(FSN) 18, PUNR 14, UDMR 12, PRM 6, PDAR 5, PSM 5 House of Deputies (Adunarea Deputatilor): elections last held 27 September 1992 (next to be held NA 1996); results - PDSR 27.5%, CDR 22.5%, PP-(FSN) 11%, others 39%; seats - (341 total) PDSR 117, CDR 82, PP-(FSN) 43, PUNR 30, UDMR 27, PRM 16, PSM 13, other 13 Judicial branch: Supreme Court of Justice, Constitutional Court Political parties and leaders: Democratic Party (PD-(FSN)), Petre ROMAN; Party of Social Democracy in Romania (PDSR), Adrian NASTASE; Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), Bela MARKO; National Liberal Party (PNL), Mircea IONESCU-QUINTUS; National Peasants' Christian and Democratic Party (PNTCD), Corneliu COPOSU; Romanian National Unity Party (PUNR), Gheorghe FUNAR; Socialist Labor Party (PSM), Ilie VERDET; Agrarian Democratic Party of Romania (PDAR), Victor SURDU; The Democratic Convention (CDR), Emil CONSTANTINESCU; Romania Mare Party (PRM), Corneliu Vadim TUDOR note: numerous other samll parties exist but almost all failed to gain representation in the most recent election Other political or pressure groups: various human rights and professional associations Member of: ACCT (observer), BIS, BSEC, CCC, CE, CEI (participating), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, FAO, G-9, G-77, GATT, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO, ITU, LORCS, NACC, NAM (guest), NSG, OAS (observer), PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC Diplomatic representation in US: chief of mission: (vacant) chancery: 1607 23rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: (202) 332-4846, 4848, 4851 FAX: (202) 232-4748 consulate(s) general: New York US diplomatic representation: chief of mission: Ambassador John R. DAVIS, Jr. embassy: Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest mailing address: AmEmbassy (Buch), Unit 1315, Bucharest; APO AE 09213-1315 telephone: [40] (1) 210-4042 FAX: [40] (1) 210-0395 Flag: three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red; the national coat of arms that used to be centered in the yellow band has been removed; now similar to the flags of Andorra and Chad @Romania, Economy Overview: Despite the continuing difficulties in moving away from the former command system, the Romanian economy seems to have bottomed out in 1993. Market oriented reforms have been introduced fitfully since the downfall of CEAUSESCU in December 1989, with the result a growing private sector, especially in services. The slow pace of structural reform, however, has exacerbated Romania's high inflation rate and eroded real wages. Agricultural production rebounded in 1993 from the previous year's drought-reduced harvest; food supplies are adequate, but expensive. Bucharest resisted pressure to devalue its currency despite a $638 million trade deficit in the first half of 1993 and the emergence of a black market for hard currency. Unable to support the currency, the national bank, nonetheless, was forced to depreciate the currency 65% over the course of the year. The return of winter revealed that much of Romania's infrastructure had deteriorated over the last four years due to reduced levels of public investment. Residents of the capital reported frequent disruptions of heating and water services. National product: GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $63.7 billion (1993 est.) National product real growth rate: 1% (1993) National product per capita: $2,700 (1993 est.) Inflation rate (consumer prices): 6% per month (March 1994) Unemployment rate: 11% (March 1994) Budget: revenues: $19 billion expenditures: $20 billion, including capital expenditures of $2.1 billion (1991 est.) Exports: $4 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: metals and metal products 24%, mineral products 14%, textiles 10.7%, electric machines and equipment 9.3%, transport materials 9.2% (1993) partners: EC 36.1%, developing countries 27.4%, East and Central Europe 14.9%, EFTA 5.1%, Russia 5%, Japan 1.4%, US 1.3% (1993) Imports: $5.4 billion (f.o.b., 1993) commodities: minerals 29%, machinery and equipment 17.2%, textiles 10%, agricultural goods 9% (1993) partners: EC 45.8%, East and Central Europe 8.6%, developing countries 22.6%, Russia 11%, EFTA 6.2%, US 5.0%, Japan 0.8% (1993) External debt: $4 billion (1993) Industrial production: growth rate -1% (1993 est.); accounts for 45% of GDP Electricity: capacity: 22,500,000 kW production: 59 billion kWh consumption per capita: 2,540 kWh (1992) Industries: mining, timber, construction materials, metallurgy, chemicals, machine building, food processing, petroleum production and refining Agriculture: accounts for 18% of GDP and 28% of labor force; major wheat and corn producer; other products - sugar beets, sunflower seed, potatoes, milk, eggs, meat, grapes Illicit drugs: transshipment point for southwest Asian heroin and Latin American cocaine transiting the Balkan route Economic aid: $NA Currency: 1 leu (L) = 100 bani Exchange rates: lei (L) per US$1 - 1,387.16 (January 1994), 760.05 (1993), 307.95 (1992), 76.39 (1991), 22.432 (1990), 14.922 (1989) Fiscal year: calendar year @Romania, Communications Railroads: 11,275 km total; 10,860 km 1.435-meter gauge, 370 km narrow gauge, 45 km broad gauge; 3,411 km electrified, 3,060 km double track; government owned (1987) Highways: total: 72,799 km paved: 35,970 km unpaved: gravel, crushed stone, stabilized earth 27,729 km; unsurfaced earth 9,100 km (1985) Inland waterways: 1,724 km (1984) Pipelines: crude oil 2,800 km; petroleum products 1,429 km; natural gas 6,400 km (1992) Ports: Constanta, Galati, Braila, Mangalia; inland ports are Giurgiu, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Orsova Merchant marine: 241 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,626,421 GRT/4,017,380 DWT, bulk 49, cargo 167, container 2, oil tanker 14, passenger-cargo 1, rail-car carrier 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 7 Airports: total: 234 usable: 74 with permanent-surface runways: 26 with runways over 3,659 m: 0 with runways 2,440-3,659 m: 21 with runways 1,060-2,439 m: 24 note: a C-130 can land on a 1,060-m airstrip Telecommunications: poor service; about 2.3 million telephone customers; 89% of phone network is automatic; cable and open wire; trunk network is microwave; present phone density is 9.85 per 100 residents; roughly 3,300 villages with no service (February 1990); new digital international direct dial exchanges are in Bucharest (1993); broadcast stations - 12 AM, 5 FM, 13 TV (1990); 1 satellite ground station using INTELSAT @Romania, Defense Forces Branches: Army, Navy, Air and Air Defense Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Civil Defense Manpower availability: males age 15-49 5,888,452; fit for military service 4,972,834; reach military age (20) annually 193,901 (1994 est.) Defense expenditures: 137 billion lei, 3% of GDP (1993); note - conversion of defense expenditures into US dollars using the current exchange rate could produce misleading results @Russia, Geography Location: Northern Asia (that part west of the Urals is sometimes included with Europe), between Europe and the North Pacific Ocean Map references: Asia, Commonwealth of Independent States - Central Asian States, Commonwealth of Independent States - European States, Standard Time Zones of the World Area: total area: 17,075,200 sq km land area: 16,995,800 sq km comparative area: slightly more than 1.8 times the size of the US Land boundaries: total 20,139 km, Azerbaijan 284 km, Belarus 959 km, China (southeast) 3,605 km, China (south) 40 km, Estonia 290 km, Finland 1,313 km, Georgia 723 km, Kazakhstan 6,846 km, North Korea 19 km, Latvia 217 km, Lithuania (Kaliningrad Oblast) 227 km, Mongolia 3,441 km, Norway 167 km, Poland (Kaliningrad Oblast) 432 km, Ukraine 1,576 km Coastline: 37,653 km Maritime claims: continental shelf: 200-m depth or to depth of exploitation exclusive economic zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm International disputes: inherited disputes from former USSR including: sections of the boundary with China; islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, and Shikotan and the Habomai group occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945, administered by Russia, claimed by Japan; maritime dispute with Norway over portion of the Barents Sea; Russia may dispute current de facto maritime border of midpoint of Caspian Sea from shore; potential dispute with Ukraine over Crimea; has made no territorial claim in Antarctica (but has reserved the right to do so) and does not recognize the claims of any other nation Climate: ranges from steppes in the south through humid continental in much of European Russia; subarctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north; winters vary from cool along Black Sea coast to frigid in Siberia; summers vary from warm in the steppes to cool along Arctic coast Terrain: broad plain with low hills west of Urals; vast coniferous forest and tundra in Siberia; uplands and mountains along southern border regions Natural resources: wide natural resource base including major deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and many strategic minerals, timber note: formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance hinder exploitation of natural resources Land use: arable land: 8% permanent crops: NA% meadows and pastures: NA% forest and woodland: NA% other: NA% note: agricultural land accounts for 13% of the total land area Irrigated land: 56,000 sq km (1992) Environment: current issues: air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities; industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts; deforestation; soil erosion; soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals; scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination natural hazards: permafrost over much of Siberia is a major impediment to development international agreements: party to - Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur, Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Modification, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea Note: largest country in the world in terms of area but unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world; despite its size, much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture @Russia, People Population: 149,608,953 (July 1994 est.) Population growth rate: 0.2% (1994 est.) Birth rate: 12.67 births/1,000 population (1994 est.) Death rate: 11.34 deaths/1,000 population (1994 est.) Net migration rate: 0.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1994 est.) Infant mortality rate: 27 deaths/1,000 live births (1994 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 68.89 years male: 63.85 years female: 74.2 years (1994 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.83 children born/woman (1994 est.) Nationality: noun: Russian(s) adjective: Russian Ethnic divisions: Russian 81.5%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 3%, Chuvash 1.2%, Bashkir 0.9%, Byelorussian 0.8%, Moldavian 0.7%, other 8.1% Religions: Russian Orthodox, Muslim, other Languages: Russian, other Literacy: age 9-49 can read and write (1970) total population: 100% male: 100% female: 100% Labor force: 75 million (1993 est.) by occupation: production and economic services 83.9%, government 16.1% @Russia, Government Names: conventional long form: Russian Federation conventional short form: Russia local long form: Rossiyskaya Federatsiya local short form: Rossiya former: Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Digraph: RS Type: federation Capital: Moscow Administrative divisions: 21 autonomous republics (avtomnykh respublik, singular - avtomnaya respublika); Adygea (Maykop), Bashkortostan (Ufa), Buryatia (Ulan-Ude), Chechenia (Groznyy), Chuvashia (Cheboksary), Dagestan (Makhachkala), Gorno-Altay (Gorno-Altaysk), Ingushetia (Nazran'), Kabardino-Balkaria (Nal'chik), Kalmykia (Elista), Karachay-Cherkessia (Cherkessk), Karelia (Petrozavodsk), Khakassia (Abakan), Komi (Syktyvkar), Mari El (Yoshkar-Ola), Mordovia (Saransk), North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz), Tatarstan (Kazan'), Tuva (Kyzyl), Udmurtia (Izhevsk), Yakutia (Yakutsk); 49 oblasts (oblastey, singular - oblast'); Amur (Blagoveshchensk), Arkhangel'sk, Astrakhan', Belgorod, Bryansk, Chelyabinsk, Chita, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kaliningrad, Kaluga, Kamchatka (Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy), Kemerovo, Kirov, Kostroma, Kurgan, Kursk, Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Lipetsk, Magadan, Moscow, Murmansk, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orel, Orenburg, Penza, Perm', Pskov, Rostov, Ryazan', Sakhalin (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), Samara, Saratov, Smolensk, Sverdlovsk (Yekaterinburg), Tambov, Tomsk, Tula, Tver', Tyumen', Ul'yanovsk, Vladimir, Volgograd, Vologda, Voronezh, Yaroslavl'; 6 krays (krayev, singular - kray); Altay (Barnaul), Khabarovsk, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Primorskiy (Vladivostok), Stavropol' note: the autonomous republics of Chechenia and Ingushetia were formerly the automous republic of Checheno-Ingushetia (the boundary between Chechenia and Ingushetia has yet to be determined); the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are federal cities; an administrative division has the same name as its administrative center (exceptions have the administrative center name following in parentheses) Independence: 24 August 1991 (from Soviet Union) National holiday: Independence Day, June 12 (1990) Constitution: adopted 12 December 1993 Legal system: based on civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal Executive branch: chief of state: President Boris Nikolayevich YEL'TSIN (since 12 June 1991) election last held 12 June 1991 (next to be held 1996); results - percent of vote by party NA%; note - no vice president; if the president dies in office, cannot exercise his powers because of ill health, is impeached, or resigns, the premier succeeds him; the premier serves as acting president until a new presidential election, which must be held within three months head of government: Premier and Chairman of the Council of Ministers Viktor Stepanovich CHERNOMYRDIN (since 14 December 1992); First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers Oleg SOSKOVETS (since 30 April 1993) Security Council: (originally established as a presidential advisory body in June 1991, but restructured in March 1992 with responsibility for managing individual and state security) Presidential Administration: (drafts presidential edicts and provides staff and policy support to the entire executive branch) cabinet: Council of Ministers; appointed by the president Group of Assistants: (schedules president's appointments, processes presidential edicts and other official documents, and houses the president's press service and primary speechwriters) Council of Heads of Republics: (includes the leaders of the 21 ethnic-based Republics) Council of Heads of Administrations: (includes the leaders of the 68 autonomous territories and regions, and the mayors of Moscow and St. Petersburg) Presidential Council: (prepares policy papers for the president) Legislative branch: bicameral Federal Assembly Federation Council: elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA); note - two members elected from each of Russia's 89 territorial units for a total of 176 deputies; 2 seats unfilled as of 15 May 1994 (Chechenia did not participate in the election); Speaker Vladimir SHUMEYKO (Russia's Choice) State Duma: elections last held 12 December 1993 (next to be held NA December 1995); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (450 total) Russia's Choice 78, New Regional Policy 66, Liberal Democrats 63, Agrarian Party 55, Communist Party of the Russian Federation 45, Unity and Accord 30, Yavlinskiy Bloc 27, Women of Russia 23, Democratic Party of Russia 15, Russia's Path 12, other parties 23, affiliation unknown 12, unfilled (as of 13 March 1994; Chechnya did not participate in the election) 1; Speaker Ivan RYBKIN (Agrarian Party) Judicial branch: Constitutional Court, Supreme Court (highest court for criminal, civil, and administrative cases), Superior Court of Arbitration (highest court that resolves economic disputes) Political parties and leaders: pro-market democrats: Party of Russian Unity and Accord, Sergey SHAKHRAY; Russia's Choice electoral association, Yegor GAYDAR; Russian Movement for Democratic Reforms electoral association, Anatoliy SOBCHAK; Yavlinskiy-Boldyrev-Lukin Bloc electoral association, Grigoriy Y |